Associate Degree or Direct Entry Masters?

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I am contemplating applying to nursing schools and am trying decide which route to take. I have a bachelors degree (not in nursing) so I am looking at Associate Degree programs and Direct Entry Masters programs. One big difference I understand is that the Associate Degree programs do not allow you to pursue positions in leadership or administration down the road but Masters programs allow that opportunity. Is that correct? Anyone out there get there Associate Degree and now wish they had pursued the Masters instead? Obviously there are more Associate Degrees programs out there but I dont want to put myself in a position of having to return to school later down the road. Any info would be appreciated!

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You should enter the masters program if you don't want to return to school in the future. Best to get it over now at the start of your nursing career.

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Specializes in ED, Flight.

What's the question? More education. More options. The (sometimes silly but useful) prestige of the graduate degree.

Why WOULDN'T you do the MSN straight off?

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ME! ME! ME! PICK ME! I have an AD, BBA, MBA. Now, to get back into a nursing leadership role I have to have a BSN/MSN! Even though I built an ran a $280,000,000.00 company I still have to have the MSN due to magnet status. So, by all means, go get that MSN! Are you might find yourself 52 years old and looking for a way to pay tuition, attend school and work all at the same time! LOL!

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Hi,

Well, I also have a BS degree in a field other than nursing and debated accelerated BSN, direct entry MSN and ASN programs. I've thought and thought and thought about it and researched every program in my area. But, the truth is you are the only one who has the answer. It all depends on your circumstances. I am starting an associate degree program in the fall, but, I'm 28, have two little kids (3 and 1) and I already have a significant amount of debt and not a lot of money right now. So, if I want to go to school now, a low cost, evening program is really the only thing that makes sense for me at this point in my life. Also, I plan on going back for my masters when the time is right. I know it's gonna be a long road, but that's okay with me because of the stage I'm at in my life. If I didn't have kids and/or my kids were older, I would go for the masters, for sure.. as long as it wasn't too much money. Some of the programs here in MA are over $100,000, so you have to think about the debt too. I really hope some of this helps you. Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

why wouldn't you do the msn straight off?

money! besides, no one gets into clincial management with a msn without years of beside work experience (during that time an adn can become a msn and have his/her hospital pay most of not all of that education). plus, most places want past managerial work experience to boot. being a new grad rn with a msn is just a new nurse with a lot of debt. :twocents:

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I am also in the same situation torn between Associate degree,direct entry masters and accelerated BSN.I thought seriously about these three options,did my research and have settled for the associate degree.My reasons are; i have to keep my job until the economy improves,want to be debt free and also want a smooth career transition i.e get my associate first then get a job as i work on my BSN and gradually do my MSN.

Just choose what you really want,its hard though but settle for what you are comfortable doing.

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Depends on your circumstances and what's right for you. I decided to start in a cc based PN program because that's what's available now, and I want to work while I go to RN school. I will keep going till I get to my MSN and probably to the doctoral level but this is going to be a gradual journey so the entry point doesn't matter to me. I decided not to pursue the direct entry pathway because there's only one in my state and, it's very small so the odds of getting in aren't good and I wasn't ready to apply at the end of last year for fall of this year so I'd have to wait for next year. I own my home and I don't mind moving temporarily for work, but I wouldn't want to do it as a ft student on grad student loans. Meanwhile I have the opportunity to start this year at cc rates that I can afford to pay out of pocket. I like to take my time when I learn so I don't mind the slower pathway. Now some people can't imagine taking the scenic route and they only look at programs with an eye on how fast they can get through them. If the latter is you then you should go the direct entry route, but if you don't mind a slower pace then go with the ADN. It just depends on what you want.

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Outpatient Pediatrics, IBCLC.

I had the same choice to make about 3 yrs ago. I also have a BS (sports med). I ended up choosing community college mostly because I was told that the Masters program was so demanding that you couldn't work while your in school. So, it was primarily a financial decision. My whole family told me I was making the wrong choice.

I'm glad that I made that choice. I have no student loans!!! Plus, I think its wise to get experience as an RN so you can really figure out what you want to get your Masters in. Many people change their minds completely about there long-term career plans in nursing once they actually get in the field. I plan on getting my Masters part-time while working as an RN. Many hospitals will help pay for tuition as well.

Good luck not matter what you choose!!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

So, help me understand this. You have a BS in another field, but you want to get your Masters in Nursing so you can do...what? Be a nurse with no nursing experience? Manage other nurses with no nursing experience? Good luck with that.

Maybe I'm not understanding what this MSN entails. Please let me know because maybe I'd like to get my Masters too. Except that I have an ADN and a BS in another field. And 31 years of nursing experience.

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From my understanding, while in the direct entry MSN program you complete an accelerated BSN program within 12 month (the programs in my city). While you are completing the BSN you are acquiring theory, critical thinking, logic skills, etc. completing clinicals simultaneously.

So the BS in...another field...will get one into the Direct Entry MSN program. The first step of the MSN program.......Accelerated BSN with the above mentioned criteria. Thereafter, studies within the MSN program (while working as an licensed RN) in various area of NP, etc. So the original poster will be a Nurse with experience whom will eventually manage other nurses OR operate a clinic OR perform nursing responsiblities in whatever his/her chosen area may be. I say best wishes with that because it is 100% possible and doable.

Ths MSN is a good route to go for administrative respsonsibilites, running a clinic, or teaching at the collegiate level (which we need more of in the event to address the Nursing Shortage issue).

PS....Mustlovepoodles, the great thing about the Direct Entry Option, you qualify too with the education you mentioned in your post. :)

Best wishes to you all in your future endeavors.

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So, help me understand this. You have a BS in another field, but you want to get your Masters in Nursing so you can do...what? Be a nurse with no nursing experience? Manage other nurses with no nursing experience? Good luck with that.

Maybe I'm not understanding what this MSN entails. Please let me know because maybe I'd like to get my Masters too. Except that I have an ADN and a BS in another field. And 31 years of nursing experience.

Hi MustLove Poodles. Check out the Loyola University Online Masters Program. They have a blend program that takes a person with a BS degree through a BSN program and then the Masters Program. Since I have a BBA and a MBA they still make me take two semesters of BSN and then the full MSN. So my new title will be It's Me, RN, ASN, BBA, MBA, BSN, MSN. Then maybe I can get a job? :bugeyes:

Check out the program. Loyola is one of the most highly MSN programs in the country.:yeah:

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