RN to BSN question...

hon918, ADN, RN · Jul 17, 2018

It is pretty confusing, but no, in most cases you don't need an AA to enter a BSN program. If you are not already an RN, you want to make sure you are looking for a BSN program, not an RN to BSN program. A RN to BSN program would be for someone who has already completed the clinical components in an AA or diploma program and is a licensed RN. The confusion comes from the fact that there are multiple pathways to becoming an RN: diploma, associates, BSN, and Masters programs can all qualify you to take the NCLEX.

Hope that helps!

nineknot · Jul 17, 2018

Hi Hon,

So I appreciate your reply but at times I feel dense when it comes down to these collegiate things and the multiple choices that are out there.

To clarify I recently passed my Florida RN boards after about a decade as an LPN. So does this mean that since I currently have an AS i need to find a RN to BSN program?

A friend of mine went to the local community college and he had to finish up his credits for his AA in order to earn a BSN.

Also, I have been looking online for RN to BSN programs and from what I can gather it appears they also require AA credits...

Is that my mistake? Should I be looking for a straight BSN program?

hon918, ADN, RN · Jul 17, 2018

Yes, you'd want an RN to BSN program.

So you did an associates program to go from LPN to RN, correct? And I'm guessing you took all sorts of prerequisites - English, math, bio, anatomy, microbiology, etc. You can transfer the prerequisite and nursing credits into an RN to BSN program. Then you just need to finish any remaining prerequisites for the program you choose (possibly at a community college) and the BSN level nursing classes.

You may want to contact the RN to BSN programs you are interested in and have them do a transcript evaluation to see what credits transfer and what you need to take.