Hi, this is my first thread in this forum! I am going to be a 3rd year undergrad student at UCSD. I am interested and am looking into NP as a profession in the future. However, since my university does not offer any nursing programs, I am looking for some advice on what route I should take to get there. I currently have a cumulative GPA of 3.43 and a science GPA of 3.6 or so. I am working towards a Biology bachelor's degree and have completed most introductory science courses.

Anyways, I have heard of programs like direct-entry MSN and accelerated BSN and such. I've heard things like how direct-entry MSN programs are pricey and that it's usually hard for direct-entry MSN graduates to get jobs due to lack of experience.

I guess my questions are these:

1. which is the best (fastest, most money efficient) route to take to become NP and why? (direct-entry MSN, accelerated BSN and then work as RN for a bit and then applying for NP, or just transferring to another university with BSN program maybe? although I prefer not to do this)

2. do people coming out of direct-entry MSN programs really have less chances at jobs?

3. what kind of experiences should I be getting right now to help my applications? (I'm planning to get CNA training and I am currently volunteering alongside RNs in cancer department of the hospital)

4. are these programs competitive? what kind of grades do I need to be getting to stay competitive?

Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Hmm - there are a lot of questions there. I'll give it a go.

There is a constant stream of threads ... all looking for the "fastest" route to whatever-Nursing-Specialty. We old-timers usually provide the same advice each time; fastest does not equate to best. Nursing education is a cumulative process that includes professional socialization via structured academic and clinical experiences. Accelerated programs simply do not provide an adequate foundation for this to occur - so those graduates have a distinct disadvantage when it comes to landing that first job.

An entry-level MSN is basically worthless in terms of extra job qualifications since it is not associated with advanced clinical skills. They compete for she same jobs as all other (better prepared) new grads. In my part of the country, hiring managers tend to avoid E-MSNs because there are a surplus of generic new grads who they have gotten to know during a succession of clinical rotations.

Most NP programs have specific clinical experience requirements for admission. There are some 'no experience needed' programs, but I don't know where those grads could get jobs. My organization employs a lot of NPs.... but they must have considerable clinical expertise to be hired. NP roles are quite autonomous and they have extremely high levels of accountability. It's no place for a newbie.

You've got a decent GPA, but you may want to investigate the actual GPAs of students admitted to nursing programs in which you're interested. Chances are, they are much higher due to the huge volume of applicants that are all vying for admission. Realistically, you are probably looking at a 6 year process (after beginning nursing school) to become an NP. But those years are still going to elapse whether or not you are striving for your goal.

Wishing you the best of luck on your nursing education pathway.