So, you have decided to become a nurse! Or… you’re already a nurse and are now ready to advance your nursing career. Either way, congratulations! Nursing is a very rewarding profession that will allow you to make a positive impact in people’s lives every day.
There are several different ways to enter the field of nursing and even more career options available to nurses. Furthermore, there are numerous types and levels of nursing with varying degrees of education requirements.
Let’s start by asking a few questions about your nursing aspirations:
-
Do you already have a nursing license?
-
What type of nurse do you want to become?
-
Are you already a nurse seeking to advance your nursing license?
-
How quickly do you want to complete your education?
-
Will you go to school full- or part-time?
-
Would you prefer to learn on campus or online?
-
Where do you even start the process?
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers multiple pathways to become a nurse or advance your nursing license. You can make a smooth transition to Mercy College with your already earned college credits (up to 90 semester hours) and complete any nursing program that meets your schedule and career goals.
Here are 5 nursing career paths to help you Chart Your Course with Mercy College:
1. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This one-year, full-time, fully accredited Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is among the largest and most affordable accelerated programs in the country. The curriculum is designed for high-achieving students who have already completed a minimum of 68 college, or have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree . All required nursing coursework is delivered over three semesters (one year) of intensive study, allowing you to earn your BSN and sit for your NCLEX-RN® in only 12 months. 
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major will have you prepared to take the NCLEX-RN® examination in as little as three years. Our BSN major is designed to get you into clinicals in your first semester by utilizing our innovative concept-based approach that immerses you in nursing coursework right away. With start dates year-round and clinician rotations embedded in semester one coursework, you’ll be prepared to enter the workforce immediately following graduation.
3. Paramedic to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Paramedic to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major is a unique academic track designed to offer certified paramedics a path to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Your paramedic education and experiences are recognized through a seamless transfer of 11 paramedic certificate credits toward your bachelor’s requirements. Our curriculum is intended for you to transition your existing paramedic expertise to your new role as a professional nurse.
4. Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Are you already a licensed, registered nurse ready to advance your nursing career? The Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major uses your prior nursing education and professional experiences to prepare you for advanced leadership roles. Offered through MercyPLUS, our 100% online RN to BSN can be completed in as few as 4 quarters, or 1 year – for around $10,000!
5. Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) major is offered in a part-time, evening and weekend format that can be completed in as few as six part-time semesters making it ideal for working adults who are ready to advance their careers. Once you complete the ASN major, you’ll be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)®. After successfully passing the exam, you will be licensed to provide nursing care for a wide range of patients, residents, and clients in many different healthcare settings.
Chart YOUR Course Today
At Mercy College, we have start dates year-round and an affordable tuition rate designed to put you on your path toward becoming a nurse. The next step may prove to be the biggest one you take in your nursing career. Visit mchs.edu/start to learn more, apply online or visit with an enrollment coach.
