Are you currently a pre-nursing major and haven't been accepted into your current college's nursing program? Do you need to change your major in order to graduate on time?

Do you already have a degree in something else but aren't happy with your current career and would like to get into nursing?

If you have answered yes to one of the above scenarios, then applying to a second degree program may be the option for you.

I can tell you from personal experience, that this was my path. I was a pre-nursing major at my first college, which was out of state. While completing my pre-requisites, I applied to my college's nursing program twice. I got waitlisted both times (such a letdown, I know). 

Although it was a setback, I didn't allow it to discourage me. Since I was paying out of state, I knew I had to come up with plan B. I started researching, and learned that there were schools that offered second degree nursing programs. That meant me switching my major to something else, while still completing my pre-requisites, in order to apply to a second degree program when the time came.

I changed my major to Psychology during my junior year since I had already taken a majority of the classes required under that curriculum. This meant that I could graduate on time as long as I took the remainder of the requirements. While doing this, I still needed to complete the rest of my pre-requisites.

I applied to 3 different schools, while keeping in my mind the pre-requisites they required. Every nursing school generally requires the same pre-requisites, but are slightly different, making this important to make sure that all of the classes you take are equivalent to what is required at your potential program. 

Keep in mind, when you're applying to a second degree nursing program, you not only have to apply to the nursing school, but also the college itself. If the college doesn't accept you, then of course you wouldn't be able to attend their nursing program. 

Once the college accepts you, you're now waiting for the nursing school to accept you. Receiving those acceptance letters was music to my ears. After being wait-listed twice by my own college, I definitely felt vindicated to have other options.

The saying holds true that, "as one door closes, another door opens." That was something I can attest to in several scenarios along my journey. We all reach roadblocks at some point in our lives, some more frequently than others. That doesn't mean give up or feel defeated; that just means there's a better path for you to take that you didn't imagine. 

The particular program that I chose was more accelerated than other nursing programs. My program was only 3 semesters (fall, spring, fall), including our regular winter, spring and summer breaks. Others usually are 2 years, some including winter and summer classes.

Although I knew taking an accelerated 3 semester nursing program would be quite challenging, it was a challenge I was ready to take. We still had some courses and clinicals with the first degree students, but their timeline was more spread out.

Make sure you look at the curriculum prior to applying, so that you can get an idea of what to expect. Remember that it doesn't matter how old you are, follow your dream. Most of the other second degree students were older than me with their own spouse, kids, and a full-time job. Know what you can handle because just like a first degree nursing program, a second degree program is just as time-consuming, if not more. 

If you'd like to learn more about my overall journey, especially my nursing school experience, you can go to queenofhealthdeanna.com . I am the author of the self-help/autobiography book, "Nursing At Its Finest." 

My book is to help inspire and motivate anyone going through a similar path. All of my social media is linked to my website if you'd like to follow me for more health-related tips. You can also sign-up to my email list to get a weekly dose of encouragement.

Here are some links to second degree programs that may interest you:

• (SU): https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/health-and-human-services/nursing/second-bachelors.aspx

• Scholarship info: https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/health-and-human-services/nursing/financial-aid.aspx

• (Cal State LA): https://www.calstatela.edu/page/accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing 

• (CSUSM): https://www.csusm.edu/el/programs/health-medical/bsnursingaccelerated/index.html

• (Emory): https://www.nursing.emory.edu/program-details/distance-accelerated-bsn
  

Best of luck to you on your journey!

Special thanks to Deanna Mackey, BSN, RN for being my first guest blog post! <3