BS to MSN?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

Published

I currently have a bachelor in health science and am attending an accredited RN program. I was wondering if I would have to go back for my BSN? or if I am able to go straight to a MSN program? Any insights? I have been getting a bunch of different answers!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Some schools have RN-to - MSN programs. Others do not. Check out the programs near you -- or online programs that you would be willing to go to. Find the program that best suits your needs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will not be able to bypass the BSN and go straight to the MSN, even though you have a related BS degree. The nursing world is very particular about the "N" part of their BSN. Unfortunately, BS + ADN does not equal BSN. However, as PP mentioned there are lots of bridge programs that will allow you to earn you BSN on the way to getting your MSN. You will still have to take BSN coursework, but you won't have to separately apply for admission to the MSN if you do a bridge program. Many programs will accept your previous BS credits for gen-ed stuff like statistics, research methods, etc. But you will still have to do the bachelor's level nursing coursework.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU /ED.

U should do the 2nd degree programs BS TO BSN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
U should do the 2nd degree programs BS TO BSN

I agree with phirstlady19, but you're already enrolled in a program. If it was financially feasible, I would have chosen to do an accelerated BSN program as you already have a Bachelors degree in another field. If the program you are in awards an Associates degree in nursing, then you will have to return to school to complete the BSN if that is something that you are interested in. If you want to continue on to get your MSN, you need the BSN first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I only know of online programs that offer RN to MSN. These don't seem to be very common. Most colleges make you get your BSN first and then an MSN. If you do a RN to MSN you pay grad tuition from day one and grad student loans from the govt no longer have a grace period during school so interest is accruing and capitalizing while you are in school, unless you pay it down as you go. Plus the interest rates for grad loans are higher than undergrad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

There are some MSN programs that will accept a BS in a different field. I think Frontier is one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment