BSN or MSN?

t_heart · Aug 11, 2011

I am in a similar situation. I have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. However, I am looking into BSN or master's entry NP programs. The last being programs where you can become an NP without having any background in nursing and get your schooling done with in one go (usually 3 years). The downside of these programs is that they're intense full-time programs and many employers want to hire NPs with nursing experience, which you wouldn't have too much of upon graduation. Employers would rather have new NPs with past nursing experience. There are also accelerated bachelors's programs where you can get your BSN in less than two years. Pros: shorter schooling, you can then work as a nurse gaining experience before master's programs; cons: expensive programs. I am applying to both bachelor's and master's programs, but I'm hoping to get into my state school's regular 2-year bachelor's program (cheaper and great quality of education still), work for a year, and then work part-time and do a master's NP program part-time. It's more time in the long run, but you would have more work experience and it would be more cost effective if you're not rich like me. :) Hope this helped at least somewhat.

dpk1004 · Aug 11, 2011

Hey t_heart! Thanks for the response. It definitely sounds like a similar situation as mine. :)

I think the only difficulty with applying to BSN and MSN programs is the time differences between the application deadlines and actually knowing when you're accepted or rejected. I guess I can't be too picky and accept whichever one I get accepted into first (fingers crossed).

ktliz · Aug 15, 2011

When you say a "regular" MSN, what exactly are you referring to? I've seen direct-entry Clinical Nurse Leader programs, where you are educated as a "generalist," master's-level nurse. From what I can remember, the programs were about 2 years for non-nurses.

If there was one of these programs in my area, I might consider it, but I honestly don't think a graduate of one of these programs would have that much of an advantage over a graduate from an accelerated BSN program.

I'm currently pursuing an accelerated BSN. I think I will start off my MSN part-time, and maybe go full-time toward the end of the program. I used to want to become a NP as quickly as possible, but I've since realized that I don't mind the bedside... I actually LIKE it, haha! I'd also like to try my hand at a few specialties before I commit myself to one area of advanced practice, so this route seemed best for me.

There are TONS of threads on this topic here on allnurses. Do your research. Find out all your options. See what schools you are interested in, and what routes others have chosen. It will become clear to you eventually. Best of luck. :)

iPink, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2011

I chose the Accelerated BSN route because it's 15 months. I'm in my 3rd semester. I can take 1-2 years to get experience as an RN then go for the NP. I would be 1-2 years behind if I pursued an entry-level MSN, then do a post graduate NP program later.

A few of my friends in my program are actually looking into a school near us that goes from BSN-DNP in 4 years,full-time (6 yrs part-time).

Good luck in your decision.

msn2010 · Nov 14, 2011

In my personal opinion, to become a NP, the individual must have nursing experience.

I took the Entry-level MSN way. I do not regret it at all. It was hard and it is still hard to explain to everyone how and why I have MSN w/o any nursing experience.

I am thinking about enrolling into one of NP program next year, before you need to get a doctorate degree to be a NP. After exchanging e-mails, the counselor told me that it will half of their program to obtain NP since I have taken their first year worth of courses.