With all the waiting lists, why don't more people...

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Ok. so I've been reading lots of posts asking questions on if they already have a BA in one thing and want to pursue nursing they get to go straight into a MSN program...

Question: with all the waiting lists for actually getting into any nursing program, why don't more people go that route? like get a BA in one thing than do the accelerated/fast track to MSN???

I'm just wondering because I've heard both good and bad about that route. Any comments? both why it WOULD be good and why it would NOT be good. and what the job outlook is for those who do do that route.

thanks!

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Well I obviously cannot say for all states, but where I live you must have your BSN to apply for any graduate nursing programs. It is a requirement which if you think about it makes sense, I would imagine there are similiar rules in most states.

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I might have gone the BA-MSN route if my city had any such programs. I found this old link that discusses the pros and cons of direct entry MSN programs:

Entry into Practice: Direct Entry MSN Programs - Nursing for Nurses

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree with both of the above responses. There are no combined BSN+MSN programs in my state. I do have a prior BA, and I would LOVE to do a direct entry MSN! I *know* an advanced practice degree is what I want. Unfortunately, I have to make do with what my state offers, or be willing to pay big bucks to go out of state or to a private institution - and I'm not willing to consider that at this time.

I've applied for the second-degree accelerated BSN program that is offered in my city, and hope to start an MSN as soon as my BSN is finished.

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There is an alternate entry MSN in my area for people with a BS, but I cannot go that route because it spans over 3 summers. I have 2 kids and my hubby would not be able to watch them while I am in school full time in the summer for 3 summers. If they had the program as strictly a Fall/Spring semester, I could go this route since I would prefer to go for my Masters.

So, now I am going to do the ADN and hope I can get a job when I graduate! Otherwise, I'll be back in school to do a bridge to the BSN.

Miz Que

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

The direct entry MSN programs around here are in private colleges that would cost nearly $100,000 to complete. Not worth it, especially in today's economy.

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Question: with all the waiting lists for actually getting into any nursing program, why don't more people go that route? like get a BA in one thing than do the accelerated/fast track to MSN???

Because they are just as hard to get in to! And there aren't any waiting lists for those!

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Because I want to work as an RN for a few years before deciding if I want a masters. If I want the masters I'd want the experience anyway and if I don't I'd save myself a lot of time and money and perhaps not have too much education for the position I actually want.

It wouldn't save me any time or money even if I end up wanting the masters. It only saves time or money if someone is pretty close to graduating with a bachelors (they don't want?) anyway.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Thank you for all those who responded. I never gave much thought of the cost associated with the MSN programs. Thank you for that insight.

I'm going the old traditional route with the hopes and prayers that I get in on the first try. Not holding my breath, but hoping nonetheless. You know that saying: hoping for the best but preparing for the worse. Don't know what I would do if I didn't get in on the first try... Well I guess I'll cross that bridge if and when it comes, right???

Thanks!

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