Routes to obtaining your BSN?

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Hello. I'm only a Highschool sophomore, but I know I'll want to obtain my BSN once I graduate and all. I've heard of the RN-BSN route of obtaining your BSN, and then programs where you graduate highschool and immediately go to a BSN Program. Firstly, what is the route of immediately going to a BSN program called? I've been trying to find programs in Flordia for that, but I don't know what to search. Which route do you find more successful/ manageable/ affordable? Any advice on the routes will be much help. Thank you!

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RN-BSN means you get your Associate's Degree first (so you're an RN), then bridge to your Bachelors. If you want to go straight for the four year, my personal recommendation is to get your pre-requisites done at your local community college and then transfer (it's cheaper). "Straight to BSN" is two years of pre-req's and two years of nursing school. You'll want to google "nursing school, your area" and see what pops up. Make sure you look into the NCLEX pass rates, student reviews and accreditation. Good luck.

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Thank you!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I started as an LPN/LVN (licensed practical nurse), which is a one-year program in many states. Afterward, I completed a 14-month LPN-to-ADN (associate degree in nursing) bridge program and earned my RN license.

Thereafter, I earned a self-paced online RN-to-BSN program which took me approximately 10 months to complete.

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Specializes in ER.

There's LPN to RN where you obtain your LPN/LVN license (program usually takes a year) and then you attend an associate degree program to get an RN license. There is also a LPN to BSN but those programs are harder to find.

There's a traditional BSN program normally listed as just a BSN. This program takes approx 4 to 5 years to complete.

Accelerated BSN programs are for people who has a non-nursing bachelor degree. Supposedly some programs will take people with enough college credit to have a college degree who do not have a bachelors. Usually 1-2 years. Usually there are pre-reqs.

Associate Degree RN - RN who completes a community college program. Usually 2-3 years.

RN to BSN programs are for nurses who already have an RN license. There are also RN to MSN programs that bypass a BSN.

There is another option too. A direct entry MSN program where people with bachelor degrees can get a MSN and become a nurse that way. Usually the MSN is in leadership or something like that.

There is also a diploma RN programs. Those are not very common.

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Keep in mind that most programs do not directly admit students into their nursing programs, both ADN and BSN programs. Usually they have a "pre-nursing program" where you take pre-reqs and then apply for admission later on. Some places have a pre-nursing degree but no nursing programs.

So I recommend finding 2-3 BSN programs and 2-3 ADN programs you would be willing to complete. Research what pre-reqs you need

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Okay, great! Yeah I was under the impression you go straight to get your associates, I didn't know about the step before hand. I saw all these testing and required courses and I was very confused. So, when I graduate Highschool, I should apply for a LPN program, obtain the correct courses and take the correct tests, then get my RN? I've also heard about the TEAS test, is that a requirement to get into an LPN program, or just for an RN program? Would I take that during my LPN program? Sorry for all the questions haha. Thank you!

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Specializes in ER.
Okay, great! Yeah I was under the impression you go straight to get your associates, I didn't know about the step before hand. I saw all these testing and required courses and I was very confused. So, when I graduate Highschool, I should apply for a LPN program, obtain the correct courses and take the correct tests, then get my RN? I've also heard about the TEAS test, is that a requirement to get into an LPN program, or just for an RN program? Would I take that during my LPN program? Sorry for all the questions haha. Thank you!

You don't have to do that route.

What you should do is research schools and figure out which nursing program you would like to go to. Research the requirements of 3 other schools and see if you would have to take any additional classwork to apply to those programs. That way you have 4 RN programs you would like to apply to.

LPN programs may add additional costs to the program. Some LPN programs cost as much as getting an associate degree from a CC for an RN.

Also, some schools do not use the TEAS test. Some do. Some calculate the ACT score into it. Some calculate your anatomy grades, micro grades, etc. It is best to first find the programs you want to attend and go from there.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
So, when I graduate Highschool, I should apply for a LPN program, obtain the correct courses and take the correct tests, then get my RN?
Although I started as an LPN, it is unnecessary. There are multiple ways to obtain a BSN degree:

1. Enroll in a university and complete the BSN in four to five years. If you do this, there's no need to earn an LPN license or ADN.

2. Complete an ADN at a community college, technical school or state university. Once you receive your RN license, complete an online BSN program.

3. Become an LPN first, then complete an LPN-to-BSN program.

4. Become an LPN first, then complete an LPN-to-ASN program. Once you receive your RN license, complete an online RN-to-BSN program.

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