{"id":5552,"date":"2019-03-20T14:42:31","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T18:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=5552"},"modified":"2024-12-19T17:14:19","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T22:14:19","slug":"ba-to-bsn-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/ba-to-bsn-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ins and Outs of BA\/BS to BSN Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is never too late to become a nurse. If you desire a second shot at your career, and truly wish to make an impact in people\u2019s lives, rest assured that a nursing career is within your reach \u2013 no matter how old you are, and no matter how little healthcare experience you have. For aspiring nurses with a bachelor\u2019s degree in a different area of study, a BA\/BS to BSN program will be the best path for you.<\/p>\n

What is a BA\/BS to BSN Program?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In literal terms, a BA\/BS to BSN program involves moving from a bachelor\u2019s degree to a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing (BSN). Also known as a second degree BSN, it is designed for aspiring nurses who have already completed their bachelor\u2019s degree in a non-nursing field. BA\/BS to BSN programs offer an accelerated pathway for these students to pursue their Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing, without having to commit to another 4+ years of college or nursing school.<\/p>\n

BA\/BS to BSN programs facilitate career change for those who have had a change of heart or purpose, who now wish to go back to school and become a nurse. Because the BA\/BS to BSN is an accelerated, second degree program, it is intensive in nature. BA\/BS to BSN programs are meant for mature and seasoned students with clear professional goals. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing<\/a>\u00a0(AACN)\u00a0notes that BA\/BS to BSN nursing students are typically older and more motivated than younger, entry-level students, because they have already experienced college and know just what they want to achieve.<\/p>\n

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Second Degree BSN?<\/strong><\/p>\n

BA\/BS to BSN programs are also referred to as accelerated BSN programs<\/a>, because of the short time commitment required to obtain the bachelor\u2019s degree. In general, BA\/BS to BSN programs take between 12 to 18 months to complete. At Goodwin College, students can earn their Accelerated Bachelor of \u00a0Science in Nursing degree in as few as 16 months full-time<\/strong>. As you may recall, this is a fraction of what it takes to complete a standard bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p>\n

How Do BA\/BS to BSN Programs Work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

BA\/BS to BSN programs are more rigorous than your typical, entry-level nursing program. They follow a concentrated curriculum and full-time schedule, so that students can complete their ABSN degree fast.<\/p>\n

The accelerated pace of BA\/BS to BSN programs does not mean less nursing classes or a lesser educational experience overall. Instead, students are awarded credit for their previous college education, cutting the commitment of their BSN in half.<\/p>\n

In a second degree BSN program<\/a>, you do not need to revisit basic prerequisites such as English and Math. More than likely, you have already fulfilled those general ed courses in your last degree program. And if so, you can expect them to count towards your ABSN degree! At Goodwin College, students in the BA\/BSN to BSN program are automatically awarded 38 credits in recognition of their prior college education.<\/p>\n

You can also transfer previous credits earned for prerequisite courses such as Anatomy and Physiology with labs, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry with lab, Growth and Development, and Statistics. If you have completed any of these courses prior to enrolling in Goodwin\u2019s nursing school (with a C+ or better), you can work with an admissions counselor to ensure those are also counted towards your ABSN degree.<\/p>\n

What are the Typical Requirements for a BA\/BS to BSN Program?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Admissions requirements will vary depending on the ABSN program of choice. Generally, it is required that you have already earned a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree (in another area of study), from an accredited institution. Most BA\/BS to BSN programs will require a list of science prerequisites (such as the ones listed above), and a minimum GPA for enrollment. At Goodwin College, for example, applicants must have completed their past degree with a 3.0 or higher. Most prerequisite courses must have been completed with a C+ or better. To learn about the full ABSN requirements at Goodwin, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Types of Classes are Covered in BA\/BS to BSN Programs?<\/strong><\/p>\n

BA\/BS to BSN programs are completely nursing-focused. With basic prerequisites out of the way upon entering the program, students can home in on developing their nursing skills. In a second degree BSN program, you can expect to take courses such as:<\/p>\n