Your bachelor's degree is a significant advantage in pursuing nursing. You're exempt from general education requirements, many credits transfer, and accelerated programs let you earn your BSN in 2.5-3 years instead of 4.
Degree Holder Advantage
Bachelor's degree holders skip general education requirements entirely. You only need science and health-related prerequisites. Combined with accelerated ABSN programs, you can complete your BSN in 2.5-3 years, significantly faster than traditional 4-year programs.
How Your Bachelor's Degree Helps
General Education Exemption
The biggest advantage of having a bachelor's degree is that you're exempt from general education requirements that traditional nursing students must complete. This includes:
- English composition and communication courses
- Humanities and social science electives
- History and cultural studies
- General education breadth requirements
This exemption alone saves 30-40 credit hours and 1-2 years of study time.
Credit Transfer from Your Degree
Many credits from your bachelor's degree transfer directly to nursing programs. Admissions counselors evaluate your transcript to identify transferable credits, which may include:
- Psychology courses (general, developmental, lifespan)
- Statistics and mathematics courses
- Biology and chemistry courses (if recent and rigorous)
- Communication and writing courses
- Health-related coursework
GPA Advantage
If you earned a strong GPA in your bachelor's degree (3.0+), this demonstrates academic capability. Most nursing programs require:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your prior degree
- Minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0-3.5
- Minimum grade of C or better in each prerequisite course
A strong overall GPA from your bachelor's degree strengthens your nursing school application.
Science Prerequisites You Still Need
Core Science Requirements
Despite having a bachelor's degree, you must complete science prerequisites. Most programs require rigorous science courses including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
Required science prerequisites:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II - With lab components, must be recent (within 7 years)
- Microbiology - With lab, typically required
- Chemistry - General or introductory level
- Biology - Some programs require additional biology
- Statistics - For research and data analysis
Science Course Recency Requirements
Science courses must typically be completed within 7 years of nursing program admission. If you completed science courses more than 7 years ago in your bachelor's degree, you'll need to retake them. This is a common requirement because science knowledge evolves and nursing programs want current knowledge.
Prerequisite GPA Requirements
Nursing programs calculate prerequisite GPA separately from your overall GPA. Requirements typically include:
- Minimum prerequisite GPA: 2.75-3.0
- Competitive prerequisite GPA: 3.5+
- Science GPA: Some programs require 3.0+ in science courses specifically
Accelerated BSN Programs for Degree Holders
What is an ABSN Program?
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are designed specifically for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. These intensive programs compress the nursing curriculum into a shorter timeframe.
ABSN Program Timeline
ABSN programs typically take:
- 12-16 months - Intensive full-time programs (if prerequisites completed)
- 2.5 years - Programs combining prerequisites and nursing coursework
- 3 years - Programs with more flexible pacing
The exact timeline depends on how many prerequisites you need to complete.
ABSN Program Structure
Typical ABSN programs include:
- Prerequisite completion - Often completed before or concurrent with nursing courses
- Intensive nursing coursework - Multiple courses per semester
- Hybrid delivery - Online lectures combined with in-person labs and clinicals
- Clinical rotations - Extensive hands-on practice in healthcare settings
- Capstone project - Final comprehensive project demonstrating nursing competency
Prerequisite Timeline for Degree Holders
Sample Timeline: Bachelor's Degree Holder to BSN
Months 1-2: Evaluate transcript, identify transferable credits, assess prerequisite needs
Months 3-8: Complete science prerequisites (if needed)
Month 9: Take ATI TEAS exam, submit ABSN applications
Months 10-11: Receive acceptances, prepare for program start
Months 12-27: Complete 16-month ABSN program
Month 28: Graduate with BSN, prepare for NCLEX-RN
Strategies for Bachelor's Degree Holders
1. Get Your Transcript Evaluated Early
Contact ABSN program admissions counselors before applying. They can review your transcript and identify:
- Which credits transfer to the nursing program
- Which prerequisites you still need
- Your prerequisite GPA based on existing coursework
- An academic plan for completing remaining requirements
2. Complete Science Prerequisites Strategically
If you need science courses, choose providers carefully:
- Online providers - Self-paced online options like StraighterLine allow flexible completion
- Community colleges - Often offer affordable science courses
- Universities - Some offer accelerated science sequences
3. Maintain Strong Prerequisite Grades
Your prerequisite GPA is critical. Aim for:
- A grades in science courses (3.8-4.0 GPA)
- Minimum 3.5 prerequisite GPA for competitive programs
- Consistent performance across all prerequisites
4. Build Healthcare Experience
- CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification
- Medical assistant or patient care technician roles
- Healthcare volunteer work
- Shadowing healthcare professionals
5. Prepare for the ATI TEAS Exam
The ATI TEAS is required by most ABSN programs. Allocate 4-6 weeks for focused preparation:
- Take practice exams to identify weak areas
- Focus on science and reading comprehension
- Use study guides and online prep courses
- Aim for 70%+ to be competitive
Advantages of Your Bachelor's Degree
Professional Maturity
Your prior degree demonstrates:
- Ability to complete rigorous academic work
- Time management and study skills
- Professional communication abilities
- Discipline and commitment to education
Diverse Perspective
Your background in another field brings valuable perspective to nursing practice and education.
Financial Stability
Many degree holders have established financial resources, reducing reliance on student loans.
Challenges Degree Holders Face
Science Course Requirements
If your bachelor's degree didn't include recent science courses, you'll need to complete them. This extends your timeline but is manageable with online or accelerated options.
Intensive ABSN Programs
ABSN programs are demanding. Full-time study with multiple courses, labs, and clinical rotations requires significant commitment. However, the compressed timeline means you're done in 2.5-3 years rather than 4 years.
Prerequisite Recency
Science courses must be recent (within 7 years). If you completed science in your bachelor's degree more than 7 years ago, you'll need to retake them.
Moving Forward as a Degree Holder
Your bachelor's degree is a significant advantage in pursuing nursing. You skip general education requirements, many credits transfer, and accelerated programs let you complete your BSN in 2.5-3 years. By completing science prerequisites strategically and choosing an ABSN program, you can transition to nursing efficiently.
Your academic background and maturity will serve you well in nursing school and practice.
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References
- Madonna University ABSN Program. (2025). "How to Get a Nursing Degree if You Already Have a Bachelor's."
- Wright State University. (2025). "Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing."
- University of Washington School of Nursing. (2025). "BSN Program."
- Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. (2025). "Bachelor of Science in Nursing."
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. (2025). "Traditional BSN."
- California State University Sacramento. (2025). "Bachelor of Nursing Pre-Licensure."
- University of Texas Health Science Center. (2025). "BSN Pacesetter Prerequisites."
- NurseJournal.org. (2025). "Prerequisites for Nursing School."