3 answers
Antoinette
Student
Moreno Valley, California
1
Question
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I'm a senior in high school and noticed too late that I wanted to get into nursing, but how can I pursue becoming a nurse as a student about to graduate high school?
I am currently a senior in high school. I've just recently become interested in nursing wanting to be an RN in Radiology. What do I do first after high school? What schools are recommended here in California should I apply too? Should I go straight into nursing school first or start off with a science major then go into nursing school? I want to obtain a BSN at the same time I also want to get into a Radiology Technology program but which one should come first? I don't have anyone really at home who could tell me about this so I really could use the help.
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3 answers
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
84
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
Once you graduate from high school, a world of opportunities in nursing awaits you. You can opt for a 2-year associate degree (ADN) or a 4-year bachelor's degree (BSN), both of which will prepare you to take the licensing exam and step into the rewarding role of a Registered Nurse (RN).
Your path to becoming an RN is largely shaped by your financial circumstances. If you're on the hunt for a fast, cost-effective route, the ADN program is your golden key. These programs are typically hosted by community colleges, which are significantly more affordable than private institutions. Plus, many states offer free tuition for a 2-year period at community colleges for recent graduates, so be sure to explore this possibility.
An ADN doesn't limit your clinical capabilities. With the current nursing shortage in the US, RNs are in high demand, which means you'll likely find job opportunities in diverse fields as long as you hold a valid license. While a BSN opens up additional opportunities, it comes with a higher price tag, especially if pursued through a private college, and it's not a compulsory requirement to start your career as an RN. Moreover, as a novice nurse, there's usually no difference in pay rates between an ADN and a BSN. If you embark on your journey with an ADN and later wish to elevate your education to a BSN for a leadership role, a research position, or to become a nurse practitioner, many employers offer tuition reimbursement.
Most specialty areas will want you to have some time in a general practice area like a medical surgical unit where you will continue to develop not only your skills like IV placement and medication administration, but most importantly your assessment skills. Sometimes, depending on the needs of a unit, they may overlook this initial period and hire a new graduate, but there is a sharp learning curve, and you will still need time to develop your skills and gain experience.
Here's to your success and a fulfilling journey ahead.
Your path to becoming an RN is largely shaped by your financial circumstances. If you're on the hunt for a fast, cost-effective route, the ADN program is your golden key. These programs are typically hosted by community colleges, which are significantly more affordable than private institutions. Plus, many states offer free tuition for a 2-year period at community colleges for recent graduates, so be sure to explore this possibility.
An ADN doesn't limit your clinical capabilities. With the current nursing shortage in the US, RNs are in high demand, which means you'll likely find job opportunities in diverse fields as long as you hold a valid license. While a BSN opens up additional opportunities, it comes with a higher price tag, especially if pursued through a private college, and it's not a compulsory requirement to start your career as an RN. Moreover, as a novice nurse, there's usually no difference in pay rates between an ADN and a BSN. If you embark on your journey with an ADN and later wish to elevate your education to a BSN for a leadership role, a research position, or to become a nurse practitioner, many employers offer tuition reimbursement.
Most specialty areas will want you to have some time in a general practice area like a medical surgical unit where you will continue to develop not only your skills like IV placement and medication administration, but most importantly your assessment skills. Sometimes, depending on the needs of a unit, they may overlook this initial period and hire a new graduate, but there is a sharp learning curve, and you will still need time to develop your skills and gain experience.
Here's to your success and a fulfilling journey ahead.
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
45
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
In general, the more education you have the more opportunities will be available to you for a career in any aspect of medicine. My suggestion is that you start by going to college to get your Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Although you are interested in radiology right now you may find that your interests change over time. With a BSN degree you will be well equipped to undertake any specialty in nursing. If your ultimate interest is in an area that requires additional study you will be well prepared for it, having completed college. And if necessary, you will be able to work if you need money for self support, tuition, or some other issue. In addition, nursing is an admirable career choice. It will offer you respect and appreciation in your daily social life. So I wish you the best, and suggest that you talk to your guidance counselor at school, and any nurses you may know about what college might be the best choice for you.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
47
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello
You may be past the deadline to apply directly to a 4-year university for a BSN program, but there is still time to pursue a career in nursing. As others have mentioned, there are multiple pathways to becoming an RN.
