BSN vs direct-entry Nursing program

I think that what others have told you sounds about right. To my knowledge, a lot of places would want you to have an MSN to be able to run such programs at the managerial level, although some locations will be content with you having the BSN along with the adequate experience to compensate for the MSN. With you already having a BS and an MS in Microbiology as well as the added work experience, I feel as though that the BSN would be sufficient enough for you to run clinical trials. Again this is just my opinion and you might want to get more info from someone who has the actual information.

Good luck and I hope this helps :)

As far as I know most schools will not give you a second bachelor's - the direct entry is the way you need to go.

Do I understand you correctly that you have no intention of working as an RN? You do understand that graduates of direct entry masters programs are ENTRY level nurses the same as those who graduate from associates degree or BSN programs?

I don't know about the field are are in. I can tell you that in nursing direct entry masters grads are treated, oriented and paid exactly the same as new grads from other programs, if they can find a job.

There are plenty of second degree bachelor programs around if you want a BSN. Most of the direct entry programs that give you a masters degree are aimed at people who want to become NP's. If you want to have your own clinic you would need to be an NP. In some states NP's can have their own clinic without needing a supervising physician (such as in NH) and other states you need to work under a physician (more like PA's). Your best bet is to talk to someone who is already in the field where you want to end up and see what their suggestion is. You should also talk to the nursing departments at the schools you are interested in and see if their program is geared towards your final goal.