Question about Nursing Programs & Etc!

[Jaurelus93]

Hi. I am a pre-nursing student. I will be done with my prerequisites in December. However, I have a few issues/concerns & questions.

1. First off, I wanted to apply to my original school(community college) however, I just found out the other day, my school doesn't even offer a BSN degree. Which is what I want to earn. So, I have to apply to other schools.

Now, the other schools, I want to apply to ALL begin in May/August of next year, with the exception of I believe two schools.

What should I do? I was thinking about maybe during that time becoming a CNA. However, I am already currently working at a shoe store. I have NO CLUE.

2. What is the difference between a accelerated and traditional transfer BSN? I am reading up, but still am confused. Is the only difference the length of time?

3. Lastly, I know most of the preq for schools are statistics, anatomy(s) with lab, micro, chem and a few other.

I received a C in Chemistry & Chemistry Lab! I have been trying to figure out should I take at least Chemistry over? (Lab wouldn't affect that much) Will two C's affect me so much?

Some schools, I am applying to says you can take 1 prereq over , some say they will take the high grade, calculate them together, or no repeats in grades (c- below)

Should I take the Chemistry over the summer or just focus on my other prerequisites?

[soxgirl2008]

1. Becoming a CNA would give you good experience, especially if you can get a job at a hospital. Or take chemistry over during that time. Many BSN programs are very very competitive. The ones around here won't let you in without at least a 3.5 GPA in your sciences.

2. An accelerated BSN is for people that already have a bachelors degree in another field.

3. It depends where you apply. Look at the schools you're applying to. What are their admission criteria? Many BSN programs are very competitive...I know the public university BSN program around here you wouldn't get in with a C in chem. But many of the private BSN schools are less competitive. Ask the schools you're applying to what they think.

[BlueChocolateCat]

Remember that "colleges" generally only offer two year degrees. Universities offer four year degrees.

1. Become a CNA. It will give you good exposure, experience, and make you more comfortable and confidentn in the healthcare setting.

2. Most of the time, you cannot enter an accelerated BSN program unless you already have a degree in another field. Likewise, you always have the option of going to the community college and getting an associate degree in nursing and then pursuing an RN to BSN program after you have become an RN. You may have to talk to a guidance counselor to gain more information on RN to BSN programs.

3. Pre-reqs are specific to specific schools. No particular school is the same as another. If I were you, I would make an effor to choose a particular school where you would like to attend nursing school and focus on applying there. Likewise, you have to see if the schools that you are applying to will accept courses from the college that you are currently attending. Some universities do not accept credit for courses taken at a different institution. If you plan to obtain an BSN, you will have to transfer your credits. All of your credits may not transfer. However, if you have done your research, I guess you can apply all over the place.

Re-take chem with a different instructor.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Remember that "colleges" generally only offer two year degrees. Universities offer four year degrees.

This is very inaccurate. There are a very large number of "colleges" that offer 4-year degrees and graduate studies, including mine. Also, there are quite a few community colleges that offer bachelor degrees.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I would suggest completing any prereqs for the programs you will be applying to or saving money/starting to pay off student loans. Having your CNA will give you good experience, but you should also be eligible to get your CNA after the first semester in a nursing program.

All accelerated BSN programs that I have seen are only available to students who already possess a bachelor's degree. There are two ways to get to BSN: 1. Go to a traditional BSN program. 2. Go to a ASN (or diploma) program, then enter a RN-BSN program.

I would take the Chemistry over. Nursing schools are very competitive.

[frenchtoastwaffles, BSN, RN]

1)Community colleges are almost always two year associate's program schools. Both colleges and universities offer four year baccalaureate degrees (someone said otherwise).

2)Accelerated programs are one of two things- they are for people who are already RN's with an ADN or a diploma (not for CNA's or LPN's as far as I know). These are generally referred to as RN to BSN Programs. On another note, Accelerated programs are for people who have already earned a bachelor's in another subject. These are two different programs. Since you do not yet have a degree, you'll be applying for a basic or generic nursing pathway.

3)The C in Chem will probably not transfer, you will need to take it over. For many nursing schools, a C is failing.

4)Look into the schools you want to apply to. Speak with an admissions counselor for their nursing program and find out exactly what prerequisite courses you'll need to take. AND the grades required to make you competitive. When you get all that information, take the next year or so to complete and do well in your prereqs.

5)CNA will get you some good experience I'm sure, but I would personally take this time to do prereqs rather than getting a cert in CNA and THEN having to go ahead and do the prereqs anyway. It might look good on your application later, but I'm not an admissions counselor so I'm not really sure. Maybe just look for work in a doctor's office or hospital where you can work alongside nurses, if even only clerically.

Good luck!

[Lolita34]

I would meet with an advisor before taking the chemistry class again. I made an A in A&P 1&2 and microbiology but a C in statistics and chemistry and I got accepted to a BSN program. Good luck!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I would meet with an advisor before taking the chemistry class again. I made an A in A&P 1&2 and microbiology but a C in statistics and chemistry and I got accepted to a BSN program. Good luck!

^ Agreed. Got a C in Chemistry and still was accepted in a BSN program...my University BSN program has a LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, and an accelerated traditional part-time BSN program.

I also agree to speak to a counselor, HOWEVER, I also suggest you researching into what schools are in your area, or what schools you are interested in, and look at their required courses. Every school is different in terms of transferring credits, and will transfer what is needed for the program and may make you retake classes or challenge the classes with lower grades. Contact the schools and find out about their process. They may require grades only, or grades, interview, and entrance exam, etc.

Whatever school you choose, make sure the school is accepted by the state BON. I have seen recent posts on how some BONs are not accepting private for-profit universities or having additional requirement because of their accreditation status, or other factors. In any case find out what schools are best for you. I researched, and picked out the school that I wanted to attend...I actually picked out two, and I was accepted...I choose the accelerated one, which had me done in 2 years of nursing part time with consecutive semesters including summers, while the other was part-time for four years. My community college had a transfer office, and they had each area college and university's programs, and what credits were need prior to transferring into the program. Once I knew what university's I wanted to transfer into, I finished as many courses that I could, and was able to transfer.

Hope your CC has a transfer office. Utilize those counselors and start from there. Good Luck!