Accelerated BSN or Master's??

ASU_Sdvls · Aug 24, 2003

Why don't you go for the Master's program? It would save you time and money. Plus you will be getting the prestige of having a Master's degree and can work as an advanced practice nurse.

sjoe · Aug 25, 2003

If you can get accepted into a Masters program without already having your BSN or even an RN license, why not? (That's a big "if.")

Let us know if a school accepts you on that basis, since a lot of other people would prefer skipping the BSN if possible, as well.

Trauma Columnist · Aug 25, 2003

Good luck...I would be interested in knowing what you decide also.

Mr_D · Aug 25, 2003

Have you already researched various schools to see if it's even possible? I double checked those in my area, they require an RN as prerequisite for acceptance into MSN program. I believe the quickest way to an RN (for 2nd Degree) these days is an accelerated BSN program (16 months or 12 months). I'd would be very interested in what you find out.

raisinet · Aug 25, 2003

I'm carefully evaluating my options. There are quite a few programs called: direct entry into Master's that do not require a BSN or license. I guess my greatest fear would be taking the GRE's. I'm not very strong w/ standardized testing.....

thanx! stay tuned!

GalaMar · Aug 25, 2003

Just out of curiosity...what are some of the programs that allow direct entry w/o a BSN or license? And, what are the requirements like?

Thanks!

talldollNYC · Aug 25, 2003

All of the direct entry programs on the east coast (where I live) are three year programs that build an accelerated BSN into the first year (12 - 16 months) of the degree. Columbia University, Yale University, Johns Hopkins, Pace, and New York University are all set up that way. MSN programs for people who already have a BSN are only two years long. So, if you're looking at east coast schools, you're going to have to do the BSN one way or another. Does that make sense? Direct-entry MSN programs are a full year longer, so as to bring non-nurse college graduates up to speed (ie. via an accellerated BSN). This may vary in other parts of the country. I know that New York is one of the most stringent states when it comes to health care accredation.

Let me know if you would like additional information on any of these schools. I have done EXTENSIVE research.

Best of luck,

-t

talldollNYC · Aug 25, 2003

Most schools require at least a 550 on both the math and the verbal sections of the GRE.

How did you do on your SAT's? I've found that my scores are in a similar range.

npstudent · Aug 25, 2003

I'm currently in an accelerated MSN program and I had a non nursing BS degree before entering the program. I've completed the 1st year of the program, i take my NCLEX tomorrow (to be an RN) then I start my nurse practitioner practicum this fall. I would highly recommend doing the accelerated program if you are willing to put in the effort. You have to make your schooling a number 1 priority as it can be very overwhelming at first. However, if you can "keep your eye on the prize" you'll find the outcome very rewarding. As for your GRE's - don't worry about them! I found them to be much easier than I'd anticipated. Just get yourself a study book and do the questions. I would also find out from the schools you are looking into what they are looking for in candidates. My university has a strong community focus and working with vulnerable populations. Therefore, fellow students in my class had a lot of experience working for nonprofits, community involvement, and knowledge of other cultures and people. All schools are different - so learn what they are looking for. There are many people in subsequent classes who haven't been accepted and they were highly qualified.

I hope this info helps and good luck!

raisinet · Aug 25, 2003

thanks again for help and advice,

I'm looking at both east and west coast schools. i didn't do so well on my sat's, i literally didn't do any preparation for it and went into it blindfolded. so i figure if i study now for 2 months, i can hopefully do well?!

talldollnyc, do you know what those schools in nyc look for in the ideal candidates? do they stress gre's heavily or my gpa from pre-requisites?

thanx again!

talldollNYC · Aug 26, 2003

It depends on what programs you are interested in. PM me to let me know which school in particular and I'd be happy to tell you what I've found out. Requirements seem to vary. For example, at Columbia, the admissions officers are looking for different types of preparation for the different MSN's. What I mean is, if you are interested in being a CRNA, they require a much heavier level of math/science prep (chem, physics, college math, etc) - and better grades in those classes. If you are interested in Informatics, they expect a pretty high level of computer skills - but if you've never taken physics, it's no big deal.

The accelerated BSN programs (like the ones at NYU, Suny-Stonybrook, Pace, Suny-Binghampton, etc.) seem a little more relaxed. You will need to have a 2.5 - 3.0 (minimum) in all the pre-req's as well as for your overall GPA. When I spoke to the folks at Pace, they said that their reccommended minimum GRE scores were 1100 cumulative (math and verbal).

And, as I'm sure you know, if you're a knockout in an area, it can often make up for a deficiency in another. The best thing is to pick the school, the program (direct entryMSN or acceleratedBSN) and the focus (Women's Heath Care? Geriatrics? PICU?) and have a nice long chat with an advisor at the program.

Best of luck - and feel free to PM me any specific questions.

-t