Student Center >> Considering Nursing >> Intro and Question on direction to go about to pursue degree in nursing…
Intro and Question on direction to go about to pursue degree in nursing…
3 posts back to top |
Posted almost 3 years ago
Hi, 23 year old male. I am graduating college this fall with a Bachelor of Science in Justice and Law Administration. Have been considering pursuing different degree though and looking at nursing, and believe something interested in going for. Few questions if you can point me in the right direction or help clarify some answers for me. On average how long would you think it take to complete a degree in Nursing? Would have to return back to college for another four years? With the program at my current college and prerequisites needed to take it would take 5 to 6 semesters; with about 20 classes needed to take. Also should consider any programs such as accelerated or second degree? People have mentioned to stay away from programs such as those? Will it be difficult to be accepted into a nursing program with my college GPA being a 2.3? I was considering applying for security jobs at hospitals using the current degree will have to be familiar to be in a hospital setting. Though was also considering going for a Patient Care Technician/CNA, LPN, or an Associates of Nursing. With PCT/CNA would coursework taken be applicable to nursing programs; same for certification as an LPN? If I do go and do obtain an Associate in Nursing is it tough to continue on to a BSN? Heard that you have to bridge to a MSN, is that true? Appreciate the responses. |
29 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Just as somebody that was in a similar situation as yours: I obtained my BS in biology and now, four years later, I'm returning for my BSN. In looking at Master's programs, the ones around here do accept folks who have a BS in a non-nursing degree and their RN through a non-bachelors program, it is really more a matter for them of things like undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and nursing experience that counts. Now, here the time it would take to start the nursing programs at the community colleges is as long or longer than the time it would take for a BSN, but your mileage may vary. The whole RN-MSN bridge programs have been published as for those nurses who do NOT have a bachelors degree. With a 2.3 GPA I would be hesitant of any firm acceptances to nursing programs. Many schools say that they want at least a 2.7 overall GPA, with the prereqs being higher. The best thing to do is to take your transcript to whatever nursing programs you are looking at and ask them. Having direct patient care experience is generally helpful, however, so yes, that may be something to look for. But again, ask the schools! |
1 post back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago I'm a nursing educator and can say there are many different answers to your questions. The bottom line is go to school that interests you and find out what they require. There are many differences so what works for one, may not for another. Here is some basic informatoin on the various levels you mentioned- CNA/PCT- 3 weeks-1semester of education- take the state tests and you are done (certificate) LPN- generally 2-3 semesters- take PN-NCLEX and you are a nurse. (licensed) ADN- generally 2-3 semesters plus pre-reqs. (+1-2 semesters) take RN-NCLEX and you are a nurse (licensed +Associate Degree) BSN- generally 6-8 semesters + possible pre-reqs. Take RN-NCLEX and you are a nurse There are a varitety of ways to accomplish these goals. The pre-reqs. are very similar but not the same for different programs so check what they each want you to do. It is not hard to get a ADN then move to BSN if you want to do it in steps- this way you get working as a nurse sooner and work through the BSN. "bridge" programs are usually ADN-MSN or non-nursing BS-MSN and they vary widely. As for GPA requirements- that is school specific also. I teach for a school were it is not likely to be admited, BUT not impossible if you have at least 2.0. |
|
3 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago
I was considering going for the PCT/CNA then work from there to a BSN in nursing. If going that course total cost would be $28,500 for everything towards the end. If I go for an associate’s degree be about $1,000 less. If I go straight towards a BSN it would be $23,000. Seems the associate degree be the best option only being $5,000 more. Only concern is that with an Associates are there many job opportunities? Appreciate the response again. |
|
29 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Many of the job postings out there are just for a RN. I have yet to see one that says "BSN REQUIRED." |
|
Account Removed
-33 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago Lots of good advice here - let me add a few things: I'm an attorney, with an engineering background. My nursing school accepted many of my credits even though earned many years before. As long as they are from accredited colleges you should be fine. Training such as for CNA, PCT. etc probably will not count at all. They are not "professional" trades. But credits towrd an Associate Degree certainly will. The key is that they are college credits. An Associate degree in nursing will allow you to obtain your RN license - then you can work while you finish your BSN. I don't have a BSN nor do I want one. But some positions are now requiring the BSN. An MSN is required for certain specialized higher level positions, but for the most part, the vast majority of RN jobs only require an RN license. |
|
Account Removed
-33 posts back to top |
| Posted almost 3 years ago And by the way, certain colleges, if you have a Bachelor's degree in anything else, will put you through an RN program and you will have your license in one year (as long as you take the prerequisites first). Farleigh Dickinson in New Jersey had this program - don't know if they still do... Look around! |
