Do I need to be an RN if I want to get a bachelor's Degree in Nursing?

I have a general Associates in Arts Degree, and I just switched my major and want to go into nursing. However, I don't know if I need go back and get a Associate Degree in Nursing. Anyone Know? Suggestins?

Try visiting www.discovernursing.com - you'll find tons of information there on nursing.

Despite prior statements, you do not need a BS to be an RN. There are two-year RN programs and RN bridge programs for persons who have an LPN/LVN. The push MAY be for RNs to have a bachelor's degree, but the reality is that there is such a shortage of nurses willing to work in NURSING (yes, nurses work in fields outside of active nursing), that states/countries are creating avenues to bring in more nurses quickly.

What you can do with a nursing certificate/degree will depend upon the state/country you live in. Generically, you could go back and do a 1 year nursing certificate program and become an LPN/LVN. Or, you could pick up the sciences and other pre-reqs you need and complete a 2nd associates--the outcome could be an LPN/LVN or an RN depending upon the school/program you enter into. Or, you could transfer to a university and pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.

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If you want to work right away, I suggest finishing your AS and be an LPN. Your question is actually the other way around. If you want to be a RN, you need your bachelors.

Study hard!

you have to get a BS in nursing in order to become an RN

If you're serious about going into nursing, go into a bachelor's program. The basic credits from your associates *should* transer. With a bachelors you can be an RN, Nursing Associate (one step above) or a Nurse Practitioner. With experience you can also do Nursing Administration (and make BIG bucks). The American Nursing Association is currently pushing to make a BN the minimum to do any nursing work above a CNA. Also a bachelors program will give you a much better foundation then just an associates.

You don't. Just satisfy the prerequisites for Nursing(which might include some science courses), and you are on your way. The good thing is that you have locked in the AS degree, and the courses taken.


go for it. At the very mosr, you will have 2 yrs, and a few extra course to accomplish.
Good Luck.

you may not need to take the gen requirements over, but depending on your state and their RN licensure requirements, you do have to have an A.S. in nursing. The BSN is helpful if you choose to go into management.

you need to have a bachelors degree of Nursing first, then after you passed the Licensure Exam for Nurses then you will be an RN. ;-)