Direct Entry MSN program

Here is a list from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing of all of the Direct Entry MSN programs that existed in Fall 2008

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/GENMAS.pdf

Some of these are Direct Entry Generalist MSNs, others are Specialty MSNs

Vanderbilt University (Nashville) has multiple entry options depending on whether one is already an RN, how much college credit one has, etc. GRE minimum is 1000 with 4.5+ on analytical writing. Minimum GPA is 3.0. They have a very informative Web site.

My experience was that many schools wanted a 1000 combined GRE, others wanted 500 in each category (math and verbal). There are also direct entry schools out there that don't require the GRE -- lots of variations based upon what sort of degree(s) and what-not you want to end up with. Good luck!

thanks everyone for your input! i think i have a pretty good ideal where i want to apply and what score i need to get on my GRE. you guys are awsome!

I applied to MGH, Northeastern and Columbia - got into MGH and Columbia, waitlisted at Northeastern but eventually offered a spot. I had a 4.0 in prereqs, 3.76 in general undergrad, 750 on math GRE, 540 on Verbal, 5.5 on writing, 2 years of experience volunteering in an ER, free clinic and cardiac care unit.... hope that helps. Oh I also applied to UCSF and didn't even get an interview...

GOOD Day folks! Has anyone given some thoughts to the fact that in the first 1 1/2 year, you will not be awarded a BSN? I am hearing from a few NP students who passed their NCLEX that they are not able to find a job because they don't have a BSN. So, Only a Diploma is awarded, I don't even think it's an associate. So, it's only beneficial once you're all done with the whole NP degree that it would be easier to find a job. I am starting my program in the Fall 09, and a little bit concerned about it. Why don't the schools award BSN, the the MSN? what do they have to lose? I don't get it...So, what if someone is done with the first part, get the NCLEX and happen to be sick or sick child, then you're stuck with a huge loan with only a Diploma in nursing and a pain in the ---- to find a decent job. I am thinking hard about this. Can anyone please share their views and opinions on this....Maybe we should all rally and demand a BSN degree for the first portion, it only makes sense. I think Regis does,and that's about it... let me know what you think.

Some schools offer a BSN, then a MSN. Others go straight to MSN (with no BSN).

For schools that offer a BSN, there is a large "drop off" of students who leave with the BSN and do not continue for the MSN. So offering only one degree means that the student will remain enrolled longer.

A second drawback to offering 2 consecutive degrees is that many schools do not permit one class to count for two different degrees. So if "Research" is a required component for the BSN and the MSN -- this means that a student would need to take this class twice. The same might hold for pharmacology and pathphysiology as well. At my University, you cannot count a single course for both the BSN and MSN degrees. So we offer separate 4-year BSN degrees, and a 2-year Direct Entry MSN.

...And R U doing the direct-entry 2 year program? Then how do you explain the schools that awards theirs students with the BSN as they continue with the NP portiion. It can be done. If I take Research in undergrad, they just would have to give me the credits for it. I would think it is the same logic that people need to take prereqs requirements before entering the MSN program. Those prereqs are taken at the Bachelors level and students are credited for the classes. I am not sure what the real issue is.. Only the Administrators know. We'll have to wait and see. R U almost done with your program?

NPNICO:

I am the Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services (admissions, enrollment, records, financial aid). In my 25 years in higher ed, I have worked at several universities. The rules/regulations on dual degrees and counting courses from one degree to another vary from University to University.

At my University we do not accept CLEP any classes, nor do we waive course requirements for prior knowledge. We also do not "waive" graduate requirements for undergrad classes. That is just the way things are at my University. Another University where I worked would count 12 credits (4 courses) for a dual degree program. Students at that school (non-nursing) would receive their BS and MS degrees together after 5 years and 1 summer of study (they would start the 2-year grad program in their 4th/Senior year) and 4 courses from the Grad Program would count towards their 12-course major.

The rules will differ at other schools.

Wow! I guess it's a no win situation. But, I am from Massachusetts and there is a school Regis that offer a BSN for their Direct-Entry program. I guess it does vary from school to school. Tks for letting me know. Any info will help.

NPNICO

Vanderbilt University has a multiple-entry option for their MSN program. The reason why one is not awarded a BSN "along the way" to the MSN is because of the credits one must have coming in. Applicants must have almost 3 years' worth of liberal arts credits to enter the program; this makes it impossible for VU to award a bachelors degree since such a large percentage of the credits come in as transfers. The first 3 semesters teach nursing and prepare students for the NCLEX. At that point one is a "BSN-equivalent" RN. The second 3+ semesters complete the Masters, at which time enough credits will have been completed at VU to make it possible for them to award the Masters.

Precisely! So, in order to be accepted tot he Direct-Entry MSN, one must already have at least a Bachelor. So, all the liberal arts or electives classes are already taken, and yes should be transferred to be awarded the BSN. Some schools do it, why not all of them, right? It appears as a way to ensure the students finish the MSN program which is not a fair way to go about. Just my 2 cents..

Thank you for sharing your experience.