Average length of time RN-MSN

Nursing Students Western Governors

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I only have 17 CU to finish before I start my MSN classes. What is the average length of time to finish the whole program? I know it is go at your own pace and do what you can. I guess what I am looking for is input on how many CU you have to finish and how long it took you to complete the program. Thanks!

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

With 17 credits (how long left in your current term?) and the MSN program, I would say you could finish it all in under a year if you really pushed yourself. I would say that without living, breathing and sleeping school, the average length of time to complete the MSN program is probably 18-24 months. I'm hoping to finish in 18 months, but I'm under the "old" program which, my understanding, has fewer requirements than the new program.

I start in May. I had plenty transfer in that I only need to do 17 CU before I can do my MSN.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

That surprises me. It was my understanding that all the core BSN courses were required to be taken, regardless of if you had taken them before. I thought all the core BSN courses added up to more like 25 credits.

Maybe it's different now under the new program, since they no longer award the BSN when you finish that coursework?

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I completed the 'old' program in two terms, and busted my butt doing it. The big barrier is getting IRB approval for your capstone. That's what slows most folks down.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Maybe it's different now under the new program, since they no longer award the BSN when you finish that coursework?

This is untrue. I just covered it again with my mentor yesterday. You can petition to receive your BSN diploma as soon as you have completed the requirements and the bridge classes. You do have to wait until your six month semester is over, though, to continue on with the MSN courses. If you don't care if you get the BSN immediately then you can just keep going without the pause and you get both awarded at the end.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Okay, what I should have said was "they no longer AUTOMATICALLY award the BSN when you finish the coursework." And I see my supposition was correct - if you want the BSN, there are a couple extra classes you have to take. So presumably the 17 credits the OP needs does not include those classes.

This is untrue. I just covered it again with my mentor yesterday. You can petition to receive your BSN diploma as soon as you have completed the requirements and the bridge classes. You do have to wait until your six month semester is over, though, to continue on with the MSN courses. If you don't care if you get the BSN immediately then you can just keep going without the pause and you get both awarded at the end.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Most likely not. I was pretty irritated by that requirement myself.

I don't really care to get my BSN. I would much rather go through to MSN since the hospital I work at doesn't give raises for your BSN it is basically pointless.

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