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Should I transfer to a different college that has a BS in Nursing Science?
I'm currently a freshman at UCSD, and not to long ago I decided to pursue a career in nursing, however, my college doesn't have a BS in nursing. I am a human biology major and was wondering if I should stick with that and then go to nursing school or if I should transfer to another college that does have a BS in nursing so I can get licensed faster. Also, what do you recommend someone who wants to pursue nursing to check out? #nursing #college #healthcare #registered-nurses
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7 answers
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
I also recommend transferring to a program with a BS in nursing. It will save time and money and put you right on track for a fantastic career.
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Nayeli,
This is Sue and I am a retired registered nurse. I would begin to work immediately with your advisor and let them know that you would like to enter the nursing field. Many nursing programs are extremely competitive and limit the number of students selected. You need to get into nursing school in order to ensure you can complete the entire curriculum without adding extra years and costs to your education. Bottom line: start now! The nursing program at San Diego State University is a 3 year program. There are accelerated BSN programs that have a variety of entry requirements: https://hpa.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk4121/files/inline-files/ABSN%20Programs%20in%20California%20Rev.11.28.pdf
Here is an example of such a program: http://nursing.fullerton.edu/programs/acceleratedbsn/index.php
If you elect to earn your BS in biology, most accelerated BSN programs would entail an additional 2 years of education.
As you are on the pathway towards your Bachelor's degree, please continue on. Having a Bachelor's of science in nursing is an extremely smart career move. You can start practicing immediately in the acute care (hospital) setting once you pass the state board exam.
You may be aware that San Diego State University has a nursing program. Here is the information for transfer students: https://nursing.sdsu.edu/programs/bs-in-nursing/admissions/transfer-students/
To become familiar with the field of nursing, here are a few suggestions:
1. Volunteer at a local hospital, nursing home, or your local Red Cross. Here is a listing of possibilities in your area: https://health.ucsd.edu/about/volunteer/Pages/opportunities.aspx
2. Read: there are many novels written by nurses that give great insight into what happens clinically. Here is an example: Wasn't Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind
3. Watch the news: nurses are in the headlines right now as first line personnel during the Covid19 crisis. ICU nurses are dealing with an unknown pathogen that has an incredible array of human responses. I believe you can take some time browsing the internet for this information. Here is a sample: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/28/nurses-caring-covid-19-patients-ventilators-tell-what-its-like/2925359001/
4. There is a show called "Call the Midwife" based on the true stories of home nurses that delivered babies shortly after WWII in England. Although the program is steeped in the drama of their lives, it does demonstrate the reality of what talented midwives can do in real life. Without a doubt, it is a romanticised view, but the author of the books was a real midwife during that time period.
5. Learn about nursing from nurses! Here are some helpful links:
https://explorehealthcareers.org/field/nursing/
https://nurse.org/resources/
https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-really-like-to-be-a-nurse-2018-4#the-shifts-are-demanding-but-schedules-can-vary-1
https://nurse.org/articles/things-to-know-before-becoming-a-nurse/
https://www.nursingworld.org/
I worked in the clinical arena for over 30 years as an oncology (cancer) research nurse. I ultimately earned my MSN which allowed me to promote to the top of my career ladder. I was responsible for over 40 clinical trials , 10 staff, and at least 50 human subjects at any one time undergoing phase I, II, III clinical trials for breast, pancreatic, liver, and other solid tumors. I had great jobs in great institutions. My salary allowed me to raise my kids and purchase my own home. I could talk to you for hours!
I am extremely happy that you, someone who loves science, wants to enter the field of nursing. You will be challenged and learn something about biology, nursing, psychology, molecular biology as a working nurse.
I wish you all the best and please let us know if you need any further information.
(Please copy and paste the URLs into the web browser)
Best,
Sue
1. Speak to your academic advisor at UCSD immediately. Make sure you are enrolled in classes that are transferable.
2. Identify and investigate potential nursing schools. Make sure you know what is required for entrance and the perfect time to transfer.
3. Learn about nursing from nurses. Please review the resources provided above.
This is Sue and I am a retired registered nurse. I would begin to work immediately with your advisor and let them know that you would like to enter the nursing field. Many nursing programs are extremely competitive and limit the number of students selected. You need to get into nursing school in order to ensure you can complete the entire curriculum without adding extra years and costs to your education. Bottom line: start now! The nursing program at San Diego State University is a 3 year program. There are accelerated BSN programs that have a variety of entry requirements: https://hpa.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk4121/files/inline-files/ABSN%20Programs%20in%20California%20Rev.11.28.pdf
Here is an example of such a program: http://nursing.fullerton.edu/programs/acceleratedbsn/index.php
If you elect to earn your BS in biology, most accelerated BSN programs would entail an additional 2 years of education.
As you are on the pathway towards your Bachelor's degree, please continue on. Having a Bachelor's of science in nursing is an extremely smart career move. You can start practicing immediately in the acute care (hospital) setting once you pass the state board exam.
