RN, RN&MPH? or BSN?

[Anumness]

Hello Folks,

So I'm in a huge dilemma, hoping you guys could help me out.

I just graduated in May with a Bachelor's in Biology from a prestigious university in Chicago.

I just cant decide if I should get my BSN solely or do an RN program solely or do a RN along with a online MPH program.

Here is a comparison:

BSN:

-Already accepted at University

-2.5 year program

-Cost of $50,000

RN:

-Already accepted into program

-2 years

-Cost $7,000

RN& MPH (online):

-Already accepted into program

-2 years

-Cost (together) $40,000

All this cost will be covered solely by loans, so please keep that in mind. I'm really worried that I will invest so much extra money into getting an MPH degree only to realize that the job market sucks and it wasn't worth it. I live in Chicago btw, if that helps anyone. I also question if I should just get my RN, work for a bit and get my employer to reimburse me desire to get a Master's degree. No matter what, I do know that I want to get my masters degree at some point in my lifetime. I'm a first generation college student in the United States and I just feel lost because I have no guidance. Please give me any suggestions, opinions or insight you have on this.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I would strongly suggest limiting your debt. You already have the ba, so I think the best investment would be to get the adn. Then get a job (the job will most likely be different in 2 years) and continue your education on the hospital's tab.

I assume you already have loans from your ba, so again, i would strongly recommend limiting your debt.

Good luck.

[goingCOASTAL]

There certainly are cheaper venues ... if you're worried about cost, take some more time and consider some other schools you haven't applied to yet. I was able to finish my BSN for less than $7,000.

With your desire for an MPH, I take it you have some advancement plans beyond bedside nursing. In many states (not sure about Illinois), at least one of your "real" degrees will need to be a Science degree in Nursing (meaning BSN or MSN). While there are certainly plenty of nurses today in leadership positions with their business bachelor's and an MPH or MHA, these people are mostly grandfathered in ... people aren't advancing into senior leadership without one of those degrees being in nursing, though.

Get your BSN, then you can get your Master's in anything else - business, public health, administration, etc. But, if you want a career path - either your bachelor's or master's has to be in nursing.

[dark01]

Hi, I'm a second degree LPN to RN, and presently work in a nursing and Rehab. From the information I've gathered from co-workers including Nurse practitioners and MSN degree holders, I can tell you that your level of initial qualification for an RN license does not count in the first 0-3years of licensure. Some hospitals prefer to hire BSN holders, but with the high demand for RN's, associate degree holders get equally well paying jobs. And the annoying part is both get the same base pay, but over the years, BSN graduates may progress faster into management roles. If you had scholarship, yes go for the BSN or MPH now, but paying out of pocket or through loans, it might be more expedient for you to get your associates, and progress with your education gradually. You'll have nothing to loose except a huge loan burden. At least in Maryland, Virginia, DC area, BSN, second degree MSN and Associates get the same initial pay- RN is RN.