Accelerated BSN vs. Direct Entry MSN/ DNP

MSN RN CNE CNL, MSN, RN · Aug 12, 2015

Hey Busby:

I recently completed a Direct Entry MSN program at the University of Virginia. I also had a Bachelor's in psychology. My directly entry MSN was unique in that the MSN was not an advanced practice or management masters but rather the CNL route (clinical nurse leader). This degree allows me to work as a bedside nurse. The program was 2 years, and I did not obtain a BSN in the process. If/when I am ready to return to school whether it be for an NP role or otherwise, I will not need to obtain a second masters but rather a post-masters certificate.

I felt it was important for me to gain bedside experience and really learn the ins and outs of the nursing role. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, I would check out some CNL programs. My curriculum included various leadership, management, and research courses, in addition to my basic nursing and assessment courses. I also completed clinical rotations in L&D, med-surg, critical care, psych, peds, community health, etc. I also got to pick a unit to complete my capstone project on, which is basically the equivalent to a master's thesis. I worked on the unit for an entire year conducting a quality improvement study. I only had classes two days a week, which left for ample clinical time. All my clinical time was done under a direct preceptor on the unit (much like a new orientee would do).

Hope this helps, and I hope you make the right decision for you!

allnurses Guide · Aug 12, 2015

Hi all,
Just looking for some advice out there to help me figure out my path in school...
Background info: My end goal is to be an NP. I already have my bachelor's degree in Psychology. I have worked for 3 years in hospital administration at a top cancer hospital. I also have already taken all of the required prerequisites for both accelerated BSN and Direct Entry Masters programs. My GPA is 3.75 undergraduate and 4.0 in prerequisites. My GREs are decent but I will be taking again.

That sounds like a competitive application for either type of program.

The first question you should consider (both for yourself, and so you could answer if asked) is why is your end goal to be an NP? What is it about the role that appeals to you?

My main issue is I do not know if I should do an accelerated/ second degree BSN program, get clinical experience working as a nurse for several years and then go back to school for my advanced degree, or if I should apply to a direct entry program where I would receive my BSN along the way, but move immediately onto my masters. As I said above I have no doubt that my end goal is to be an NP, therefore direct entry is more efficient. My only fear is if direct entry programs prepare their students adequately with clinical experience for their work as an NP. Also does anyone feel that it is more difficult to get hired out of a direct entry program because employers may feel you lack clinical experience?

This is a common question and from my experience, as a provider and as an educator, the answer really boils don't to "different stroke for different folks". You need to figure out what is right for you. That may happen along the way and with either option (ABSN vs DE-NP) you can get to the same endpoints. Remember as far as preparation there are good programs and bad programs and the quality of the program is important just like the qualities of the applicant.

As far as employment, that really is a mixed bag and may very well vary locally. In my experience it really hasn't mattered.

Lastly... to make everything more confusing is the slow but inevitable change that will require NPs to have their DNP. Because of this I have started to think that doing my BSN then going straight to a DNP program after I have several years of work experience may in the long run be the best way to go.

Don't make you decisions on what may or may not happen with doctorate-entry, we can't predict the future. There will (likely) always be a way to bridge.

I will be applying this fall for a Summer 2016 start. Mainly looking at schools in Boston and New York. Thanks :-)

Two very competitive markets for employment at both levels, best of luck!

busby · Aug 17, 2015

Thanks for the advice! Very helpful response :-)