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How to become a nurse in psychology field
I was wondering if there is any way I can work in the nursing field but majoring in psychology once I enter college? And if there is what are the steps to take and how long would it take?
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Megan’s Answer
Hello Claudia,
I can completely relate to your curiosity and interest in both Psychology and Nursing, as I was in a similar position when I was younger. I understand the appeal of both fields and the desire to combine them. However, to answer your question - can you work in the nursing sector while majoring in Psychology in college? The straightforward answer is, unfortunately, no.
To pursue a career in nursing, it's essential that you enroll in and successfully complete an accredited nursing program. This is because nursing, like any other profession that requires a license, mandates certain specific courses. These courses are crucial as they prepare you for the nursing board exam, which you must pass to become a licensed nurse.
However, there's a silver lining. As part of the nursing program, you'll be required to take at least one Psychology course. Additionally, there's a mandatory Psychiatric Nurse class and clinical component within the nursing curriculum.
Upon graduation, you could consider working in a psychiatric hospital, where you'll be interacting with psychiatric patients regularly. This role involves a variety of tasks such as ensuring patients take their medications, educating both patients and their families about the disease, ensuring a safe environment for patients, and even leading group therapy sessions under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and Psychologist. In such a role, you'll definitely be recognized as a mental health professional.
However, if your ultimate goal is to become a therapist, providing verbal talk therapy to patients, this would typically require a doctorate degree in Psychology. With this degree, you could open your own practice and bill insurance for your services.
I hope this clarifies your query. Remember, the path may seem long, but the journey is worth it. Best of luck with whatever path you choose to follow!
I can completely relate to your curiosity and interest in both Psychology and Nursing, as I was in a similar position when I was younger. I understand the appeal of both fields and the desire to combine them. However, to answer your question - can you work in the nursing sector while majoring in Psychology in college? The straightforward answer is, unfortunately, no.
To pursue a career in nursing, it's essential that you enroll in and successfully complete an accredited nursing program. This is because nursing, like any other profession that requires a license, mandates certain specific courses. These courses are crucial as they prepare you for the nursing board exam, which you must pass to become a licensed nurse.
However, there's a silver lining. As part of the nursing program, you'll be required to take at least one Psychology course. Additionally, there's a mandatory Psychiatric Nurse class and clinical component within the nursing curriculum.
Upon graduation, you could consider working in a psychiatric hospital, where you'll be interacting with psychiatric patients regularly. This role involves a variety of tasks such as ensuring patients take their medications, educating both patients and their families about the disease, ensuring a safe environment for patients, and even leading group therapy sessions under the supervision of a Psychiatrist and Psychologist. In such a role, you'll definitely be recognized as a mental health professional.
However, if your ultimate goal is to become a therapist, providing verbal talk therapy to patients, this would typically require a doctorate degree in Psychology. With this degree, you could open your own practice and bill insurance for your services.
I hope this clarifies your query. Remember, the path may seem long, but the journey is worth it. Best of luck with whatever path you choose to follow!
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Part of the nursing program includes most psychology courses. I also took gerontology and adolescent Psych. You need to have at least a year of hospital work under your belt to branch out. One local hospital had a Graduate nurse program which takes you through all the aspects of the different units. So you can get a feel of what interests you. It was the best thing I could have done. Make sure the hospital has a Psych unit though. It is usually a locked unit. I like psychology, but not the locked unit. My friend was a Psych nurse for over 40 years. But she still had to put in her time on other units. I hope this helps
Updated
Alysia’s Answer
Yes! Psychology and nursing have a lot of cross-over topics. If your school has an option such as pre-med, I would add that. Otherwise, take the science classes that are required to get into med school and any other classes that might help (i.e., pharmacology, health services, etc.). Psychology is great in combination with nursing as it gives you the background on mental health disorders, neuroscience, and patient care. Additionally, there may be psychology classes related to health psychology that are available to you!
