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Discussion

Afraid of not obtaining my BSN

So, I have finally completed my RN but I am now in a different dilemma. My ultimate goal is to become a FNP and Frontier is my school of choice after much research even though I have many schools locally. My plan was to complete my BSN with Excelsior and then move on to Frontier. I didn't choose the ASN-MSN at Frontier because you don't receive your BSN along the way.

I was sold on this plan until I received an email about an online, CCNE accredited ASN to MSN program for $6,900 total including the bridge. It also does not award the BSN along the way and the Master's is in education and leadership. They quoted a 12-30 month completion time and the educator track includes advanced pathophysiology and some other courses that would help towards a Post Masters FNP. Normally I would't consider it but given the cost and completion time it seems worth it to me. I guess I am just worried that if anything happens and I don't finish I would be left with nothing.

FYI, cost is a big concern for me and the MSN would cost me less than my BSN from Excelsior :confused:.

Any thoughts/opinions ? Thanks in advance.

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    I asked the same question about not getting the BSN but having the MSN FNP to my MIL who is also a BSN RN and in the Army...she told me that having the MSN will always trump everything else...and that even if I was not able to find an FNP position right away after graduating (although if you have a VA hospital or military hospital/base around you can def. get in quick they are always in need!) I could always take a little less pay and work as a basic floor RN as well...An RN is an RN is an RN...the higher the degree the more likely to get into a management or desk job (yuck for me i dont want it lol) but whatever your ultimate goal is to go for it! I doubt most people are going to see your name badge with Conquer, RN MSN and say "hey did you get your BSN too by chance?" lol

    On a side note, we were having a discussion at my work one day and the RN's i was talking said that they really believe in the future there will be an MD with NP's under him/her working at doctor's offices, hospitals etc...so you just never know, i mean there are states with certified med techs giving meds now instead of LPNs so anythign could happen!

    Oh yeah i'm looking at Frontier too, but could you tell me the other ASN/MSN one you found? I'll be using my husbands GI Bill to pay for school and we can not afford for me to pay ANY extra $$$ out for school...i'd be interested in education too but that's a distance second choice compared to FNP!

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    • Experts

    Can not emphasize enough to you that if you don't finish you will come away with nothing, or less than what you aspire to. But then, again, you will not be out as much money if you do not start a more expensive program. My concern might be that this might not be such a highly recognized program (not saying it is or is not, don't know the school). At the master's level it is a little more important to consider the reputation of the program.

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    • Author

    Thanks ladies. Tasha, my concern isn't having a MSN WITHOUT the BSN first, it's having "life happen" and ending up with nothing if I don't finish. Given the self paced structure I could finish pretty quickly. Hubby and I are are trying to start a family so that adds another layer of "what ifs" to the equation. On the other hand I will be "forced" to finish the program. Educator isn't my ultimate goal either but I believe in having many ways to make money. I am a nurse but I am also a facepainter, nail tech, and party planner. Being able to teach and see patients may not be so bad and after writing it all out it will take me the same amount of time to have a Master's in education and my FNP as it would to do BSN Then FNP. It will also be about $10,000 cheaper.

    Cali I agree with what you are saying. It does seem that once you have an advanced degree their are so many options that "someone" will let you in their program though. You should see the requirements for my local Post Masters FNP Certificate. 3 items. The MSN/FNP ? About 12. I am soooo up in the air right now. If anyone is interested www.aspen.edu

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