MSN advice

Jul 26, 2005 07:10 AM

by aspenice

I wanted to ask you fellow nurses and students about something. In your nursing programs is it possible for you just to get your MSN and not NP/CNS cert? I would be applying to a direct entry masters program but all of the programs I have looked at are a NP or CNS speciality?

Just would like to know. I have been talking with another member on this board and wanted to see if anyone else is doing the same thing (just going for a MSN) or if it can be done in the direct master's program.

What can you do with just a MSN without the NP/CNS?

Thanks,
Jenn

grannynurse FNP student · Jul 26, 2005, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by aspenice

I wanted to ask you fellow nurses and students about something. In your nursing programs is it possible for you just to get your MSN and not NP/CNS cert? I would be applying to a direct entry masters program but all of the programs I have looked at are a NP or CNS speciality?

Just would like to know. I have been talking with another member on this board and wanted to see if anyone else is doing the same thing (just going for a MSN) or if it can be done in the direct master's program.

What can you do with just a MSN without the NP/CNS?

Thanks,
Jenn

Jenn, any MSN program requires that you choose a concentration. It can be in administration, education, NP, CNS, etc. But you must chose a concentration.

Grannynurse

aspenice · Jul 26, 2005, 08:59 AM

Hi Granny Nurse,
I was told that I can complete my RN but choose to do the NP concentration at a later date?

*elkpark* · Jul 26, 2005, 04:54 PM

Hi Granny Nurse,
I was told that I can complete my RN but choose to do the NP concentration at a later date?

That varies from school to school -- it depends upon the specific policies of a specific program. Was it the school you are looking at attending that told you you could do the RN piece and finish the Master's concentration later, or is that something you heard from a friend or colleague?

aspenice · Jul 26, 2005, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by elkpark

That varies from school to school -- it depends upon the specific policies of a specific program. Was it the school you are looking at attending that told you you could do the RN piece and finish the Master's concentration later, or is that something you heard from a friend or colleague?

Elkpark,
I was told this by a member of this board that I can complete my MSN and finish my NP/snd cert at a later date. I haven't begun to look at schools yet but this is an option for me.

**traumaRUs** · Jul 26, 2005, 06:29 PM

I am not the person on the board that you talked with. However, that is the route I'm taking. I completed an MSN with a concentration in management and leadership and then decided to continue on to a post-master's clinical nurse specialist in med surg. So...this is possible, but of course it is additional school too.

Gennaver · Jul 26, 2005, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by aspenice

I wanted to ask you fellow nurses and students about something. In your nursing programs is it possible for you just to get your MSN and not NP/CNS cert? I would be applying to a direct entry masters program but all of the programs I have looked at are a NP or CNS speciality?

Just would like to know. I have been talking with another member on this board and wanted to see if anyone else is doing the same thing (just going for a MSN) or if it can be done in the direct master's program.

What can you do with just a MSN without the NP/CNS?

Thanks,
Jenn

Hi Jenn,
Just more answers for you. Yes, you can work towards an MSN without the NP or CNS specialty.

My masters entry to nursing program, (starts in September) grants the MSN upon the two year program's completion. We do not get the NP until we apply for that specialty and complete the requirements.

Our core MSN does cover about 20+ credits needed towards the NP and also has about 16+ or so credits more depending on the specialty.

I really like this because I should graduate with the masters and also as an RN. However, the course teaches much more than the basics so we are advised to prepare well for the NCLEX also, (not to mix it up with the master's level information).

Good luck!
Gen

aspenice · Jul 26, 2005, 08:25 PM

I guess when I am looking into schools this is something I will ask about. My husband and I are moving back out west (either CA or OR) we don't know right now b/c of job transfer. I would like to get MSN first and then deicde what exactly I want to do. I have an idea but want to make REAL sure.

How long would it take to do a post master's NP or CNS concentration?

**traumaRUs** · Jul 26, 2005, 08:41 PM

aspenice - Are you doing an entry-level MSN? Or...are you already an RN and just advancing your career? If that is the case, an MSN with CNS or NP can easily be done in three years and you can push it to 2 years for some programs.

aspenice · Jul 26, 2005, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by traumaRUs

aspenice - Are you doing an entry-level MSN? Or...are you already an RN and just advancing your career? If that is the case, an MSN with CNS or NP can easily be done in three years and you can push it to 2 years for some programs.

I would be doing an entry level master's program.

Jenn

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