Being a pre med major would not lend any benefit if the desired outcome is becoming a nurse or a psychologist and would add a significant amount of time and unnecessary courses.
Megan Jackson BSN, RN
Updated
Dr. Danita’s Answer
Nursing encompasses a wide range of specialties, including Information Technology (IT), Psychology, and Operating Room (OR) nursing. To embark on a nursing career, you first need to earn a nursing degree from a college. After graduation, you can apply to various specialties, but only after passing your nursing boards to secure your nursing license. As a nursing student, you may not get exposed to all these specialties, but you'll gain experience in them post-graduation.
Certain specialties, like IT (also known as informatics), necessitate a master's degree. For other specialties, you can start working and optionally earn a certification in your chosen field, which acknowledges your expertise in that specialty. You also have the option to further your education and become a nurse practitioner (NP), with a certification specifically in Psychology.
Alternatively, you can pursue a degree in Psychology independently, without obtaining a nursing degree.
Determine if you want to be a nurse or just major in Psychology
Search the internet for Psychology and what jobs are related to a Psychology degree
Search the internet for Nursing and Psychology to determine what areas you can work in as a nurse
Research Nursing Programs and Psychology to review the courses related to the degree
Certain specialties, like IT (also known as informatics), necessitate a master's degree. For other specialties, you can start working and optionally earn a certification in your chosen field, which acknowledges your expertise in that specialty. You also have the option to further your education and become a nurse practitioner (NP), with a certification specifically in Psychology.
Alternatively, you can pursue a degree in Psychology independently, without obtaining a nursing degree.
Dr. Danita recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Claudia!
How to Become a Nurse in the Psychology Field
To pursue a career as a nurse with a focus on psychology, you can follow a structured pathway that combines nursing education with psychological principles. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Understand the Roles
First, it is essential to understand the different roles within nursing and psychology. Nurses can work in various settings, including mental health facilities, hospitals, and community health organizations. A psychiatric nurse specializes in caring for patients with mental health issues, which directly ties into psychology.
Step 2: Choose an Educational Pathway
You have several options when it comes to your educational pathway:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is typically a four-year degree that provides comprehensive training in nursing practices along with some coursework related to psychology.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This two-year program allows you to become a registered nurse (RN) but may not offer as much depth in psychology-related courses.
Psychology Major: If you are particularly interested in psychology, you might consider majoring in psychology while also taking prerequisite courses for nursing school.
Dual Degree Programs: Some universities offer dual degree programs where you can earn both a BSN and a degree in psychology or related fields.
Step 3: Complete Prerequisites
Regardless of the path you choose, ensure that you complete any required prerequisites for nursing school. Common prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics. If you’re majoring in psychology first, make sure to take these courses alongside your major requirements.
Step 4: Apply to Nursing School
Once you’ve completed your undergraduate studies or prerequisites, apply to an accredited nursing program. Admission can be competitive; therefore, maintaining good grades and gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work will be beneficial.
Step 5: Obtain Your Nursing License
After completing your nursing program (BSN or ADN), you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
Step 6: Gain Experience in Mental Health Nursing
Once licensed as an RN, seek positions specifically within mental health settings such as psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community mental health organizations. Gaining experience here will deepen your understanding of psychological principles as they apply to patient care.
Step 7: Consider Further Education or Certification
If you want to specialize further within the field of psychiatric nursing or enhance your qualifications:
Pursue Advanced Practice Roles: Consider obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Certification: You may also pursue certification from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Duration of the Process
The entire process can take anywhere from four years (if pursuing a BSN directly after high school) to six years or more if you choose additional education and certifications. Here’s how it breaks down:
BSN Program Duration: Approximately 4 years
ADN Program Duration: Approximately 2 years + additional time for BSN if desired
Master’s Program Duration (if pursued): Approximately 2 years
In summary, combining nursing with psychology is entirely feasible through careful planning of your educational trajectory and gaining relevant experience.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Nurses Association (ANA) - Provides guidelines and resources regarding nursing education and practice standards.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - Offers information about licensure requirements and examinations for nurses across the United States.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) - Focuses on advancing psychiatric-mental health nursing through education and advocacy efforts tailored towards mental health professionals.
