2nd degree student-What path do I take?

C-Loc · Apr 29, 2005

ADN is an associates degree in nursing, its usually a two year degree barring any waitlists. Have you looked into forensic nursing?? I dont know much about it but there is a thread here that has some great info. I know a college in my area of Ohio has a masters degree in forensic nursing (MSN). Since you already have a BS have you thought of checking out some direct entry programs?? They are acclerated for people who already have bachelors degrees in non nursing areas. I have a BA in Psych and SOc and I am going into a masters of nursing program, it was the best fit for me bc it was the quickest way to my nursing degree, the ADN program I checked into had a really really long waitlist....good luck!

Thank you so much for the information! I have looked into forensic nursing and that will be a great back-up, however what I really want to do is become a flight nurse. There is only one accelerated school in the area I will be moving to in Tuscon and so far it seems like the best option for me. One thing I have discovered is that before I found this site, there is little to no information on the web about nursing. Nothing solid anyway. Thanks again for your help.

BETSRN · Apr 30, 2005

I have a BBA and I want to go back to school to become an RN. My long term goal is to eventually get my MSN. My first questions is if I got an ADN, could I then get my MSN since I already have a bachelors degree or do I have to have a BSN to get a MSN? Another thing that I have to consider is money. It will be very difficult for me to quit my job and go back to school, so when concidering that aspect the ADN program seems more doable. I don't have children (as of now), but my husband and I both work full time, and right now my salary is the primary source of income. If I can go from an ADN to eventually an MSN then I think that would be the right choice for me, but if not then I'm not sure what to do. Should I go ahead and make the financial sacrafice and go for my BSN now? Or get my ADN and then complete my BSN while working and then later down the road get my MSN? How common is it for hospitals to pay for your education?
Sorry for all the quesitons! Any insight or advice would be great! Thanks!

I am in the same position you are: with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. If you want to eventually get your MSN, then you are going to have to have the equivalent of your BSN first. The hoops you have to jump through with a non-nursing BS are ridiculous: probably part of the reason I never bothered to finish a master's program.

So, I would suggest going to a BSN program. At least that way, you will have a smoother route to your MSN.

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 4, 2005

I am in the same position you are: with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. If you want to eventually get your MSN, then you are going to have to have the equivalent of your BSN first. The hoops you have to jump through with a non-nursing BS are ridiculous: probably part of the reason I never bothered to finish a master's program.
So, I would suggest going to a BSN program. At least that way, you will have a smoother route to your MSN.

It's important, like BETSRN says, to check out the individual program. Some direct-entry master's programs offer a BSN after the first year, others give you a "graduate certificate". I'd be wary of any that don't grant a BSN. If you have to stop the program for some reason, it's better to have that BSN under your belt, I'd think.

utahliz · May 10, 2005

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