RN-BSN for person with BA in another specialty

Published

Hey everyone. I'm currently in school and will graduate May 2010 with my Associate's degree in Nursing. I already have a Bachelor's degree (in Psychology) and I am trying to find the most appropriate educational path for a person with my background. I want to obtain my BSN, then MSN as soon as possible. I've researched several schools in my area (PA/NJ) with RN-to-BSN programs and they all seem to cater to students who only have their ADN. Other schools offer accelerated BSN programs for people who already have a degree. These programs appear to be for those without any nursing degree.

Does anyone know of a bridge program for an RN with an ADN and a BA in another specialty? Any insight you can offer is greatly appreciated! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None.

Do the RN to MSN degree online. There are many, many, many. Just put that in the Google search.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is an online RN-BSN program through UNM. On their website there is a list of additional prerequisite courses for someone with a ADN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Stepdown, Rehab.

Wow, you sound just like me! I'm graduating with my ADN in May 2010 and have a BA in Psych!

Last time I checked, Virginia Commonwealth University had an accelerated program for RNs with Bachelor's degrees to get their BSN... I also think there's a fast track for us to get our MSNs. Might wanna check their website: www.vcu.edu

Good luck! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the quick replies!!! I'll keep looking. An RN-to-MSN program would be perfect. I guess I just need to attend some of these open houses and ask about tailoring a curriculum around someone with a BA. Of course, I'm hoping this means less time in school! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go to AACN's website.. they have listings of accelerated BSNs as well as BSNs for those with prior BS/BA that is not in nursing. I think for many scenarios the cost of getting an ADN (for those with prior bachelors) is a better deal - as that person can then directly enter many MSN or DNP programs.... and don't need the BSN. Check out AACN's website... it also has the list for RN to MSN for those with BA/BS nonnursing - so you can see the potential available..

v/r

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would encourage you to find a program that bridges you to MSN without first getting an ADN. You have a 4 year degree already, you do not need a 2 year degree in nursing. Find a program that takes you straight to the MSN now, through bridging. When you get into this bridge program, stop the ADN. You might even get into a bridge MSN more readily than those without any nurse training. The point here is that you are wasting your time and dollars getting a 2 year degree, when you could be spending the same time and dollars getting an MSN, because you qualify for one based on a 4 year college degree. Why get a 2 year degree, only to have to go back to school yet again for a master's? You will have more opportunities knocking at your door with an MSN vs. ADN. The point here is you want the quickest and most valuable way to become a nurse. Make sense?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I looked into this as well... straight into entry level MSN. There are a LOT of options. The reason I chose an alternate route is the majority of entry level MSN programs are more geared to CNL or other areas that did not interest me... getting the ADN first was 6k versus looking at the RN portion of MSNs in my area which ranged about 30k and then followed onto a specialty that I was not to intersted in.. getting the ADN first I could then get into a distance or hybrid masters and be competitive in the MSN focus area that I want - such as FNP, ACNP... it will also give me a chance to confirm the area of focus after getting some experience.

v/r

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion