[jen123321]

Can anyone tell me the difference between an MS, MSN, MS in anesthesia etc...I'm trying to decide between all these programs, but many offer different degrees. Does the title really matter in the end?

[jen123321]

No one has any answers?!

[shandsburnrn-SRNA]

In the end you are a CRNA...The difference in the degree titles is which college within the university the program is affiliated with.

For example, Barry University is affiliated with the collge of natural and health sciences and not the college of nursing. Therefore their degree is termed a MS in Anesthesiology as opposed to a MSN. Either way you will be a CRNA and will perform the same function.

[smileyRn96]

I am not 100% clear on all the differences, but all things being equal and I could choose a MS or a MSN program. I would take the MSN, because if you ever want to get a Doctorate in Nursing I think you need a MSN. I think the main difference is that the MSN has to take some core graduate nursing classes and has to be part of a School of Nursing. Again, I am not 100%clear on all the details, but I think the differences are important for people who wish to go further in their nursing education???? I hope that helps some, and maybe someone with better knowledge about it will post
-Smiley

[catcolalex]

the difference is this. the MSN, which I have, is full of fluff nursing theory crap. the masters in science or that other stuff is full of patho, phys and usefull stuff.

[jen123321]

Does it matter which you choose as far as for continuing education?

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by catcolalex

the difference is this. the MSN, which I have, is full of fluff nursing theory crap. the masters in science or that other stuff is full of patho, phys and usefull stuff.

I hear this all the time on this board, and it's not necessarily true. It varies from school to school. My MSN program was v. rigorous clinically and had virtually no "fluff" -- one course on "trends and issues" in advanced practice nursing and even that was useful content, not what I would call "fluff."

It's v. important to look at program curricula when making a decision about what grad school to attend, and "buyer beware."

[dfk]

Originally Posted by jen123321

Does it matter which you choose as far as for continuing education?

in the end, no. depends on what you like, as far as master's program content. my program is heavily science based and i will end up with an m.s. in anesthesia, but, all programs are different in what they form their program around. and, as someone said, you don't need the msn to get your doctorate in nursing. you can do that with an m.s. degree, and the core requirements need to be met one way or another.

[LeeTV]

I have an MS in nursing (acute care np). I was told at one point that it doesn't matter if you use the MS or MSN credential after your name, and really one may use the MSN to meerly deliniate a Master degree, whereas an MS could indicate that you have a master in another realm. I was told recently that if you have an MS you must use only the MS after your name--and never use the MSN to assist with the nursing deliniation. Anyone ever hear this? (the same situation applied to the BS/BSN also). What are the 'legal' remification of using the MSN if you have a MS...?