Brick and mortar vs online MSN

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I hope this doesn't turn into a debate similar to ADN vs. BSN...

I'm really torn on which direction I would like to go because I don't know what effect my choice would have on my future career possibilities. I carefully chose my degree type and choice of nursing school based, in part, on career opportunities, and I don't want to make a mistake in choosing an MSN school that might limit my career. After all, my career has already been shortened by about 20 years. It's not a mistake I can afford to make, age-wise.

Are brick and mortar MSNs looked upon more favorably for career opportunities than online programs? I'm not asking whether one feels if they should be or shouldn't be; I'm asking if they are or aren't, generally speaking. Big difference. :)

[EmergencyNrse]

Brick and Mortar institutions have been given notice...

They're too expensive to maintain and are cost-overhead heavy.

The online education programs are getting the job done with half the costs. The problem is perception in credentialing. I'm not a mover and shaker in healthcare so I don't know whether or not they carry as much weight as traditional colleges but the sheer number of people receiving MBA's and other post-graduate degrees is skyrocketing. Something's gotta give...

If you're worried that you'll be wasting your time and money I really don't think so. Choose a reputable program that meets identical standards as all the others and you will be alright. Sorry if this is just my opinion not fact. I applaud you in going "back" to school. Even if it's online. Good Luck.

[j621d]

I would not be so concerned about the "brick and mortar" vs. online. What you DO need to be concerned about is the credentialing of the institution. More and more the traditional "brick and mortar" schools are offering online education. I obtained my MSN via online, but it was through one of the state schools that is predominately "brick and mortar." I have my own personal bias of utilizing the public state school for my education as it is lower in cost for citizens of that state.

After you are assured of the national credentialing (ANCC or NLNAC), look at the school's reputation. Good luck!! I absolutely LOVED the online format!

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

Thank you both for your replies.

I have heard of trad. schools offering online programs, but I've looked at only one of them. The price is less than on-campus attendance, but more than other online programs.

I've also looked at WGU that claims recent credentialing. The threads here indicate that some people are able to finish the MSN in as short as 6 months. I don't care if you're a genius with impeccable writing and time management skills...SIX MONTHS? That just seems way too fast to be a rigorous program. Most master's schools (regardless of major) allow students a minimum of an entire semester just for the final thesis!

I hope that educators or people working at a master's-required level will respond.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

i have an mn, obtained a long time ago from a brick-and-mortar school with ample opportunity for clinical applications of what i was studying, lab opportunities, and such. although a lot of the actual clinical info (drugs, physiology, treatment protocols) i learned then are passe now, the mn still opens doors for me because it speaks to a love of learning and application that is essential in some spheres.

i have friends who are doing or who have done online programs as more mature nurses. some love it, some see it as a quick-and-dirty way to get a credential, some are really learning things they can see as useful. some miss the personal elements of being able to go out for coffee with classmates and hash out an issue, or wander on over to the associated departmental office to noodle about a clinical issue with a colleague from another field. some like the being able to just sit and write and turn in a checklist of things and get credit for it.

they are not cheap programs, though. look verrrrry long and hard at graduation rates and fees for late or otherwise problematic work. many are for-profit entities, meaning they really look hard for ways to squeeze ya.

overall if you want an online experience for personal reasons, i'd recommend one that's affiliated with an existing real university, not a devry or others of that ilk. you will know that your faculty are really who they say they are, at least.

i know i'm not answering your question about hiring...but if my bias is clear, you may run into it at hr or management levels elsewhere. good luck in whatever you decide.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

GrnTea: you managed to intuit the exact reasons that both appeal to me. I enjoy the live give-and-take of trad. programs; however, time away from my family to be in a classroom weighs heavily on me (personal reason). Regardless of program, if I'm going to put in all that work, I want to be sure that it doesn't go to waste, and it is able to get my career where I want it to be.

I want to be an educator later, so I'm looking specifically at nurse educator or CNS programs. My state allows CNS's the same scope of practice as NPs, but I'm more interested in the more traditional role of a CNS: an expert nursing clinician. In short, I have no desire to become a mid-level provider.

BTW, I am looking to get my education "out of the way" within the next three to four years, although I don't expect to function in an advanced or teaching role until much later.

[Mom of Diskids]

Hi, there!:) I am finishing up my MSN program through an online program. I also have many friends in education who obtained their MSN through both online and "regular" schools. First, I can tell you that the online program I am participating in is challenging. It is accredited, and I feel like I am definitely getting a good education. Secondly, as someone who has worked in both management and education, I have never seen a Masters prepared nurse not hired based on the school they attended.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I don't care if you're a genius with impeccable writing and time management skills...SIX MONTHS? That just seems way too fast to be a rigorous program. Most master's schools (regardless of major) allow students a minimum of an entire semester just for the final thesis!

I hope that educators or people working at a master's-required level will respond.

This statement shows me that you have a good head on your shoulders and are using it well to think things through. The best schools are more demanding and require more work on the part of the student. They are not "money-making factories" pumping out degrees for anyone who can buy one. Beware of anything that sounds too good to be true.

My recommendation is to stick with the more traditional brick and mortar schools -- either in their brick and mortar version or one with an online version. Stay away from the for-profit schools that are only online. Those are the ones that are most likely to be looked down upon. The government is going after the for-profits and it is unknown how that industry will change in the future as a result of that government crack down. I wouldn't take that kind of risk with my education. I'd play it safe.

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

I hope this doesn't turn into a debate similar to ADN vs. BSN...

Are brick and mortar MSNs looked upon more favorably for career opportunities than online programs? I'm not asking whether one feels if they should be or shouldn't be; I'm asking if they are or aren't, generally speaking. Big difference. :)

I am a graduate of an MSN degree from an online university. This didn't hinder my career opportunities-now working in my dream job because of this degree. Regionally and facility-wise there may be varying degrees of one over the other-haven't seen it in my area though.

[sgiglio]

I am looking into online schools to get my MSN. I definitely love online programs but am not sure which school to go to. Can you please let me know where you are going online for your MSN.