Accelerated BSN vs Direct-Entry MSN option

Updated:   Published

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum and to the field of nursing. I have a BS degree in Biology and was recently enrolled in a physician assistant program for 6 months but withdrew for personal reasons, one of which was the fact that the program was not a good fit for me at all. I am interested in becoming an NP after recently shadowing and networking about the profession and would like some insight as to what some of you may think is the better route to take. What are some advantages/disadvantages of completing an accelerated BSN first and then applying for MSN programs rather than a direct-entry MSN program for a non-nursing major like myself? After being in PA school, I am very used to an extremely rigorous curriculum and have succeeded in all of my classes. Therefore, the workload isn't quite what I'm concerned about. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you very much in advance!

I think if you want to work in a hospital as an NP it's better to do an accelerated bachelor's degree (or a direct entry program that gives you a BSN after a year like Columbia, Penn, Hopkins) so that you can get work experience as an RN in a hospital before becoming an NP. Many NPs suggest you work for at least a year before working on your master's. A direct-entry CNL program would also work.

However, if you want to do primary care I think direct entry programs like Boston College are fine because being an NP is so different from being an RN. If you have no plans to work as an RN then those programs seem to accomplish your goals, but some places still want you to have RN experience before becoming an NP. And it's hard to get an RN job without a bachelor's degree in nursing (or a master's in nursing).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is a really helpful response- I realize this was posted several years ago, but I'm hoping my reply reaches you. I'm looking into ABSN programs and beginning to question whether or not a direct entry program would save me time-- saving time being appealing because I'm coming to this as a 35 year old with a background in the arts and planning to start a family ASAP.

assuming you're now a few years into your career as a nurse, and maybe enrolled in masters program by now. If you're willing to share your insights on the path you've chosen, I'd appreciate it so much.

Ive got some time to make this decision, and maybe things will become clearer once I'm taking pre reqs.

After reading through posts on this site, I'm slightly leaning towards an ABSN, given that I'd like to gain RN experience before moving into NP territory. Seems obvious that clinical experience is essential and that w/o it I would be like a half-baked NP no matter how strong the direct entry MSN program is. That being said, applying twice versus only once is potentially unnecessary, as long as I'm still working as an RN for the first few years regardless of degree acquired (which is what I'd likely do anyway).

If you or anyone else can weigh in, I'd be very much obliged. Hope your work (and studies) has continued to be fulfilling as you advance!

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the feedback... I have done research on some of the schools that were mentioned above.. I recently graduated with an MBA in HC Management and would like to pursue nursing as a career.... After reading these post I feel that the direct entry BSN would be best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is a really helpful response- I realize this was posted several years ago, but I'm hoping my reply reaches you. I'm looking into ABSN programs and beginning to question whether or not a direct entry program would save me time-- saving time being appealing because I'm coming to this as a 35 year old with a background in the arts and planning to start a family ASAP.

assuming you're now a few years into your career as a nurse, and maybe enrolled in masters program by now. If you're willing to share your insights on the path you've chosen, I'd appreciate it so much.

Ive got some time to make this decision, and maybe things will become clearer once I'm taking pre reqs.

After reading through posts on this site, I'm slightly leaning towards an ABSN, given that I'd like to gain RN experience before moving into NP territory. Seems obvious that clinical experience is essential and that w/o it I would be like a half-baked NP no matter how strong the direct entry MSN program is. That being said, applying twice versus only once is potentially unnecessary, as long as I'm still working as an RN for the first few years regardless of degree acquired (which is what I'd likely do anyway).

If you or anyone else can weigh in, I'd be very much obliged. Hope your work (and studies) has continued to be fulfilling as you advance!

Thanks

Hi I am looking in to the same as well. I am applying to both absn to dnp and direct entry (cnl) masters programs. I believe just with my research, that the direct entry masters in cnl will be just as good and better than a bsn because you are learning at a higher level. You will be getting clinical experience and be able to sit for the nclex to be able to register as an rn. With that you would have more of an opportunity to potentially get more experience in different departments.

As I am typing this I realized this was in 2016. So maybe if you've gone through the process and maybe in a program. Can you let me know what you decided and how it is?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Applying to nursing schools as we speak...only applying to one ABSN program....Direct Entry MSN mostly

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 1/29/2018 at 9:10 PM, Besha08 said:

Applying to nursing schools as we speak...only applying to one ABSN program....Direct Entry MSN mostly

Hi, I know this was from a while ago...but what did you decide on? I'm still trying to decide b/w direct entry MSN CNL program and ABSN programs

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion