Accelerated MSN vs regular MSN

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Specializes in IMC/PCU, Medsurg, Dialysis.

Hey all! A little about my experience, I've been a bedside RN for 12 years specializing in Medsurg/Medtele, PCU/IMC,  dialysis, and most recently case management. I am currently enrolling in the accelerated masters program at Chamberlain College. Im told this program will provide a graduate certificate in my desired specialty but will not be tied into the actual degree because it is accelerated. I basically want to hear from others that have done this program, and whether or not they have had any issues with their degree. The last thing I want is to have this degree and employers have an issue with the specialty and this "graduate certificate".  I feel like since I have so many years of experience as a nurse I don't really need to go for the BSN. Thoughts?

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

If you ever want to try for a DNP, I think you have to have the BSN. Is this for advanced practice? Not sure I understand what an "accelerated" masters is. 

randomly, I oriented a new grad that did an ABSN and for a little extra classroom, got a master in nursing but not as advanced practice. This RN is an RN w/zero experience but with a masters. I don't get it. I think they are a little embarrassed to claim having an advanced degree but not the clinical part (including the practice part). I don't get it at all. 

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mmc51264 said:

If you ever want to try for a DNP, I think you have to have the BSN. ...

[...]

A few years ago there were a few programs that would admit nurses without a bachelor's degree.  There really wasn't any time savings, and likely no cost savings either, as the BSN course work was included.

mmc51264 said:

... Is this for advanced practice? Not sure I understand what an "accelerated" masters is. 

[...]

Chamberlain University refers to an accelerated option with their MSN, although they don't provide much information on how this differs from the standard option. 

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Specializes in IMC/PCU, Medsurg, Dialysis.

Thank you for the feedback, I think this accelerated program is not what I think it is. How can you have a masters without a specialty? I think I will opt for the BSN first then do the Masters with specialty after. 

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Per Chamberlain University Earn Your MSN Degree online

Quote

For students wanting to go the traditional MSN route, it is recommended that students take one class per each eight-week session as they navigate their studies and personal life. For those who would like to complete their degree in a faster amount of time, our accelerated MSN route allows 2 – 3 courses per session to be taken with increased flexibility in managing work-life-family responsibilities while completing your coursework.

Accelerated RN-MSN

There are many benefits to this degree option which include earning your MSN degree at an accelerated pace without the need to confer a bachelor's degree first – ultimately saving you time and money. Within this program, students with an associate degree can enroll in the accelerated RN-MSN track and complete 14 courses at their own pace. Depending on your comfortability level and work-life schedule, you also have the option to take up to 3 classes per each eight-week session

What's the difference between MSN and Accelerated MSN?

While there are no specialty tracks in the Accelerated MSN Option, there is an Accelerated MSN Clinical Nursing Leadership Option. This option provides students with content that aligns with the Clinical Nurse Leader competencies.

Students who enroll in the Accelerated MSN Options will not be eligible to transfer to the traditional MSN program. 

MSN without a concentration has limited clinical advancement opportunities in some organizations; for others an MSN degree opens the door to a number of advanced nursing careers -- in some hospitals and outpatient centers, you  just need an MSN degree to take on an administration, leadership or supervisory role.  Look at what employers want in your area along with your desire for more education in a focused nursing specialty.

Check out their section to see which distant education programs acceptable by each state.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I did a non-clinical MSN (informatics) in about 5 semesters/18 months. It was 2 classes per term, plus a capstone-type activity. If I want to do a clinical job, such as an NP, I can do a post-masters certificate

 

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