RN-BSN or RN-MSN?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Hello, I am graduating with my ASN in May and would like to go onto be a nurse practitioner. Unfortunately, the husband is in the military and we move around a lot so it's hard to finish local programs. I am trying to figure out the best route to go. I don't have a bachelor degree in anything. Would it be better to get my BSN before starting my MSN? Also what schools would you recommend for both programs? I'm trying to get as much information as possible before dishing out $$ for applications to schools. Thanks!

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I graduated with my ADN in 2006 and started a bridge RN-MSN program in 2009. I will finish with my MSN-Ed in about 7 weeks. I did my program through Grand Canyon University online. Because it is a bridge I don't technically have a BSN, only an MSN.

The advantages of a completely online program (even practicum can be done online for the Ed group) is the flexibility. The BSN program is about 18 months and can be done entirely from home. This might be a great solution considering you are at risk of moving a lot. Once you have the BSN you could see where you are and decide if you want to do an online NP (though I believe there are 500 clinical hours that would need to be completed in person) or look at a ground program.

At least it would give you a goal for now that works with your lifestyle :)

Best of luck!

Tait

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

BTW the bridge program for GCU is about $27K but seemed on par with other online programs I researched. Figure about half that for the BSN alone--ish. The BSN classes are accelerated in five weeks back to back so it is pretty intense, but very manageable in my opinion. There are a lot of papers for the most part, with a few group projects in paper form or PowerPoint.

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