Master's entry programs vs. Bachelor's Programs

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hello everyone! My name is Laura, and I just registered here after reading these messageboards for a few weeks.

I am trying to make a decision about where to go to nursing school. I was just accepted into Vanderbilt's Master's of Nursing Program in Midwifery, which I am very excited about. However, it is extremely expensive, and I am trying to decide if it is worth it. It's a 6-semester program. After the first 3 semesters I would take the NCLEX and become an RN. The remaining 3 semesters would be spent in the midwifery specialty.

The other option is to go to a cheaper school, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, for 1.5-2 years, get a Bachelor's of Nursing Degree, take the NCLEX and become an RN, then work for a few years and go back to school to get the master's degree.

I have no nursing experience. I have been taking my pre-requisites at a local community college and will start my program, whichever one I decide on, this fall.

My question is: is it better to get the lower degree first, gain some experience, and return for the master's? Or is it worth the money to just do it all up front?

Any advice is greatly greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

-Laura

Well I certainly didn't expect my first post on here to cause such a reaction!! It is obvious to me that this is important to many of you. And I think that is great. Some of your responses were truly helpful, and I really appreciate that.

Personally, I do not want to rush into things and miss out on any foundational experience that is going to be crucial to my performance. It makes sense, for me, to just go get the master's degree later.

I appreciate all of the advice and good wishes. Thanks!

Good luck to you. Its always good to try something first and like it..then jump in and then hate it later.

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I am closing this thread.

+ Add a Comment