What to do as an Undergrad undergoing a BS in Human Bio NOT a BSN?

[jjoliver]

Hello,

I recently signed up to this site hoping to receive advice from nurses/nursing students.

I am currently an upcoming Sophomore student at UC San Diego. I entered UCSD with an interest in engineering but throughout my freshmen year, I decided that engineering is not my route. So instead, I considered taking the biology route. Now I have an interest in nursing, but UCSD does not offer a BSN or a nursing program. I've read that some Human Bio BS undergraduate Alumni from UCSD have applied to other schools to achieve general masters in nursing or a family nurse practitioner program for 2-3 years. I was wondering since I am only a 2nd year undergraduate, should I continue my 4 years here at UCSD to obtain my Human Bio BS, then apply to another school that offers a nursing program or should I transfer into a nursing program right after my 2nd year to save time and money? Is it possible to transfer units to a BSN from a different major? Please help. I am new to the nursing world and college in general. Your time and commentary is highly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jezreel Janelle

[llg, PhD, RN]

Definitely ... Do not waste money on a degree that does not lead to a job/career you don't want. College is too expensive to take extra years of classes that lead nowhere just because you already started. Save your money now and spend it later on the education that you will need for the career you actually want.

1. Choose a nursing school and find out what it's admissions requirements. Do that immediately. Those are the courses you should take this fall -- don't waste your money on any courses that won't be necessary for nursing school.

2. Apply to nursing school as soon as you qualify for the school of your choice.

3. If there is a waiting period before you finish your pre-requirements and when you can start nursing school ... do NOT waste money taking classes "just for fun" or because you don't know what else to do with your time. Get a job and earn money to help pay for school. Minimize the amount of student loan debt you will have in the future. That might not sound fun or glamorous now, but if you minimize your debt, you will be happy you did that later.

Good luck!

[LiveOnBright]

Maybe it would be beneficial to take some time off from school all together and get some clinical experience (maybe as a nursing aide or EMT) to see if nursing is a career you definitely want to pursue. You'll get great experience and it'd would look great on your nursing school app. You can work as you finish your pre reqs.