ADN to MSN yay or nay ?

merky · May 13, 2010

Hmm...well you would need a BS/N to get into the DO prog. I havent decided yet myself- im going for an ADN this fall even though i have a BS in bio...i might just do the ADN-MSN iafter i graduate if the GPA requirments arent too crazy.

rebecckahleigh · May 13, 2010

I'm actually thinking about doing this myself. I'm going for my ADN this Fall hopefully. Can you go into any school's MSN program or does it have to specifically be an ADN-MSN program?

Elleveein, LVN · May 13, 2010

I think u have to find a adn-msn program , a lot of the schools offer them now.

Tait, MSN, RN · May 13, 2010

I am looking into Walden University's online ADN-MSN Nurse Educator path atm. Going to check out Kaplan as well. There are a myriad of programs out there, so just narrow it down and commit! Best of luck!!

Tait

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · May 13, 2010

My program is RN-MSN. I will earn a dual degree of BSN & MSN when I graduate.

GODsDIVA · May 13, 2010

Good post/comments........I too will be attending an ADN program in the fall and am looking into going straight into an MSN, I already have a BS already. I've been weighing my options BSN then MSN or straight into MSN

sherijann · May 13, 2010

One draw back, that I know of, is that you would be unable to apply for federal loan reimbursement programs.

kaliRN · May 13, 2010

Consider also what you want to do with your MSN. There are few clinical nurse programs that don't require a more traditional ladder (unless as in a PP, you earn a BSN in the process or already have a BS in another field). Now if you want to be a CNS or Nurse Educator, altogether a different story. Hiring practices are changing as well, in regards to education, so take some time to look at the current requirements in the field you want to pursue, and knowing that those may increase by the time you complete your program.

Talk to nurse recruiters at the programs that you most want to apply and ask them to map out financial pathways. I think what the previous poster was referring to, regarding federal reimbursement programs, are that only clinicians qualify. Don't negate your facilities tuition reimbursement program - they do still exist!

Good luck! I think you'll find nursing is a field that promotes continuing education.

sherijann · May 13, 2010

Consider also what you want to do with your MSN. There are few clinical nurse programs that don't require a more traditional ladder (unless as in a PP, you earn a BSN in the process or already have a BS in another field). Now if you want to be a CNS or Nurse Educator, altogether a different story. Hiring practices are changing as well, in regards to education, so take some time to look at the current requirements in the field you want to pursue, and knowing that those may increase by the time you complete your program.
Talk to nurse recruiters at the programs that you most want to apply and ask them to map out financial pathways. I think what the previous poster was referring to, regarding federal reimbursement programs, are that only clinicians qualify. Don't negate your facilities tuition reimbursement program - they do still exist!
Good luck! I think you'll find nursing is a field that promotes continuing education.

Great advise from the above poster. However, the federal loan reimbursement programs that I speak of do include students who are undergraduate nursing students. Loan forgiveness programs are currently offered to both RN,BSN students as well as to Advanced Practice Nurse students (NPs, CNS, etc). Must seek BSN only or MSN only.

kaliRN · May 14, 2010

"However, the federal loan reimbursement programs that I speak of do include students who are undergraduate nursing students. Loan forgiveness programs are currently offered to both

RN

,BSN students as well as to Advanced Practice Nurse students (NPs, CNS, etc). Must seek BSN only or MSN only."

Thank you for clarifying. I think I may have implied something different than I meant. I get the impression I either (a) don't have a clear understanding of the loans I am referring to from HRSA or (2) we are speaking of different programs entirely. From what I have read, it is much more difficult to obtain loan forgiveness is a non-clinical specialty. That is a Clinical Nurse Educator would be less likely to qualify than a ANP. Unless there was a specific need in the community they intended to serve. Not sure that is true for all federal programs, perhaps just the one I was reviewing, or the way money is distributed in my state?

In any case, its an important point for any student to consider the financial ramifications of their educational plan. Especially because with many decisions of this type there is, "no turning back," as you have pointed out. I certainly didn't intend to lead the OP to believe you were incorrect. Which is why I suggested the OP speak with a recruiter to discuss all options including finances. I try not to speak about things without qualifying my statements, I apologize if I did that here.

sherijann · May 14, 2010

"However, the federal loan reimbursement programs that I speak of do include students who are undergraduate nursing students. Loan forgiveness programs are currently offered to both
RN
,BSN students as well as to Advanced Practice Nurse students (NPs, CNS, etc). Must seek BSN only or MSN only."

Thank you for clarifying. I think I may have implied something different than I meant. I get the impression I either (a) don't have a clear understanding of the loans I am referring to from HRSA or (2) we are speaking of different programs entirely. From what I have read, it is much more difficult to obtain loan forgiveness is a non-clinical specialty. That is a Clinical Nurse Educator would be less likely to qualify than a ANP. Unless there was a specific need in the community they intended to serve. Not sure that is true for all federal programs, perhaps just the one I was reviewing, or the way money is distributed in my state?
In any case, its an important point for any student to consider the financial ramifications of their educational plan. Especially because with many decisions of this type there is, "no turning back," as you have pointed out. I certainly didn't intend to lead the OP to believe you were incorrect. Which is why I suggested the OP speak with a recruiter to discuss all options including finances. I try not to speak about things without qualifying my statements, I apologize if I did that here.

No sweat! Yeah, you are right, there are a couple of fed loan forgiveness options to sift thru. One option is for nurses only; RN, BSNs and Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs - FNPs, Midwives, nurse anesthetist, CNS, Psych NPs). The one I think you are talking about is the Scholar's Program, which is only open to APNs, MDs, PAs, Dentists, etc. You are right, non-APNs do not qualify, which surprisingly includes APNs who complete a non-traditional nurse education route. Of course, keep in mind that the fed loan options have certain stipulations and long-term commitments that do not fit every lifestyle.

Looks like you have investigated this. Perhaps for yourself? FYI: There is a new fed loan forgiveness option just announced yesterday on FB for nurse faculty. Not sure what the criteria is but customer service reps and the application process will provide necessary insight. Very generous option for budding nurse professors!