Ask a Nurse: How Can I Become a Nurse as a Second-Degree Student?

An ADN degree may be the best local option in low-population areas with less educational access. If a second bachelor’s degree is more intensive than you are looking for, an ADN degree will still allow you to practice as an RN.

Most ADN programs are not accelerated, so it will take roughly two years to graduate. The time is not significantly different from completing a second-degree BSN program. For students who are working while attending school, it may take more than two years to complete the program.

Admission requirements do not include graduation from an accredited non-nursing bachelor’s program. A second-degree nursing student must have a minimum GPA, prerequisite courses in chemistry, biology, and physiology, a personal essay, and recommendation letters.

Some schools also require a Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) test that assesses a student’s ability in several subjects. An ADN program may also require a health assessment and federal and state criminal background checks.

Nurses with an ADN degree from an accredited program are qualified to work in any job where the employer is seeking an RN.

However, while the student has a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, most employers want to hire a BSN-prepared nurse. Some employers will hire an ADN and request the nurse complete an RN-to-BSN degree program within a specified time to stay employed.

ADN-prepared nurses can work as staff nurses in a hospital, physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, home healthcare, and retirement communities.

The time it takes to complete an ADN for a second-degree nursing student is nearly identical to completing a BSN degree when the credits from the first bachelor’s transfer. However, an ADN program may be more cost-effective than completing a BSN program.

A BSN degree normally takes four years to complete. BSN-prepared nurses are highly sought-after professionals in healthcare institutions, physicians’ offices, and schools. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers clinical skills, leadership, and critical thinking.

BSN graduates can expect to earn higher pay and have greater career opportunities than those with an ADN. Healthcare facilities with a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses have lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes.

In a traditional BSN program, a second-degree nursing student can expect to complete the curriculum and clinical hours in two years if the prerequisite classes from the first bachelor’s degree transfer. Many schools also offer online second-degree BSN programs. Students with a non-nursing associate degree may have credits that can transfer.

Admission requirements include a minimum GPA in the prerequisite coursework. The minimum GPA depends on the program and can vary from 2.5-3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admission requirements may also include, but are not limited to:

The degree prepares nurses for advancement into leadership roles in an organization, such as team leaders, case management, charge nurse, quality assurance, or a clinical specialty role.

BSN-prepared nurses often practice with greater autonomy. They can help the organization achieve magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Magnet hospitals are excellent places for nurses to work and have good patient outcomes.

A traditional BSN program for a second-degree nursing student can take between 2-4 years, depending on the program and if the student attends full time. Although the program may be more expensive than an ADN, it prepares students for career advancement.

BSN-prepared nurses have the opportunity to focus on nursing specialty care and are one step closer to earning an MSN. An MSN can open more administrative and clinical doors.

This innovative type of program has become popular for second-degree nursing students. Accelerated BSN programs significantly shorten the time to graduation, lessen the cost for the student, and can positively impact the nursing shortage.

The curriculum includes bridge and core classes to help transition the candidate to an RN position. The coursework is accelerated and students must attend full time, so working during this program can be challenging.

An accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is an intensive 16-month second-degree option without the traditional semester breaks. Students can take up to 17 credits per semester and must complete 60 credits to graduate. Because it is a rigorous course schedule, most students are unable to work and maintain their grades.

Admission requirements for an accelerated program are similar to those for a BSN program for a second-degree nursing student. They include:

Nurses who graduate with an ABSN have the same opportunities as those graduating with a BSN. This includes practicing with greater autonomy, the opportunity to increase salary potential, and better career advancement.

There are many benefits to completing an ABSN degree. Since the program is accelerated it is often more cost-effective than completing a traditional BSN. However, the program is rigorous and requires the student to attend full time.

For second-degree nursing students who don’t have an ABSN program in the area, online ABSN programs are an option. Since the programs are accelerated, it is crucial that nurses keep up with the coursework to graduate on time.

These programs are rigorous and fast-paced. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and a foundation in healthcare knowledge. Second-degree nursing students in a direct-entry MSN program must also take the NCLEX to get an RN license. Some programs also offer postmaster’s certificates for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties.

Most programs require eight semesters of coursework and clinical hours. The students move from a foundation in nursing theory and practice to advanced education in leadership, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.

Program requirements include prerequisite transferable classwork from an accredited bachelor’s program. Other admission requirements may include:

Nurses with an MSN degree can work as clinical APRNs or pursue a career in administration and leadership. Candidates interested in pursuing a clinical APRN career may choose to be nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist.

Pursuing a direct-entry MSN requires strong motivation and determination as the program can take up to four years of intense coursework and clinical application. Many students are unable to work during the program, which adds financial stress.

Financial aid may also be a challenge as second-degree students may still be paying for the first bachelor’s degree. However, it is the quickest way to move from a non-nursing degree into an advanced practice nursing role with high-income potential.