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How do I become a registered nurse? I am currently a junior in highschool and confused about what I should major in and the difference between pre-nursing and nursing school. I am also already enrolled in several AP classes.?
I am a junior in high school, taking ap biology, ap psychology, and ap calculus
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Hetal’s Answer
To become a registered nurse, you’ll first finish high school and focus on strong subjects like biology, chemistry, and math, your AP classes will help here. In college, you don’t need to major in “pre-nursing”; that just means you’re completing the prerequisite courses such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology before applying to nursing school. You can then apply to either a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program or an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program, both of which prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam makes you a licensed registered nurse. Simply put, pre-nursing is about meeting requirements, while nursing school is where you get the actual hands-on training to become an RN.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
First here is a few great links. It varies depending on State. I think reviewing the links will provide answers to your questions.
https://www.allnursingschools.com/how-to-become-a-nurse/pennsylvania/
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/how-to-become-a-nurse/
https://www.allnursingschools.com/how-to-become-a-nurse/pennsylvania/
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/how-to-become-a-nurse/
Thank you so much!
Ellie
Updated
DRON’s Answer
As a high school junior already tackling AP courses, you're on a great path! Consider applying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program after graduation. You'll begin with pre-nursing classes, advance to clinical nursing courses, and then take the NCLEX to become a licensed RN.
For more guidance, check out the link below. It can provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions. Keep up the great work!
https://chatgpt.com/s/t_68de17969fd48191ab93f938466f0383
For more guidance, check out the link below. It can provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions. Keep up the great work!
DRON recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Hello Ellie,
If you have a school, you have targeted to get your BSRN your wisest move would be to get a list of prerequisites needed for smooth transition into their program post-graduation from High School. That way, you can avoid having to take remedial classes to catch up to the actual program once enrolled. The list Char included in her answer is very comprehensive and well thought out. Good luck to you in your quest!
Nursing is an excellent career. I applaud your choice!
If you have a school, you have targeted to get your BSRN your wisest move would be to get a list of prerequisites needed for smooth transition into their program post-graduation from High School. That way, you can avoid having to take remedial classes to catch up to the actual program once enrolled. The list Char included in her answer is very comprehensive and well thought out. Good luck to you in your quest!
Nursing is an excellent career. I applaud your choice!
Thank you for the advice, Diane.
Ellie
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Ellie,
Becoming a nurse starts with enrolling in pre-requisite courses in college. This basically means courses you have to take before you can even apply to a nursing program. Examples include:
1. Anatomy
2. Physiology
3. Chemistry
4. Psychology
5. Statistics
You can earn either an Associates degree (takes 2 years) or Bachelors degree (takes 4 years) to become an RN. Nurses with Bachelors degrees get paid more and have better job opportunities.
Once you finish your pre-requisite courses (takes about 1 year), you can apply for the actual nursing program at your college. This is where you'll take actual nursing courses and train at hospitals with your professors. After you graduate, you'll need to pass a state exam (the NCLEX), then you can apply for an RN license through your state.
As far as choosing a major, it really depends on the school you'll attend and how they list your major. The primary difference between a "Nursing" versus "Pre-nursing" major is the courses you are taking at that particular time. If you take your pre-requisite courses at the same college you take your nursing courses, your major is likely going to be "Nursing." Back when I was in school, my major was "Pre-nursing" because the first college I attended did not have a nursing program. I took my pre-requisite courses there then transferred to another college to attend their nursing program. At that point, my major changed to "Nursing." But as mentioned, it really all depends on how your college is set up.
It's great you're enrolled in AP courses. They will definitely prepare you for the college version. I took an AP course in high school and it actually seemed harder than college courses!
Good luck!
Becoming a nurse starts with enrolling in pre-requisite courses in college. This basically means courses you have to take before you can even apply to a nursing program. Examples include:
1. Anatomy
2. Physiology
3. Chemistry
4. Psychology
5. Statistics
You can earn either an Associates degree (takes 2 years) or Bachelors degree (takes 4 years) to become an RN. Nurses with Bachelors degrees get paid more and have better job opportunities.
