RN Programs Are Highly Impacted, Be Prepared..

RN Programs, Be prepared

Since nursing is one of the fastest growing careers in the U.S., it is difficult to get into RN programs. To help you better your chances for enrollment, here are a few things to think about when you get ready to apply.

1. Apply early. Many schools have an early admission deadline. Find out when your school’s RN program deadline is and make sure you have everything in by the deadline. This increases your chances of being accepted into an RN program.
2. Have your prerequisites completed. Depending on which RN program you are applying for, it is important that you meet the criteria required for acceptance. You will automatically be denied if you do not have these classes completed with the minimum grade required by your program. These programs are highly competitive so it is of the utmost importance that you get an A in your anatomy and physiology, and your Microbiology. Some schools accept students via raffle, but you need to have very high grades for the 4 year university nursing programs.
3. Be honest on your application. Answer any and all questions truthfully and completely so that are on your application so it is not thrown out.
4. Get your transcripts in on time. Transcripts have to be sent from the schools in which they are coming from, whether it is a previous college or high school. This can take several weeks. Your application will be thrown out if your transcripts are not in by the deadline.
5. Have any needed certifications taken care of prior to applying. Many RN programs require that students have certifications in first aid and CPR. If you are a paramedic or LPN and you are doing a shortened course you are going to be required to have all of your licenses up to date.
6. Get experience, Volunteer, become a CNA or LPN or Paramedic, Not only will the programs like that you are already adept at working with patients, these skills will make you 10x more efficient and prepared in nursing school.
7. Learn a second language, I know it sucks, but Nursing programs LOVE bilingual students since biligual nurses are so useful and in demand.

There are several ways to achieve becoming an RN through different types of RN programs. One type of RN program is an AND (Associate Degree Nursing). If you want to become a nurse, but do not wish to spend four years working on your degree, an ADN is something worth considering. You can earn your ADN at a junior college or vocational school in about two years. The great part about this RN program is that you have a degree after these two years and you are a certified RN.

Another type of RN program is a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Many healthcare facilities will want you to have this type of degree if you wish to advance in your nursing career. A BSN can be completed in four years at a university.

If you already have your ADN and you wish to further your career, you might look into an RN to BSN program. This can be completed at a university in about two years either in the classroom or online. If you are pressed for time or just would like to complete it sooner, some universities will offer an accelerated program. This type of RN program helps you graduate in as little as 18 months by offering the same courses in 8 weeks.

If you have your BSN and wish to advance to an MSN, (Master of Science in Nursing) it can be done through a university either in the classroom or online. This takes about two years. Many universities also have accelerated programs for a BSN to MSN.