RN MSN programs..

MallysMama · May 9, 2015

I'm curious about the extent and details of a general RN to MSN program and what opportunities become available with this degree? I'd eventually like to be able to pursue my ARNP but I am not familiar with the steps involved to get there other than a graduate universities brief summary of the prerequisites and what not needed to obtain said degree. Looking for any thoughts or suggestions.

One comparison that makes it easier to understand: BSN is the degree you might get to be eligible to take NCLEX and become an RN; MSN is a degree you get in order to be eligible to take the boards to become an NP. Now this is very over-simplified. There are a LOT of specialty programs within an MSN degree! But if you are looking to become a Nurse Practitioner, you'll want to look for a program with the specialty you want (family, acute care, psych, midwife, etc). Some schools don't offer the MSN and require you to do the DNP. But there are still a lot that offer the MSN (or both).

The typical entry into a master's program requires you to have your BSN and be an RN. But there are some "direct entry" programs that combine some of those steps. And then depending on which specialty you're applying to, there will be other specific requirements. A lot of schools want you to take the GRE before applying also.

Hope that helps! There really is a lot you can do with an MSN! NP is just one of the many options!

Kaytayxx · May 9, 2015

Yes that does help significantly! The University I'm looking into has a direct route for RN to MSN which as you said basically converges the step of BSN into obtaining the MSN. The DNP program requires a MSN degree. So many steps lol. But as I was told the BSN contains a lot of nursing leadership, is the MSN the same thing in more detail? I'm aware having a master's would make you eligible for nursing management or education depending on the route. Have you had experience with a master's program?

MallysMama · May 9, 2015

Yes that does help significantly! The University I'm looking into has a direct route for RN to MSN which as you said basically converges the step of BSN into obtaining the MSN. The DNP program requires a MSN degree. So many steps lol. But as I was told the BSN contains a lot of nursing leadership, is the MSN the same thing in more detail? I'm aware having a master's would make you eligible for nursing management or education depending on the route. Have you had experience with a master's program?

I like to think that what the BSN is to the ADN....so is the DNP to the MSN. You can get your MSN with a specialty titled HSOL (I think it stands for Health Systems Organizational Leadership- or something like that)! Basically- you find an MSN specialty that will train you do become a nurse manager.

MSN programs are all very different depending on your specialty. With a BSN or ADN you don't specialize in anything- everyone takes the same basic courses. But the MSN isn't like that.

I'm working on my MSN right now. I'm in an AG-ACNP MSN program. It's a mouthful! (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.) My program required a BSN first. It's a little less than 2 years to complete. So- with my MSN, I won't be in a position to be a nurse manager or an educator. Instead, I'll be an NP in a hospital (hopefully in the ICU)!

Kaytayxx · May 9, 2015

That sounds so much easier to understand! What state/University are u in? The MSN program you have seems to cut out the jargon and make it easier to get where you want to go. I will have to look around for programs like that in my state (FL). I feel like I would like that route much better!

MallysMama · May 9, 2015

I'm clear across the country in Oregon (OHSU)! I know that Emory (in Atlanta) and Vanderbilt (in Nashville) have great MSN options and are great schools! I'm not familiar with any of the schools in Florida though.

Kaytayxx · May 9, 2015

I appreciate your help! You've given me insight into a new route for my education. Thank you very much!

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · May 9, 2015

You have your RN? You just don't have a BSN?

If you want to be an NP you need to first decide which type...family, peds (acute or primary), adult, neonatal.... You then need to look at schools that have the specialty you want...not all schools that have NP programs have all the specialities. Look at their requirements to get in. Do they require experience? Many, but not all, do. If you need experience...get it. It really isn't complicated.

If you don't have a BSN you have to decide i you want to do an RN to BSN and then move on or try and find an RN to MSN. An RN to MSN will be harder to find.

If you get an MSN in something that isn't associated with an NP program you can still become an NP. You then just look for a post master's certificate program. You will then just do the NP portion.

So you can get an MSN in education...then go back and do a post master's certificate in an NP program.

NEradtech · May 18, 2015

You should look into George Washington University. They have an ADN to MSN pathway that's completely online except for a few campus meetings throughout the whole program. They have multiple specialties and you don't need nursing experience.

Kaytayxx · May 19, 2015

You have your RN? You just don't have a BSN?
If you want to be an NP you need to first decide which type...family, peds (acute or primary), adult, neonatal.... You then need to look at schools that have the specialty you want...not all schools that have NP programs have all the specialities. Look at their requirements to get in. Do they require experience? Many, but not all, do. If you need experience...get it. It really isn't complicated.
If you don't have a BSN you have to decide i you want to do an RN to BSN and then move on or try and find an RN to MSN. An RN to MSN will be harder to find.
If you get an MSN in something that isn't associated with an NP program you can still become an NP. You then just look for a post master's certificate program. You will then just do the NP portion.
So you can get an MSN in education...then go back and do a post master's certificate in an NP program.

Yes I do have my RN and I just applied to a RN to MSN program at University of Central Florida. There's is all online as well. This University offers gerontology and family specialities for their NP program. I'm not decided yet on what I want to do as far as specialties go but if I get in to the MSN program then I should have some time to think it over. Thank you for your helpful advice!

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · May 19, 2015

Yes I do have my RN and I just applied to a RN to MSN program at University of Central Florida. There's is all online as well. This University offers gerontology and family specialities for their NP program. I'm not decided yet on what I want to do as far as specialties go but if I get in to the MSN program then I should have some time to think it over. Thank you for your helpful advice!

If you get the MSN and don't like their NP specialties...lots of places off a post masters certificate for the NP part. So once you have the MSN you can just head to a different school of need be for the specialty you want.

Do make sure you get your NP from a school you want it from! See if they have in person session. Many schools do an on campus thing here and there with their NP programs. My program had one every quarter for 1-3 days. Honestly...I am very thankful for that on campus time. It was very positive.

SincerelyX · Jul 31, 2015

Did you go to Keiser university? I am curious about the school if you can help ?kaytay