God Bless!
JC.
How to Become a Nurse in the Psychology Field
To pursue a career as a nurse with a focus on psychology, you can follow a structured pathway that combines nursing education with psychological principles. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Understand the Roles
First, it is essential to understand the different roles within nursing and psychology. Nurses can work in various settings, including mental health facilities, hospitals, and community health organizations. A psychiatric nurse specializes in caring for patients with mental health issues, which directly ties into psychology.
Step 2: Choose an Educational Pathway
You have several options when it comes to your educational pathway:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is typically a four-year degree that provides comprehensive training in nursing practices along with some coursework related to psychology.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This two-year program allows you to become a registered nurse (RN) but may not offer as much depth in psychology-related courses.
Psychology Major: If you are particularly interested in psychology, you might consider majoring in psychology while also taking prerequisite courses for nursing school.
Dual Degree Programs: Some universities offer dual degree programs where you can earn both a BSN and a degree in psychology or related fields.
Step 3: Complete Prerequisites
Regardless of the path you choose, ensure that you complete any required prerequisites for nursing school. Common prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics. If you’re majoring in psychology first, make sure to take these courses alongside your major requirements.
Step 4: Apply to Nursing School
Once you’ve completed your undergraduate studies or prerequisites, apply to an accredited nursing program. Admission can be competitive; therefore, maintaining good grades and gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer work will be beneficial.
Step 5: Obtain Your Nursing License
After completing your nursing program (BSN or ADN), you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
Step 6: Gain Experience in Mental Health Nursing
Once licensed as an RN, seek positions specifically within mental health settings such as psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community mental health organizations. Gaining experience here will deepen your understanding of psychological principles as they apply to patient care.
Step 7: Consider Further Education or Certification
If you want to specialize further within the field of psychiatric nursing or enhance your qualifications:
Pursue Advanced Practice Roles: Consider obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Certification: You may also pursue certification from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Duration of the Process
The entire process can take anywhere from four years (if pursuing a BSN directly after high school) to six years or more if you choose additional education and certifications. Here’s how it breaks down:
BSN Program Duration: Approximately 4 years
ADN Program Duration: Approximately 2 years + additional time for BSN if desired
Master’s Program Duration (if pursued): Approximately 2 years
In summary, combining nursing with psychology is entirely feasible through careful planning of your educational trajectory and gaining relevant experience.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Nurses Association (ANA) - Provides guidelines and resources regarding nursing education and practice standards.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - Offers information about licensure requirements and examinations for nurses across the United States.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) - Focuses on advancing psychiatric-mental health nursing through education and advocacy efforts tailored towards mental health professionals.
God Bless!
JC.
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Yes, you can work in the nursing field while majoring in psychology. Start by majoring in psychology during your undergraduate studies, as this will give you a solid understanding of mental health and human behavior. While studying, take relevant courses related to nursing and healthcare, such as biology and health psychology.
Gaining experience is important, so look for volunteer opportunities or internships in healthcare settings, especially in mental health facilities. After completing your bachelor’s in psychology, you can apply to an accelerated nursing program or a traditional nursing program. These nursing programs usually take two to four years, depending on whether you choose an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
After graduating from nursing school, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. If you're interested in specializing further in psychology, consider pursuing a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing. By following these steps, you can effectively combine your interests in psychology and nursing, making a positive impact in the mental health field.
Gaining experience is important, so look for volunteer opportunities or internships in healthcare settings, especially in mental health facilities. After completing your bachelor’s in psychology, you can apply to an accelerated nursing program or a traditional nursing program. These nursing programs usually take two to four years, depending on whether you choose an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
After graduating from nursing school, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse. If you're interested in specializing further in psychology, consider pursuing a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing. By following these steps, you can effectively combine your interests in psychology and nursing, making a positive impact in the mental health field.
