Accelerated BSN vs. Direct-Entry MSN

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2013

A fellow buckeye! What's up. I would definitely recommend you just do a Direct-Entry program that OSU has. You have an undergrad degree that is very desirable and will look great on your transcript. I don't know the other schools, but, I know OSU is competitive.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Nov 2, 2013

I am in the same boat as you. I graduated last year and I am know applying to a direct entry program that leads to a MSN and certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader. I already received admission to a ABSN program but I deferred until Fall 2014. I also hope to one day be an acute care NP/DNP but I am aiming for the graduate program. I want to enter my nursing career with higher degree credentials and I also want to have some graduate classes under my belt for the degree I ultimately plan to earn. I am really looking toward this option because soon MSN will no longer be an available degree and it will be DNP only.

Of course there are always pros and cons. One pro is if I am in a graduate program I am eligible for grad school financial aid and lots of scholarships that are not available to second degree students. Of course some of these programs can be a bit long. The one I am applying to is only 21 months (5 semesters) long. Others can be as long as 3-4 years.I say look at what is best for you, the job market in your area, and what your ultimate goal is.

mzaur · Nov 2, 2013

Which NP specialty do you want to go into? Getting an RN/BSN and working for a bit might help if you're going into acute care or FNP, but if you're going into psych, then just get the MSN. Others might know more but I know for psych the BSN definitely will be a waste of time/money.

As for the poster above, not sure what the point is of spending time and money getting a CNL degree? It won't necessarily help you to become an NP

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Nov 3, 2013

Mzaur- I know that the CNL degree does not mean I will necessarily become a NP. However, I have done my research and asked lost of questions so I know certain classes like advanced pharm, patho etc, will transfer to a post-MSN certificate program.

The MSN-CNL program I want to attend is actually cheaper than many of the ABSN programs that are in NYC ( my home) and many of the other programs that dot the Eastern Seaboard. I am quite fine working before I get anymore degrees. My long term goal is a DNP but right now I want to just be a nurse and get to work at the bedside. I think the CNL role is wholly misunderstood. I will just be an advanced generalist and I am fine with that for now. After working getting experience as a nurse I feel I would be ready for the full role.

Sometimes ABSN programs are extremely overpriced. Case in point the ABSN program at Columbia University is called the ETP ( Entry to Practice). The ETP program works by admitting the student to the BSN portion and the MSN portion at the same time. However, in order to enter the MSN portion one must complete the BSN ( which is a done in one year) first. The BSN portion of the program cost over 73,000 and that is without the additional fees( and not including living expenses). The ABSN program at New York U also costs well over 70,000. The CNL program I am applying to cost 72,000 and that is with all fees plus parking included. Also because to the city ( located in the Midwest) I save greatly on cost of living. Personally I think many schools are overpriced but they know students will pay it. However, I refuse to pay that kind of money for another Bachelor degree. Getting into a CNL program so down the road I have less courses to take for my NP and I can get into the clinical potion quicker is a small price to pay.

My point: Sometimes the ABSN is not worth it.

This is the best and smartest choice for me however, I cannot speak for everyone.

I hope I explained my point.

dreams88 · Nov 24, 2014

Hi,

I am now in the same boat you where in last year. I am applying to both ABSN and MSN-CNL (entry) programs. I am currently completing my MPH in health policy and management and feel like MSN-CNL is best for me. How do you like your accelerated CNL program? Where did you go?

MidwifeAPRN219, MSN, RN, APRN, CNM · Nov 24, 2014

Hi,
I am now in the same boat you where in last year. I am applying to both ABSN and MSN-CNL (entry) programs. I am currently completing my MPH in health policy and management and feel like MSN-CNL is best for me. How do you like your accelerated CNL program? Where did you go?

I love my Accelerated MSN-CNL program! I go to Georgia Regents University. I am almost done with my first semester and it's been going great! Feel free to message me or whatever if you have any questions!

dreams88 · Nov 24, 2014

I love my Accelerated MSN-CNL program! I go to Georgia Regents University. I am almost done with my first semester and it's been going great! Feel free to message me or whatever if you have any questions!

Hi I am new on this site so I don't the message button lol.. Georgia Regents Uni is actually my number one school. How do you like the program. Do you feel that you are still getting a good handle on 'basic nursing' or do you find that it still is focused on CNL. I am leaning towards this school because of the DNP_FNP program after completing the MSN-CNL. Also that GRU has quite a few hospital partners so even though MSN-CNL is fairly new it seems that the surrounding area accepts and hires new grads.