Direct Entry MSN vs Accelerated BSN- hopeful midwife

[futureRN987]

Hello,

I have been struggling with this decision and was hoping those who have been in a similar position could offer some advice!

I recently graduated (May 2018) with a BS in Biological Sciences and I would like to go into nursing. I have shadowed MDs, PAs, and NPs and found I was really drawn to being an NP. I specifically shadowed Certified Nurse Midwives who were also family NPs and would like to do this in the future. I have volunteered in labor and delivery and I am currently taking a gap year working on a labor and delivery floor. I am now deciding which nursing programs to apply to, since I am finished with my pre-requisites.

I am considering applying to Direct-Entry MSN programs because I have heard some of these classes will transfer and help me in the future to get a certificate in CNM. I plan on working as an RN in between the program and becoming a CNM, hopefully in labor and delivery. I am also considering applying to accelerated bsn program because I know they are shorter, so I would be able to go to work sooner and then continue and earn a masters for CNM later in life. I guess I am just wondering if a Direct-Entry MSN program is worth the extra time and money if I am very sure that I want to advance and become a CNM, or if it is better to get a second bachelors and start working as an RN sooner. Also are job prospects better for a student who completes a direct entry MSN or an accelerated BSN?

Any advice you can give is appreciated :)

[sesw1]

I don't think direct entry MSN gives you a huge leg-up generally, but it really depends on your individual situation. Where I live, many of the ABSN programs are about as costly as direct entry MSN programs when you break it down monthly, but that may not be your situation. One of the schools that I applied to for ABSN told me that they don't acknowledge direct entry MSN credits, so continuing my education would be more difficult if I did a direct entry MSN. (I'm not sure if this is completely true or common, they could have just told me this to persuade me to apply to/enroll in the ABSN program.)

I think if you are only taking a year off, I would go the ABSN route or even a traditional 2 year BSN. It seems like a long time right now, but cost-wise it will probably pay off in the long run.

Take my advice with a grain of salt - I'm trying to decide between an ABSN program and entry level MSN program now, so I can't speak from experience. It's just kind of what I've gathered from my research.