I Have A Bachelors And Want To Be A Nurse

Becoming A Nurse With A Liberal Arts Degree

If you already hold a liberal arts degree, its likely youll have to complete more ABSN prerequisites specifically microbiology, anatomy and physiology and statistics. The good news is these prerequisite courses will give you a good benchmark of how youll do in your ABSN program and give you a chance to sharpen up your understanding of key math and science concepts that will be vital to your success as a nurse.

Pursue Additional Training Progress Your Nursing Career

For some this may not be necessary, but for others with specific career goals in mind, this may be a great option. In the field of nursing, much like other professional industries, further schooling often results in senior-level employment opportunities, higher salaries, and greater responsibility. Fortunately, there are many options for advanced degrees in nursing. Be sure to take a look at GMercyUs own Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.

Ranked In The Top 10 Nationwide By Us News & World Report Our Entry

This program requires at least 59 prerequisite credits.

Seamlessly transfer credits when you start with a Pre-Nursing track or undergraduate degree at one of our partner four-year universities.

Find out how your prerequsities transfer.

Before you begin the admissions process, you can submit copies of your unofficial transcript to us for review, and an admissions counselor will advise you on your requirements for admission.

This program will prepare you for a nursing career across a broad spectrum of acute, chronic, and community-based settings.

Before beginning your studies at UMSON, you must complete your first two years of undergraduate education at another accredited college or university, ensuring you fulfill the necessary prerequisites.

As a BSN student, you will learn from:

• faculty who are leaders in their fields
• scientists who are on the cutting edge of nursing research
• expert clinicians with decades of experience.

While they’re a diverse group, they have one main goal: Help you become an exceptional registered nurse.

During your coursework, you will:

• build your nursing competencies in state-of-the-art facilities
• develop relationships with bright, driven students like you
• take part in engaging clinical experiences that challenge you to succeed in real-life situations and teach you clinical decision making simulation is integrated into all clinical courses.

Once you’ve completed your degree, you will:

Don’t Miss: Lowest To Highest Level Of Nursing

Advanced Nursing Degree Options

A graduate-level nursing degree is not a requirement for entering the field. However, at some point during your career, you may decide to return to school to pursue a masters or doctoral degree in nursing. Either of these options will enable you to develop advanced clinical skills and acquire in-depth nursing knowledge.

You can put your advanced skills and knowledge to good use improving patient outcomes. Graduate degree holders are also better equipped to step into leadership roles within healthcare organizations, inspiring those around them to take proactive measures to improve healthcare delivery. In addition, registered nurses who hold masters or doctorate degrees are better qualified to pursue high-level positions that offer lucrative compensation and personal satisfaction.

Grand Canyon University is known for excellence in nursing education. Explore our many nursing degree options, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing , as well as our graduate-level programs. Begin working toward an exciting career in healthcare by clicking on Request Info at the top of your screen.

1 Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic Career Outlook, Registered Nurses, in February 2021.

How To Become An Rn With A Bachelor’s In Another Field

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become a registered nurse, there’s a special degree for you called Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree programs.

Depending on the program structure and intensity, accelerated programs range from 12 months to 19 months, though some can be as long as 2 years.

Also Check: Capella University Masters In Nursing

Accelerated Bachelors Of Science In Nursing

This option is available for people who already hold a bachelors degree in another field and would like to accomplish a BSN in a quick time. To enter an accelerated bachelors program, one must have a degree in any other field, accomplish the mandated prerequisite courses, and have a strong GPA upon applying.

Program length ranges from 11 months to 2 years and depends on several factors including clinical components, whether the program follows the traditional academic calendar, and/or offers holiday breaks/weekends off/semester breaks.

When deciding between programs with varying lengths, consider school-life balance, home commitments, and your commitment to the program.

Sometimes faster doesnt always work or mean greater success.

Your Nursing Education Is An Important Investment Financial Aid And Scholarships Can Help Make Your Goals A Reality

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your undergraduate education.

All students receiving funds through the University must:

• be enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
• complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year by UMB’s award priority deadline
• FAFSA Submission period: Oct. 1 through Feb. 28
• FAFSA School code: 002104

The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.

Contact Us:

Don’t Miss: Ut Health Nursing School Requirements

Ready For A Career Change To Nursing

Youve read others reasons for changing career paths into nursingso whats yours? Whether you youve always wanted to work in healthcare or youre discovering a newfound calling, its not too late to become a nurse. The good news is that if you have a degree, you wont have to start from scratch as the Rasmussen University A-BSN second-degree entrance option was made for someone like you. Learn more about the program and get your questions answered in our article What Is an Accelerated BSN? Your Fast Track to an Advanced Nursing Career.

