Any Direct Entry MSN Programs that can be done remotely?

pro-student · May 29, 2020

No. One cannot learn nursing without having direct contact with others whether that is in a lab learning skills or in a clinical setting practicing with real patients. There are some clinical simulations or virtual learning experience that can help but this is no substitute for hands on experience under the supervision and guidance of an experienced nurse.

Distance programs for advanced practice nurses are very different because they are, at a minimum, based on one already having the RN skills and still require in-person, mentored clinical experience (generally at least 500-600 hours). And there are certainly plenty of these that are still of dubious quality.

There is one distance-based RN program I know up, Excelsior in NY, but this is an associate degree program and is intended for trained healthcare providers seeking to become RNs. And there are plenty of concerns about the quality of nurse this program produces.

shiftingtides · May 29, 2020

Well, I am an LPN, and I know of several online LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN programs (University of Arkansas, Indiana State, Hutchinson Community College, Excelsior, etc.) As I said in my OP, with in person clinicals, of course. I was kind of hoping there was something similar to these programs at a direct to MSN level (for financial aid purposes).

But thank you for your feedback. I kind of figured but thought it couldn't hurt to check for similar options at the MSN level.

pro-student · May 29, 2020

Ah, that make a little more sense.

I don't think there are any LPN-MSN programs. Every MSN program I've never heard of was either for RNs or for people who had a bachelors in another field. The latter type are typically in-person, very intensive, and quite competitive.

I get loans are often easier to get for graduate programs but that also means paying graduate tuition for (essentially) undergraduate courses plus interest and ends up costing much more in the long run. If you have a bachelor's degree, you could apply to direct entry MSN programs but they are probably not what you're looking for. Otherwise, your best bet is to complete either an ADN or BSN that will likely be cheaper, less intense and more accessible to working individuals, and will be more likely to give consideration to your training as an LPN.

shiftingtides · May 29, 2020

21 minutes ago, pro-student said:
Ah, that make a little more sense.
I don't think there are any LPN-MSN programs. Every MSN program I've never heard of was either for RNs or for people who had a bachelors in another field. The latter type are typically in-person, very intensive, and quite competitive.
I get loans are often easier to get for graduate programs but that also means paying graduate tuition for (essentially) undergraduate courses plus interest and ends up costing much more in the long run. If you have a bachelor's degree, you could apply to direct entry MSN programs but they are probably not what you're looking for. Otherwise, your best bet is to complete either an ADN or BSN that will likely be cheaper, less intense and more accessible to working individuals, and will be more likely to give consideration to your training as an LPN.

Thank you. You make some very good points. The competitiveness and intensity don't bother me, as my test scores are great and I have very good grades (and a prior bachelors/masters), but I don't have the option of moving right now and there are no direct entry MSN programs local to me. I think I will likely either do an accelerated BSN (I have a great local option for this), or I will just be patient and finish via a local community college.

Mostly I'm frustrated that the programs near me don't start more often than once per year. Patience is a virtue I'm working on. ?

Thanks so much for your replies!

vikingmama, CNA · Jun 2, 2020

I have researched this quite a bit and couldn't find anything. I am going for ABSN and then there are a number of options for the online MSN with a few visits to campus during the program. If you have a good local BSN option, that sounds like the best. There are distance ABSN programs at U of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Emory both with three start times per year if that helps! ?

shiftingtides · Jun 3, 2020

On 6/2/2020 at 3:03 PM, vikingmama said:
I have researched this quite a bit and couldn't find anything. I am going for ABSN and then there are a number of options for the online MSN with a few visits to campus during the program. If you have a good local BSN option, that sounds like the best. There are distance ABSN programs at U of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Emory both with three start times per year if that helps! ?

Thank you!

InSchool4eva20, MSN, RN · Jun 8, 2020

I got my MSN in an educator route at University of Central Missouri. There are several MSN distance learning programs online available. If you are looking for FNP a lot of programs have you find your own preceptor. I would caution on this, for example you would need to ask if you would need to take your clinical in the state your school is located in. An example, I had a friend attend a school online in Georgia and then had to get an apartment and go to clinical in Georgia even though she lived in Missouri at the time.

Schools are getting very competitive for cost and how quick you can get your degree, there are a lot of options available.

studentmamaca · Jan 18, 2021

Yes, I am attending one right now! Eagle Gate College and Ameritech both in Utah.

Thuy Monroe · Jan 13, 2023

studentmamaca said:

Yes, I am attending one right now! Eagle Gate College and Ameritech both in Utah.

Hi, how were the clinicals set up. Were they integrated throughout the semester or is it all consolidated towards the end of each semester. The reason I am asking is because I am not that close the area, but are willing to travel if clinicals aren't weekly. I know some schools consolidate all into 2 or 3 weeks at the end of each semester.