Updated
Anissa’s Answer
Dear Claudia,
I understand you're curious about the possibility of pursuing a career in nursing while also studying for a degree in psychology. There are indeed several pathways you can consider. A psychology degree can be classified under either Arts or Science, depending on your ultimate career goals. This could be an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or even a Doctorate/Philosophy degree.
On the other hand, a nursing degree is a Science degree. You can start working in the nursing field right away by acquiring a certification in your state and completing a 40-hour credit course to become a Certified Nurse Aide. With an extra 40-hour course, you can upgrade to a Certified Medication Aide. Many college students work in these roles while studying full time.
If your interest in psychology leans towards mental health, then a nursing degree in Science could be the right choice for you, leading to a career as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. Alternatively, there are roles such as Behavioral Health Tech or Psych Tech, which focus on helping people with mental health issues but don't require nursing qualifications. Many students studying psychology choose these roles. Another option is to become a Registered Behavioral Technician, working with cognitive behavioral therapy programs for individuals across all ages. Both psychology and nursing degrees can be beneficial in these roles, but it's worth noting that nurses typically earn more.
When deciding what to do with your psychology degree, consider the patient population you wish to serve. A Psychiatric Registered Nurse, for example, usually requires a Bachelor's degree, but this role is more focused on psychiatry, which is different from psychology. Psychiatry primarily involves diagnosing and treating disorders, including managing prescribed medications in the care plan.
Psychiatry deals with diagnoses such as Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Ideation, while psychology focuses more on behaviors, positive/negative reinforcement, and changing habits and thought patterns. Psychology also has broader applications, reaching into fields like marketing or criminal justice.
In summary, your choice between psychology and nursing, or a combination of both, will depend on your personal interests and the type of care you wish to provide.
I understand you're curious about the possibility of pursuing a career in nursing while also studying for a degree in psychology. There are indeed several pathways you can consider. A psychology degree can be classified under either Arts or Science, depending on your ultimate career goals. This could be an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or even a Doctorate/Philosophy degree.
On the other hand, a nursing degree is a Science degree. You can start working in the nursing field right away by acquiring a certification in your state and completing a 40-hour credit course to become a Certified Nurse Aide. With an extra 40-hour course, you can upgrade to a Certified Medication Aide. Many college students work in these roles while studying full time.
If your interest in psychology leans towards mental health, then a nursing degree in Science could be the right choice for you, leading to a career as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. Alternatively, there are roles such as Behavioral Health Tech or Psych Tech, which focus on helping people with mental health issues but don't require nursing qualifications. Many students studying psychology choose these roles. Another option is to become a Registered Behavioral Technician, working with cognitive behavioral therapy programs for individuals across all ages. Both psychology and nursing degrees can be beneficial in these roles, but it's worth noting that nurses typically earn more.
When deciding what to do with your psychology degree, consider the patient population you wish to serve. A Psychiatric Registered Nurse, for example, usually requires a Bachelor's degree, but this role is more focused on psychiatry, which is different from psychology. Psychiatry primarily involves diagnosing and treating disorders, including managing prescribed medications in the care plan.
Psychiatry deals with diagnoses such as Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Ideation, while psychology focuses more on behaviors, positive/negative reinforcement, and changing habits and thought patterns. Psychology also has broader applications, reaching into fields like marketing or criminal justice.
In summary, your choice between psychology and nursing, or a combination of both, will depend on your personal interests and the type of care you wish to provide.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Claudia !
Great question ! So here's how it goes.
To become a nurse you would enter college straight away to the Nursing Program. Do not worry, you will have a basic Psychology course along the way, but there is so much involved in becoming a nurse, you need to actually focus and follow a nursing program. Nurses work with a large deal of physical health, not psychological. In nursing school and when working as a nurse, you will attend many mental health oriented TRAININGS and IN-SERVICES. You would never be doing psychotherapy as a nurse. You would never be responsible for cognitive testing that psychologists do except for occasionally a quick orientation test on a patient that's there for a physical illness or injury.
