ADN to NP- Does it require a BSN first?

RN1982 · Dec 4, 2008

I have an ADN in nursing and I am strongly considering NP school. Do I need my bachelors before I can start school for NP? I have applied to a few schools for RN-BSN and I figure I'll go from there. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks:p

From my understanding is if you are accepted into an ADN-MSN program you will be required to take BSN courses anyway. I'm putting my NP hopes on the backburner right now. I'm getting my BSN for the moment. There are hiring freezes in Michigan including NP hiring freezes.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 4, 2008

best bet is to talk to the school or look at their catalog (usually online) for degree requirements. My guess is "yes", but there may be bridge programs in your state.

DaveCRNA · Dec 4, 2008

It really depends on the school and your location. I know in my area there are RN-MSN programs that don't require earning a BSN first or taking separate classes. There are also programs that do. The best thing you can do is research programs that are located someplace you are willing to attend. Then call the program or attend an information session to get all the details.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 4, 2008

Some schools have direct ADN-NP programs. Frontier and Graceland University are programs that immediately come to mind. Nowhere in the Frontier program are you conferred a BSN, but you do have to take BSN coursework to bridge to the master's degree. At Graceland, you can obtain your BSN along the way and stop there, if you change your mind. Be very sure about the school you attend your desire to be a NP!!! These programs are very spendy.

highlandlass1592, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2008

I know some courses that will allow you to admit to the track for RN-MSN or RN-DNP. They will give you BSN coursework but not all of them will give you the BSN unless you finish their program. Personally, I think that stinks. If something happens and you can't finish their program, you aren't even awarded your BSN which may mean you can't always transfer your classes. Had this happen to a friend. He's now stuck, not able to finish the MSN track he started and he doesn't have a BSN to boot. I"m taking it the slower route personally, doing the RN-BSN thing then moving on to my MSN if I don't lose my mind first. :banghead: It's really driving me crazy right now.

I guess you just need to explore the options for the programs you like and see what is a better fit for you personally. I've checked on a few programs and I still haven't decided. Good luck to you.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 4, 2008

I know some courses that will allow you to admit to the track for RN-MSN or RN-DNP. They will give you BSN coursework but not all of them will give you the BSN unless you finish their program. Personally, I think that stinks. If something happens and you can't finish their program, you aren't even awarded your BSN which may mean you can't always transfer your classes. Had this happen to a friend. He's now stuck, not able to finish the MSN track he started and he doesn't have a BSN to boot. I"m taking it the slower route personally, doing the RN-BSN thing then moving on to my MSN if I don't lose my mind first. It's really driving me crazy right now.
I guess you just need to explore the options for the programs you like and see what is a better fit for you personally. I've checked on a few programs and I still haven't decided. Good luck to you.

I also decided to do the ADN to BSN rather than MSN because if for some reason, antijinx, I need to stop 1/2 way at least I'll have my BSN.