Already Have a BA, do I need to get a BSN?

labcat01, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2006

I think you can. You might want to try looking up alternate entry MSN programs. I know that the University of Texas has a program for people with B.A. degrees to get their RN and MSN in about 3 years. Good luck!

Cute_CNA, CNA · Feb 10, 2006

I suspect that you need to be at least an RN before you go the MSN route, since you have no education in nursing. I don't know if you'd need specifically a bachelor's in nursing, since you already have one in English, thus having the prereqs to start nursing classes.

But I'm not one to ask

ear · Feb 10, 2006

Hi, I see that you are in Jersey as well. I have inquired to quite a few schools about this. I also have a BA, and currently in a CC for RN. There are schools where you can go right into a MSN program, and while doing so, get the BSN along the way. Good luck to you!

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Feb 10, 2006

Hi Everyone,
Its been a while since I have been on this website and I missed it! I have a question...I have already graduated from a 4 year institute with a BA in English. I am now enrolled in a CC to get my associates in Nursing. Once I get that degree I would like to get a job and then pursue my BSN. I was talking to a classmate last night and she said that theres no point for me to get a BSN because I already hold a Bachelors degree and that I should go for my MSN. Now is that true? Can I go from an Associates right into an MSN program if I hold a Bachelors degree in another field? I am so confused and I don't want to prolong my education so any advice will be extremely helpful.
Thank you!!

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once you get your rn you can apply to an accelerated msn program if that's what you'd like. you will probably have to do a year of bsn type classes before you truly start the msn part. you will need things like stats and physics. you may have to do nsg research and theory too. after those, you'll officially be in grad school.

what do you want to do?

Newbie Nurse SMP · Feb 10, 2006

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once you get your rn you can apply to an accelerated msn program if that's what you'd like. you will probably have to do a year of bsn type classes before you truly start the msn part. you will need things like stats and physics. you may have to do nsg research and theory too. after those, you'll officially be in grad school.
what do you want to do?

Hi Tridil,

I want to get my RN now lol. I really havent thought past that except when i was talking to a classmate last night. I know i wanted to get my BSN, but when she said that I should go for my MSN (accerlarted program) it got me thinking. I guess it would benefit me more in the end result if i just did that. I am assuming that once i get my RN and decide to get my MSN i will wind up taking classes that i would for my BSN anyways but now i will be ending up with an MSN in the end.

Do you happen to know what job options you have when you hold an MSN opposed to a BSN and an Associates?

yellowlablover · Feb 10, 2006

I know that in Arizona, we have programs at ASU that are RN-BSN-MSN degrees. That is the track that I am taking - starting with the RN from a CC. I was at ASU but determined that my ultimate goal was NP, why waster time and money on ANOTHER BS degree (mine is in Business) rather than getting my RN and experience AND someone who will pay, at least partially, for my MSN. Just a thought!:rotfl:

DC

wanna-be-nurse · Feb 10, 2006

I am also a second degree student in a BSN program, I have a BA in Psychology. I decided to go for my BSN cause it takes the same time to get an ADN, plus some hospitals want BSN's, at least in NYC. With that said, I plan to go to grad school but want to get experience first.

I was talking to some of my professors and they mentioned that yes there are accelerated MSN programs out there but even with an MSN, if you don't have the experience you need, you will not get hire to use your MSN degree, for example as a nurse practitioner. You can be hired as a RN. Listen, it is very competitive to get in a nursing school so if you got in a CC, then go for it and congrats. You can always get your BSN later. If you plan to stay in beside nursing for a long time and want to move up, a BSN will help. But if your plans are to go to grad school, there are many bridge programs that take 3 years instead of 2 to get your MSN, but remember, you need experience as an RN. Sorry for rambling, hope this helps.

yellowlablover · Feb 10, 2006

Agree with this....at ASU, they require at least two years of RN experience BEFORE getting your MSN, however they also will start you part time in the MSN program, taking your classroom/lecture classes for two years, while gaining the requisite two years of experience. Then you move into clinicals and whatnot for your final year. A little longer for an MSN than I would prefer but I know for me....at least I can work and move ahead to my goal of NP at the same time AND not lose time. (important at my age!:chuckle )

DC

wincha · Feb 11, 2006

What do you need your MSN for? I have a BA in 2 majors but not in nursing. If I were to get my Masters it wouldn't be in nursing.

yellowlablover · Feb 11, 2006

You need to investigate the individual programs requirements. Every university and discipline within a college is going to have somewhat different requirements. Most require the GRE or GMAT test prior to applying and most master's programs are somewhere between 2-3 years in length.

DC

wanna-be-nurse · Feb 11, 2006

What would you get your MSN in?