Learning how to become an RN with a non-nursing degree is the first step to switching careers. You may be eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The ABSN program leverages your prior degree to help you earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
While registered nurses do need a nursing degree, it is possible to be admitted to nursing school if you hold a non-nursing degree through an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. If you are interested in changing careers, learning how to become an RN with a non-nursing degree by earning a BSN as your second degree is your first step toward this rewarding profession.
Pacific Lutheran University’s (PLU) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program enables those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
Obtaining a nursing degree requires determination and hard work, but with support from PLU’s attentive faculty and your close-knit nursing cohort, you can achieve your goal. First, learn more about the ABSN pathway and how it enables individuals with non-nursing backgrounds to switch careers. Then, consider the specific steps you will need to take.
Can You Become a Nurse If Your Degree Is in Another Field?
It is indeed possible to become a nurse even if you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field. You can apply to the ABSN program at Pacific Lutheran regardless of your academic background, as long as you meet the admissions requirements. Whether you earned a degree in economics, history, or biology, our ABSN program will provide the necessary nursing education to earn a BSN and take the RN licensure exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN After Earning a Prior Non-Nursing Degree?
Every student’s timeline is unique, depending on their starting point and how well they do in the program. From start to finish, the ABSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months.
You may need to take some prerequisite courses before getting started, however, and this will lengthen the total timeline. Your prior non-nursing education may fulfill some or all these prerequisites, including courses in cryobiology, chemistry, and statistics.
How to Become an RN
Earning a BSN with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree requires hard work, but the process is straightforward. Additionally, you can reach out to PLU and receive personalized guidance on the process from an admissions representative.
1. Apply to an Accelerated Nursing Program
Choosing a program and beginning the admission process are the first steps. Investigate the accredited and state-approved ABSN programs in your region or expand your search nationally if you are willing to relocate. The accelerated BSN program at PLU, located just north of Seattle, is an ideal option for those interested in a hybrid curriculum that combines online coursework with in-person experiential learning on an accelerated timeline.
Accelerated BSN Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the accelerated BSN program at Pacific Lutheran University, you will need to have a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The ABSN program at PLU is designed for students new to nursing.
Pacific Lutheran’s ABSN program requires completion of several prerequisite courses to ensure students are prepared for the nursing curriculum. You may have taken some of the prerequisite courses while completing your prior collegiate credits, which may be waived from your list of needed prerequisites.
How to Apply for an ABSN
The ABSN application process at PLU consists of a few key steps:
- Submit an inquiry form to the ABSN admissions team.
- Discuss your program eligibility with an admissions representative.
- Make a prerequisite plan and choose a start date with an admissions representative.
- Complete your remaining prerequisite courses.
- Submit your completed application for the ABSN program.
- Submit your official transcript and any necessary supplemental documents.
Learn more about our accelerated BSN near Seattle.
2. Complete the ABSN Program
The ASBN program curriculum at PLU consists of the following components:
- Online courses: Online courses teach nursing curriculum content. As a plus, you will have the option to study wherever is best for you, as long as you meet the instructor’s deadlines.
- Skills and simulation labs: Hands-on nursing labs with peers and instructors at the ABSN site offer a safe environment to practice your patient care skills. You will participate in many nursing scenarios through the program’s simulation labs.
- Clinical experiences: An important component of an effective nursing curriculum is real-world patient care experience. Clinical rotations in a variety of clinical settings will give you opportunities to practice your nursing skills.
3. Take the NCLEX-RN and Get Licensed
To obtain your nursing license, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination, which is the national licensure exam all RNs must pass. After passing the exam, you will need to receive licensure from the state before obtaining a nursing position.
4. Begin Working as a Nurse
At this stage, the hard work has finally paid off. After receiving your RN license, you can now practice as a nurse and begin your new career. Many nursing students choose to begin their job search during the final semester of nursing school. This allows you to start a new job soon after receiving your nursing license.
New nurses can choose from a wide range of entry-level nursing positions. These positions might include pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, women’s health, and many others.
Launch Your Nursing Career With Pacific Lutheran
If you are ready to become a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, Pacific Lutheran University may be the right fit for you. Our ABSN program offers three start dates each year, allowing you to get started soon after being accepted.
Reach out to our admissions representatives and take the first step today.