Choosing a Master's program

[Mamakellyd]

Hi all,

I am finishing my BSN in a few months and plan to start grad school in August. I need to get applications in next week, and I am having a very hard time making a decision. One reason is my career goal is to be nursing faculty, but I've worked in dialysis for all of my 21 years as an RN, so I feel that obtaining an MSN in nursing education won't let me be well rounded enough to effectively teach. The good thing about this type master's degree is it will prepare me for the education side- planning curriculum, testing, etc. Also most MSN ed programs can be completed in around 16 months. The other option is to do the FNP track which will take about 2 years and won't include any education courses. I can add on a post-master's certificate in education that would take about 6 months longer. Good thing about FNP track is I would be much more clinically knowledgeable and could also work extra or volunteer as an FNP, bad thing is that it would take almost twice as long to complete. Any thoughts or advice? Anyone been down this road?

Also- does anyone have any advice for choosing a master's program. Some research says that online vs ground campus doesn't really seem to matter anymore since there are so many reputable online programs.

Thanks!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

That's a wonderful goal. We're going to be desperately short of nursing faculty in the coming decade.

If you wish to move into academia, you really need to set your sights on ultimately obtaining your doctorate. You can be a clinical instructor with an MSN, but in order to get a full time job with adequate salary & benefits, you will need that terminal degree. With that in mind, make sure you choose your MSN program wisely. I would advise you to go with a traditional 'bricks and mortar' school that has a well-respected program, so you won't have any difficulties moving into your doctoral studies. For instance, be sure to choose an MSN program that requires a thesis... this will give you an edge for doctoral admissions. Most graduate programs are pretty flexible, and offer a variety of options for taking your classes.

Make an appointment with the school of your choice and talk to a graduate advisor. There is Federal funding available to support the education of nursing faculty - not NPs. It may be easier than you think. As for the NP route, it goes both ways. If you choose the academic route, you can also take 'leveling' courses to qualify as an NP later on.

[NAURN]

I have applied to Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing for my FNP. They also have a doctorate program as well, if I choose to do so. It is mostly online, with a couple of trips to campus. Definitely not "brick and mortar" but it will work well with my life. I agree that in the end, having the DNP is a must for teaching, but having the FNP as opposed to the Master's in Education is that you can work as an NP also and have that clinical background. Also with the FNP, you CAN teach. At my community college (5 years ago) many were FNPs with no doctorate and they weren't merely just clinical instructors. You can also work as a nurse educator at a hospital with an FNP (or education degree for that matter).

My goal, too, at the end of the day is to teach. So I plan to get my FNP, get more years under my belt, work on my DNP, then when I am to the point where I am sick of running around taking care of pts, I can teach.

The PhD may also be an option for you

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

You DO NOT need education classes to be a higher education instructor. How many biologists at your university got an education degree? I think the FNP would be good. It'd be the most well rounded program offering more clinical expertise in the treatment of commonly encountered diseases and further (possibly advanced) knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. This is what all of our faculty needs. You can take a few workshops to get clued in on pedagogy if you need that at all.

[laRN1]

So glad to have found this thread. Was wondering myself about what master's to pursue. I was also torn between education and FNP and decided a month ago to go for my FNP. I love volunteering my skills so I feel like I'll have more opportunities to do this as an FNP.