Which is the quickest way to get an RN - BSN degree if I already have a BS in another

[lunacat]

Which is the quickest way to get an RN - BSN degree if I already have a BS in another major? I've already graduated from a University with a BS but in a different major. I wanted to go back to take up RN, however the universities by me (CSUs) won't allow a second bachelor's in nursing since it's an impacted major. In otherwords, I'd have to retake all the GEs again if I wanted another bachelors instead of just transferring over all the GEs I've already taken.

I was thinking of getting it at a community college, but with all the community colleges around here, their waitlist for classes are all long. I've been trying to get into some of the pre-nursing classes for a year (anat, phys, etc.), but have only been able to take 1. I was looking into technical colleges, but all they offer are LVN degrees, and are pretty pricey.

Should I just take an LVN course at a technical school and then transfer to get a BSN somewhere? Would I be able to transfer the courses from the technical schools into regular universities or online universities to get my BSN? Also, I heard you can get an LVN through ROP? Any recommendations? I live in the Los Angeles/Orange County area. Thanks!

[shaas, ASN, RN]

Hi, there.

There are a few (some CSU schools also) that offer RN-BSN online programs, as well as an out-of-state univ. that has an agreement with the CA BRN.

As for me, I am going via the ADN route: get the RN license in two years and enroll in BSN afterwards. I've taken more than enough science courses but none are nursing-focused. So, I am in a similar situation.

What I've found out so far is that, at best, it's one year to finish BSN with a full-time student status (taking 12 units+). I have not found anything shorter when it comes to RN-BSN route.

Good luck, and here are the links:

1. CSU RN-BSN Online Bridge Programs

2. CA Approved Out-of-State Online RN-BSN Programs

[0402]

Your post is a little confusing, but I'm assuming that you're not an RN yet and are looking for RN programs. If the schools won't allow you to apply for a traditional BSN without retaking GE credits, then what you need to find is an accelerated BSN program/ 2nd degree program. I'm not as familiar with the OC/ LA are, but I know schools like San Diego State and Cal State San Marcos both have 2nd degree BSN programs. I believe they average about 18 months in length, and each program has its own set of prereq's. Good luck.

[LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN]

Having a bachelors degree is good, but to enter into any nursing program, you must have done the required nursing prerequisites. Note: most colleges/universities require lab classes be taken less than 5 years before you apply--otherwise, you get to take them again. Since you already have a bachelors, you will not get fee waivers because those are only for pre bachelor students; you will be eligible for loans. As to which is the quickest way to get an RN degree after you have your prerequisites done depends. Do you want to go the private school route (which is $$ to $$$$$) depending on the school or there is the state community college or university route. The community college nursing program is 2 years, and there is a waiting list and/or lottery. The university program will be less than 4 years since you have a bachelors. They, too, may have a waiting list. Some programs require you to have a CNA prior to applying.

There are state and private universities that accept bachelor's any subject and will put you through an accelerated nursing program. I believe there is a program for non nursing bachelor degree people to enter into the master's program. You would go the same route as a BSN and then take your RN NCLEX. Once you pass you would continue on to get your masters. There is no break once you get your RN license. The difference between the BSN program and the non degree previous bachelors to masters in nursing program is you can work as an RN once you pass the NCLEX. In the BSN degree program, you must graduate before you can take the NCLEX.

The admission to any program is your nursing prerequisites, and then do you homework.

[brendalwelch]

If you live in the Bay Area, check out Samuel Merritt University's Accelerated BSN program. They have several campuses (Oakland, SF, San Mateo, Sacramento). It's pricey but in and out in one year and you're ready to take the NCLEX to become an RN. There are many pre-reqs required which may not have been fulfilled by your undergrad degree. I start there this May 2011.

[newRNstudent02]

There are tons of accelerated nursing programs around the country. Just make sure to complete your nursing pre-requisites. The most common pre-reqs are

Anatomy, Physio, Micro, and English. Some schools also require Lifespan Development, General Psych, Soc, Anthro, Gov't, Interpersonal Comm, Pharmacology and Pathophysiology. If I were you, I'd look into schools that require the least amount of prereqs

[jojonavy]

Cal State Long Beach Has an Entry Level Masters program for those whom already have Bachelors. Again you need to taek your prerequisites and score very high. You can look at the stats about what the average GPA you would need.

The BSN part of the program is only one year, then the MSN part is an aditional two years, but I've known people to drop after getting their BSN.