RN to BSN/MSN...when is BSN awarded?

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

Hi everyone,

I'm scheduled to start the RN to BSN/MSN program on January 1 and want to make sure I'm under the correct understanding.

Hope my wording here makes sense....Is the BSN awarded once those requirements are met or is it simply awarded as an MSN at the end? It has been my understanding that you DO get the BSN when you've completed that coursework but a few things I'm reading on here are now leading me to believe differently. (And quite honestly it doesn't make much sense if they're not going to award the BSN until the end)

I've already emailed my enrollment counselor but was thinking I might get an answer here quicker. Thanks!

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.

You get your BSN as soon as the requirements are met.

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

My understanding is now they do not automatically award it, but only if you petition (?) for it. But yes, it would be awarded after all the BSN credits are completed.

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

Just wanted to follow up with the answer from my enrollment counselor. She emailed me the following: "You will receive both the BSN and MSN degree at the completetion of the program in it’s entirety."

That answer is a big letdown. Basically...the BSN serves no purpose other than being a gateway to the MSN in this case. I was hoping to utilize the BSN to open up some employment opportunities while I was finishing the MSN.

Now I'm rethinking the MSN.

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

So, why not just enroll in the RN-BSN, then complete the MSN if you choose, after you complete your BSN program?

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

I am thinking about changing to the BSN program because I really want the additional employment opportunities. The difference if you go RN to BSN and then do the MSN is that you have to take 9 more CU's versus going straight for the MSN. Not sure how big of a deal (aka how much time) the additional 9 CU's would take.

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

Not a big deal. You could do those 9 units in 1-2 months.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

And if you are immensely motivated, you can complete the additional nine credit hours in less than one month. One of our frequently posters completed 50 credits in less than four months.

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

Thanks for your input, everyone. I've emailed my enrollment counselor to change to the BSN.

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