Do I need to get a BSN before an MSN in education?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 15, 2011

It really depends on the school. Some schools are set up to accept people into their MSN programs who do not have previous nursing degrees. Those programs tend to be a little longer and include the undergraduate nursing content into their curriculum -- usually in the first year or so. Other MSN programs only accept students with BSN's and don't include that undergrad content in their programs. Those programs are usually not as long.

Either type of program can work out OK in the long run. However, it is highly unlikely you will get a job teaching nursing (or any other kind of advanced nursing role) until you have spent a couple of years actually practicing nursing. The people who complete a direct-entry MSN (what we call those programs that accept non-nurses) usually get jobs as staff nurses right after they graduate -- the same type of job that nurses with ADN's and BSN's get. Then, after they get a little experience and are ready to be considered for a higher level job ... they can move up the ladder without having to go back to school because they already have that higher credential. The typical ADN or BSN grad has to go back to school to get their MSN.

What is the best route for you? That is something only you can decide. Sometimes, the quickest route to the academic degree is the best route: sometimes the slower route is better. You need to consider the quality of the various programs available to you. I wouldn't waste my time and/or money on a bad quality program no matter what credentials they offered. You should also consider the time and effort required by each program. Sometimes, those direct-entry MSN programs are VERY intense and fast-paced -- and if you won't be able to devote enough time and energy towards the program, you might find the slower route (BSN first, then MSN) a better option for you.

There is not one right answer that is best for everyone. A lot depends on the particular programs you are considering and how well they fit with your preferences and resources.

ertrek84 · Sep 15, 2011

Sorry I forgot to include some things which may help make things make more sense. I have an ADN and a BA in another field. I'm trying to figure out do I need a BSN and MSN to work academia or will I be fine with just my MSN.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 16, 2011

Actually ... That information doesn't really change the essence of my answer. There are a lot of MSN programs that will accept students with ADN's or Diplomas. Some award an offical BSN along the way to the MSN: some do not. Most employers are OK with the MSN's (without the BSN) once you explain it.

It's just a matter of which type of program fits your needs the best. The direct ADN-MSN programs are usually commits you to finishing the whole thing up front -- but is probably a little quicker and cheaper than the ADN-BSN-MSN route. If you need to take a break from school in the middle, you don't get the benefit of the BSN. That's one reason some schools give the BSN in the middle of their programs.

As I am the kind of person who likes to keep my options open, I personally would chose a place that awarded a BSN in the middle so that I could take a break or even change schools for my MSN if I wanted to. But if you are confident that the ADN-MSN option (without BSN) is a good quality program that you can complete in "one shot" and that you won't want to stop halfway through ... then that's an OK route, too. I don't think you would find many employers discriminating against you -- assuming your MSN came from a school with a strong reputation and your nursing experience is solid.