ADN over Master's Entry? Am I Crazy?

[RNn2010]

I've been accepted to two ADN programs and the Master's Entry program at a well known school where we'll be trained as Clinical Nurse Leaders. I'm thinking of choosing the ADN over the Master's Entry. Am I crazy?

My reason for choosing the ADN boils down to money. I will have NO DEBT when I complete the program. Whereas with the MSN program, I could potentially be in the hole about $70K.

I understand that as a Clinical Nurse Leader I will, in theory, be promoted quicker. But, as a graduate of a CNL program, my first two years will be at the same level and salary as a graduate from an Associate's degree program.

On the surface I think I'm crazy for wanting to go the ADN route over getting the MSN. I am planning to become a Nurse Practitioner, and if I attend the CNL program, I still have to go an additional 2 years for my post-Master's certificate to become an NP.

PLEASE give me your feedback, experience, and/or opinions.

Thank you!

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I've been accepted to two ADN programs and the Master's Entry program at a well known school where we'll be trained as Clinical Nurse Leaders. I'm thinking of choosing the ADN over the Master's Entry. Am I crazy?

My reason for choosing the ADN boils down to money. I will have NO DEBT when I complete the program. Whereas with the MSN program, I could potentially be in the hole about $70K.

I understand that as a Clinical Nurse Leader I will, in theory, be promoted quicker. But, as a graduate of a CNL program, my first two years will be at the same level and salary as a graduate from an Associate's degree program.

On the surface I think I'm crazy for wanting to go the ADN route over getting the MSN. I am planning to become a Nurse Practitioner, and if I attend the CNL program, I still have to go an additional 2 years for my post-Master's certificate to become an NP.

PLEASE give me your feedback, experience, and/or opinions.

Thank you!

Personally I would get it out of the way and do the masters. If you do the ADN route will you work those additional 2 years for your post masters and your 18 months for the masters? How much will it cost you to do it the longer way around? I know that bridging from ADN to BSN is longer than just going straight through. Do all the possible scenarios, time wise and money wise before you make your decision. But it if it was me, I would do the master's route.

[clhRN2b2010]

I don't think you're crazy, at all. My local Direct Entry option is CNL also. My ultimate goal is CNM. After I looked at all the time and numbers, getting the CNL was not going to get me to the CNM any faster. The Post MS programs were usually only a few credits less than a complete MS. I also have the option of the ADN or the BSN program. I will be applying to both, the BSN program being a little shorter in length to complete the BSN (2 semesters shorter) but the cost will run about the same for either path.

If I were to have chosen the CNL path, it would have cost me over double. Then I would apply for the same job as a new grad and not have any signnificant advantage over my BSN trained counterparts as far as CNM Ed.

Another advantage, I am sure you are aware of, is the tuition reimbursement from your employer. If I do end up going the ADN route, I can become employed and my employer will then pay for that RN to BSN that I take over the next 1-2years. It's all online and can be done around my work schedule.

Having said all that, from what I can see there is ONE place where the CNL might be a better bet. Since you will not be eligible for Fed Grants for a second Bachelors or below (ADN) degree, IF your financial situation is such that you would be considered needy enough to get grants, you might look into CNL because it will be considered graduate work and you will be eligible for grants for most if not all of the program.

Best wishes!

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

You're not crazy. I chose between an accelerated BSN (I already have a biology degree) with quick path to masters, and ADN myself.

I chose ADN because it's exponentially cheaper, and my hospital pays for and hosts teleconference classes with the UT-Houston school of nursing for RN to BSN.

It's also closer. With gas, that again translates to cheaper, however time is not a factor to be denied either.

I also plan on going the NP route in the future.