Accelerated BSN or Direct Entry MSN

Published

I'm not completely sure what type of nurse i want to be. i already have a bs in finance so i am looking to enter into an ABSN or direct entry. i am thinking an ABSN is the best bet since i'm not quite sure what i want to specialize in, that way i can get experience. or should i just go for the msn? thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

Definitely do the ABSN. Direct entry isn't going to save you much time and you will be much more marketable after you graduate. Very few NP jobs are willing to accept NPs with no RN experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I'm currently in an ABSN program. I'm glad I'm taking this route than Direct Entry! It's tough, but worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, obviously if you don't know what you want to specialize in, then do the ABSN. But, if you KNOW that you are going to to want to go on to get your NP degree, just don't know what specialty, then either shadow and get the experience, or apply to a program that will let you pick you specialty after completing the BSN portion of the program, that way you had a chance to rotate thru different areas. Unfortunately, not all schools let you do this... a lot make you choose your specialty up front for the direct entry MSNs, which can prove challenging, unless you have a calling to specific area... And most direct entry MSN programs that I see offer either FNP or Pysch/mental health NP.... so either you want to do Psych, or you want to be able to do anything else....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I did the DEMSN thing in a generalist CNL program. I've written about it in a number of threads and there's been a lot of discussion about it.

In short, I'd go for the cheaper of the two. I would not go to a private university and pay the exorbitant sums that they charge.

All other things being equal, however, I'd go with the DEMSN. The training is excellent and having an MS will open up other exclusive options down the road once you get a few years of work under your belt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Another argument in favor of the MSN: Once you have an MS, you can then do specialization studies in certificate programs (meaning cheaper and faster) than in MS programs. For example, I'm interested in informatics (among other things). There are several online certification programs from major universities which are about 15 units less than earning a full MS... and do not require (another) thesis or culminating project of the same magnitude as that from the MS.

To me, it was a no-brainer...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion