[BSTOBSN]

Hi,

I am 28, male, and I am looking into nursing. I was an EMT-B for two years and a medical librarian at a medical school for two years after that. I have a BS in Environmental Science from a very good liberal arts college in New England. I got good grades.

I have been looking into BS-To-BSN programs. However, I do have some pre-requirements to take care of that would allow me to get into most accelerated programs. Are there any post-baccalaureate pre-nursing programs that would allow you to do the prereqs and then allow you to transfer into their nursing program to get a BSN? Does anyone know any websites that would provide more specific detailed info on BS-To-BSN programs? So many of the pre-requirements seem to be different for each program. Are there any programs that would allow me to apply directly into a BSN program and allow me to do all my studies there in one place? Anyone else out there been in a situation like this?

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Greg

[Randy DC]

Greg:

I'm doing the same thing, and will be taking those "pre-req" courses at a local community college. I took their course catalog to the 4 year college offering the 2nd degree program, and they pre-approved the community college classes for me to take that will fulfill those pre-req needs (much cheaper too!).

Hope this helps.
Randy

[Jeanne in CA]

It is pretty far from where you're at (if you still live in New England), but we do have a local program like that. You can check it out at

www.samuelmerritt.edu

under nursing.

[Unfortunately, it is out of my price range!]

I should also add that some of the state colleges in California are currently allowing second bachelors applicants in nursing. In fact, I'm in the process of finishing up an additional chemistry pre-req to qualify for a second bachelors program here as well. That's a much more affordable way to go, but it isn't as accelerated (as in one year for Samuel Merritt). It takes two and a half years at the state college, versus two years for an ADN.

[nursinghumor]

****o Greg,

You can hunt around for places that will accept "more" of your previous credits. The fact is though, that waiting lists for all the programs are getting longer and longer.

Last year more than 1/2 the qualified students applying for BSN programs were turned away. Not because they were not qualified, but there simply isn't enough slots, teachers and space to accept them.

If nursing is what you want to do, I'd apply to the schools near you and apply soon. I have my doubts on what liberal arts courses will be accepted/transferred.

If you were a biology, chemistry, or science major, a good portion might transfer. With a liberal arts background, chances are you'll need to take the bulk of the prerequisites.

Taking them at a community college is a good idea as long as you know they'll transfer over when the time comes.

Let me ask, what is drawing you towards nursing as a career? I went into it for the patient contact and career mobility once you're experienced.

Wish you luck!

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursefriendly.com

[EMTBB]

GREG,
I AM IN THE SAME SITUATION. THERE IS IS COLLEGE IN MY AREA THAT OFFERS A BSN AS A SECOND DEGREE PROGRAM. YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK IT OUT. http://misericordia.edu
GOOD LUCK!