BSN-MSN vs. RN-MSN

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 5, 2003

Check into some programs in each. Consider the bachelor's degree you already have. You may already have enough prerequisites out of the way that the length of the two programs are not that different. If that's the case, considering your longer term goal of getting a master's, then I'd go for the BSN. You can make extra efforts to get experience in clinical, and also consider working in a hospital or LTC as a student.

I went the LPN/ADN/BSN/MN route, myself. I don't regret it, but I'd probably go straight to the BSN if I were doing it again. That's not to knock the ADN programs, nor ADN nurses; it just would've knocked a year or so off my long trek.

BTW, I think you will find your liberal arts education quite useful. My initial degree was a BA in English. I don't regret that one either; it was what I wanted to do, and I enjoyed the college experience. By the time I got through my Master's program, I was deeply thankful I'd had the English background!!

Q. · Nov 5, 2003

Originally posted by santhony44
Check into some programs in each. Consider the bachelor's degree you already have. You may already have enough prerequisites out of the way that the length of the two programs are not that different. If that's the case, considering your longer term goal of getting a master's, then I'd go for the BSN.

Ditto.

Elenaster · Nov 5, 2003

Look for an accelerated BSN program, it would be perfect for someone such as yourself who already has a BA. These programs are popping up all over the country and you could probably get your BSN in about the same amount of time as your ADN.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Nov 6, 2003

Soul -- Don't think anyone's addressed your second option, which I think may be the way to go. (Mind you, though I have several degrees, I'm only getting started in this field.)

If you already have a bachelor's, then why go for another? My take is that a BSN is supposed to round one out more than an ADN. But you (and I) have been through the rounding out process.

Seems to me more value would be obtained by going from an ADN to an MSN. I'd disagree that there's a need (in our cases) for the intermediate stop (BSN). No other field that I'm aware of has this thing about a BS.

Studying science, math, English, literature, etc. on the way to a BSN, isn't better than doing so as part of any other respected college-level program.

I'm with everyone else if the question was: are there greater opportunities in the job market for a BSN v. an ADN? But if you're planning an MSN, then I'd go the ADN-to-MSN route. Drexel (Phila) has such a program.

Hope this helps!

bwt02 · Nov 6, 2003

I have a bit of a different take. If you have a Bachelors degree you should look at the masters entry into practice programs. There are several programs that award the MSN after 3 years of intense study. The first year is all of the RN courses. The following 2 years are filled with education in advanced practice nursing. Check it out, it may work for you. UCSF has a great program. http://www.uscf.org

Bryan

HoJo · Nov 6, 2003

Before you decide one way or another I suggest before you get serious you really check out whatever MSN program you decide on and see what their requirements are. Also consider that you will doing nsg research in a MSN program and in the BSN program that is part of the curicullum.