bachelor's in another field to NP in 3 years

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Okay, I know most of you out there hate these programs but they exist. But most are a fortune. Does anyone know of any that aren't going to cost me 75 k to 100 k or more? I know there is Yale (GEPN), Vanderbilt, Univ of IL in Chicago...but all are so expensive. At 41, I don't want to go 100k in debt just to be an NP (it will take me so long to pay back and I need to save save save) but I don't want the process to take six years by going the associate to BSN (or just BSN) work for a year or two then get into an NP program part time. And yes, for those of you wondering if I really know I want to be an NP I do. I've worked in hospitals, I am an EMT, I've shadowed and volunteered at many clinics. I really appreciate any guidance. Thanks.

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I'm not aware of any inexpensive direct-entry MSN programs (however, that doesn't mean they aren't out there).

However -- you already have a BA/BS in something -- have you looked at Accelerated BSN programs? These are for people who already have a baccalaureate degree, and cram just the nursing content of a BSN program into a shorter amount of time. They are v. intense and rigorous, but so are the direct-entry programs. Most of them take between 12 and 18 months. And some traditional (reasonably priced) MSN programs don't require previous RN work experience -- you can apply for them as soon as you're licensed.

So, an accelerated BSN --> traditional MSN program would not take you much longer than a direct-entry MSN program, and probably cost a lot less. I encourage you to look closely at all of your options before making a decision, because you're right that it's a big investment to make.

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Thank you. I guess also if you anyone knows of any NP programs i'd love to hear which ones you recommend as I might not have a choice but to pay the big bucks. Thanks.

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Specializes in NICU.

well, you're still relatively young, you have at least 25 years until retirement--more if you work past the age of 65...I would say that you have plenty of time to space it out and get your ADN --> BSN --> MSN over 5-6 years.

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Don't know how this fits into the OP's plans, nor if it is a blanket wide statement, but just saw that NYU/Langone is hiring NPs and PAs. However the advert clearly states NPs must have several years clinical experience (*think* it was three, could be four).

Also don't know if they would count RN experience or want a seasoned NP. My point is is that going from a BA/BS into another field to a MSN/NP program means one would have zero nursing clinical experience outside whatever the program itself provides. Post grad job hunting is going to mean running with the "big dogs" (no offence meant), in that the OP would be in competition with experienced nurses with a proven track record that came up the educational ranks.

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Have you checked on the West Coast - Cal States in particular. I just got accepted to the Entry Level Master's at Cal State Los Angeles, and up until this year, the cost was regular grad rates (around 2000/quarter, I believe). Unfortunately, due to the budget crisis, the prelicensure part of the program is going to cost our class about $32,000 with regular grad school fees kicking back in once we get our RNs.

I didn't really look into the other Cal State programs, but I know there are other entry level masters programs that may not have been similarly affected.

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I do know about Cal State LA. What do you think total it will cost in state to go through that program for the 3 years isn't it? That includes the pre part doesn't it?

Thanks

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Well, it's no different then new BSN's getting jobs now. Most cannot as hospitals aren't looking to train new people. It's all a viscious circle right now but something tells me new NP's or PA's will be hired somewhere. You might have to relocate but there is a need for both, more then RN's now in this economy. Let's hope it shifts soon.

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I'm thinking (hoping) that it won't exceed 60-70K. We do have the option to start working as RNs after we get licensed, and I'm hoping that offsets some of the cost of the grad fees.

I was wary of the program because of the increased cost, and was seriously considering the ABSN at CSUN (to which I was also accepted), but I figure that this is the last stop for me education-wise, and I'm hopeful that I'll be able to pay off my loans pretty quickly once I graduate.

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Don't know how this fits into the OP's plans, nor if it is a blanket wide statement, but just saw that NYU/Langone is hiring NPs and PAs. However the advert clearly states NPs must have several years clinical experience (*think* it was three, could be four).

Also don't know if they would count RN experience or want a seasoned NP. My point is is that going from a BA/BS into another field to a MSN/NP program means one would have zero nursing clinical experience outside whatever the program itself provides. Post grad job hunting is going to mean running with the "big dogs" (no offence meant), in that the OP would be in competition with experienced nurses with a proven track record that came up the educational ranks.

They want seasoned, experienced NPs. When an ad for an NP/etc. states a particular number of years of clinical experience, they mean experience as an NP/etc. -- same as if ads are asking for an RN with x number of years of experience, they don't mean experience as a CNA or LPN, they mean RN experience. Significant experience as an RN before returning to school might be seen as an advantage in the hiring process over someone who didn't have previous RN experience, but it wouldn't count toward a desired amount of NP experience.

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I heard cal state is a good program. Any idea how many apply and get accepted? I had a friend who had a 4.0 with prereques and lots of experience who got wait listed which shocked me.

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The coordinator said she had 160 applicants and there are 23 in our class.

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