As of right now, I am in my second semester at a community college wanting to pursue a career in nursing. I know that nursing schools are extremely impacted and have heard many stories about not being accepted into a program until the 3rd try. I’m really scared that I’m not going to be able to get into any California nursing programs. With my end goal being a master’s degree, someone brought to my attention that I would be able to get a BS in psych and then apply to an entry level msn program. Is this worth it or realistic? I would have to change the classes I’m taking due to the differences in pre reqs for psych and nursing. Should I just take the chance of not getting into a nursing program next year or should I change my major and TAG to a school for psych instead and then apply to graduate school?
You would need to take all the science and other prerequisites as part of you undergrad program.
Meaning that if I pursue a degree in psych I would have to finish the prereqs for the msn program at the same time?
There’s one in Ohio that I am aware of. You have to complete the science prereqs, the ADN course work and sit for the state boards the first year (should take 2), then a year of the BSN courses (again, should take 2) 2 years to finish a Mater’s. . 4 years, at the Master’s Degree price ($600 a credit I believe). No way to work during it.
Here is an example of one such program:
http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/nursing/programs/direct-entry-nursing-ms/
The Direct Entry MSN degrees are being phased out in some areas of the country, so it could be a bit difficult for you to find a program near you in comparison to the past.
These programs are years long, and each program is different (do they offer a BSN halfway through or not, when you sit for the NCLEX, are you required to work during it, etc.). From what I read in this post from 2009 (http://allnurses.com/nursing-educators-faculty/entry-into-practice-419939.html), it seemed like some schools better prepare you for clinical practice than others. I’m specifically talking about the one where students couldn’t sit for the NCLEX until after starting their MSN program because of a lack of clinical hours. My advice to you would be to do your research before applying, to avoid schools like that!
And remember, you can always transfer to a 4 year college in psych while applying for BSN/ADN programs and if that doesn’t work out apply for MSN. Personally I would try for BSN or ADN because they are more consistent with their preparations, but if you research enough there may still be some good MSN programs open. I know in my state (NC) they have all stopped admitting students around 2012, but I have no clue if that is true for California. By the time you graduate with a BA, there may not be as many programs still enrolling if they are experiencing a similar shift.