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Discussion

Direct Entry Masters Programs

Hi,

I understand that this forum is for nurses at the graduate level, so I figured this would be the right place to start. I am having a difficult time deciding what makes more sense - an accelerated bachelor's program or a direct entry master's program. I have an undergraduate degree in accounting and worked for 4 years for a large public accounting firm. I am just finishing my prerequisites for nursing school, and am feeling very uncertain regarding which is the better option - a) a second bachelor's degree to buy me time to decide what specialty I like and then go back for a master's degree or b) a direct entry master's program. Many of my friends that work in healthcare have encouraged me to get my master's degree and forget the second bachelor's degree - but I'm really confused at this point. Has anyone reading this post struggled with the same decision? Sorry to clog up your forum here, but I figured I should consult with the experts :)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :wink2:

~Elizabeth

Featured Replies

Elizabeth,

I struggled with this same question last year. (I have a bachelor's--worked in the professional world for about 10 years--and figured out I wanted to be a nurse.)

I decided to go with the masters degree (just got accepted :wink2:) because my goal is to be a nurse manager and there seems to be a lot of leadership training in the masters programs. Plus, since I've worked in healthcare admin, I have a vague notion of what specialties in nursing interest me (ICU, med/surg) and which ones don't (psych, ob/gyn). Also, I want the option to go on for a doctorate when I get some years of experience under my belt.

I know the direct-entry program is perhaps going to be more expensive and life-consuming than an accelerated bachelor's. But I'll be an RN in about a year and able to work (and get experience) part-time as I finish up my master's. This works for where I'm at in my life right now.

Good luck!

Elizabeth - the graduate nurse forum is actually geared more towards students who have completed their coursework and are in the process of becoming licensed (basically the step between a student nurse and a registered nurse, or LPN, etc). You might try reposting your question over on the "Graduate Student Nurse Forum: MSN/DNP/PhD" board, as there are many students in direct entry programs over there.

Good luck!

Hey there,

I'm going to Regis College in Massachusetts and they offer the best of both worlds. A direct entry program that offers a BSN (Fall 2007 to May 2009), and then the option to go an additional year to get a MSN as a Nurse Practitioner.

I love having the option of stopping if I want to at the BSN level, or continuing on.

This is one of the very few schools that offer the BSN in between.

Good luck to you.

Paul

Hi Paul,

I saw that you were planning on going to Regis last fall? I am planning on starting this fall and I'm really curious about the program. Is it difficult, manageable, flexible,etc? I have two little ones and so will be completing all classes and clinical in the evening and weekend. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!

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