I want to start studying nursing, but don't know where to start..?
Posted by admin | Under rn degree online Thursday Nov 20, 2008I'm currently studying criminal justice but am looking into studying nursing - I've checked everywhere online but it says the online degree programs, you must have an RN degree. I have NO clue where to start - does anyone know what the steps are to becoming a nurse? What colleges are best for nursing degrees? I can only do schooling online unfortunately - what do I need to get first??? This is just SO confusing!!
First you need to decide on if you want a 2 year degree (associates degree in nursing) or a 4 year degree (bachelor's degree in nursing), or you might want to take the 2 year program first and complete the BSN later (which you can do online at that point.)
2 year community college programs usually take more like 3 years because there are prerequisites you must take in biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and maybe a couple more like microbiology or nutrition. For most schools, you need these completed before you can even apply to their nursing program. 2 year programs are very in demand, so the better your GPA the better off you'll be when it comes to getting accepted to a program. Call around to different schools and ask what their admission procedures are so you'll know what you're up against. Apply to more than one school, too - don't put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak.
If you were to go into a full 4 year BSN program, you complete all those prerequisites and your liberal arts studies your freshman and sophomore year, then start the nursing core in the junior year. These schools are also VERY competative - one reputable school in my state had a class average GPA (at admission) of 3.8.
Good luck!
My daughter just graduated with a B.S. in Nursing. You cannot become an R.N. with an on-line program, you have to attend in residence. Nursing programs have extensive clinical training (in-hospital) requirements in addition to classroom training. Check with the state licensing board for your state for specific requirements.
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First you need to decide on if you want a 2 year degree (associates degree in nursing) or a 4 year degree (bachelor's degree in nursing), or you might want to take the 2 year program first and complete the BSN later (which you can do online at that point.)
2 year community college programs usually take more like 3 years because there are prerequisites you must take in biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and maybe a couple more like microbiology or nutrition. For most schools, you need these completed before you can even apply to their nursing program. 2 year programs are very in demand, so the better your GPA the better off you'll be when it comes to getting accepted to a program. Call around to different schools and ask what their admission procedures are so you'll know what you're up against. Apply to more than one school, too - don't put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak.
If you were to go into a full 4 year BSN program, you complete all those prerequisites and your liberal arts studies your freshman and sophomore year, then start the nursing core in the junior year. These schools are also VERY competative - one reputable school in my state had a class average GPA (at admission) of 3.8.
Good luck!
References :