[tracie0305]

Hi,

I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and I have applied to a couple of schools that have ABSN programs. I have already gotten 2 rejection letters and I am still waiting to hear from one more. If I don't get accepted to the last one my other option was applying to a ASN accelerated program which is exactly 12 months. However, I want to become a NP.

Is there anyone who got their MSN without a BSN but had a bachelor's degree in another field. I really want to do the ABSN program but if don't want to wait another year to reapply again if I can get into an AASN program which is the same length as the ABSN program.

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[arciedee]

I did not got his route myself, but I do know that my school has this option. From what I've seen they do require students take a few classes from the RN-to-BS program prior to moving on to the MS portion, but it's certainly an option. Hope this helps!

[Joe NightingMale]

You can go directly into MSN programs, as long as you have the prerequisites---which you probably do, if you qualify to apply for ABSN programs.

These direct-entry programs vary...some offer a generic MSN, other require students to specialize as a NP/CNS etc. as soon as they start.

I'm in a program of the former type, and most of my classmates are planning to go the NP route.

[tnisgrl33]

Hi there,

I graduated with a bachelor's in psych too, and am now in the MENP program at DePaul. When I graduate I'll have my MS, and then there's an extra certification semester (plus a ton more clinical hours) to get your NP and specialize.
I also thought about the ABSN route, but also wanted to end up as an NP. So finding a direct entry MS program seemed the most logical decision, it saves time and money!

[imuzykan]

tnisgirl,

how long is the NP certification at DePaul? I'm an incoming MENP student and want to eventually get my NP after working for a year or so. I know DePaul has the certification, but haven't found anything about its duration.

[tnisgrl33]

The NP certification programs at DePaul start in the fall of every year. They recommend that you work a year or so after graduating with your MS. I think as long as you graduate from the MENP program, you'll already have a lot of core classes finished that are required for the NP. I've heard that it takes an additional 9-12 months to complete all the extra clinical hours. And I think it also depends on if you decide to go back full-time, or choose part-time and still work on the side to get more nursing experience. They only have a few NP options, so if you decide to specialize in an area that is only offered by UIC/Rush/Loyola then I think it can take 1 1/2 to 2 extra years depending on how many of your MENP courses transfer.