Applying for Entry-Level MSN

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Hi everyone...

I have received a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, and would like to transition to a Master's in Nursing. In order to do this, it seems the program I need to go under is through the 'Entry Level MSN' program.

But I am really confused on how to get started, which schools I am fit to apply to, and how to get the necessary materials I need (such as reference letters from instructors who might not even remember me anymore...).

Can anyone shed some light on how I can approach this? I am pretty bad at researching different schools, and I really have no one to go to for guidance right now... I really want to be able to start back in school next year.

Any help would be appreciated... thank you.

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Are you trying to obtain a generalist MSN or become an APRN?

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If you eventually want to become an APRN and already have a specialty in mind, there are many programs that start with a year of pre-licensure courses, which may or not result in a BSN but will allow you to sit the NCLEX. The second portion of the program goes right into MSN coursework with a focus on you speciality (FNP, CNM, etc.). You come out the other end with an MSN as well as certification in your specialty). If you are looking for a generalist degree, try looking for CNL-type programs (the one I'm applying to next winter is a 16-month program that results in an MSN with CNL cert.). Both routes will require the same types of prereqs.

Caveat: I am not a nurse, just someone who has obsessively researched my options:)

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I would like to go under APRN with a specialty in surgery if possible. I have no idea how to get started with researching this kind of information... I have looked at CNL-type programs, but was overwhelmed with the different types of programs I could get into.

Would APRN allow me to specialize to become a surgical RN? If not, I was looking into FNP as well.

I've looked at two types of programs: MSN-Entry and Accelerated BSNs. The accelerated BSNs require me to take Developmental Psychology and Public Speaking, which I did not take in my GED to get my Bachelor's. I am not sure what APRN requires, but I will try to research that.

I am just really disappointed in myself right now. Feels like I am on the path to become a bum since I didn't even manage to fulfill nursing requirements. (Though I was originally going to become a PA).

Are you able to relay some APRN programs to me that are in the state of California? Thank you so much for your help... Just any school names that I can get started with so I can get my research started from there..

Also I am not sure what the difference is between the MSN-Entry Level versus APRN. Are they not the same thing since they both allow specialization with access to NCLEX without getting a BSN?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
I would like to go under APRN with a specialty in surgery if possible. I have no idea how to get started with researching this kind of information... I have looked at CNL-type programs, but was overwhelmed with the different types of programs I could get into.

Would APRN allow me to specialize to become a surgical RN? If not, I was looking into FNP as well.

I've looked at two types of programs: MSN-Entry and Accelerated BSNs. The accelerated BSNs require me to take Developmental Psychology and Public Speaking, which I did not take in my GED to get my Bachelor's. I am not sure what APRN requires, but I will try to research that.

I am just really disappointed in myself right now. Feels like I am on the path to become a bum since I didn't even manage to fulfill nursing requirements. (Though I was originally going to become a PA).

Are you able to relay some APRN programs to me that are in the state of California? Thank you so much for your help... Just any school names that I can get started with so I can get my research started from there..

Also I am not sure what the difference is between the MSN-Entry Level versus APRN. Are they not the same thing since they both allow specialization with access to NCLEX without getting a BSN?

If you have an extant BA/BS in non-nursing and your ultimate goal is to be involved in the OR, honestly, the PA route may be a better fit for you. You can be a surgical assist as an NP or as an RN but many surgeons work with PAs in the OR and NPs in pre/post op care.

A general MSN does not equal an APRN. You would need a post-masters unless the MSN program is an APRN program.

Sent from my iPhone.

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Some MDs will want you to have relevant RN experience. Keep that in mind.

I couldn't imagine practicing as an NP having had only my pre licensure education with some advanced patho, advanced pharm, and NP clinical.

If you don't have plans to work as an RN, some hospitals have residency programs for NPs and PAs. I've heard that they really put you up to speed if you've had little actual clinical experience such as being an RN or Paramedic would provide.

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Well crap... I do have PA application, but... I do not have the required hours for most PA schools even though I am in a patient care internship right now. Any kind of certification for the hours (paid) needs at least 1-2 years. I am wondering how long it will take me just to become a PA now... I feel useless.

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Actually, I was thinking of becoming an RN, hence my accelerated BSN track research... but I'm missing a couple of classes to apply for those.

Or... if I went the PA way, I am trying to see if I want to do Medical Assistant programs, so that I can get my hours in. But that will take me a while to get PA... I know the health field has no rush, but I feel behind because the classes I'm missing are some easy GEDs...

BSN will allow me to work as an RN with higher education...

I think I will just take the missing classes, and apply for accelerated BSN programs. So that I can also take the NCLEX-RN exam.. I would like to work as an RN first, and decide if I want to become NP.

Any thoughts?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

BSN will allow me to work as an RN if I pass the NCLEX-RN exam right? Or do I need to get my degree in MSN...

I am so confused..

RN is a license not a degree; you can go to a board approved diploma, Associates, Bachelor, or Masters program to be qualified as an NCLEX-RN candidate; once you pass the board exam you can practice as an RN.

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RN is a license not a degree; you can go to a board approved diploma, Associates, Bachelor, or Masters program to be qualified as an NCLEX-RN candidate; once you pass the board exam you can practice as an RN.

So, if I finish taking the classes I need for an accelerated BSN program, that will allow me to take the NCLEX (since you need ADN or BSN to take it). If I pass the exam, I can practice as an RN?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
So, if I finish taking the classes I need for an accelerated BSN program, that will allow me to take the NCLEX (since you need ADN or BSN to take it). If I pass the exam, I can practice as an RN?

Absolutely.

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Absolutely.

Couple more questions... thanks for all your help!

What would the BSN degree/programs allow me to do after I graduate from them? Would they give me sufficient experience to securely find a job and practice as an RN? And what about different nursing specialties (like cardiac, oncology, peds, etc.)?

Or will I just be a general nurse (medical surgery), while MSN allows me to specialize?

I am not familiar with the nursing pathway...

I have read that MSN programs will give you clinical experience, but I am not really sure about BSN programs giving you experience to find jobs easily..

Can you help me out with that?

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