ABSN vs GEP-MSN

[jennaisrad]

hello all! first time posting on the boards.

i finally figured out (after 5 years of post-secondary education) that i want to go into nursing. i have a bachelors in social work and am currently a practicing licensed massage therapist. i plan to work for a couple of years before i go back to school (pay off all of my debt and whatnot) and i was wondering what the best route would be. i know that i want to get a masters degree, and i'm curious about UIC's program for graduate entry. i've heard rumors that it's fairly hard to get into - any ideas on how to up my chances for getting in? also, i know that loyola has an ABSN program - would that be a smarter idea than a graduate entry program? i don't really want to do anymore schooling (other than the necessary prereqs) before i go to grad school, but it is possible due to my work schedule. oh, and because i apparently enjoy torturing myself, i'm seriously considering a dual msn-mph - is this a good idea, or should i hold off on the mph til later?

sorry for the long-windedness. it's early and i haven't had my coffee yet. thanks in advance!