You may be aware that San Diego State University has a nursing program. Here is the information for transfer students: https://nursing.sdsu.edu/programs/bs-in-nursing/admissions/transfer-students/
To become familiar with the field of nursing, here are a few suggestions:
1. Volunteer at a local hospital, nursing home, or your local Red Cross. Here is a listing of possibilities in your area: https://health.ucsd.edu/about/volunteer/Pages/opportunities.aspx
2. Read: there are many novels written by nurses that give great insight into what happens clinically. Here is an example: Wasn't Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind
3. Watch the news: nurses are in the headlines right now as first line personnel during the Covid19 crisis. ICU nurses are dealing with an unknown pathogen that has an incredible array of human responses. I believe you can take some time browsing the internet for this information. Here is a sample: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/28/nurses-caring-covid-19-patients-ventilators-tell-what-its-like/2925359001/
4. There is a show called "Call the Midwife" based on the true stories of home nurses that delivered babies shortly after WWII in England. Although the program is steeped in the drama of their lives, it does demonstrate the reality of what talented midwives can do in real life. Without a doubt, it is a romanticised view, but the author of the books was a real midwife during that time period.
5. Learn about nursing from nurses! Here are some helpful links:
https://explorehealthcareers.org/field/nursing/
https://nurse.org/resources/
https://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-really-like-to-be-a-nurse-2018-4#the-shifts-are-demanding-but-schedules-can-vary-1
https://nurse.org/articles/things-to-know-before-becoming-a-nurse/
https://www.nursingworld.org/
I worked in the clinical arena for over 30 years as an oncology (cancer) research nurse. I ultimately earned my MSN which allowed me to promote to the top of my career ladder. I was responsible for over 40 clinical trials , 10 staff, and at least 50 human subjects at any one time undergoing phase I, II, III clinical trials for breast, pancreatic, liver, and other solid tumors. I had great jobs in great institutions. My salary allowed me to raise my kids and purchase my own home. I could talk to you for hours!
I am extremely happy that you, someone who loves science, wants to enter the field of nursing. You will be challenged and learn something about biology, nursing, psychology, molecular biology as a working nurse.
I wish you all the best and please let us know if you need any further information.
(Please copy and paste the URLs into the web browser)
Best,
Sue
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Hanleigh’s Answer
I would recommend speaking with your academic advisor about the best route to take. I would recommend transferring simply because it saves time to complete your BS in nursing in 4 years as opposed to completing your BS in something else and finishing nursing school later. You definitely want to consider how easily transferrable your credits would be. I would also recommend getting hands-on experience related to nursing because you want to make sure you are interested in nursing before you transfer if that is what you decide to do.
Updated
Yolonda’s Answer
I would recommend checking out this video:
https://youtu.be/cQw0sYG4E2Q
Also, since you are a freshman then yes your best bet is to transfer and try to get into a nursing program as soon as possible. There are accelerated nursing programs but if you know you want to do nursing it’s best to do it now.
https://youtu.be/cQw0sYG4E2Q
Also, since you are a freshman then yes your best bet is to transfer and try to get into a nursing program as soon as possible. There are accelerated nursing programs but if you know you want to do nursing it’s best to do it now.
Updated
Kenton’s Answer
If you are sure that nursing is where you want to be, I would definitely transfer to another school where you can obtain your B.S. in Nursing directly, By doing that you will not only save time, but major $ as well since you will be spending all that time, $, and energy to obtain the B.S. in Biology but you'll still have to get your B.S. in Nursing afterwards, so the B.S. degree in Biology will essentially be a waste of time.
Updated
AJ’s Answer
Greetings Nayeli L.,
Congratulations on your freshmen year. To answer your question, you could complete all of your core courses at your current school and transfer your credits the summer before your junior semester begins to the school of your choice. You will need to ensure that your credits are transferable. Academic Advisors and school recruiters have access to databases that can tell you specifically if a credit will transfer to a desired school. This option will save you time and money.
I have provided a few links below, of what you should look for during your research. I also recommend searching Word Press and Youtube for first had experience and blog posts by healthcare professionals.
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/programs/
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/programs/college-of-nursing-curriculum.php
Pick 3 to 5 nursing programs to select from
Review each of the course and program requirements.
Set an appointment with your academic advior or the school's recruitment team.
Congratulations on your freshmen year. To answer your question, you could complete all of your core courses at your current school and transfer your credits the summer before your junior semester begins to the school of your choice. You will need to ensure that your credits are transferable. Academic Advisors and school recruiters have access to databases that can tell you specifically if a credit will transfer to a desired school. This option will save you time and money.
I have provided a few links below, of what you should look for during your research. I also recommend searching Word Press and Youtube for first had experience and blog posts by healthcare professionals.
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/programs/
https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/nursing-and-health-sciences/programs/college-of-nursing-curriculum.php
AJ recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Hello Nayeli,
If you are interested in nursing and want to attend another college that has a BSN program, you may want to consider contacting the school's counselor or other personnel responsible for course transfer credits to ensure that these credits will be accepted; there are times even if a student takes a very similar course from another school and wants to transfer credits, the receiving school still may not accept the credits of the same course that both schools have; therefore, contacting more than one school may be necessary before credits can be transferred; however, another option that you may want to consider is to contact the receiving school whether it would accept your biology degree once it is completed to be used as transfer credits; you may consider recommending others in your circle to do the same; good luck to you on finding a school that can transfer credits towards your nursing degree.
If you are interested in nursing and want to attend another college that has a BSN program, you may want to consider contacting the school's counselor or other personnel responsible for course transfer credits to ensure that these credits will be accepted; there are times even if a student takes a very similar course from another school and wants to transfer credits, the receiving school still may not accept the credits of the same course that both schools have; therefore, contacting more than one school may be necessary before credits can be transferred; however, another option that you may want to consider is to contact the receiving school whether it would accept your biology degree once it is completed to be used as transfer credits; you may consider recommending others in your circle to do the same; good luck to you on finding a school that can transfer credits towards your nursing degree.