ADN to MSN or ADN to BSN?

Nursing Students General Students

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I have a Bs in biology and will eventually have my ADN. I have found after a few years of experience, some MSN programs will allow a ADN for admission requirements along with a BS in a related field. However, do you feel a RN should have a Bsn before Pursuing a MSN? What type of material is missing from the ADN compared to BSN? Can the lack of a BSN will effect future progression with a ADN and MSN?

Most ADN-MSN or ADN-DNP programs will provide the missing BSN course work during the first year of the program... so I wouldn't personally worry about it.. you will receive the education necessary to be successful in the program.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You DO need to be mindful of this as some by-the-books places who have BSN as a requirement will not consider the MSN in lieu of it. Stupid? Yes, but it is the reality.

Most ADN-to-MSN programs have a BSN 'included' at some point in the curriculum. is one example. You can stop out after the BSN part if life circumstances happen, or plow straight through to MSN.

You are wise to have considered this beforehand!

Another option is Masters Direct Entry. All you need is ANY bachelor's in ANY field. However, you will graduate with RN only. You do have an option of continuing in the MSN program for another year or two to get your specialization, like FNP.

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