quickest way to become RN?

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i didn't know what topic to pick for this post because none really fit.

I just graduated from university with a bachelors in biology and pre-medicine with the plan to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school. I am now working as a nurse tech/CNA to get "patient care hours" for PA school but it is becoming increasingly hard to get accepted (i'm afraid my 3.7 GPA and ~1000 hours just wont be competitive enough).

now that i am working alongside nurses at the hospital i feel like i should have majored in nursing in college/gone to nursing school to be an RN, and then even if i don't get into PA school i could at least be doing something more rewarding than being a CNA (and possibly not even bother with PA school, or at least for awhile). i really regret being pre-med instead of nursing now.

i do like my CNA job as a short term gig as a step to something more, but its hard on the body to be always lifting people (im kind of petite) and i can't imagine myself wanting to do it for more than a couple years if i don't get into PA school...

what is the quickest way to become a RN? or LPN. i was looking into accelerated nursing school programs but i am missing 1 prereq - the rest i have already taken as pre-pa/med classes in my undergrad.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

In your situation, the quickest way to become an RN is to complete your "missing" prerequisite and start applying to accelerated BSN programs. Also apply to traditional ADN and BSN programs if you're qualified for those right now. If you apply to a whole bunch of programs and you're accepted into a traditional program right away and you're also accepted into an ABSN program but the start is a year away, guess what? Both programs will "end" at about the same time.

RN is not a fall-back position or job in healthcare. With your BSN, you'll have some follow-on doors open for you that others won't, chiefly MSN programs that may actually result in being an Advanced Practice Nurse (like an NP) or you can possibly show that you've got the ability to thrive in a tough program, which could be good for getting into a PA program if you still desire going down the "medical" path instead of nursing.

Do your research and find out what programs you're qualified for now. Then just start applying. If you don't apply, you'll never get in.

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akulahawkRN - it was not my intention to make RN sound like a fall back position. like i said, i wish i had majored in it to begin with. thank you for your feedback!

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You've got one prereq left? Get that done with.

Do hospitals or other areas employ adn grads in michigan ?

adn programs are about 2 years, BSN is about 2-3 years.

You also have to look into if the programs need you to take some kind of an entrance test too.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
You've got one prereq left? Get that done with.

Do hospitals or other areas employ adn grads in michigan ?

adn programs are about 2 years, BSN is about 2-3 years.

You also have to look into if the programs need you to take some kind of an entrance test too.

Do note that I suggested the ABSN as well. Those can run from about 1 year to about 1.5 years in length. The OP has a Bachelors of Science... I've yet to hear of a cheap/inexpensive ABSN program, which is the big downside.

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Nursing is very hard on your back as well. Something to think about if you are having trouble now. It can be backbreaking....

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Look for an Accelerated BSN program. Because you already have a degree you will most likely be able to get right into a program. Take that 1 class your still needing and in the time being apply to programs the following semester. I'd call around to anywhere within an hours drive of your home because your already way ahead of others who do not have a degree.

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If you can afford the accelerated BSN program then by all means do it! I did an accelerated program. It was 1 year and 2 weeks from the time I began the program until the time that I was licensed as a RN. Your GPA is clearly high enough that you should have no trouble getting accepted into most any accelerated program, assuming all other things being equal.

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Hello...if you really want it... You would have to be in NY. Ny offers a program for ppl with Bachelors to recieve in 11 months a Bachelors in Nursing.

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