To begin your journey, I strongly advise reaching out to a college counselor at your school. They are there to guide and support you, and can provide a comprehensive list of community colleges where you can explore your options. Once you have this list, you can take the next step and schedule an appointment with a community college counselor.
Your next step would be to work with the community college counselor to create a 4-year plan. The counselor will guide you through the two paths available from the community college, helping you make an informed decision about your future.
One path leads to an ADN, where you would complete 2 years of engaging general coursework and strive to maintain an outstanding GPA above 3.5. Following this, you would then apply to the nursing department of the same community college or other community colleges. They will carefully review your overall GPA and science-specific class GPA. Remember that there may be a waiting list in some cases. Therefore, applying to multiple community colleges is strongly recommended to enhance your chances of admission to nursing schools.
One path leads to an ADN, where you would complete 2 years of engaging general coursework and strive to maintain an outstanding GPA above 3.5. Following this, you would then apply to the nursing department of the same community college or other community colleges. They will carefully review your overall GPA and science-specific class GPA. Remember that there may be a waiting list in some cases. Therefore, applying to multiple community colleges is strongly recommended to enhance your chances of admission to nursing schools.
The second path entails completing two years of general coursework and then transferring to a 4-year university. You would take upper-division courses at the university and then apply to the nursing department to obtain a BSN. Once again, admission is based on overall GPA and science GPA. Additionally, you may need to take a test to enter nursing school, such as the TEAS in California.
Your college counselor will provide guidance, so stay in touch with them to ensure you are on the right track.
You have got this!
PS
I did not address the question about radiology earlier since I am not familiar with that field.
To be clear, are you referring to a radiology technician, not a radiologist? It is important to speak with a community college counselor about radiology technician courses. I concur with one of the commenters—prioritizing nursing first and then exploring options in radiology within that field would be a wise decision. This approach would ensure financial stability and open opportunities to pursue other areas in the health field.
You may be past the deadline to apply directly to a 4-year university for a BSN program, but there is still time to pursue a career in nursing. As others have mentioned, there are multiple pathways to becoming an RN.
To begin your journey, I strongly advise reaching out to a college counselor at your school. They are there to guide and support you, and can provide a comprehensive list of community colleges where you can explore your options. Once you have this list, you can take the next step and schedule an appointment with a community college counselor.
Your next step would be to work with the community college counselor to create a 4-year plan. The counselor will guide you through the two paths available from the community college, helping you make an informed decision about your future.
One path leads to an ADN, where you would complete 2 years of engaging general coursework and strive to maintain an outstanding GPA above 3.5. Following this, you would then apply to the nursing department of the same community college or other community colleges. They will carefully review your overall GPA and science-specific class GPA. Remember that there may be a waiting list in some cases. Therefore, applying to multiple community colleges is strongly recommended to enhance your chances of admission to nursing schools.
One path leads to an ADN, where you would complete 2 years of engaging general coursework and strive to maintain an outstanding GPA above 3.5. Following this, you would then apply to the nursing department of the same community college or other community colleges. They will carefully review your overall GPA and science-specific class GPA. Remember that there may be a waiting list in some cases. Therefore, applying to multiple community colleges is strongly recommended to enhance your chances of admission to nursing schools.
The second path entails completing two years of general coursework and then transferring to a 4-year university. You would take upper-division courses at the university and then apply to the nursing department to obtain a BSN. Once again, admission is based on overall GPA and science GPA. Additionally, you may need to take a test to enter nursing school, such as the TEAS in California.
Your college counselor will provide guidance, so stay in touch with them to ensure you are on the right track.
You have got this!
PS
I did not address the question about radiology earlier since I am not familiar with that field.
To be clear, are you referring to a radiology technician, not a radiologist? It is important to speak with a community college counselor about radiology technician courses. I concur with one of the commenters—prioritizing nursing first and then exploring options in radiology within that field would be a wise decision. This approach would ensure financial stability and open opportunities to pursue other areas in the health field.