Questions regarding getting a RN with a bachelors already

[StarvingArtist]

Hello all,

I've been trying to research so many things and it finally brought me here.

I just graduated with a BA not associated with the sciences and I wanted to go towards into a Master's program for Entry Level Nursing. However, it seems so overwhelming and complicated that I have no idea where to even begin. My main goal is this, with my Bachelors, how do I become an RN? What beginning steps, etc etc etc. I have prereqs to finish up at a CC but where do I go from there. The Master's program is not a priority, just from a BA --> RN.

Thanks in advance for all suggestions & advice

[sugarmagnoliaRN]

I'd look at the program at your community college :) that's what I'm doing... it's affordable and you end up an RN! I'm also applying to an Accelerated BSN program (1 year since I already hold a BA) but I won't be attending unless I get some ridiculous financial aid (which I'm thinking I won't) because honestly, I just can't afford it. Hope this helps!

[nmsa]

I was in the same boat as you...unrelated BA and decided to move towards nursing. What seemed to be the easiest to me in terms of getting into actual nursing education soonest was to apply to Accelerated BSN programs, so you may want to start by looking into what schools in your area (or the area where you want to go to school) have ABSN programs and what the curriculum/requirements are. There are some that I found in my search that had joint ABSN/Masters programs (usually an additional year to year and a half). Most that I found were BSN only.

The way these programs work, more or less, is that the first two years or so of your Bachelors (what would be the general education component of a four year BSN) are applied towards the second degree, almost like a transfer. You do just the nursing courses, which depending on the program take between one to two and a half years. Most programs that I've seen seem to average around 15 to 24 months for completion. Then, you graduate with a BSN and can take the NCLEX. (And of course could go on to any masters program you wanted as a traditional student, right away or later.)

Depending on your first degree, you may need to take several prerequisite undergraduate courses before you can apply/enroll. Anatomy & Physiology I and II are standard, as is Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, and Statistics. Most programs I saw also required some combination Developmental Psych or Intro to Psych, Nutrition, and Sociology. Depends on the school. You can expect to have take any of the science prerequisites in person, but some schools that I saw allowed the psych/sociology component to be online.

I hope some of this was helpful! I start my own ABSN program on Thursday and will be done in two years...the prerequisites and applying can be a little stressful but it'll be worth it when you get that acceptance letter. Good luck!

[willowita, ADN, RN]

The prereqs alone can take you a year or more to finish if you also need to take prereqs for those classes (bio or chem are sometimes required for microbio, A&P, check your school). So I would tackle the prereqs first at a CC.

Prereqs can vary from school to school but Microbio, A&P are pretty much required everywhere. But see which nursing programs are available in your area. You can go the CC route and get an associate's degree. It's cheaper and you sit for the same licensure exam as people with a bachelor's. Then you can continue your education already licensed. You can also apply for a bachelor's program, which will cost more but that might be a degree you might shoot for anyway. These are the slow ways and after being admitted, it can take you anywhere from 2-3 years depending on your schedule and such.

There are Accelerated BSN and even master level programs for people who already have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field (you still need to fulfill their prereqs). It's already tough to get into a program but the accelerated ones are especially limited but you could be done in a year with a BSN or a couple of years with a master's. It's up to you. But if you don't have the grades, you may not want to put all your eggs in that basket.

It does seem overwhelming at first but you just have to jump in first and figure out the particulars later. I was in a similar situation as you a few years ago. I wasn't sure the "right" path to go for nursing since requirements seemed to vary between some schools. But here I am, 2 years later, in my last semester or prereqs and I have a better understanding of how close I am in the application process. So check with a CC in your area and see what you need to do to get started with microbio and A&P.