Accelerated MN/MSN (but not leading to NP)

NYcDcG · Jul 30, 2008

I know that there are accelerated BSN programs (for those whom already have a degree in something else), and Programs for RN's who have a diploma or Associate's degree to fast track to Bachelor's or Master's.

I believe the advantage of the Accl'd MN program would be that you end with a higher level degree. I assume it would be more intense that the accl'd BSN program? Be careful though, lots of programs have been 'poppin up' that are not accredited. Make sure that your final destination (school or job) will accept the program.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Jul 30, 2008

The Graduate-entry Master's program I was just admitted to differs from an ABSN program in that it requires GRE scores and has lower course prereqs since they teach those things once you get into the program. Other entry MSN programs are either identical to some ABSN programs in setup and prerequisites, and/or will go through the RN material before moving into a specialized field for the MSN work. It depends on the school.

Cari001 · Aug 18, 2008

Hello-

I am interested in the accelerated nursing program and am also wondering why people would get their BSN over MSN when the prerequisites are basically the same. Does anyone know how competative the MSN programs are in Minnesota (U of M and Metro State) and if the program is extremely difficult? I am worried that if I pay to complete the prerequisites, that I won't get accepted into the program. I feel like I already "wasted" time by getting my BS in something other than nursing. Does anyone know the best route to go if you didn't get your degree in nursing, but you know that's what you ultimately want to do?

Also, "misava", are you planning on applying to Metro State and if so, do you have your prereq's complete?

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Aug 18, 2008

For "best routes," it depends on the programs in your area - some DE-MSN programs merely give you an RN and some introductory advanced work, while others graduate you with a normal MSN specializing in some field of advanced practice nursing. If you don't know quite what you want to do beyond your RN, a DE-MSN or ABSN may be what you're looking for. If, however, you know exactly what type of APN you want to be, entering a program that kicks you out with one of those MSNs might be what you want.

Also, various DE-MSN and ABSN programs vary in cost depending on which school you attend, so that may also be a consideration. In addition, you can get your RN and then do an RN-MSN bridge program - which is what many on this site will recommend. However, you may want at least a BSN to start out, depending on your local employment outlook. Having a non-nursing bachelor's myself, I can understand the desire to not go back and get another bachelor's or, Heaven Forbid, an associate's.

If you're looking to get Uncle Sam to foot your bill, the military prefers BSNs to RNs - nurses are officers, officers need a bachelor's, and the military doesn't like square pegs in round holes.

alpina · Aug 19, 2008

I have looked into MANY nursing programs in the twin cities area. I also have a college degree and have looked into post-bacc. programs plus the MSN programs at UMN and MSU. Both programs are highly competitve and are considered to be full-time, running for 5 semesters or 2 1/2 years. Upon completion of the MSN programs you would still start as an entry-level nurse but you would have an MSN. Both programs recommend that you not work while attending because they are accelerated and time consuming. I am struggling with the same thing most people are, I don't want to invest the money and time into pre-req. classes only to find that I can't get into and RN program. That just happened to a friend of mine and my cousin. My friend has decided to get her LPN, even though she has a 4-year degree, and then do a mobility option to get her RN. Its very complicated right now and a lot of programs are constantly changing. So I have no idea if this helps you or not but I thought I'd try to shed some light on the MSN programs for you.

bitter_sweet · Aug 20, 2008

To the above poster, I too looked at the U of Minnesota's accelerated nursing program. However, the U's accelerated program is not a MSN program. People graduating from this program will receive a Master's in Nursing, NOT a Master's of Science in Nursing (though credits earned can be applied to a MSN program).

I did look at the MN programs and decided that I would prefer either a BSN or MSN, because these degrees are more recognized. The MN is still pretty new in Minnesota, and (like was previously said) graduates of these programs are usually hired in entry-level nursing positions.

misava · Oct 14, 2008

just wanted to say thanks for the advise, just re found this post after a while (was only browsing on my phone so it was hard finding this!)

I am not at the point where I have even started my pre req's yet, but am trying to figure out what schools to apply for to take my pre req's

Am thinking now more along the lines of getting my Acc BSN, since it seems more flexible and established, though it makes me sad (but not heartbroken) that there's not any in the TC's since I really like it there.

brewk · Nov 1, 2008

Misava,

Joined just so I could reply to what you wrote here: I'm in the exact same situation, already with a non-nursing degree, wanting to become a nurse, planning to start school in 2010, wanting to stay in Minneapolis area, not feeling that enthusiastic about immediately jumping into an advanced (MN) nursing degree, such as at the UofM.

Just to let you know, there IS a accelerated Bachelors to BSN program (12 months long) at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, which is pretty unique in that it allows you study most of the year in your home community - i.e., it uses online/video technology (i don't really know all the correct ways to describe this) for everyone in the cohort, and you only must come to the UW campus 3 times during the year for some practical skills sessions (for about a week or two at a time?), and all your clinicals are in your home community (they find a preceptor for you at a local hospital or clinic). Anyways, here's the website which is much more helpful than me trying to describe it all: http://www.uwosh.edu/colleges/con/undergrad/accelerated.php

So this would allow us to stay in the TC. (Oshkosh is only 5 or 6 hours away I believe.) The only thing I'm a little nervous/unsure about is that it's not a traditional "classroom" setting, with all the benefits of having real live classmates for support, encouragement, motivation, etc. I'm not sure if I would find it hard to study nursing texts for 8 hours by myself in a coffee shop somewhere in Mpls everyday, or if it would be okay.

I've looked all over at programs, but just not sure - don't want to go into huge debt, would like to stay close to family in the TC... where else are you looking?

just wanted to say thanks for the advise, just re found this post after a while (was only browsing on my phone so it was hard finding this!)
I am not at the point where I have even started my pre req's yet, but am trying to figure out what schools to apply for to take my pre req's
Am thinking now more along the lines of getting my Acc BSN, since it seems more flexible and established, though it makes me sad (but not heartbroken) that there's not any in the TC's since I really like it there.

brewk · Nov 1, 2008

"TheSquire", can i ask where you are going (which school)?

Cari001 · Nov 4, 2008

Hi "brewk",

The information you posted on UW Nursing program was very useful. I think a lot of people in MN have a hard time going back to school, because there arn't a lot of options. I'm hoping to talk to Sue from UW about the program in more detail. The program is about $37,000, which seems like a lot.

I am now leaning towards getting my ASN in MN. I feel like it will be cheaper, as well as less competative to get into (I hope! :)). Do you know where you'll be applying in 2010? Is your GPA pretty good from your previous degree? I hope to start Nursing school in 2010 as well.

Thanks again for your post!!!!!!!!!!!

brewk · Nov 4, 2008

Hi Cari001,

Yeah, the program is expensive, unfortunately, and I think you're right, most programs above an associates are going to cost more. Because of what I'd like to do after getting my degree though (go on to study tropical medicine nursing, and work in Africa), I feel I need to get at least a bachelors (if not go for one of the direct entry masters - though I'm a little intimidated at the thought! I don't think of myself as much of a hard science person).

Yeah, just not sure yet on where I'm going to apply for school, though do feel pretty certain I'll stay in the Minnesota area because of family. Have looked most closely at the UofM program (the MN), the Oshkosh program (a BSN), and just recently a program in Milwaukee (a MSN, with a CNS in maternal/child nursing, which is my interest). I do have a previous master's degree in anthropology, but that may or may not make me more competitive for getting into a nursing program. It's a lot to figure out, hey?

Like others have said, I think a lot depends on your ultimate career plans.

Hope this answered your questions, am happy to keep figuring some of this out together!

Thanks