Entering the nursing field after obtaining a degree in another subject is possible. There are degree programs, like the ABSN, or Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, and the Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing, ELMSN, that allow students to switch careers.
Both degrees allow hopefuls to train to become a registered nurse after completing the program and passing the NCLEX. Each program is quite different however.
Accelerated BSN or Entry Level MSN?
ABSN programs are designed for potentials who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-healthcare related subject. Students working towards the degree do so in a shorter period of time, since they already have completed the general education requirements of a standard four-year degree program.
Enrolling in an ABSN program allows hopefuls to only take the courses needed to become a nurse, so it takes less time than a standard bachelor’s degree.
Another option, students with a bachelor’s degree may enroll in an ELMSN program to earn a master’s degree in nursing. Designed to prepare students for the NCLEX and a career as an RN, the program provides graduates with a higher degree to enter the field with.
Additional opportunities in healthcare often come with advanced degrees.
Program Length
ABSN Length
Since learners already have college degrees, those in an ABSN program take only the necessary courses to become nurses. Because of this, learners can earn an ABSN in around two years.
The combination of lab work, clinicals, and classroom lectures focus solely on nursing as a profession. Students graduate ready to take the NCLEX.
ELMSN Length
A standard ELMSN program, which could take place either partially online or entirely in person, lasts for 20 months or more, depending on the school. During this time, students take a mix of general and specialized nursing classes, as well as in-person clinicals.
As with the ABSN, learners prepare to pass the NCLEX through the coursework.
Program Costs
In total, an ABSN degree costs around $40,000, although some schools have a higher tuition price, changing close to or over $70,000.
In addition, some ABSN programs are priced per credit hour, with a tuition fee that varies from $350 to around $600 for a single credit hour. Factors like the school and its general tuition costs, as well as the students out of state or in state status play a role in the price.
Extra fees for ABSN students include uniforms, lab fees, books, and clinical costs.
An advanced degree in the field, the average price for an ELMSN ranges from $800 to over $1,000 per credit hour. With programs consisting of between 60 and 80 credit hours, the average program costs range from $60,000 to upwards of $150,000.
Other charges, like a background check, clinical fees, and hospital training are extra.
Program Locations
Hopefuls find ABSN programs all over the United States. A number of public and private universities offer them. Specialty nursing schools may be an option as well, depending on the student’s location.
Other master’s degree programs for nursing are more prevalent than the ELMSN. However, there are private and public colleges with the program located throughout the country.
Program Requirements
In order to apply for an ABSN program, students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The subject of that degree does not matter.
Learners go through a standard ABSN degree program application, which includes school transcripts, a letter of intent, and a required amount of letters of recommendation.
ELMSN Requirements
Students interested in attending an ELMSN program need to score high on the Graduate Records Exam or GRE, or the ATI TEAS test, depending on the school.
Other requirements include a high GPA during the last years of the previous bachelor’s degree program, a C or better in specific undergraduate courses, like microbiology and chemistry, and college transcripts.
Salary
The salary of a registered nurse varies, depending on things like the hospital that they work for, the COL in the area, and the healthcare specialty that the RN holds. With that said, the average salary for an RN is $41.38 per hour, or $86,707 per year.
Curriculum
Not only do both ABSN and ELMSN students take a number of nursing courses, they also spend time in a laboratory setting and in a hospital ward completing clinicals. The latter is designed to provide learners with hands-on nursing experience working with patients.
Since applicants to both programs have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, no general education courses, like chemistry or human anatomy, are required unless they were not taken at the time.
Career Outlook for Those with an ABSN or Entry Level MSN Degree
There is a current shortage of nurses in the United States. This makes it one of the largest growing professions. Between 2022 and 2032 RNs find the field growing at a 6% average.
In general, there are around 193,000 open positions every year for registered nurses. With a number of specialties available, like labor and delivery care, emergency room care, and gerontology care, future RNs have a lot of opportunities.
Other Details
While an ABSN prepares students for passing the NCLEX and entering the healthcare field as an RN, there are more opportunities for learners with a master’s degree.
An advanced degree allows RNs to choose a specialty, go on to earn a PhD or DNP, and move further ahead in the field to become a charge nurse.