Chicago Nursing Programs - ABSN vs. Generalist Entry Masters-- What is better?

[J8M8C8]

Hello everyone! I am new to this site, although I have been on a path to a career in nursing for over a year now, getting pre-reqs at a local community college. I will start by saying that I bet there have been numerous discussions on this topic already so if anyone can point me in the right direction to view these posts, it would be greatly appreciated.

I am changing careers as I already have a Bachelor's degree in a business field. I have been accepted to two programs in the Chicagoland area, an Accelerated BSN program and a Generalist Entry Masters program, but I am having a terrible time deciding between the two. I hope to gain some perspective from you all on the differences between the two degrees and the practicality of each degree. My ultimate goal as a nurse is to become an NP... but I realize that is a few years away. One decision at a time... my primary question is... which would be the best route to take to get to an NP degree?

The BSN option is pretty straightforward. The program I was accepted to is only a year. But then how long would I have to work in a clinical setting before applying and attending a Masters program for my NP? And then at that point, how long would it take to get the degree on a part-time basis?

The MSN is where it gets a bit tricky. The program is obviously much more money since it offers graduate level education... but what will that really get me? It will allow me to sit for the exam to be a CNL, but does that really make a difference in pay? From what I understand, the MSN won't get me a higher salary in the meantime, either, making it difficult to justify spending more on my education up front.

Believe it or not, my decision isn't all based on money. However, with a background in business, it is very difficult to not decide which program would be more cost-effective.

Also, is it true that hospitals will pay for you to go back to school part time to get an NP degree? If so, why would I pay for half of that degree up front with the Generalist Entry Masters program?

Sorry for the rambling post... as you can see, I am considering quite a few factors when making this decision. Has anyone else had experience in making this decision and could offer up some advice for me???

[tswim]

Hope this isn't too late...

The Gen. Masters might be a good option if you are interested in nursing leadership role- such as a clinical coordinator or patient care director of a unit. With this degree you could directly enter those roles with a few years of experience.

Otherwise, the difference between having a BSN and Gen Masters essentially comes down to cost. The Masters program coordinators would like you to believe that the MS degree is going to make you a much better nurse, but the truth is that after graduating, whether it's with an ASN, BSN, or Gen MSN, you will still be filling the exact same position- RN - and making the same pay. The extra time of the MSN program will give you a head start for getting a practice masters in the future, but it's certainly not worth the cost- especially if you consider that you could spend your second year working, making money (not debt), and getting valuable experience.

If your goal is to become an NP, I suggest you get the BSN, then have your employer pay for your Masters education by completing the MSN on a part-time basis. You can start most NP programs with just 1 year of experience, and finish a part-time program in 3-4 years (for FREE, or nearly so). All hospitals (that I know of) will pay for at least part of your Masters. Chicago hospitals tend to offer $5000/yr, but a few (Rush and Loyola) offer full tuition coverage after having worked for their hospitals for 1-2(?) years.

Note: Gen MSN programs are beginning to pop up because the ANA (American Nurses Association) is pushing for NPs to get Doctoral degrees- so why not push RNs to be educated at the Masters level. It is obvious that they are being overzealous in this trend when you consider that nearly half of all current RNs are educated at the Associates level, and those programs are not going away any time soon.

[judr]

Hi there,

Have you made your decision between the gen masters and ABSN? I've been considering the same options and think I'll go with the ABSN, for many of the reasons tswim gave.

Also, what is the community college where you did your pre-reqs? I'm doing mine at Truman College. Thanks!

[J8M8C8]

I actually have made my decision and I am also going with the ABSN... for most of the same reasons. I haven't officially communicated that yet, though. Will you be starting in May?

I am also taking my pre-reqs at Truman! What a coincidence... which classes are you taking right now? I am taking Anatomy 227 during the week and Microbiology on the weekends.

[judr]

Are you doing ABSN at Loyola? What gen masters program were you considering?

I actually finished the pre-reqs necessary for UIC's graduate entry program and applied to start next spring but didn't get in. So I'm going to start at Truman this fall to finish the remaining pre-reqs for the Loyal ABSN and apply to it and the UIC GEP again next year. I don't think I'm going to apply to the graduate entry programs at Rush and Depaul b/c I don't want to have a generalist masters degree - I'd like to do NP in the future.

[judr]

Also, what do you think of Truman College? Have you taken classes during the day or mostly at night?

[emly]

Hi there,

This thread is shockingly relevant, right down to the possible college options and Truman, where I'm planning on doing some prereq work...

Since you both mentioned Truman, I thought I'd give it a shot and ask what your experiences were there: I'm trying to get straight into Bio 226, to avoid the basic intro Bio... I've been out of school for ten years, and my last bio was in '96 (freshman year of college), so I'm a little nervous about having to do THREE semesters of pre req work instead of the two that I was expecting... Any idea how tough the department chair is, or how hard the actual Bio 226/227 are?

If you've started your programs, do you feel well-prepared?

And lastly, how hard is organic chem at Truman? I might try to do it during a summer session (if avail) to keep my prereqs to a year, but every story I've ever heard about OC is a nightmare...

Any advice?

Thanks,

Emly