Once you finish your pre-requisite courses (takes about 1 year), you can apply for the actual nursing program at your college. This is where you'll take actual nursing courses and train at hospitals with your professors. After you graduate, you'll need to pass a state exam (the NCLEX), then you can apply for an RN license through your state.
As far as choosing a major, it really depends on the school you'll attend and how they list your major. The primary difference between a "Nursing" versus "Pre-nursing" major is the courses you are taking at that particular time. If you take your pre-requisite courses at the same college you take your nursing courses, your major is likely going to be "Nursing." Back when I was in school, my major was "Pre-nursing" because the first college I attended did not have a nursing program. I took my pre-requisite courses there then transferred to another college to attend their nursing program. At that point, my major changed to "Nursing." But as mentioned, it really all depends on how your college is set up.
It's great you're enrolled in AP courses. They will definitely prepare you for the college version. I took an AP course in high school and it actually seemed harder than college courses!
Good luck!
Thank you for the advice, Char.
Ellie
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ellie,
To become a registered nurse in California, you need to earn at least an associates degree (ADN), but most employers prefer a bachelors degree (BSN). If you start out as an ADN, you can transition from ADN to BSN through bridging programs. To be licensed in CA, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your license. Next, you can apply for nursing jobs and gain experience.
There are many different nursing programs in the bay area as well as further away in California. You need to look through them and consider what they have to offer and what suits you best. When you have found some programs that suit you, look for the admission requirements. Usually, there are some pre-requisite courses listed that you need to take before you apply to the nursing program, e.g.: https://www.sjsu.edu/nursing/bsn/bsn-admissions.php. At some colleges that would be called pre-nursing. But basically, you can just take the courses somewhere.
If you are able to take dual enrollment courses at a Community College while you are still in high-school, you could get some of those out of the way. Just make sure they fulfill the requirements for admission to the nursing school you want to attend. Look for the information sessions at nursing schools you are interested in for detailed program information.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.rn.ca.gov/careers/steps.shtml
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-nurse-in-california
https://www.registerednursing.org/schools/san-jose-ca/
To become a registered nurse in California, you need to earn at least an associates degree (ADN), but most employers prefer a bachelors degree (BSN). If you start out as an ADN, you can transition from ADN to BSN through bridging programs. To be licensed in CA, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your license. Next, you can apply for nursing jobs and gain experience.
There are many different nursing programs in the bay area as well as further away in California. You need to look through them and consider what they have to offer and what suits you best. When you have found some programs that suit you, look for the admission requirements. Usually, there are some pre-requisite courses listed that you need to take before you apply to the nursing program, e.g.: https://www.sjsu.edu/nursing/bsn/bsn-admissions.php. At some colleges that would be called pre-nursing. But basically, you can just take the courses somewhere.
If you are able to take dual enrollment courses at a Community College while you are still in high-school, you could get some of those out of the way. Just make sure they fulfill the requirements for admission to the nursing school you want to attend. Look for the information sessions at nursing schools you are interested in for detailed program information.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
To become a nurse, having more science classes will help you understand nursing courses better. Check if your school offers classes to become a CNA, as many states now need this certification before you can apply to nursing school. It's a good idea to contact the university or college you want to attend to learn about their nursing school requirements.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Hello,
I would find out what the college credit requirements are for an RN and get as many of those credits completed, while you are still in high school through dual credit or AP classes.
I would find out what the college credit requirements are for an RN and get as many of those credits completed, while you are still in high school through dual credit or AP classes.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Ellie
The answers above are great answers! You could also check with your guidance counselor regarding classes to take while still in high school. I know AP, chemistry, biology and algebra are a good start. Have you looked at schools yet? If not, make an appointment with the nurse recruiter there, they can give you exactly what you need. You may want to check into taking a CNA class and working as an aid. I know in NE its mandatory to work as a CNA prior to becoming a nurse. I hope this helps. Good luck!!
Joyce Melotz