Going from an associates to BSN degree is a great way to pivot into a new career without spending too much time on going back to school. You can research nursing programs, complete prerequisites and apply, then earn your BSN degree before taking the NCLEX-RN and beginning as a nurse.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is the most popular pathway into nursing. Going from an associate to BSN can allow you to enter a thriving and in-demand nursing career without excessive time spent going back to school. Even if your associate degree did not cover science subjects, you could still apply it toward a new degree. All you need to do is research nursing programs with transfer pathways, complete any needed prerequisites and apply, then complete the curriculum.
If you have an associate degree but now you want a bachelor’s degree, let’s explore why a BSN makes sense, how to choose a program, what to expect as a student, and how to prepare for licensure.
Why an Associate to BSN Path Makes Sense
An associate to BSN path lets you carry forward the general education credits you have already earned so that you do not have to repeat basic subjects. Colleges often accept transfer credits in areas such as English, humanities, mathematics, and social science provided they meet grade and time limits. This transfer step can reduce your course load and shorten your timeline, especially in an accelerated BSN program.
Nursing is also an in-demand career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurses make a median annual salary of $93,600. They also project that the total number of nurses making up the national workforce will grow by 166,100 nurses by 2034. If you can enter a path into this career, you will have plenty of options when it comes to geographic area or preferred work environment.
Learn more about the nursing shortage and see how you can make a difference.
How to Go from a 2-Year Degree to a Bachelor's in Nursing
Going from a non-nursing associate’s degree to a BSN can be completed in just a few years. If you enroll in an ABSN program, that time can go by even faster due to the accelerated nature of the program. From researching programs to taking on the NCLEX-RN, let’s investigate how to transition from an associate’s degree to a BSN.
Research Nursing Program Options
Your first step is to identify BSN or ABSN programs that accept transfer students. Requirements may vary by school, so be sure to specifically look into your eligibility with each institution. Cohort starts will be limited to a few times per year, which can also play into making this decision.
ABSN transfer tracks can be completed more quickly than transferring into a traditional BSN program, and you can access the same quality of education regardless of program format. This means transferring into an ABSN program can see you beginning your nursing career sooner.
Speak with admissions staff to review your academic history and see what your options are.
Complete Prerequisites and Apply
If you transfer into an ABSN program, you must first complete prerequisites. These may be set through a specific school’s ABSN transfer pathway, they might also depend on which courses you have previously taken and when you completed them. Upon completion of all prerequisites, you will be able to apply.
School admissions staff will work with you throughout the process, from your initial conversation through prerequisites and going over the materials you will need to submit for your application. If you meet requirements and successfully complete prerequisites, you have a good chance of admission.
Earn Your BSN Degree
Once you are enrolled as a full-time nursing student, whether through a traditional BSN or an ABSN program, you should make sure you have the routine and supplies needed to succeed. BSN programs combine coursework, nursing skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities.
An ABSN program will most likely deliver coursework online, providing more flexibility while still requiring students to meet assignment deadlines. All ABSN programs still require attending labs and clinicals in person, so where you live or whether you relocate is a major consideration.
See how you can hone your test-taking skills and succeed as an ABSN student.
Graduate and Take the NCLEX-RN
Once you graduate, the last step between you and nursing licensure is completing the NCLEX-RN. This independent licensure exam tests on the clinical knowledge and decision-making skills you will need as a practicing nurse. Ask your nursing program what NCLEX-RN prep resources they offer and connect with fellow cohort members to study. Upon passing the exam, you can attain RN licensure and work to secure your first professional nursing role.
Take The Next Step Into Nursing
With a better understanding of the path from associates to BSN, you can see that nursing is a viable career path that might work for you. Your previous college credits and any ABSN transfer pathways can help you earn a nursing degree sooner. Fill out the form to get in contact and start your nursing school search today.
