Nurse Insights: Will a Non-Nursing Associate Degree Count Toward a BSN?
Are you considering pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree but have a non-nursing associate degree? In this article, we will discuss the BSN degree, its curriculum, and its importance in the nursing profession. We’ll also explore how a non-nursing associate degree can be applied towards a BSN, including credit transfer and bridge programs. Read on to learn how you can convert your non-nursing associate degree to a BSN.
Will a Non-Nursing Associate Degree Count Toward a BSN?
In our Nurse Insights series, experienced nurses offer an insider’s perspective on the nursing profession by addressing common questions, challenges, and triumphs of their careers.
Understanding the Basic Concept of the BSN Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is an academic qualification you obtain when you complete a 4-year nursing education program at a college or university. It is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory and practice, covering a wide range of subjects.
Core Curriculum of the BSN Degree
In a BSN program, you are required to study various subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. These subjects help you understand the human body, how it functions, and the role of nutrition and mental health in overall well-being. Other subjects like nursing research, public health, and healthcare management would also be a part of this curriculum.
Additionally, the program incorporates clinical learning experiences where you learn and practice hands-on patient care skills. From administering medication and conducting health assessments to developing a patient care plan and managing patients, you gain first-hand practical experience in a healthcare setting. The clinical practice provides you with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you gained from coursework in real-life scenarios.
Importance of the BSN Degree in Nursing
The BSN degree holds a strong importance in the nursing profession. Generally, registered nurses (RNs) who possess a BSN degree tend to have better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and lower failure-to-rescue rates than those without bachelor’s degrees.
Employers also value BSN-prepared nurses for their well-rounded education, advanced skills, and ability to take on leadership roles. Thus, obtaining a BSN degree not only improves your credentials and employability but also better equips you to provide high-quality care to your patients.
Role of a Non-Nursing Associate Degree in Transition to BSN
While the coursework in your non-nursing associate degree may not necessarily contribute to your nursing expertise directly, it can often be applied toward your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through credit transfer. Thus, a non-nursing associate degree can serve as a stepping stone to bridge the gap.
Credit Transfer
Many schools offer an opportunity to transfer credits from a previous degree to the nursing program. These credits typically apply to the general education or elective requirements in the BSN program. This can expedite your progress as you could avoid retaking classes in areas like math, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Each college or university establishes its own policy regarding credit transfers, so it is crucial to consult an academic advisor or admissions counselor of your prospective school to understand which credits might be transferrable.
Bridge Programs
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recognizes the contribution of associate degrees as valuable educational experiences that provide a pathway into the nursing profession. This is often materialized in the form of ‘bridge’ programs that are designed specifically for students with non-nursing associate degrees. These programs generally include some “credit for prior learning,” acknowledging the competencies you’ve already achieved and applying them in the context of nursing. These programs build on the prior academic experience while covering essential nursing topics.
Remember, there may be additional prerequisites required for enrollment in a BSN program even after the credit transfer process. It could entail completing courses in anatomy, physiology, or other related subjects that weren’t part of the initial associate degree curriculum.
Relying on your non-nursing associate degree to transition into a BSN program involves strategic planning and understanding of how your previous coursework fits into the nursing education roadmap. Always refer to your prospective college or university’s regulations and guidelines and seek advice when needed, as each program’s pathway can differ significantly.