With a degree in Psychology, you would never pass the State Licensing Board Exam to be a nurse, so one is not able to have a psychology degree and be a Nurse as you've asked.
A major or minor in Psychology would not be for Nursing and would be a distraction from your nursing program demands. There will be so many numerous trainings you'll have which will benefit and support your work as a nurse. Mental Health services or treatment is solely applied by mental health professionals. Nurses' jobs are very technical and interacting with the human body in a medical capacity. You may even have one or some psychology classes that would fulfill a general ed requirement or as an elective, but you'll need your Nursing Program as primary and priority and to focus on that and the human science courses you will need.
If you want to start college as a Psychology Major and go four years, I would advise that you consider a career in the mental health field. It's always best and useful to have a major geared to your future career. But wait, there's more. You may be wondering what your options are.
Okay, so you can go to a community college majoring in Psychology and obtain an Associates Degree in Psychology and then enter a two year nursing program (4 years duration). You can get a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (which will be intense and time consuming) and then go to a two year or four year nursing program (6 to 8 years duration). You can go straight to a nursing program, receive your Associates or Bachelors and start working and attend the mental health trainings offered by your employer and the community (2 to 4 years duration). So there are ways to work this, but really, to be honest, an intense major of psychology is not connected to nursing as nurses are under the AMA regulations and Psychologists are under the APA regulations and never the two shall meet.
Here's what will happen: as a nursing student you will learn the nuances of interacting with patients and will know their history and be aware of any of their current diagnosis. You will engage in asking questions of the patient to reveal any special conditions before you start your services for them in most cases. It depends on if they are unconscious or other things. So you are not going to feel foreign as a nurse if you hadn't had profound study of psychology. It will come up in nursing school. Your focus is the human body and being part of the team that focuses on physical illnesses and injuries.
Nurses who work in a Behavioral Health Unit are not mental health professionals and usually get their jobs because they have become aware of openings in their hospitals they already work in. A degree in Psychology would be sort of fruitless as a Nurse because you would not be allowed to do what mental health professionals do.
So, in conclusion, you would be dedicating time to studying something that is not on track if you want to be a nurse. My advice is to enroll in Nursing right away and start working and look forward to many, many trainings, conferences and In-Services that are geared towards Mental Health. Try not to overthink or anticipate this, but go with your decision based on being well-informed and you'll be headed in the right direction, making the best use of your time and well, money, too.
Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best !
Great question ! So here's how it goes.
To become a nurse you would enter college straight away to the Nursing Program. Do not worry, you will have a basic Psychology course along the way, but there is so much involved in becoming a nurse, you need to actually focus and follow a nursing program. Nurses work with a large deal of physical health, not psychological. In nursing school and when working as a nurse, you will attend many mental health oriented TRAININGS and IN-SERVICES. You would never be doing psychotherapy as a nurse. You would never be responsible for cognitive testing that psychologists do except for occasionally a quick orientation test on a patient that's there for a physical illness or injury.
With a degree in Psychology, you would never pass the State Licensing Board Exam to be a nurse, so one is not able to have a psychology degree and be a Nurse as you've asked.
A major or minor in Psychology would not be for Nursing and would be a distraction from your nursing program demands. There will be so many numerous trainings you'll have which will benefit and support your work as a nurse. Mental Health services or treatment is solely applied by mental health professionals. Nurses' jobs are very technical and interacting with the human body in a medical capacity. You may even have one or some psychology classes that would fulfill a general ed requirement or as an elective, but you'll need your Nursing Program as primary and priority and to focus on that and the human science courses you will need.
If you want to start college as a Psychology Major and go four years, I would advise that you consider a career in the mental health field. It's always best and useful to have a major geared to your future career. But wait, there's more. You may be wondering what your options are.
