BSN Equivalent

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I've been talking to a DPN friend of mine and she was saying that some master's programs will let you apply with a bachelor's in something other than nursing and an associate's degree from a 2 year program. I was wondering if this is true and how I would go about getting it.

Does anybody have any idea which schools accept equivalents? Most of the school's I've seen require a BSN.

(Sorry for all the questions.)

Thanks!

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Informatics.

Now from my research, there aren't that many Master's programs that will accept a non-nursing BS degree with RN status, unless you are trying to work in management or education field. If you're trying to work clinically at a master's level, such as CNS, NP, CRNA etc, you will need a BSN degree hands down. There are many programs that have accelerated BS-BSN degree programs, online and ground. What I would say is MOST important, if you indeed need a BSN, is to make sure the school is NLN or CCNE accreditated. Because most, if not all, master's programs at numerous schools require your BSN degree to come from a school with that accreditation. Good Luck!

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Specializes in critical care.

They are lots of schools that do this! Most are called "RN-MSN bridge" programs, and many don't require any type of BSN.

What type of MSN would you like to pursue? Do you have a preference for online vs. on-campus programs?

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I believe that in order to enter a MSN program you have to have a BSN. Some programs have dual BSN/MSN programs.

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I pretty sure that is the case tgary08. That is the only way I have ever seen it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

OP, what you're looking for are called "Direct-entry MSN" or "Entry-level MSN" You don't need a BSN to enter these MSN programs.

See link below to find your state that offers the program. Not every state offers these types of programs. This link should help you: Direct Entry MSN (Masters in Nursing) Programs

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They are lots of schools that do this! Most are called "RN-MSN bridge" programs, and many don't require any type of BSN.

What type of MSN would you like to pursue? Do you have a preference for online vs. on-campus programs?

I was thinking about trying to become a nurse anesthetist, but I'm still working on my BSc, so I haven't completely decided what I want to do.

Online programs seem like they'd give me more time, but I like the structure of on-campus programs.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I believe that in order to enter a MSN program you have to have a BSN. Some programs have dual BSN/MSN programs.

Wrong. There are many RN to MSN programs available.

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Specializes in ICU.

No, a BSN is not necessary to obtain an MSN. There are many programs which require either a BSN -OR- an associate degree/diploma from accredited RN program combined with a non-nursing bachelors degree.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Excelsior College to an accredited online RN-MSN program. Good luck.

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Yes, there are entry level masters programs, BUT if you are wanting to be a CRNA you will need bedside ICU experience. You would be better off getting your BSN, working to get the experience necessary to apply then getting your MSN or DNP for anesthesia.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, Informatics.
I was thinking about trying to become a nurse anesthetist, but I'm still working on my BSc, so I haven't completely decided what I want to do.

Online programs seem like they'd give me more time, but I like the structure of on-campus programs.

Well if you're looking to be a CRNA, you WILL need a BSN. But it seems, you need to narrow down what route you want to go. One avenue may leave you limited on the shortcuts of education, while another could give endless possibilities to re-route through.

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