Hi, I am a high school senior in Tennessee. This summer I will be sitting in for my pharmacy technician and cna exams, and I am wondering what is the best pathway for me to take.
Is it possible to go straight into my bsn or would it be better if I got my and first?
Thoughts? I’d appreciate it!
That is a good question because you have a lot of options to think about.
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When you have your Pharmacy Tech and CNA certificates, you can look for a job in a hospital or clinic that will help pay for your nursing studies. Depending on your employer, you might need to finish an Associates degree and then continue to work toward your BSN. You would probably need to study part-time while you work full-time, so it would take a bit longer to finish. However, it would be very inexpensive for you.
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You can apply directly to BSN programs and see whether you are admitted anywhere that is affordable for you. Since you will probably have your CNA and Pharmacy Tech certificates, you can look for part-time work to help pay for college.
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If your grades and test scores aren’t quite good enough to get you into a BSN program, you could look at nursing programs in the nearby community colleges. Any that prepare you for the state LPN and RN examinations will also get you ready to transfer to a BSN program later. Again, that initial LPN or RN certification can help you get a good job at a place that is likely to help pay for the rest of your studies toward the BSN.