Question about becoming an RN

arciedee · Jun 22, 2005

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

Ah... you won't find many of those. I think I've heard of one or two programs, Deaconess and Excelsior come to mind, but you'd probably want to check with your state BON to make sure that you'd be eligible to be licensed as a graduate from one of those programs. I seem to remember hearing something about certain states not allowing them. Also you'd have to coordinate your own clinical sites, etc., and I have no idea how easy or difficult that would be.

Why can't you go to a bricks-and-mortar school? Many schools, esp. community colleges have day, evening, and/or weekend options and may offer SOME classes online.

Hope this helps.

RN_Jen · Jun 22, 2005

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

Its unlikely you will find a online program for non-RNs. All of the ones I've seen are for RN to BSN. You might be able to do some of the pre-reqs online, but you'll have to go somewhere to do the clinicals and labs.

amber1142 · Jun 22, 2005

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

You need to go to a real-time school to become an R.N. There is no way around skills lab and clinical time that I ever heard of. Some community colleges and universities have accelerated programs for people who already have degrees. Once you are already an R.N. there are online options for the BSN or MSN.

I was in the same position; I have several non-nursing degrees, so I finally chose a community college that has an evening-weekend nursing program. It was a four-semester program (I already had all of my science prerequisites out of the way). It took a bit longer than an accelerated program, but the evening scheduling worked for me.

janiebane · Jun 22, 2005

I was trying to avoid that b/c of my work schedule. I don't know how well that would work out.

I just wanted to get some things under my belt so that I can take the test to become an RN. I can't imagine why the state would be concerned with how I studied to pass that test.

sdzta · Jun 22, 2005

I was trying to avoid that b/c of my work schedule. I don't know how well that would work out.
I just wanted to get some things under my belt so that I can take the test to become an RN. I can't imagine why the state would be concerned with how I studied to pass that test.

I was in the same situation. I have a degree in Education and I am now a stay at home mom of a 1 yr old and 3 yr old. I did find a program that is supposed to be evening...even though clinicals start at 2 and 3 o'clock, but that was the best I could find. There is no way around going to "real" school..classes and clinicals to become an RN that I know of.

good luck

amber1142 · Jun 22, 2005

I was trying to avoid that b/c of my work schedule. I don't know how well that would work out.
I just wanted to get some things under my belt so that I can take the test to become an RN. I can't imagine why the state would be concerned with how I studied to pass that test.

The test is only the last phase in the process of becoming an R.N. Becoming a nurse is more than an academic pursuit, and though it is possible that in the future there may be preceptor programs that would allow people to gain their clinical experience that way, I don't see how there could be any replacement for the intensive contact with experienced nurses that is part of all nursing programs. I'm afraid you'll have to do what every single one of us has done- go to school.

RN_Jen · Jun 22, 2005

I just wanted to get some things under my belt so that I can take the test to become an RN. I can't imagine why the state would be concerned with how I studied to pass that test.

I'm sorry, but that's a little scary. :uhoh21:

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2005

I was trying to avoid that b/c of my work schedule. I don't know how well that would work out.
I just wanted to get some things under my belt so that I can take the test to become an RN. I can't imagine why the state would be concerned with how I studied to pass that test.

You might want to take a glance at your state's BON regulations. RN licensure is granted upon graduation from a state-approved nursing education program, and passing the NCLEX. Passing NCLEX is supposed to demonstrate safe entry-level nursing practice.

Reading through your posts, it's a little confusing whether it's the degree or the title (or "certification" as you put it) that you're after. Some additional research might help clarify things for you.

Advanced degree coursework in nursing assumes an understanding of day-to-day nursing; thus, the requirement for a BSN before pursuing an MSN or other advanced degree (yes, there are a couple of exceptions - schools that grant an MSN without a BSN). This understanding of day-to-day nursing calls for clinical experience, at least as part of the basic nursing education, if not actual work experience after graduation.

An Accelerated BSN, direct-entry MSN, ADN or diploma nursing program will probably be the fastest routes for you. There are 2 online programs that I know of which have already been mentioned - Deaconess and Excelsior - but you'll want to research these to understand the clinical requirements and also check with your state BON to make sure that degrees from these institutions are accepted.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2005

I'm sorry, but that's a little scary. :uhoh21:

Agree. :stone

arciedee · Jun 22, 2005

I'm sorry, but that's a little scary. :uhoh21:

I was thinking the same thing...

sdzta · Jun 22, 2005

Agree. :stone

Yes, I'm still a student...and there is NO WAY to learn what you need to know from a book alone!

janiebane · Jun 22, 2005

I have checked both of those schools out and they both seem to want you to already be a healthcare professional. I'm still checking into it though.

For whatever reason, everything that I find wants you to be an LPN or RN before starting classes. Every RN that I have ever met didn't even hold a BSN. Go figure. I'm trying!