What degree do i choose to get my RN? PLEASE HELP

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I am a alumni of a 4yr school. I have a BS in Exercise and Sport Science and a minor in Psych. Because of my major i have taken all required sciences(A&P I&II, Neuro, Bio, Chem, Kinesiology, etc etc etc) required maths(eg: stats), etc. I want to get my RN and am TOTALLY confused as to what kind of program i sholud apply to. I assume i would want to apply as a transfer to a college so that they take all of my credits. But im super confused and searching the internet is just making it worse. If anyone has any advice i would REALLLLLLLLY appreciate it. Do i want a BS, BSN, Associtates, MS....HELP!

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You should definitely get a bachelor's...with jobs being far and few between for new grads, you need any advantage you should get. You should really check into an accelerated/second degree program - it's for people who have a previous degree. I'm actually starting an ABSN (accelerated) program in May at the University of Miami and I can't wait for it to start! I'll be done in 12 months :)

Let me know if you have any questions and good luck!

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There's also direct entry master's programs for those with previous degrees, but that just depends on if you want to be an NP or not.

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If I were you, I'd go for the accelerated BSN. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Go with what ever school you can get in to! Nursing schools can very competive and hard to get into. Apply to many and when/if you get accepted into more than one school then you can decide what type of degree you want. IMHO

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I would go for your bsn or msn if you can get in a program, but if you're like me, I am going for my ASN because thats the quickest route for me and will bridge to a bsn or msn later

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Specializes in Global Health Informatics, MNCH.

Hi,

I was in the same situation as you when I decided to go to nursing school. My undergrad was in Neuroscience & Computer Science. I think the only pre-req I need was A&P II. Anyway, I decided to do an accelerated BSN program. I did the type that had the option to go directly into the MSN after, though I decided not to do that. I'm quite happy with my choice. I think even if your ultimate goal is to be an NP, going to a program that grants you a BSN first will give you more flexibility. If you go to discovernursing.com you can do a search for accelerated BSN programs.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

In my opinion you should just go for an ADN. You already have a bachelors degree. You are able to waive some or all entrance exams required for the program. The accelerated BSN is not a bad idea sometimes it depend on what school you are going to. You have to compare the programs and what is going on in your life at the time of entering in any program. Just a thought.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

I had a bachelors in business administration before I decided I really should be in nursing school. Back then (25 years ago) there were no accelerated programs. You should look at a minimum of a BSN program, even if you have a bachelors.

With either the ADN or BSN you are looking at about 2 years of schooling. Go for the highest degree you can get, especially if you don't have children in your life.

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There's also direct entry master's programs for those with previous degrees, but that just depends on if you want to be an NP or not.

All direct-entry programs do not offer NP role options. Most offer CNL (clinical nurse leader).

OP, I would suggest a direct-entry MSN if you can find one that fits your career goals. It makes great sense given you already have a bachelors. Some are two years, others are three, depending on the specialty role. CNL is an advanced generalist, so utlimately you're an RN but you have the masters degree already out the way and should you want to become a NP or CNS after a few years of RN experience (which is what I plan to do) you can apply for a post-master's certificate! the MSN will definitely benefit you, so why not go for it - and you're halfway there since you don't have to take all of the prereqs like many of us career changers! Best of luck!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

With your background, accelerated BSN or BS in nursing, definitely. Check with the college/university in which you're interested- they may have a part time option in addition to full-time, if you will be working in addition to school. I'm attending an accelerated BS program. At the beginning of our program, they laid out all of our options (part time and full time) so we could select the one that best met our needs. You may even be able to start full time and drop back to a part time program if "life happens"! Many schools are willing to work with you so you can achieve your best results. Best of luck to you...and stay organized! :D

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