ADN to MSN...Is It Real???

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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Good morning,

I would like to get your feedback on a nurse education question I've been pondering. In January I will start an ADN program. I was thinking about following that with an accelerated RN to BSN program. But today I seen some program called RN to MSN (but there is no BSN bridge degree given). How would this translate to employers? The program is accredited and allows eligibility to sit the exam, however, no BSN would be obtained. Your thoughts??

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Yes it is real & I plan on doing it then going for a post master's cert in probably mental health. As long as the university is accredited, there should be no problem.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Many RN-to-MSN programs also confer the BSN degree once the requirements to obtain it are fulfilled. Yes, RN-to-MSN programs are definitely real and legitimate.

Good morning,

I would like to get your feedback on a nurse education question I've been pondering. In January I will start an ADN program. I was thinking about following that with an accelerated RN to BSN program. But today I seen some program called RN to MSN (but there is no BSN bridge degree given). How would this translate to employers? The program is accredited and allows eligibility to sit the exam, however, no BSN would be obtained. Your thoughts??

Yes, I actually went to an open house this weekend for the university I'm considering (I graduated in May with an ADN) specifically to get more information. This program seems like a good bet for me; it streamlines and condenses the BSN and MSN coursework (and both degrees are granted). The thing that really appeals to me is that there would be no break in between degrees. I think that if I went RN-BSN only, I'd be awfully tempted to put the MSN off for a while. Which exam are you referring to? If it's NCLEX, your ADN program will qualify you to take it, and you'll need your license to start any bridge program that begins with RN.

Specializes in ICU.

Does it specify whether or not you need a couple of years of bedside experience?

Specializes in ER.

RN to MSN is not an accelerated MSN. It is not a direct entry MSN. Direct entry MSNs do exist though. However, RN to MSN is usually for diploma or associate degree RNs who want to go back for a MSN-level program. It requires a few more classes than the usual MSN program. It usually does not give a person a BSN degree and usually they make it clear although there are some that are basically BSN 1 year and then the traditional MSN program.

Accelerated BSN programs are usually direct entry programs. I haven't heard of an accelerated RN to BSN. Usually they are just RN to BSNs.

I was thinking about doing an RN to MSN program but changed my mind because it was about 10,000 dollars cheaper to do an RN to BSN and it was the same amount of time.

There are a variety of RN to MSN programs such as family nurse practitioner, adult-geri, certified nurse midwife, traditional MSN, nurse educator, etc.

Most will accept the programs if they are CCNE accredited.

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