1Completion time is dependent on credit transfers accepted and courses completed each term.EDITORS NOTE: This article was originally published in 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2019.

Find A Mentor To Guide You

A mentor can be a professor, a clinical instructor, or even a nurse you met during your clinical rotation. This individual will help guide you throughout your nursing education and ideally through the process of getting your first job. Mentorships can create long-lasting relationships and provide you with the guidance to successfully graduate with a nursing degree.

Recommended Reading: Test To Enter Nursing School

So What Are The Different Types Of Nursing Degrees

There are several levels of nursing degrees to consider as you map out your career path, from undergraduate options that can help you establish your career to advanced degrees that can get you where you want to go.

Associate Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma

One educational pathway, and perhaps the first step to becoming a registered nurse is earning an ADN from a two-year program at a community college or vocational school or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

While a BSN is the optimal way to go, some second degree or non-traditional students might choose one of these options, said Dr. Peggy Moriarty-Litz, chief nursing administrator at Southern New Hampshire University .

An ADN or diploma is also an educational stepping stone for licensed practical nurses , the health services professionals who provide basic nursing care under the direction of RNs. If an LPN aspires to become an RN, this incremental approach is a great way to earn some money while going to school,” Moriarty-Litz said. “It also lets LPNs build upon their foundational educational knowledge.

While the nursing profession embraces nurses from all backgrounds and levels, we encourage them to continue on their education to earn a baccalaureate degree, a masters degree and even beyond, said Moriarty-Litz.

To this end, many colleges and universities offer degree programs that build on a students existing credentials, such as the:

• LPN to BSN
• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

One Program To Become Both An Rn And Earn A Bsn

If you are looking to become a registered nurse and live in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, or Utah, this nursing program could be for you. In areas where this program is available, WGU has partnerships with healthcare employers who provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.

Quality and respect.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing / master’s degree program in nursing at WGU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .

Don’t Miss: Ball State Accelerated Nursing Program

Bsn Curriculum And Clinicals

While the program you choose may be set up differently from another, what remains fairly standard are the curriculum requirements for a Bachelors degreed nurse. Generally the curriculum youll get in a BSN program looks similar to this:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Community, Family, Geriatric, Psych overviews
• Nursing Theory
• Nursing Research

Because the BSN is a full-fledged Bachelors degree youll complete a number of required courses, such as English/Composition, Art, Literature, History, Physical Education, and Social Sciences.

Clinicals in the BSN encompass a wide array of patient care facilities. Advanced clinicals allow you to choose among unique environments based on your interests and possible goals in the field. For example, you might spend the first part of your degree working in a local hospital, but during the latter part of your studies you may opt to pursue a clinical experience in a long-term care facility, a public health department, a psych facility and more.

Tips On Acceptance Into An Accelerated Program

• Accelerated programs can be highly competitive due to limited seating as well as a high number of applicants.
• In order to make you a more competitive applicant, be sure your GPA meets at least the minimum standard.
• If there are any recommended personal statements, take the time to craft a compelling statement detailing why you want to obtain nursing as a second degree.
• Depending on the demand and the region, these programs could have an average of hundreds of applicants with as little as 50 seats per cohort.

Many nurses who have completed their BSN as a second degree feel that this was a good investment. The life experience that you bring to the program and to the profession of nursing is especially needed when treating a wide range of patients!

You May Like: Tuition At Chamberlain College Of Nursing

How To Become A Nurse Fast

Maybe youve always wanted to work in healthcare, or maybe you just need to get into a career that gives you a steady income with plenty of job security and STAT. Becoming a nurse does not have to be a long drawn process. There are many ways to become a nurse, some in as little as 11 months. Knowing the process of how to become a registered nurse quickly can be daunting but there are four key ways to start the journey.

Apply For Nurse Practitioner Licensure

This is the final step to getting licensed and beginning your nurse practitioner career. There are typically fees required to get licensed.

Research the nurse practitioner requirements for the state you want to work in so you can stay on track as you work toward licensure. Once you have your nurse practitioner license, its important to meet renewal requirements to stay active.

Information on this page was retrieved in August 2020.

