Transitioning into nursing from business

[Cococutie]

I'm currently completing a biology course, which will earn me an associate degree in business studies. Initially, I planned to transfer to a four-year college to finish a bachelor's in finance or marketing. However, I've become concerned about job prospects and salaries for finance and marketing graduates, especially given my difficulties with math.

Nursing has become increasingly appealing due to its strong job market, potential for immediate employment after graduation, and the fulfillment of helping others. I'm considering pursuing a nursing degree instead, but I'm unsure about the transition process. 

I haven't taken the ATI TEAS test. In the past, I've worked as a receptionist for a child psychiatrist. I've picked up a few things in that role.Other than having that experience and my associates in business studies, I would be coming in as a novice. Step-by-step would be appreciated.

Here are my questions:

1What are the first steps I need to take to pursue a nursing degree in Connecticut?

2Does my associate degree in business studies offer any advantages or transferable credits for a nursing program?

3Will I essentially need to start over, as if I were entering college from high school?

4Is there any possibility to enroll in a nursing program by Fall 2024?

Any advice or recommendations on programs and the transition would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Best bet would be to contact schools directly.  They can give you answers to your queries.  Becoming an RN means getting accepted to a nursing program, completing the program, and then passing the NCLEX. As far as transfer credits etc each school will be different. I would Google "nursing programs in CT" and then contact the schools.  You can go BSN or ADN route.  Either is fine, but many positions outside bedside nursing require a BSN.  Good luck. 

[KSR]

Hi Cococutie,

Did you have any luck getting into a Fall 2024 program? I found myself in a somewhat similar situation but in NJ. I found an accelerated BSN program that has admissions 3 times a year. I think the key is to have the pre-reqs for the program done. My school had a list on the shorter side ( Anatomy and Physiology 1 with Lab , Anatomy and Physiology 2 with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Chemistry or Pathophysiology, and Statistics). I  am guessing you might need to get some science in and then apply. I talked to the school before I did pre-reqs, and they let me know which places they would accept course credits from, which included some online sources that were relatively cheap. Good luck!

[Cococutie]

Hey KSR,

 

Thank you for getting back to me. I didn't get into a fall program for 2024 because I lack the necessary science prerequisites. I recently decided to pursue nursing, but I need at least eight prerequisite courses to qualify. Currently, I have an associate degree in business studies.

Given my qualifications, I have the option to continue for a business degree in finance, marketing, or accounting. I've chosen finance. My dilemma is whether to proceed with my finance degree, which would be a seamless completion. In Connecticut, they offer accelerated programs for non-nursing BA degree holders. My plan is to complete my finance degree, qualify for the accelerated program, and then take the nursing prerequisites during Summer and Winter intersessions.

It will be a lot of work, but I would graduate with a BA in finance and then qualify for nursing right afterward. I would appreciate any advice you have. I'm still debating if it's better to ditch the finance route and start my prerequisites for nursing right away.

[KSR]

I can see now why you are looking for advice. This is tricky! I am about to start an accelerated programs for non-nursing BA degree holders. For my program, you can start without a 4-year degree... "If you do not have a previous bachelor's degree, you will need to schedule and take the ATI TEAS Exam and submit your official ATI TEAS Exam Score Report. Students should achieve an overall score of 70% or better and scores of 70% or better for all subcategories  (https://www.tesu.edu/nursing/programs/bsna/admissions-process)."

I am wondering if schools you are considering also have that option. 

Here's why  I bring this up:

1) You will be using time and money to get your finance degree that you don't seem to plan on using - that is, it seems like a stepping stone to an ABSN.

2) Trying to complete your 8 pre-reqs during Winter and Summer sessions will be tough because most of them have an associated lab and take a lot of time. That is to say, it's hard to double-up classes because, for instance, A&P I with lab already feels like two classes. Also, they are just tough classes with a lot of memorization. I have a master's in cell and molecular biology and took A&P II with lab at the beginning of the Summer and was like darn that was hard.

I think if I were in your shoes, I would forgo the finance BA and spend the next year focused on pre-reqs and prepping for the ATI TEAS Exam if you have that option. I know it's tough waiting. Once I decided I wanted to do nursing, I wanted to start immediately but had to slug through some pre-reqs and wait for the next admisssion cycle.

[Cococutie]

Hey KSR,

Thank you for getting back to me! I've been super busy trying to find an accelerated BSN program that accepts a non-nursing associate's degree in the Connecticut area, but I haven't had any luck. I'm continuing my search in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. If I don't find one, I plan to continue on the current path and then transfer to an accelerated program once I have my bachelor's degree. It's either that or go back to the associate's level, which would require me to take 11 courses at the community college for a AS in nursing. Then, I would have to transfer to a four-year college to get the bachelor's degree in nursing. So that would be 3 years, maybe 2 in a half if I do Summer classes. I'm in it for the long haul, so I might as well walk out with two degrees and high career flexibility. Pray for me!