RN to BSN

[lissyenfer]

I was just wondering if you needed to take nclex before trying to your BSN? Every where I go they say you need to be licensed in order to enter a BSN program. Is there any school out there that doesn't.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Generic programs do not require licensure for admission, no matter what type of degree they grant (ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN). Accelerated programs are designed specifically for people who have degrees in another field, but still do not require a license for admission.

Other programs require a license to be accepted. These are usually referred to in terms such as "LPN - ADN" or "RN - BSN".

[lissyenfer]

so what generic programs are there or accelerated programs?

[elkpark]

It sounds like perhaps you are new to nursing and unfamiliar with how all of this works. "Generic" nursing programs are programs that teach you basic nursing, and prepare you for licensure. There are kazillions of these programs everywhere -- community colleges, colleges/universities, and private vocational/business schools. After you graduate from one of these programs, you are qualified to write the NCLEX and (presuming you pass! :)) get licensed.

There are also programs designed for people who are already nurses (RNs or LPNs) to continue their education. These are often referred to as "LPN-to-RN" or "RN-to-BSN" or "BSN completion" programs. These programs require you to have already completed an LPN or RN basic nursing education program, and typically require you to have a current, active license as an LPN or RN to get into the program.

You do need to be licensed in order to get accepted to a BSN completion program. You do not need a license to apply to a generic, "pre-licensure" BSN program which is going to teach you nursing "from scratch" -- the program will prepare you to write the exam and get licensed.

[lissyenfer]

thanks for the info. All i wanted to know if I needed to be licensed. I graduated from nursing school and in the process of taking Nclex.

[elkpark]

Well, the BSN completion programs I've been aware of over the years have all required you to be licensed. I have no idea whether that means all programs require a license. With any luck :), you'll be licensed soon so it will be a moot point.

Best wishes for your exam! :)

[UVA Grad Nursing]

We are evaluating applications now for our RN-BSN program, and many of the applicants will be completing their ADN/diploma in May. We often give "conditional offers of admission" requiring that someone pass NCLEX and be licensed as a RN before they can start classes.