Best Direct Entry MS/MSN?

Anonymous1257 · Jul 23, 2015

One piece of advice I can give is to look at the curriculum of potential programs and make sure it lines up with what you're hoping to learn. Best of luck!

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2015

Hi Everyone,
I graduate with my BA in a non-nursing field this year. My ultimate goal is to become a FNP, so I think that going into a direct entry MS or MSN would be best for me. I am open to a Accelerated BSN programs if I hope no other options.
I was thinking about DePaul's MENP in IL, but I see this college has some complaints on financial aid problems and racism. I'm not sure how much of this information is true but it doesn't sound very good, and I can't find any recent feedback on the program. Also, the MENP there is quite expensive, I think around $90,000 total?
Could someone provide me with advice on choosing a program? I prefer to go to a nursing program in IL but I am willing to consider other states in "safe" areas. And I don't really want to pay over $70,000 in total.
Thanks!

You can't become an MSN without first getting your BSN. Some of your BA credits may transfer to a BSN program, but that's something you have to talk to the school about.

And any credits that would transfer would only apply to your Gen Ed/pre req requirement, most likely.

elkpark · Jul 23, 2015

You can't become an MSN without first getting your BSN.

People here keep saying this, but it's not true and hasn't been for a long time. There are scads of the so-called "direct entry" MSN programs across the US, which is what the OP is asking about, which are for individuals who already have a BA/BS in another discipline. The programs are basically a mash-up of an accelerated BSN program and an MSN program, and people do not have to complete any kind of nursing program in order to enter these programs. These programs have been around for decades; I'm surprised there are still nurses who don't seem to be aware that they exist.

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2015

People here keep saying this, but it's not true and hasn't been for a long time. There are scads of the so-called "direct entry" MSN programs across the US, which is what the OP is asking about, which are for individuals who already have a BA/BS in another discipline. The programs are basically a mash-up of an accelerated BSN program and an MSN program, and people do not have to complete any kind of nursing program in order to enter these programs. These programs have been around for decades; I'm surprised there are still nurses who don't seem to be aware that they exist.

That's truly frightening. I hope to stay healthy for the rest of my life, then.

elkpark · Jul 23, 2015

That's truly frightening. I hope to stay healthy for the rest of my life, then.

You're welcome to find the programs objectionable but, as I said, they have been around for decades now, and the graduates appear to be as well-prepared as advanced practice nurses from the traditional route. There's no evidence I'm aware of to suggest that their clinical performance or acumen, as a group, is deficient compared to the advanced practice nurses with prior nursing experience.

Graduates of these programs are not really any different from the many, many people who complete an accelerated BSN program and then immediately turn around and enter an advanced practice graduate program. They complete the same basic nursing education requirements established by the state(s) for RN licensure, pass the same NCLEX, and pass the same advanced practice certification exams, as everyone else.

I'm no fan of them, myself, but they are very, very popular.

Anonymous1257 · Jul 23, 2015

That's truly frightening. I hope to stay healthy for the rest of my life, then.

this is an old convo that has been beaten to death on these forums. There are TONS of direct entry programs across the nation.

Please don't derail the OP's question with an old, worn out topic, just go search other threads if you want to discuss your opinions on whether or not direct entry is good or bad.

Caramels · Jul 23, 2015

Thank you jlmPMHNPstudent! I appreciate your advice.

Caramels · Jul 24, 2015

Does anyone else have any input on actual schools? I really need to make a decision soon.

elkpark · Jul 24, 2015

Does anyone else have any input on actual schools? I really need to make a decision soon.

I don't (my alma mater has a well-respected program, but it costs quite a bit more than what you say you want to spend), but I know that there is a lot of discussion of individual schools in some of the existing threads here. This is a topic that gets a lot of discussion here. Have you had a look through the site's students forums? Best wishes!