Can I enroll for a Master's degree right after I get my RN license?

Purple_roses · Aug 28, 2015

Yes, you can. There have been several threads started about the pros and cons of starting your masters before getting experience as a nurse. It might be helpful to check those out. I'm not in a position to give you advice on what to do, but here are some areas on the site that you can browse to get more information on the subject:

https://allnurses.com/student-nurse-practitioner/

https://allnurses.com/advanced-practice-nursing/

https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/

BloggerNurse · Aug 28, 2015

Oh, thank you! Appreciate it!

smileyfacefee · Oct 5, 2015

You can but many NP programs require you to have some nursing experience, or to obtain some during your learning. And in my opinion, it is well worth it to do so!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2015

It is harder to find a program that will accept you but some people do. Usually programs prefer one or two years.

verdeacres · Oct 17, 2015

I totally agree with apples...because the "gut" judgements you gain from experience are priceless, plus it helps save money for the education.

BerryhappyRN, MSN, RN · Oct 30, 2015

Do you have a BSN? Was your RN program for your RN with an AA/AS or RN with a BSN??? Assuming you are graduating with your BSN then definitely you can. If you are a graduate RN with your AA/AS then no you will need to earn your Bachelor's of Nursing degree first.

gospa · Oct 31, 2015

To the OP:

I wanted to be an NP more than nurse also. But I recommend for several reasons that you work as a nurse along the way. I have been an RN for a few years and learned a considerable amount about assessing patients, how to interview and react to unexpected circumstances. I am just starting NP now and feel much more confident than if I didn't have a few years under my belt. I shadowed an NP one day in a hospital and he told me the RNs could pick out easily the NPs who had never nursed but rather went straight through school. These NPs had never "done it." And they didn't understand things they were asking RNs to do. You say have a back injury and I understand not wanting to re-aggravate it but I'd seriously consider working as an RN before becoming an NP.