Bay Area MSN Programs, is there an employment difference?

[raysm310]

Hi All,

I am applying to Master's entry nursing programs in the bay area. Does anyone know if the school that you get your MSN from makes a big difference to employers? I am looking at Samuel Merritt, University of San Francisco, UCSF, and San Francisco State.

Thanks!

Sonja

[kwong30]

Hello. No, I don't think it makes a difference. I went to SFSU, and only applied there. It was the most affordable accelerated MSN program (18 months to earn an RN license). Thus, a good move for me. I would not say it was best at prepping into the work environment. What does make a difference, however, is how you interviewed and where you did your clinicals (where you'd hope to work).

[suzanne4, RN]

You will still be getting a generic MSN and more than likely hired for a bedside position. What is going to make a difference in determining if you get hired it by getting a job as a nurse extern while you are in school when you qualify for that at a facility that you are interested in when you get out of your program.

Job offers in the Bay Area as a new grad are quite tight, most accept only about 12 for each orientation program that starts two to three times per year only. You have to make yourself more marketable to the facility. You will be completing for the same jobs with all of the BSN and ADN grads in the same area, as well as others from out of the area and out of state.

Best of luck to you.