Accelerated BSN (15mo) or ASN-MSN Bridge Program (3 yrs), Which Would You Do?

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Feb 6, 2020

Would the MSN be a general MSN or a specific concentration that you are planning to get regardless? Also I would compare the cost of each program to help make the decision.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 6, 2020

My first question is the same as the question posed by the previous poster. What focus/specialty would the MSN be in?

What is the quality/reputation of each program?

Caitlyn hopeful_student · Feb 7, 2020

5 hours ago, llg said:
My first question is the same as the question posed by the previous poster. What focus/specialty would the MSN be in?
What is the quality/reputation of each program?

The BSN program is highly reputable. But I've also heard good things about the ASN-MSN program. I would have a choice in what I'd be concentrating in for the MSN, I'm thinking about nursing informatics or education. The ASN-MSN would be significantly cheaper too.

Just wondering, would it be a drawback to get an ASN first? It wouldn't really matter right since I will eventually get the MSN a year later.

Thanks!

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 7, 2020

I would strongly consider the ASN-MSN program as it might be a "better value" for the investment. That is assuming the following things:

1. that you'll be able to get a decent job in your community with the ASN. In my community, ASN degrees are generally only offered by for-profit schools with not-so-good reputations. Their graduates have poor job prospects. However, if that is not true in your region -- and you will be able to get a good job with that ASN while you complete your MSN -- then it would be OK.

2. An extension of #1. The MSN is of good quality and well-respected.

If there is any question about the quality/reputation of the ASN-MSN school, I wouldn't do it. I would not do it if the school is a "for-profit" school, for example. I would not do it if the school is not fully accredited by the proper agencies (CCNE or ACEN for the nursing program) and the school as a whole should have regional accreditation. In other words, the school should have the same accreditations as major universities in the same region. If it doesn't have those accreditations, then I would not attend that school -- and would go to the well-respected BSN program.

Education is a big investment. Make sure you are spending your resources on high quality education.

BStoRN · Feb 7, 2020

I'm piggy backing on this question because I have a similar one. Which is better:

BSN 2nd degree from Penn, or Masters of Science in Nursing (but not an "MSN" bc NY doesn't give MSNs) from Columbia?

I'm hoping to work as an RN in NY after I complete one of those programs before going back to school for an advanced practice degree. Any advice appreciated.

Caitlyn hopeful_student · Feb 10, 2020

On 2/7/2020 at 9:08 AM, llg said:
I would strongly consider the ASN-MSN program as it might be a "better value" for the investment. That is assuming the following things:
1. that you'll be able to get a decent job in your community with the ASN. In my community, ASN degrees are generally only offered by for-profit schools with not-so-good reputations. Their graduates have poor job prospects. However, if that is not true in your region -- and you will be able to get a good job with that ASN while you complete your MSN -- then it would be OK.
2. An extension of #1. The MSN is of good quality and well-respected.
If there is any question about the quality/reputation of the ASN-MSN school, I wouldn't do it. I would not do it if the school is a "for-profit" school, for example. I would not do it if the school is not fully accredited by the proper agencies (CCNE or ACEN for the nursing program) and the school as a whole should have regional accreditation. In other words, the school should have the same accreditations as major universities in the same region. If it doesn't have those accreditations, then I would not attend that school -- and would go to the well-respected BSN program.
Education is a big investment. Make sure you are spending your resources on high quality education.

Thanks for your response. I think that most students do well with an ASN in my area, but then again, I am new to my state and have lived here less than a year. I researched the school and they both have proper accreditations.

My other question is...after completing the AS portion, I would then enter the master's portion which is completely online. What is the reputation for online master's in the nursing community? Are they looked down upon? I feel like there are a ton of online master's programs...is this where nursing is headed?

I think I would do better in face to face class, but I've done online courses before...they are just very tedious and time consuming because I think the instructors want to make sure you're spending time "in class."

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 10, 2020

I agree with you about the proliferation of MSN programs. It's become very common. The quality of such programs vary from excellent to poor. It all depends on the particular school.