4 answers
Italy
Student
Chandler, Arizona
5
Questions
Asked
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Am I still able to get a BSN even if I've already chosen a different major to get my bachelors degree in, or is it too late?
I've decided to aim to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner, but I chose psychology as my major and I am scared I cannot become a nurse because of this.
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4 answers
Char R.
Registered Nurse
67
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Italy,
First off, that's actually a really smart move to start with Psychology if you want to be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Many students don't think that far ahead! Second, you can get as many degrees as you want! There are several options you have:
If you haven't started college yet, you can switch your major to nursing now. It's not too late.
If you have already started college and completed a lot of courses already, you can finish your psychology degree, then go back to school afterwards to get your nursing degree.
If you have already started college, and have not completed very many courses yet, you can switch your major to nursing now. But talk to a counselor at your school first, because the courses you have already taken might not count in helping you get into the nursing program, so it could feel like a waste (more than likely it won't be waste though because the courses you take early on in your college journey are typically "general" courses, which apply to most majors/degrees).
Another option (if available at your school) is to major in Nursing and minor in Psychology. Here's a great article about choosing majors/minors in college if you want to be a nurse, and the benefits of doing it this way.
https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-studients-pick-minor/
Good luck!
First off, that's actually a really smart move to start with Psychology if you want to be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Many students don't think that far ahead! Second, you can get as many degrees as you want! There are several options you have:
If you haven't started college yet, you can switch your major to nursing now. It's not too late.
If you have already started college and completed a lot of courses already, you can finish your psychology degree, then go back to school afterwards to get your nursing degree.
If you have already started college, and have not completed very many courses yet, you can switch your major to nursing now. But talk to a counselor at your school first, because the courses you have already taken might not count in helping you get into the nursing program, so it could feel like a waste (more than likely it won't be waste though because the courses you take early on in your college journey are typically "general" courses, which apply to most majors/degrees).
Another option (if available at your school) is to major in Nursing and minor in Psychology. Here's a great article about choosing majors/minors in college if you want to be a nurse, and the benefits of doing it this way.
https://nursejournal.org/articles/nursing-studients-pick-minor/
Good luck!
Sarah Scales
Risk Manager
2
Answers
Oviedo, Florida
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
It's never too late to amend what you want to do. Sounds like both psychology and nursing will only benefit you in achieving your goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Set an appointment with your counselor, determine the best path to your goal!
Michael West
Corporate Trainer/Instructional Design
7
Answers
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
How far along are you in your degree? Depending upon how far you are, it might not be a good use of time right now to switch. However, most nursing programs require you to finish a core set of classes, and it might not be that difficult to switch.
Furthermore, it's never too late to try something else. I have a friend who, 5 years ago at the age of 48, left her job in business, and became a nurse practitioner.
Furthermore, it's never too late to try something else. I have a friend who, 5 years ago at the age of 48, left her job in business, and became a nurse practitioner.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Italy !
Before giving you advice on this question, please note that any and all procedures for changing majors or offered programs need to be ascertained by your college's admission counseling office or if not, they should refer you to the appropriate college staff for current and accurate information.
Firstly, let me assure you that it's nothing to be afraid of. People change majors all the time. One of my best friends changed her major three times ! People do it all the time. I will advise you to finish this semester before you switch over to nursing school. Complete what you have started for this semester. Find out when you should apply for nursing school or if your current college has a nursing program and you can stay there for the Nursing. You will need to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Than you will take the National Council Licensure Exam to be licensed as a nurse. Once you are licensed you can either start working as a nurse or go for your Masters degree. You will be expected to have worked as a nurse for at least two years or more to become a nurse practitioner.
You will worry less if you remember that colleges are there to serve you and your career goals, so there' really nothing to be afraid about. Nothing is wasted in education. The great thing about it all is that now you know exactly what you want to do and the best thing is to take the steps towards it as soon as possible. You wouldn't want to delay your career any more than you have to, so speak to the college staff and aim to change over to nursing in the Spring or as soon as doable. I think you've got this. Go for it !
Than you will enter an MSN/NP program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The next step is to become certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. After you become certified, than you can work as a Nurse Practitioner with mental health patients. Keep in mind that even when you are working on the job, there are numerous trainings and other presentations that you will attend, some in the mental health realm. You will always be learning and keeping updated.
I wish you all the best with all your discoveries in the nursing and mental health field. It certainly will be well worth it !
Before giving you advice on this question, please note that any and all procedures for changing majors or offered programs need to be ascertained by your college's admission counseling office or if not, they should refer you to the appropriate college staff for current and accurate information.
Firstly, let me assure you that it's nothing to be afraid of. People change majors all the time. One of my best friends changed her major three times ! People do it all the time. I will advise you to finish this semester before you switch over to nursing school. Complete what you have started for this semester. Find out when you should apply for nursing school or if your current college has a nursing program and you can stay there for the Nursing. You will need to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Than you will take the National Council Licensure Exam to be licensed as a nurse. Once you are licensed you can either start working as a nurse or go for your Masters degree. You will be expected to have worked as a nurse for at least two years or more to become a nurse practitioner.
You will worry less if you remember that colleges are there to serve you and your career goals, so there' really nothing to be afraid about. Nothing is wasted in education. The great thing about it all is that now you know exactly what you want to do and the best thing is to take the steps towards it as soon as possible. You wouldn't want to delay your career any more than you have to, so speak to the college staff and aim to change over to nursing in the Spring or as soon as doable. I think you've got this. Go for it !
Than you will enter an MSN/NP program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The next step is to become certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. After you become certified, than you can work as a Nurse Practitioner with mental health patients. Keep in mind that even when you are working on the job, there are numerous trainings and other presentations that you will attend, some in the mental health realm. You will always be learning and keeping updated.
I wish you all the best with all your discoveries in the nursing and mental health field. It certainly will be well worth it !