Do BSN/MSN combined accelerated programs allow you to postpone the MSN part?

llg, PhD, RN · May 3, 2009

You'll have to check with the particular school. Each school sets its own rules.

Another possibility for you to consider is to go to school on a very part time basis while you work and get that experience you want. By choosing to take just 1 or 2 classes per -- classes that are generic in nature and don't "force" you into a specific specialty -- you would maintain your official student status while working. I know several people who have done that.

guiltysins · May 3, 2009

Wouldn't doing that kinda be the same thing as getting a BSN first from a traditional program and then working and going to a MSN. I think the point of the program is for it to be finished all at once.

jlan79 · May 3, 2009

Well, there are few accelerated programs in NYC that only get you to BSN. I think NYU does, but Columbia, PACE, Suny Downstate all have accelerated dual degree programs. I would go to NYU, but I want to apply to other schools as well to see which will accept me.

Goingthere · May 3, 2009

Since you want to take time off between degrees why not do it on your own without having to go through extra paperwork? Do your BSN in a regular program or an accelerated program, and once you graduate work for how everlong you want then apply to a MSN program. Hopefully by then the hospital you are working at will foot the bill for your MSN. I know you probably want the security of already being accepted to a program, but as long as you do well in your BSN portion, you won't have to worry. Good luck!

jlan79 · May 3, 2009

The regular BSN is too long for me. Will take 2 years. Accelerated is what I want, but I think only NYU offers accelerated BSN without the MSN component. So that was my question. If I apply to NYU, PACE and SUNY and only get accepted to PACE, can I just get out of their program after I get my RN or do I have to continue?

caliotter3 · May 3, 2009

There are programs that allow a person to exit after the BSN but you will have to inquire of each program to see which allow this. Often this info is available on their website.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · May 3, 2009

I don't know about Columbia but Pace does allow you to postpone the MSN part. If you got to their site the MSN part of the program is actually considered optional. However, I understand that you want to work first however I would advise you to complete the MSN portion (Pace gives you the choice of going pt/or full time). The powers that be for Nursing in the US are going to stop MSN-level nursing soon. Don't take my words for gospel truth but I am pretty sure that by 2015 all BSN-level nurses who wish to specialize in a particular field will need to get a doctorate. This is the way that they are trying to equate nursing education to other professions within the medical field.

jlan79 · May 3, 2009

Thanks for the heads up. I heard something along these lines.... I will look at my situation in 2 years and see if I can afford to go to MSN. I wanted to work for a bit because I have a family and just don't know if I can take that much time off for school.

guiltysins · May 3, 2009

Pace does consider their program optional so you don't have to go directly into it if you don't desire to. Columbia however I think you might have to go straight through with them. I'm not positive but I found this on their site:

The Combined BS/MS (ETP) Program begins in late May each year. Pre-licensure studies is completed in three semesters (full-time study required). Master Specialty studies begin the following fall and can take 1-3 years depending on full-time or part-time study.

ifoundnemo · May 3, 2009

The regular BSN is too long for me. Will take 2 years. Accelerated is what I want, but I think only NYU offers accelerated BSN without the MSN component. So that was my question. If I apply to NYU, PACE and SUNY and only get accepted to PACE, can I just get out of their program after I get my RN or do I have to continue?

Suny Stony Brook and Suny Downstate offer the accelerated program w/o the msn portion.

jlan79 · May 3, 2009

Thanks. Can't go to Stony Brook (too far) and I am planning to apply to SUNY Downstate, but probably won't get in. I will have a few prereqs in the process when I apply and I was told I want to have everything completed prior to application to be competitive. Who knows how true this is, so will see.