Okay, so you can go to a community college majoring in Psychology and obtain an Associates Degree in Psychology and then enter a two year nursing program (4 years duration). You can get a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (which will be intense and time consuming) and then go to a two year or four year nursing program (6 to 8 years duration). You can go straight to a nursing program, receive your Associates or Bachelors and start working and attend the mental health trainings offered by your employer and the community (2 to 4 years duration). So there are ways to work this, but really, to be honest, an intense major of psychology is not connected to nursing as nurses are under the AMA regulations and Psychologists are under the APA regulations and never the two shall meet.
Here's what will happen: as a nursing student you will learn the nuances of interacting with patients and will know their history and be aware of any of their current diagnosis. You will engage in asking questions of the patient to reveal any special conditions before you start your services for them in most cases. It depends on if they are unconscious or other things. So you are not going to feel foreign as a nurse if you hadn't had profound study of psychology. It will come up in nursing school. Your focus is the human body and being part of the team that focuses on physical illnesses and injuries.
Nurses who work in a Behavioral Health Unit are not mental health professionals and usually get their jobs because they have become aware of openings in their hospitals they already work in. A degree in Psychology would be sort of fruitless as a Nurse because you would not be allowed to do what mental health professionals do.
So, in conclusion, you would be dedicating time to studying something that is not on track if you want to be a nurse. My advice is to enroll in Nursing right away and start working and look forward to many, many trainings, conferences and In-Services that are geared towards Mental Health. Try not to overthink or anticipate this, but go with your decision based on being well-informed and you'll be headed in the right direction, making the best use of your time and well, money, too.
Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best !
To be fair, psychiatric nurses are most certainly considered mental health professionals and there are many free standing and unit based psychiatric hospitals whose only focus is mental health and they list their job openings just as any other unit typically does.
Megan Jackson BSN, RN
I am sorry that my information is incorrect. I stand corrected, however, in my region, nurses are nurses and behavioral health professionals deal with the psychiatric aspects of a patient. Nurses never do psychotherapy, group therapy or such in the geographical area in which I live. Thank you for correcting me, I appreciate it.
Michelle M.
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Hi Claudia,
You can work in psychology as a nurse without a psychology degree. For a nursing degree, a lot of schools have you take a couple psychology courses to graduate. To complete a minor in psychology, you may only have to take a couple more psychology classes to get the degree. So it may be worth it. However, it is not required to work on the psychology unit. I graduated with a psychology minor and it did not make a difference in finding jobs, the pay, or my skills as a nurse. So it was pretty pointless for me other than the fact I find psychology interesting.
Although you already know you want to go into psychology, nursing school will still be the same. You have to complete all the general education about each area in order to graduate. It may help to work on a psychology unit or outpatient center as a medical assistant in high school and college to gain experience. It also would likely make getting a job easier by having this experience. Some hospitals/clinics do not require any courses/licenses to work as a medical assistant, patient care tech, etc. It often depends on what state you work in. If they require a license. It may only take a couple days to weeks. When it comes to nursing school, that can vary from 2-4 years depending on the degree you get.
I hope this helps and best of luck in the future!
You can work in psychology as a nurse without a psychology degree. For a nursing degree, a lot of schools have you take a couple psychology courses to graduate. To complete a minor in psychology, you may only have to take a couple more psychology classes to get the degree. So it may be worth it. However, it is not required to work on the psychology unit. I graduated with a psychology minor and it did not make a difference in finding jobs, the pay, or my skills as a nurse. So it was pretty pointless for me other than the fact I find psychology interesting.
Although you already know you want to go into psychology, nursing school will still be the same. You have to complete all the general education about each area in order to graduate. It may help to work on a psychology unit or outpatient center as a medical assistant in high school and college to gain experience. It also would likely make getting a job easier by having this experience. Some hospitals/clinics do not require any courses/licenses to work as a medical assistant, patient care tech, etc. It often depends on what state you work in. If they require a license. It may only take a couple days to weeks. When it comes to nursing school, that can vary from 2-4 years depending on the degree you get.
I hope this helps and best of luck in the future!