Accelerated MSN - I already have BSN and BA

UVA Grad Nursing · Feb 17, 2009

Nearly all post-BSN masters programs can be completed in under two years. Most are in the 30-50 semester credit range.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 18, 2009

I agree with UVA Grad. Back in the dark ages, when I started my MSN (1979), most MSN programs took 2 full years of full time study. But there was pressure on the schools to reduce the time it took so that the degree would be consistent with the Masters's Degrees of other disciplines.

You see ... in the other disciplines, a Master's Degree was considered more of a stepping stone to a PhD rather than the terminal degree as it was in nursing. Before then, PhD's in nursing did not exist. So a Master's Degree was a high as anyone could go in nursing. Anyone wanting a doctoral education had to get it in another field. So ..... the nursing Master's program were very long and indepth. But that created inconsistencies within universities about what the "meaning" and "purpose" of a Master's Degree actually was. Also, funding agencies did not want to fund the longer MSN programs when other disciplines were offering shorter and cheaper Master's Degrees.

So ... as PhD programs in nursing were established, the MSN programs became shorter. While I was an MSN student 1979-1981, my program requirements were reduced significantly. It went from a 5 semester full time program to a 3 semester full time program. Other programs similarly reduced their programs.

I don't think you'll find any programs today that takes 2 full years of full time study. Of course, you can always drag things out by taking courses 1 at a time ... but if you are in a hurry, they can all be done in less than 2 years.

SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2009

Thanks to you both for your thoughtful replies. I wonder if you could recommend a good, inexpensive and not-too-long program online? I understand the clinical components have to be arranged locally.

UVA Grad Nursing · Feb 18, 2009

Actually, I would encourage you to contact any schools in your state. This will be much cheaper than any of the for-profit online schools. They may also have good leads/contacts for clinicals in your region -- as well as an alumni network close to home that you can tap into.

Even the programs that are not 100% online have programs that are scheduled in a working nurse-friendly manner (1 day a week, 1 day a month, etc).

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 18, 2009

I strongly agree with UVA grad nursing. A program at a state school within your state will probably have the cheapest tuition for you. You will also have the benefit of being within driving distance should you choose to visit the campus. You may also be able to find alumni of the program to give you advice on some of the classes, etc.

Being totally isolated, far away from the campus, with no one close to help you is a disadvantage in any educational program. Why pay the extra money to get that disadvantage? Go local or regional if you can.