BA and MA Already, Looking for Best Path to NP

[guest714]

Hi Everyone,

Making a career change. I already have a BA and terminal master's degree in another field. I have been a college instructor for past several years. I have all prereqs for nursing school finished. Looking to become NP, but I don't know the best way. I'm an older student and don't want to be in school for the next 8 years if there is an accelerated way to get it done. I am open to relocating for the right school.

Options are an AS through a good local college program, then become an RN and find an accelerated RN to MSN program. I know they exist, but don't know exactly where/how to do this route.

Other option would be BSN to MSN, but I don't want to get a second Bachelor's if I don't have to. I have had so much schooling already.

Does anyone know of the most efficient way to approach a goal of ARNP if you already have a few degrees?

Thank you!

[guest714]

Is there another thread that would be a better place to post this?

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

You don’t mention what aprn you are interested in. This will influence the the answers you receive

if you are aiming at FNP there are direct entry programs. Any other speciality most likely requires some rn experience.

You could also consider physician assistant (pa) as a direct route into practice.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Yes, by all means skip putting in several years as a bedside nurse before getting your NP. Every patient would love being treated by an NP with the only practical nursing experience is their clinicals. (Sarcasm if you didn't notice)

[guest714]

I understand your sarcasm. I was a CNA for about four years in my early 20s on a med-surg floor.

I also nearly finished nursing school but was in a bad car accident and had to take time off. Then I had kids, and life took a different direction.

What I meant by as “fast as possible” is taking the most direct route, where I don’t ignorantly double up on school time and end up needing to backtrack. Some of my previous courses won’t transfer and I already have to retake several. I understand putting in your time to get skills. I know it’s important.

I am interested in urgent care. Perhaps PA is a good route.

Thanks everyone.

[turtlesRcool]

You might start with an ABSN. If you've got the prerequisites, getting an ABSN isn't really any more time-consuming than going for your ADN through a CC. In fact, my ABSN had me graduating in December with a BSN, while the CC program I also got into would have had me graduating the following May with an ADN. During my program, we also took a few courses on the master's level, so if we wanted to continue to NP, we would do so with 9 credit hours done. But my school also wanted us to work for at least a year as an RN before going back to start the NP program.

However you get your RN, I would recommend making sure you get some good bedside time in that role. There are direct-entry MSN-NP programs out there, but maybe see if you can do it part time after the RN portion so you can work PT while going to school PT.