Which is the best route?

 

I have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and African American Studies. I am currently weighing my options for nursing school. Eventually, I want to be a Nurse Practitioner. I have looked into accelerated BSN options as well as General Entry Masters programs but my grades aren't quite high enough. Should I just go ahead and get a BSN or should I go for an Associates and then apply for RN-MSN programs since I do have a Bachelors degree (although in another area)? My dilemma is that I'm not sure if going to community college after receiving a Bachelors would look like I took the easy way out. Help please!!!


best route

I'm not sure what state or region you're from, but there are programs that are accelerated Entry level master's programs for those with Bachelors in any field other than nursing. There's alot of different ways to get in, but from now on your grades need to be good in order to be competitive. If you live in California, there are alot of programs that are for people who have different degrees other than nursing. In addition, if you are a in an underrepresented minority group in nursing you can totally apply for scholarships!

I know CSULB's EL-MSN. You have to have a Bachelor's in something other than nursing. You have to take a TEAS (basic test of math, english, reading, science) also you have to take some prereqs. the science ones have to be less than 5 years but the rest are ok. it's a two part program. first is the 15 month program then you get your BSN. Take your NCLEX and pass, get your RN. You can start working, or continue on to the MSN/NP portion. It'd be hard but not impossible to start working as a new grad. some people have done it part-time. Anyway, if you continue on, the 2nd part is another 15 months. if you decide to do ped's or women's health as an NP, i think it's another semester. If you plan on Going to CSUF for the EL-MSN programs, you won't get to stop at the BSN, instead you have to go the full 3 years and the only degree you get is the MSN. you can then move on to teaching, leadership, CNS, but no NP.

If anything, get a BSN, then work as an RN to get your experience, then apply for NP somewhere.

Ask around. look at nurse forums.

Not sure if this helps at all.

Good luck to you, and you'll get there!!!

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