A growing number of career changers are entering nursing after earning degrees in fields such as business, psychology, education, or the sciences. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to apply previously completed coursework toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), shortening the path to becoming a registered nurse.
Because of this, many colleges offer accelerated or second-degree BSN programs designed specifically for career changers, allowing students to apply previously earned general education credits toward their nursing degree.
Understanding the transfer process starts with knowing which credits can be applied toward a BSN, what prerequisites are required, and how admissions requirements differ among programs.
Below, this guide will also examine how transfer credit evaluations work and how previously completed courses are most likely to transfer.
Typical BSN program timelines
First, let鈥檚 look at a typical BSN program timeline compared with an accelerated BSN timeline for those who鈥檝e already completed another bachelor鈥檚.
Both take at least a couple of years 鈥� four or more semesters 鈥� although start times throughout the year vary, depending on which kind of BSN nursing program you choose.
If you have all your class prerequisites to start a BSN program 鈥� more on that in the next section 鈥� and you don鈥檛 have to take the TEAS test (some programs will require this, but less frequently if you already have a completed bachelor’s degree), then you can complete an accelerated BSN program in about two years full time.
If you鈥檙e working full time, as many choose to do, you may explore options to take classes during the evening or online, which can extend your timeline. There are many ways to transfer a non-nursing degree to a nursing BSN program on a schedule that works for you and your lifestyle, whether you鈥檙e juggling work, family, friends, or a little of all three.
Clinical requirements for BSN programs
Depending on what you studied for your first bachelor鈥檚 degree, you may need to take a few basic STEM courses 鈥� introductory biology, chemistry, psychology, and math, at least 鈥� to ensure you鈥檙e able to succeed in your upper-level science requirements. Or if it鈥檚 been longer than seven years since your last graduation ceremony, some places may require you to brush up on a subject or two.
Once prereqs are complete, students typically move into nursing coursework along with other classmates. Then, after initial coursework, clinical placements provide opportunities to apply classroom learning in healthcare settings.
For those looking at BSN nursing schools in Connecticut, 911爆料网 has relationships with local hospitals and clinics, so students can foster local professional experience and connections.
BSN programs prepare for what kind of licensure?
Also important is that your BSN nursing program prepares you not only for the clinic floor, but legally with appropriate licensure. To practice in the United States, you must be a registered nurse (RN), which involves passing the NCLEX-RN exam, granting nursing licensure.
Passing the NCLEX-RN test means you鈥檙e qualified to work as a registered nurse in a professional setting, which means, well, we鈥檒l unpack that next.
Career opportunities after graduating from a BSN nursing program
The most common reasons people transfer into nursing as a career?
Nursing continues to experience strong workforce demand across many healthcare settings. You can work in nearly every medical setting, as healthcare employment is projected to continue to grow and needs registered nurses on the floor.
From clinics to med spas to any-size hospital, nursing is a job in demand, with a salary that keeps up with inflation and offers room to grow, both professionally and academically. , working flexible schedules that adapt to nearly every phase of life you鈥檒l encounter.
Considering a career change to nursing? Explore UB鈥檚 Accelerated BSN program.
Tips for transferring a non-nursing degree to a BSN program
So if you鈥檙e ready to start the transfer process for a non-nursing degree to a nursing BSN program, there are a few things you need to check off your list before submitting your applications.
1. Accreditation
Don鈥檛 apply to programs that aren鈥檛 accredited; it鈥檚 as simple as that. Accreditation is a non-negotiable stamp of approval, making your degree mean something. Without it, you鈥檙e taking a huge risk that your degree won鈥檛 be what you need to get the job you want.
2. Clinical placement opportunities
Besides an outward stamp of approval, you need assurance you鈥檒l get experience before you鈥檙e shoved into a busy hospital floor. The best nurses are trained under the watchful eyes of respected professors who can offer feedback and encouragement.
3. Faculty support
Speaking of whom, you shouldn鈥檛 be alone on the journey. Nursing school is about learning, and . You want professionals who have spent time in all aspects of nursing and bring a diverse body of knowledge, experiences, approaches, and specialties into focus.
4. Transfer credit policies
Finally, look for BSN nursing programs with generous transfer policies. You鈥檝e already got a degree; find a way to start as far from square one as possible. Those looking for BSN nursing schools in CT should take a peek at 911爆料网鈥檚 ABSN program.
Accelerated BSN program available at 911爆料网
For students seeking an accelerated pathway into nursing, the 911爆料网 ABSN program prepares graduates for nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings and is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Graduates are prepared for entry-level nursing practice and for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more or apply today.