{"id":5599,"date":"2026-06-01T15:59:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T19:59:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=5599"},"modified":"2026-06-01T15:59:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T19:59:33","slug":"how-to-become-a-nurse-with-bachelors-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/how-to-become-a-nurse-with-bachelors-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"I Already Have A Bachelor\u2019s Degree \u2014 How Can I Become a Nurse?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re thinking, \u201cI already have a bachelor\u2019s degree, how can I become a nurse?\u201d You\u2019ve come to the right place. Some folks assume that once you get your bachelor\u2019s, 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\u2019s already can actually be a huge advantage.<\/p>\n

Since you\u2019ve already completed an entire undergraduate program, you\u2019ve finished your general education requirements. Hooray! You won\u2019t be required to redo any classes that you\u2019ve already taken, don\u2019t worry.<\/p>\n

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)<\/a> often makes the most sense. ABSN programs are designed for people with a prior bachelor\u2019s degree who want to switch to a nursing career quickly. Many accelerated BSN programs can be completed in as little as 16 months.<\/p>\n

Why your existing degree is an advantage for a BSN degree<\/h2>\n

Your bachelor\u2019s degree is proof that you\u2019re able to succeed in the academic sphere. Nursing schools<\/a> are always seeking candidates who have previous education or experience because it shows that you\u2019re mature and have self-discipline \u2014 both are cornerstones of success in nursing.<\/p>\n

Will your credits transfer?<\/h3>\n

Yes, for the most part. Many of the credits earned in your first bachelor\u2019s degree will transfer into your accelerated BSN program. In a standard BSN degree<\/a>, you\u2019d be spending a lot of time completing general education requirements, but in an accelerated program, you\u2019ll be able to waive a good portion. Your focus can narrow to mostly nursing-specific coursework, labs, and clinical rotations.<\/p>\n

Does having a non-healthcare degree hurt my chances of admission?<\/h3>\n

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\u2019t weigh what you hold a degree in into the admissions decision.<\/p>\n

Explore UB\u2019s accelerated BSN program and take the next step toward becoming an RN.<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

Pursuing the fastest path to nursing: Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs<\/h2>\n

Accelerated BSN programs are uniquely designed<\/a> for students who already hold a bachelor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The primary focus of ABSN programs<\/a> 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\u2019re in the program. These programs are designed to help you pass the NCLEX-RN exam<\/a> and become a full-fledged licensed registered nurse<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What prerequisites will you need?<\/h3>\n

Having a bachelor\u2019s 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\u2019re eligible to apply to ABSN programs<\/a>. Most ABSN programs will require that you have foundational science and math, including but not limited to: anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.<\/p>\n

If you have a STEM bachelor\u2019s 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\u2019ll be eligible to apply for accelerated BSN programs. Be sure to check with each program you\u2019re applying to to see its specific ABSN prerequisite requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ABSN admissions process simplified<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Most ABSN programs will look for:<\/p>\n