And now it's decision time...

Salamanda NP, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 9, 2008

I had to decide between an entry-level MSN program (does not award an NP) at a state college, and an accelerated BSN at a private school. I ultimately chose the less expensive and faster route - the MSN program. For me it made more sense economically and it was a faster route to take (15 mos to RN and then another year full time for Masters instead of 24 mos for BSN & RN and then starting a Masters program from scratch).

If I were you I would probably pick the BSN route since it will take about the same amount of time and may end up being less expensive in the long run, as you won't have to return to school to do the RN to BSN degree later.

Good luck and congrats on getting so many acceptances!

:urck:

OlyNP2b · Apr 9, 2008

LoriS,

I'm feeling your pain. I've been accepted into 2 entry-level MSN programs and am still waiting to hear about my truly local (1.5 miles away) ADN program. I've been debating what to do because I know that eventually I'd like to be an advanced practice nurse. I've decided (99% sure) to go the ADN route because it is uber affordable and so close to home. My husband has recently separated from the military and is also going back to school to enter the medical field, so I love the flexibility of the ADN program. I also feel that once I decide on an MSN specialty area I'll have more options as to which program I want to attend. It will require taking 2-3 courses to bridge over to an RN-MSN program, but I'm not too worried about those. Not having an exorbitant amount of student loans will also be a plus, since I'm still paying for my first degree. :yelclap: This decision has seemed to plague my existence over the past 4 months and at times I kept flip-flopping from one option to the other.

My best advice would be to step back and evaluate the financial and time commitments for each program. A nerd at heart, I created a spreadsheet with a monthly breakdown of tuition costs, living expenses, potential student loans, etc for each program. I then calculated my potential earnings upon graduation to gain a long-term picture of each different option. If you chose one of the ADN programs and eventually want to earn your BSN, are you opposed to taking classes on a part-time basis? How long would it take to complete the BSN and will this additional time frame interfere with any professional/ personal goals? It may help to contact alumni of each program to find out their opinions of the curriculum, faculty/administrative support, and overall satisfaction of the program. Sorry for rambling, I hope this helps. Good luck in your decision and congratulations on acceptance to all of these programs! :ancong!:

AZMOMO2 · Apr 9, 2008

I am still in pre-reqs and haven't offically applied but have been visiting and going to info sessions and there are three private ADN programs, ! CC ADN and 1 private ABSN program that I can't decide which route to go. If I apply to them all then I'll be in your boat... Good luck which your choices