Question about becoming an RN

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i have a bachelor's degree, but it is not in nursing. can anyone tell me what the best way to become certified as an RN would be? i would like to do this and then obtain my masters in nursing. any help would be really appreciated.

thanks.

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There are a variety of programs for students who hold degrees in other areas and would like to become RNs. If you check out this link: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/issues/Aug02.htm, you will find a list of Accelerated BSN and MSN programs. Additional programs are constantly being added, so I would also check in your home state. I'm starting an accelerated program this Fall at Drexel in Phildelphia. The programs usually take about 12 to 18 months to complete a BSN and an additional 1 to 2 years for the MSN. Hope this helps!

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So would that mean that I would still have to obtain another Bachelor's degree before working on the Master's?

Thanks for your help!! I found this place and thought it would be a great way to finally get some answers!

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Not necessarily. Some program give you just a Master's degree, however the time line really isn't any shorter. It will still take 2-3 years total. You will still need to take at least a year of nursing school before you can get RN licensure. Therefore, there really isn't much difference other than getting two degrees (BSN and MSN) or just one (MSN).

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I see. Well, thank you for all of your help. I am going to check out the link that you included. I'm thinking about doing Drexel's online eLearning myself. There is nothing like that locally that I could do while working full-time.

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I see. Well, thank you for all of your help. I am going to check out the link that you included. I'm thinking about doing Drexel's online eLearning myself. There is nothing like that locally that I could do while working full-time.

HI,

I also have a Bachelors degree in something else and I was just accepted to nursing school. Many of your classes should carry over, but you still have to get the BS in nursing before you can move onto the masters.

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Ok. The Drexel program is for RN's that have a degree in another subject matter. How am I supposed to become an RN with a computer degree? I shouldn't have to go back for an entirely new BS degree since I already have one.

Is the link that you send earlier the only way to do this...an accelerated program? As long as I don't have to be an RN before I start, that would be what I'm looking for.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

You have a few options...

1) get an ADN - some MSN programs will accept students who have an ADN plus a bachelors degree in another field, but not all, so this is something you'd want to check into

2) go for a 2nd degree BSN - many of these are accelerated and can be completed in as little as a year

3) direct-entry MSN - there is an extensive thread on this in the pre-nursing forum; these are programs for non-nurses with a bachelors degree... the first year or so prepares you for the NCLEX-RN then you go right on to the MSN coursework

The AACN has a rather comprehensive list of 2nd degree BSN and direct-entry MSN programs, which it looks like someone has already posted the link to. That's probably one of your best resource.

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Thank you. I am going to check out the pre-nursing forum right now!

Yes, the link was posted and I have been looking at that as well. I am going to do my coursework online. So, I will have to check into who offers this type of program that way.

Thanks again!

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All of these programs are for RN's that want to get their Bachelor's or Master's. I want to become an RN first. Any ideas on how to do that?

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.
All of these programs are for RN's that want to get their Bachelor's or Master's. I want to become an RN first. Any ideas on how to do that?

I'm not sure what you're looking at... here is the PDF from the AACN of BSN/MSN programs for non-nurses http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

When you go to the school's websites look for the term "second degree" or "direct-entry" etc.

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I did that, but I need to find an online degree program for non-RN's.

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