RN to BSN (with a prior BA)

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Hi I need some help finding a 1 yr. RN to BSN program (if possible) for

someone with a prior BA in another field.

I graduated from UCI w/ BA in psychology in 2008,

got accepted to the Saddleback Nursing program for Spring 2010, and

when I graduate from Saddleback my goal is to go for the BSN

Most of the RN to BSN programs are designed for those WITHOUT a prior

BA/BS degree, requiring an additional 2-3 years of schooling. (Yes I am aware

of the accelerated BSN/ EL MSN programs designed for those with a prior BA/ BS degree

but I didn't get accepted into any of them unfortunately)

My question is are there any 1 yr. RN to BSN programs, specifically for those with a previous

BA degree? I really don't want to spend another 2-3 years more in school lol.

Thank you for your help!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

your post is a little confusing.... are you a rn? from what i read, i understand that you tried to apply to accelerated programs and were not accepted. thus, your question is: are there rn to bsn programs that will accept a non-rn? if so, the answer is "no." look at the title of "rn to bsn".... it is for rns only.

if i misread and you are a rn with a prior ba then you can attend any rn-bsn program if you meet their requirements. plus, depending on your time commitment, it is possible to complete the bsn portion of your degree in one year. the positive of having a ba/bs already allows you to use the credits from your ba/bs toward your bsn (that is what i have done and will have a bsn soon). gl!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I agree with poster above. Those RN-BSN or RN-MSN programs are for those who have their RN (ADN). You need to look for ADN programs. Some Community Colleges do offer accelerated RN programs for those who have already obtained their Baccalaureate. In fact, my previous school offered this. However, they are not common to all schools, so you have to do the work in searching. Most ADN programs will take 2-3 years to complete, and these "accelerated" ADN programs may take 1.5-2 years to complete.

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I see that you were accepted into a nursing program and began this past spring, and when you graduate with your ADN, your goal is to proceed toward your BSN.

I am an RN with a prior BA also -- I plan/hope to continue toward my BSN at West Virginia University (from which I received my BA). They have a BSN that is largely online and will tailor it somewhat to take into account the fact that I have a Bachelor's degree already. Basically, I need to take Statistics and then the nursing classes I lack to receive a BSN.

Investigate the RN-BSN programs in which you are interested and contact an advisor who will be able to give you more specific information. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med./Surg. and paramed. exams.

Goldfarb school of nursing in St. Louis, they are with BJC health systems.

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Many BSN completion programs will transfer in credits/courses from your previous degree to meet the BSN Gen Ed requirements and that will shorten the length of time it will take to finish the degree. I completed a BSN many years ago, at a state uni near me; I came in with two years of previous college experience and credits, and was finished in two semesters. The program was set up so that the actual nursing classes could be completed in two semesters, but how long the program took any particular individual depended on how many other courses needed to be completed. I was in class with some people with an ADN and no other college who were going to be going to school for a long time -- but because of the Gen Ed courses they needed to take, not the nursing courses.

I agree that your best bet is to speak directly with BSN completion programs that interest you, and see which one makes you the best offer (in terms of cost and time, and how much of your previous degree they'll accept).

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Specializes in LTC.

Not sure what part of the country you are in but Spalding University in Louisville, KY has a 1yr Rn-BSN and this is regardless of your previous BA. Also try McKendree University - they have campuses in St Louis, MO and Louisville, KY - you can complete their RN-BSN in 1 year. Hope this helps.

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University of Kentucky's RN-BSN program can be done in 1 year if done full time:

RN-BSN Plan of Study - UK College of Nursing

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
University of Kentucky's RN-BSN program can be done in 1 year if done full time:

RN-BSN Plan of Study - UK College of Nursing

This program is for those who have graduated from a nursing program. OP graduated with a B.A. in a non-nursing field. RN-BSN programs are for Associate degree/diploma RNs and usually take 1 year to complete. If OP wants to graduate from Saddleback (if it's an ADN program) then bridge to an RN-BSN that is an option.

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This program is for those who have graduated from a nursing program. OP is graduating with a B.A. in a non-nursing field. It seems most in here is missing that point. RN-BSN programs are for Associate degree/diploma RNs and usually take 1 year to complete.

The OP is going to another nursing program and is asking for RN to BSN for after the program. It's in her second paragraph:

I graduated from UCI w/ BA in psychology in 2008,

got accepted to the Saddleback Nursing program for Spring 2010, and

when I graduate from Saddleback my goal is to go for the BSN

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Oh I'm so sorry guys I meant to say that I will be entering Saddleback Nursing program this Spring 2011.

I am NOT an RN yet. I will be going to this ADN program because I didn't get accepted into any of the accelerated

BSN programs.

Now about the second part of my post, I am just trying to plan for AFTER I finish my ADN program / RN license (which will be sometime in the Fall of 2012)

I'm wondering if any of my credits from my undergrad education will transfer over if I choose to do an RN- BSN program in the future and if that can shorten the amount of schooling. Please let me know of any schools (in California preferably)

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Droogi RN, thank you for your reply. I think you know what I'm looking for. So you think online RN-BSN programs are the right route? And they DO tailor to your prior BA/BS?

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