If you’re thinking, “I already have a bachelor’s degree, how can I become a nurse?” You’ve come to the right place. Some folks assume that once you get your bachelor’s, your career path is set, but things shift and change; nothing is ever set in stone, and perhaps you want to switch directions, setting your sights on nursing. In that case, whatever your previous degree was, having a bachelor’s already can actually be a huge advantage.
Since you’ve already completed an entire undergraduate program, you’ve finished your general education requirements. Hooray! You won’t be required to redo any classes that you’ve already taken, don’t worry.
In an ABSN program, students mostly focus on nursing coursework and clinical training. For people hoping to pursue a career in nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) often makes the most sense. ABSN programs are designed for people with a prior bachelor’s degree who want to switch to a nursing career quickly. Many accelerated BSN programs can be completed in as little as 16 months.
Why your existing degree is an advantage for a BSN degree
Your bachelor’s degree is proof that you’re able to succeed in the academic sphere. Nursing schools are always seeking candidates who have previous education or experience because it shows that you’re mature and have self-discipline — both are cornerstones of success in nursing.
Will your credits transfer?
Yes, for the most part. Many of the credits earned in your first bachelor’s degree will transfer into your accelerated BSN program. In a standard BSN degree, you’d be spending a lot of time completing general education requirements, but in an accelerated program, you’ll be able to waive a good portion. Your focus can narrow to mostly nursing-specific coursework, labs, and clinical rotations.
Does having a non-healthcare degree hurt my chances of admission?
Not at all. Accelerated BSN programs take students from far and wide, from art degrees to technical engineering to everything in between. Though if you have a previous healthcare-related degree, it may satisfy some of your science prerequisites. Admissions committees look at previous academic performance to assess your readiness to enter their ABSN program. At the end of the day, they won’t weigh what you hold a degree in into the admissions decision.
Explore UB’s accelerated BSN program and take the next step toward becoming an RN.
Pursuing the fastest path to nursing: Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs
Accelerated BSN programs are uniquely designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Instead of doing general education classes again, students focus largely on nursing-specific coursework. Most ABSN programs will condense their curriculum by combining classroom instruction and clinical rotation in a healthcare setting.
The primary focus of ABSN programs is to provide students with a comprehensive, robust education in nursing without requiring them to repeat general education requirements. The accelerated curriculum will often have students attending classes year-round, including in the summer, while they’re in the program. These programs are designed to help you pass the NCLEX-RN exam and become a full-fledged licensed registered nurse.
What prerequisites will you need?
Having a bachelor’s degree before you start a BSN degree is going to give you a big leg up. But you may still need to do some prerequisite courses before you’re eligible to apply to ABSN programs. Most ABSN programs will require that you have foundational science and math, including but not limited to: anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
If you have a STEM bachelor’s degree, you probably already have these courses under your belt. If not, you may need to take some of these classes at your community college before you’ll be eligible to apply for accelerated BSN programs. Be sure to check with each program you’re applying to to see its specific ABSN prerequisite requirements.
ABSN admissions process simplified
Accelerated BSN programs typically have application requirements similar to those of other professional healthcare programs. Each program may have its own unique requirements, so be sure to do your research before applying.
Most ABSN programs will look for:
- Official college transcripts
- A personal statement or admissions essay
Some nursing schools might also have interviews, entrance exams, or healthcare-related volunteer experience. Due to the rigor of accelerated BSN programs, admissions teams want to make sure you’re prepared to succeed.
Is an ABSN the same as a traditional BSN?
Many people interested in pursuing a career in nursing are thinking, “I already have a bachelor’s degree, how can I become a nurse?” That question is followed by confusion around the difference between a BSN and an ABSN. Is an ABSN more or less valuable in terms of job opportunities?
The cool thing about ABSN programs is that graduates earn the exact same Bachelor of Science in Nursing as traditional BSN students. Both pathways qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become an RN. From an employer’s perspective, the credential is the same.
Launch your nursing career with University of Bridgeport’s ABSN program
If you’ve already completed your undergraduate work, you don’t have to start all over to become a nurse. Your previous degree can work to your advantage and qualify you to pursue an ABSN. You can enter the nursing field that much faster.
If you’re ready to take the leap and pursue a meaningful career in nursing, an ABSN might be the logical next step for you. Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s ABSN program or apply today.