ASN with BA in non-nursing subject

[stefkalvar]

I have a BA in Anthropology. I am in my last semester of an Associates in Nursing program and plan on contiuing my education. I'll be taking my boards in the spring so I will be an RN by the time I start the next program. I know that I want a Master's but I am a little confused about what the next step should be. There are accelerated BSN programs that are for people who have BA in another area, but who are not already RNs. And there are RN to MSN programs which seem designed for people who do not have a Bachelor's degree. My professors are encouraging me to do a "bridge" program, but I am having trouble finding schools that offer this. Any advice would be appreciated. (If it helps narrow down advice, I am not planning on doing a NP program. I am more interested in Clinical Nurse Specialist or Community/Public Health Nursing). Thanks so much for any input.

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

Most University programs have a RN-BSN bridge (most are online programs) and there are several direct entry MSN (from RN) program around the country. Just have to do some research.

If you already know that you want to go directly to the MSN level.. then I would just go the direct entry route.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Aspen University offers an online RN-to-MSN program for people who possess ASNs and/or diplomas in nursing, but wish to shoot straight for the MSN degree while bypassing the step of obtaining the BSN degree.

[RunBabyRN]

I'd go the RN-MSN route; even if you can't find one that's designed for people with a bachelor's, if that's what your desired career requires, go for it.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If you're interested in becoming a ClinSpec, you'll need to have a clinical specialty area (me? CS in Critical Care). I thought CS programs were practically extinct since everyone has jumped on the NP bandwagon - LOL. At any rate, you'll probably need to obtain some clinical experience in order to be accepted to a CS program - and you want to make sure that you have chosen an area that is right for you.... may not be able to do this unless you have had some exposure.

Agree with PPs about going for RN-MSN. I don't see any disadvantages for you since you already have a BA as well as an undergrad nursing degree. You will probably have to take some pre-req courses to fill in any gaps for your grad school admission since you don't have a BS... this could easily be accomplished while you are getting some nursing experience.