Goal is NP. ASN>BSN>MSN -or - ASN>MSN???

mirandaaa · May 26, 2015

I think I read elsewhere on this site that there are some places that will not hire you without having the Bachelors as well as Masters. (Which I personally don't understand).

Dranger · May 29, 2015

One of the requirements to get a masters in anything means a bachelor's has be held in something. I haven't seen any ADN to MSN programs that don't require a bachelors. Frankly if they do exist I find it odd that nursing is the exception to the rest of the educational world. I can't get a AS in Biology then immediately start a program to award me a masters in Biology.

littlepeopleRNICU · May 29, 2015

There are some ADN-MSN programs, but they're very limited in number. At least for online study, if you're looking for that. I got my ADN, then went on for my BSN.

ISingTheBodyElectric · May 30, 2015

Out of curiosity, I googled asn to msn bridge and up popped Frontier school of nursing, which is a private non-profit. It looks like they have you take 12 months of classes before the MSN/NP portion starts, but a BSN is not awarded. The entire program is 3 years full time, or 4 years part time. Which is probably about as long as it would take to do a BSN-bridge, and then an NP. So direct asn to msn bridges do exist, at least in name. But it looks like you'll be taking just about the same amount of time to get through school as if you just did a BSN to MSN.

june2009 · May 31, 2015

I'm doing Walden's ADN-MSN NP (diploma-MSN NP in my case). No BSN awarded but if you take a few more classes it's an option. I just know that I have no use for a BSN so why spend the money to obtain a degree I will never do anything with. The end goal is ACNP so that's what I'm doing.

littlepeopleRNICU · May 31, 2015

My guess would be that maybe people pursuing Master's degrees are looking for those in other areas than many ADN-MSN programs offer. Like nurse practitioner programs. They do exist, but more of the ADN-MSN programs I've seen are for education and leadership. There are still quite a few available. What are you looking to do exactly? From what I understand, there are a fair number that will award you with the BSN along the way.

If what you ultimately want to do is compatible with any of these programs, then I would try applying. If unsuccessful, get your BSN first.

RollTide_Nurse · Jun 1, 2015

The University of Texas at Arlington has a online RN-MSN degree program. Their program is one of the cheapest around . Once you have enough credits it will give you a BSN, but you are in the MSN program. I acquired my BSN from them and I am currently working on my MSN. If I would have known about the RN-MSN program I would have taken that route. It saves you money by going the RN-MSN route. It is a great school with great advisors. But check them out at The University of Texas at Arlington - UT Arlington - UTA.

guest901464 · Jun 4, 2015

Otterbein (which is just outside Columbus, OH) has a ADN to MSN program. Also Walsh University (North Canton, OH) has an RN-MSN program but you earn credits towards your BSN. So if you decide at some point you don't want to continue on to MSN you'll still be awarded the BSN.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 4, 2015

The only thing that I am hearing is that they may make the move to require all NP to be DNP related to autonomy (as in the Pharm.D, DPT, etc) Many DNP programs require the BSN, you can go BSN to DNP, but not RN-DNP. Many of the schools where I are phasing out the MSN NP and only offering the DNP, not all, but I have heard this is going to be the trend.

SC APRN, DNP, APRN, NP · Jun 4, 2015

Some of the ASN-MSN programs I looked into had fewer courses than ASN-BSN-MSN because of overlapping/dual courses. Graduate level counting as credit for BSN requirements, etc. If it's easier and cheaper go straight for MSN!