ADN (with BA non-nursing) to MSN

cleback · Feb 10, 2018

I wouldn't do it unless you have a clear idea of what you want to do with an MSN and know what kind of experience those positions require in your market. Otherwise, you might want to work for a bit first.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 10, 2018

You don't need to get the BSN first. There are lots of RN-MSN programs out there. Some will grant you a BSN along the way; others will just result in a masters.

Graduate school can be very expensive though. I agree with the prior poster--have some idea of what you'd like to do with that MSN and maybe even work for a bit first so you can find the best program for you. Even better: find an employer that offers tuition reimbursement so they'll cover some of the costs.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Feb 10, 2018

I went the RN-MSN route because I had a BS in science. I recommend that route (12 classes as opposed to 8 for BSN. I went to Sacred Heart- good program but expensive), however I had one bad experience after school where I was offered a job and told that because of union requirements I would be paid at the lower ADN rate than the BSN rate because my MSN didn't meet the requirement. I guess some hospitals require the specific letters BSN. I didn't pursue that so I'm not sure whether I could have argued against it more or not. Just to make you aware it's possible that not having the BSN could be a drawback.