MSN without BSN

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I have an associate in nursing and will like to become a nurse practitioner hence considering ADN to MSN. The program I am looking at doesn't award a BSN. Is it a bad idea to continue with this program? Will I have trouble finding a job without a BSN?

So long as the program is accredited I don't foresee any issues.

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Your subject title was confusing (MSN without ADN). I think you meant without BSN. But anyway, the purpose of obtaining as MSN is to secure a MSN position. Experience, qualifications, and other contributions reflected on your resume will determine whether or not you get the position. I don't know if you already have a job or not, but if the BSN trend hits your area before you complete and secure a position with the MSN, then you may have some issues. I personally chose the BSN because I didn't know if life circumstances or my attention span would hold out long enough for the MSN....almost didn't make it to the BSN. If you are concerned about the job situation, there are quite a few programs out there that does grant both degrees in the end...just need to look for them. Good luck!

I meant MSN without BSN. Sorry

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I meant MSN without BSN. Sorry
The title has been changed to reflect your question accurately and, hence, eliminate confusion from any future respondents.
Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
I personally chose the BSN because I didn't know if life circumstances or my attention span would hold out long enough for the MSN

This would be my concern.

As an ADN, I entered an ADN-MSN program in midwifery that required 4 terms of "bridge" coursework for those who did not have a BSN. I got into my 3rd term when I realized I didn't want to be a midwife. So I had to start from scratch in a BSN program (I was able to transfer statistics in, but that was it) - spent nearly a year of my life and really the $10K in student loans was all I had to show for it.

So I guess my recommendation would be to go for the BSN first, and then matriculate into a traditional MSN program later. That will probably be less expensive (there are many online RN-BSN programs out there for less than $10,000), will give you that coveted BSN that so many hospitals are requiring nowadays so that you can have a little more job security while you're working on your MSN, and you may find that you change your mind at some point and don't want to pursue the MSN, or want to pursue it in a different area (that's what I did - after I completed my BSN, I enrolled in an MSN program in Nursing Leadership, which I will finish in about 6 months).

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