BSN/MSN Bridge programs

I agree with Tweety (as usual), though he may have underestimated the length of time it takes to get an MSN with an NP focus. There are lots of clinical hours in most NP programs that are often more than those required for other MSN's. However, note that the timetable he is giving is about as short as it can be. Most people actually take longer because of life's realities.

For example, most people find that they are more successful in the BSN completion programs (and at their jobs) if they work for an RN for at least a few months before starting back to school. The transition from student to staff nurse is usually a difficult one and I strongly recommned completing the orientation for your first RN job and working at least 2 or 3 months before going back to school. It doesn't have to be a long break from school, but it should be enough to get your feet on the ground as a working RN. Some new grads can do that in 2 or 3 months: others take a year or two. Sure -- some people can do everything simultaneously and still do a good job, but most people benefit from making the transition first and then starting back to school for their BSN.

Also, NP education is changing and by the time you are ready to enter graduate school, the programs may be much longer. You may even find that the local NP programs are no longer at the MSN level, but rather at the doctoral level (DNP). That will add an extra 2 years to Tweety's estimates.

Take it one step at a time. You never know. You may find that your opinions and preferences change as you become more familiar with the many choices that nursing has to offer. I have known many, many people who entered the nursing profession believing that they wanted one type of job -- and ended up wanting another type of job after they got some actual experience with nursing and explored more options.