Do you get your bachelors degree before going to nursing school?

Question

I’m interested in being a nurse, but I don’t know how the education works. Do you go to a four year college and then go to nursing school, is nursing school part of the four years of college, do you go straight to nursing school after high school?

Answer 1

Hello Allison,

I know navigating the nursing education process can seem daunting. I have a few tips and tricks.

I recommend you take an ADN program. This will allow you to graduate in a shorter time period and the workload for school will be lighter. You will qualify to sit for the NCLEX exam which is the board exam you must take to become an RN.

Once you pass the NCLEX you can start working as a nurse. If you want to further your education, you can then go back for your BSN, MSN and Phd; The nice part is that once you have your ADN and RN most of these courses are given online without a clinical component and your employer will often pay for it.

I received my ADN in 1991, then my BSN 2011, MSN 2016. I paid for my ADN, my employer paid for my BSN and MSN degree. This is one of the many perks of being a nurse.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Hello Alison, the first thing you must do is get your prerequisites done then, you can apply at nursing schools. If you are seeking a BSN you should apply at BSN programs or you can do an ADN program and bridge to your BSN. Once you are accepted into the program, depending on if you choose a fast track program or regular program, it can take you anywhere from 18 months to 4 years. I personally highly recommend the 4 year route because 18 months is far too fast to become a confident, qualified nurse. I hope this was helpful for you.