Recommended Reading: Nurse Practitioner Programs In Georgia

One How To Become A Nurse

How to become a nurse will vary based on what kind of nurse you want to become and where you are on your healthcare journey. If you’re brand new to nursing and the medical field, you’ll have a longer road ahead than someone who’s already practicing as an RN, but wants to advance their education.

Wherever you are on your path, here are the basic steps you’ll need to take to become a nurse. For more specific routes for each type and level of nursing, keep scrolling.

Professional Nursing Organizations: Purpose And Benefits

Nursing organizations play an important role in professional development. Professional nursing organizations purpose is to provide members with role-related competencies, certification opportunities, continuing education, and to be the voice of the member nurses. Nursing organizations have a lot of benefits for members. Most nursing organizations offer free nursing association memberships. Here are the top 10 nursing organizations in the US:

Nursing Organizations Alliance National Student Nurses Association American Psychiatric Nurses Association Academy of Neonatal Nursing American Association of Nurse Anaesthetists Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses Professional Association of Nurse Travelers

These are the top 10 nursing organizations in the country. As stated earlier, professional nursing organizations purpose is mainly to provide professional development and form a united voice. There are many types of nursing organizations in the US including nursing organizations for students, the National Student Nurses Association , for instance, pediatric nursing organizations, international nursing organizations, and more.

Related Rankings:

Don’t Miss: Home Equity Loans For Nurses

Which Is The Faster Route To Nursing Practice

Is the ADN a quicker route to employment as a nurse? There are some accelerated options out there, but in some instances, the associates is actually longer. At Penn State, a second bachelors is an intensive experience that can be completed in 16 months if the prerequisites have been done. And the associates? The Penn State Nursing FAQ notes that even with a prior degree, it will still run two years.

When its time to enter the job market, will you be at any advantage because you have a bachelors, even though its not in nursing in addition to your nursing degree? Some. Still, it depends on the local job market. Some competitive positions are going to favor those with a BSN and more advanced nursing coursework. Degree level could also be an issue if you decide to go on to graduate school and advanced practice. Schools like San Diego State University and Ball State University do consider RNs who have a bachelors in another field for admission to MSN programs. However, additional coursework is required prior to entry.

One thing you may want to consider is articulation between programs. Will it be relatively easy to continue taking classes if you decide you want to as you progress up the nursing ladder?

S To Become A Nurse Practitioner

For those who are interested in becoming a nurse practitioner but do not currently have a nursing degree, the answer to the question, How do I become a nurse practitioner? can seem complex. However, with a non-nursing bachelors degree, you can still access an elite nursing education and become a nurse practitioner on an accelerated timeline. Lets examine the steps you will need to take before entering this new career field.

Read Also: Nursing Trade Schools In Florida

A Midlife Change Of Pace

Will Hummel made the decision to become a nurse in an unexpected place: a hospital bed. At the time, he was nearly 45 years old and struggling with the grind of life. His career in sales and coaching meant weekly trips away from home and constant fretting over sales figures and earnings. Between a declining retail industry and his health, he needed a change. He knew he could use his diverse career experiences to become a successful nurse.

After years in the business world, I felt a need to do something of genuine value to others, Hummel says. This desire to build a meaningful career in the service of others, plus the fact that Im a self-proclaimed nerd for science, teaching and education, is what brought me to nursing.

After spending the rest of his medical leave preparing for the TEAS test and researching BSN programs, Hummel landed on Rasmussen University. Since he wanted to enter the nursing workforce as soon as possible, Hummel also chose the Accelerated BSN second-degree entrance option. He liked knowing that he could complete the program in a relatively short amount of timesome may complete it in as few as 18 months.1 Now, Hummel has nearly completed the program and is on the path to becoming a registered nurse. Whether he works as a bedside nurse or chooses to continue his studies beyond a BSN, hes looking forward to a truly meaningful career where he can serve others and find a work-life balance.

I am excited for my future again, he says.

Who Is An Adn Right For

Some of the primary reasons aspiring nurses choose an ADN program are:

Read Also: Mortgage Loans For Nurse Practitioners

Obtain A Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Once you have a year of experience, you can put your skills and knowledge to work and pursue certification as an advanced practice nurse . At Marquette University, we offer a number of certificate options, including:

• Acute care nurse practitioner
• Primary care nurse practitioner
• Health systems leader

Typically, post-masters certificate programs and the time it takes to earn a certificate will vary from school to school. In addition, during the program you will work with patients during clinicals under the direction of nurse practitioner preceptors.