Accelerated BSN or Direct Entry?

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Hi All,

I'm new to the boards and I wanted to get your opinions on schooling. I'm currently getting my bachelor's in Psychology, but I am becoming more and more interested in nursing. I know there are many ways to get into nursing, but I believe it's something I'd like to do once I complete my bachelor's. I've been looking into Accelerated BSN programs, as well as Direct Entry master's programs, both which look appealing. I like the Accelerated BSN because it only takes about a year, but it seems a little silly for me to be in school now for 4 years for a Bachelor's, just to go on directly to another school for a Bachelor's. The Direct Entry programs seem great because you jump right into training for the NCLEX, and come out with a Masters, but the downside is the programs are for about 3 years. So as you can see I'm stuck as to what I want to do. Both have pros and cons. From personal experience or just in your opinion, which program would be the best route?

Any info or words of experience would be great!

Thanks!! :D

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I am in the same boat but farther removed from the degree (mine is in Bio & Psych).

I am looking at both as well. The ASBN here is 1 yr and the DE-MSN programs range from 15 months - 2 yrs.

The difference I think lies in what you want to do after your completion of the program. From my research thus far, the ABSN's are for if you just want to get you RN and get into practice and for the moment anyway do not wish to go farther with your career. On the other hand the DE-MSN's, which as you said you will also get your RN during, are more designed for those who wish to go onto further their education by pursuing a Post-Master's certificate as either a NP or a APN.

For me, I know going in that I want to pursue a NP, so the DE-MSN programs are more appealing although the ABSN program cuts out a yr, but the DE-MSN programs are more geared toward my final career goal.

I think you first have to look at what your career goal is (for the moment), then take stock of which one will get you there. Also, perhaps consider a relocation for a shorter DE-MSN program if possible.

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Hey, I think you may have a little misinformation. All nursing schools are suppose to teach you how to be a nurse, and therefore help you prepare for the NCLEX. So, by going to nursing school, weather it be a 2-year degree, 4-year degree, or masters level, you are preparing for the NCLEX in exactly the same way. There is NO difference when taking the NCLEX. Everyone must learn the same material.

You should think about your long term goals. Do you want to have a masters degree, or not? If so, what do you want your masters degree to be in?

In my situation, I want to become a nurse anesthetist. This means attending a masters degree program. However, to apply to any nurse anesthetist program, one needs to have critical care experience. So in my case, the quickest way to gain the critical care experience was to go through an ABSN program, get the critical care time needed, and then apply to the masters degree program.

Different people have different goals, and the route they take to attain those goals may be different from others. So my advice would be to look at where you want to be, and then determine a plan to get there.

I want a masters degree, however the direct entry masters program would not be the fastest route for me, so I chose the ABSN route first, and then I will apply to masters degree programs in the future. Hope this helps. Good luck.

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There are 3 DE-MSN programs near me. At the end of one you do receive a NP in one of a specific set of specialities along with the RN, while in the other two you receive your RN. However the other two on their webpage specifically state that their program is designed for "the individual whose ultimate goal is advanced practice or doctoral preparation in nursing". Now this may not be true in all programs, but I am basing my statement on the programs here that state this very specific thing on their webpage.

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

I agree with Nurse2bKY. We only have one Direct Entry or Alternate Entry MSN program in NC that I'm aware of. It doesn't even award you a BSN degree once you complete the pertinent courses required for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX.

If you're ultimate goal is to become a CRNA like nurse2bky, I would not suggest the Direct Entry program. I don't think the Nurse Anesthesist is offered as one of the attainable concentrations via the Direct Entry MSN programs, at least not at the one school that has the DE MSN program here.

But if you want to become an NP then I would probably go for the DE MSN program. Either way, most MSN programs ask that you have at least 1 year of critical care or acute care experience. The DE MSN program here prepares you for your RN in a year, the ABSN programs here prepare you in 13-16 months.

Apply to both, at least then you'd have a back up plan if you don't get in to the first one.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Thank you all for the responses! I definitely agree with nurse2bky as well. It is probably important to get a few years experience in a hospital setting before jumping into a master's degree. I am still in college, and there shouldn't be much rush to get into a direct entry program right away. :)

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