Straight to MSN?

Nurses General Nursing

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Is there any way possible to go straight to my MSN from my ASN?

Or is it a necessity to go ASN to BSN to MSN?

And if it IS possible.... can I do it online? And where? I can't seem to find an online school, but I've heard people talk....

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Walden University has an online ASN to MSN program, and it's got all the right accreditations. It's costly so you have to have a good funding source.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Here's a couple of more I found while looking for something else: http://rndegrees.net/RN_to_MSN_Degrees.html

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Specializes in High Acuity / Emergency / Trauma.

Wouldnt you earn enough credits to earn a BSN while taking the direct program anyway? An MSN just builds on top of the 123 (or so) you would have anyway correct? If I have my facts straight a MSN is another 35-40ish credits, so either way wouldnt you end up with roughly 160 credits?

I'm confused.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Tele, PH, CM.

I don't think you'll find much of a shortcut, despite what the program calls itself.Accredited nursing programs are closely monitored and mandated by the NLN and in order to enter a MSN program, you have to have the credit equivalent to a BSN degree. This is a comparison of a lot of ASN programs now: 6 months to CNA, 1 year LPN and 2 year RN - same program, different tiers. You'll still end up with the required number of credits in an approved curriculum, but it won't be much of a shortcut - make sure the accredidation is valid.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

Absolutely! There are several MSN programs that admit ADNs or Diploma grads.

Check first with the universities in your geographical area to see if they have such programs. Often, most of their courses are either online with supplemental "real time" classroom, say, once or twice a semester.

You may wish also just to check on the various state universities, even those not in your area, because some offer instate tuition for ALL online classes.

I got a tremendous amount out of my BSN program (I was ADN to BSN) but if the option for going straight to the MSN would have been available, I would have done it in a heartbeat.

Now I'm considering skipping the MSN and going straight to PhD.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

BTW, it is strongly recommended that you do have experience as an RN before getting into one of these programs. Not only will it make the process more relevant for you, but you will have far more credibility in an advanced practice role if you have a solid clinical background.

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

Straight to MSN? I guess it would depend on what type of MSN you wanted to be....most NP programs want some type of hand's on experience other than clinicals. Most reputable programs won't take you unless you've worked at least one year as an RN. I suppose if you wanted to do research, computers or other forms of non-clinical nursing this type of program would be okay.

However, I have to state the obvious(assuming)..if you've never worked as a nurse how in the world can you function in a higher capacity, teach or do anything remotely in a nurse-like realm. Clinicals are not nursing, not even close and God help any nurse manager or nurse (title) that is found out as purely an academic.

Anyway if I misunderstood sorry, good luck in your search.

M

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Straight to MSN? I guess it would depend on what type of MSN you wanted to be....most NP programs want some type of hand's on experience other than clinicals. Most reputable programs won't take you unless you've worked at least one year as an RN. I suppose if you wanted to do research, computers or other forms of non-clinical nursing this type of program would be okay.

However, I have to state the obvious(assuming)..if you've never worked as a nurse how in the world can you function in a higher capacity, teach or do anything remotely in a nurse-like realm. Clinicals are not nursing, not even close and God help any nurse manager or nurse (title) that is found out as purely an academic.

Anyway if I misunderstood sorry, good luck in your search.

M

Just to clarify, I am currently a LPN with 10 years experience, and plan to work with my ASN while going back to school. I agree that a fresh out of school nurse with no experience wouldn't do as well, but that isn't my plan.

Thanks though, for pointing that out. I appreciate it!

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
Just to clarify, I am currently a LPN with 10 years experience, and plan to work with my ASN while going back to school. I agree that a fresh out of school nurse with no experience wouldn't do as well, but that isn't my plan.

Thanks though, for pointing that out. I appreciate it!

I think with ten years of LPN experience, you will be okay bypassing the BSN and getting into an RN to MSN program. You might want to take a little bit of time off, just to refresh your spirits and concentrate on your work rather than balancing school and work.

But your plans seem sound to me. Good luck! :)

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