Do you need your BSN before you become an NP?

ayndim · Apr 29, 2004

Hi guys! I will be starting nursing school this fall, but I'm always thinking ahead ! I have an interest in possibly pursuing the NP role someday. My question is this; when I'm done with nursing school I'll have my ADN in nursing. After I get my liscence, can I then go on and get my NP liscence, or do I need to get my BSN first? Also, what if I already have a BA in another field (communications,) and my ADN in nursing? Do I still need a BSN? Just trying to figure out the best route! Thanks so much!! :) Louisepug

I do know that there are RN to MS programs, but I believe you are actually awarded you BSN after 12 months and the MS after 24 months. The program I looked into requires you to have a BS in Nursing for admission to the graduate programs. Other degrees aren't acceptable. At least that is how it is at the state uni I looked into. Others may be different. I am in the same boat. I want to eventually be an Advanced Practice Nurse (NP or CNM) but am probably going to get the ADN as the first route into nursing.

Hopegirl · Apr 29, 2004

Good question and I am in the same boat as well! I have a BA in Social Science, but am now pursuing the best route into nursing. I am considering all options - ADN, BSN, MEPN - so we'll see! I wish we were given credit for our bachelors, at least from the standpoint that if we have an ADN, and a BA in another field, we should be able to go straight to MSN... but of course, that's not the case! Oh well, we'll get there eventually. :)

Best wishes!

-j

Kabin · Apr 30, 2004

There are also accelerated programs that only require a bachelors degree (non nursing and, IIRC, non RN) to pursue the MS in nursing. The case in point was a program at the University of San Diego.

kervensl1 · May 1, 2004

Yes you can go into a masters program with an ADN and a bachelors degree in another field, I currently am in the same position and those are my intentions. Many schoools offer this program but you usually have to take a few prerequisites before you can start, usually about 3 classes and get a B in those courses. You have many options with the BS that you have obtained along with an ADN. Goood luck:)

RNSOCAL · Sep 8, 2012

Well speaking from experience, I find it very niave and frustrating that new graduate nurses and/or nursing students are pursuing their advanced degrees with no basic nursing knowledge or experience. I believe that having experience as an RN (ADN or BSN) will better you in having a base line clinical skill level to be able to advance and truly gain the proper education that SHOULD be required for your MSN or NP. I would complete your ADN or BSN program, start working and then go on for your advanced degree ( Which is what I did) . Dont you think that an advance practice nurse should be... advanced, experienced and knowledgeable?

perioddrama · Sep 8, 2012

Well speaking from experience, I find it very niave and frustrating that new graduate nurses and/or nursing students are pursuing their advanced degrees with no basic nursing knowledge or experience. I believe that having experience as an RN (ADN or BSN) will better you in having a base line clinical skill level to be able to advance and truly gain the proper education that SHOULD be required for your MSN or NP. I would complete your ADN or BSN program, start working and then go on for your advanced degree ( Which is what I did) . Dont you think that an advance practice nurse should be... advanced, experienced and knowledgeable?

Experience before going to grad school is an excellent idea; however, in this economy, there are a lot of new grads that cannot get that experience, no matter how hard they try. One of the reasons many of the new grads might feel the need/push/desire to go to graduate school is to defer their loans from undergrad.

Unfortunately, finding a job as a new grad is practically a full time job. Kudos to them for wanting to advance their education.

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 8, 2012

I'm surprised schools are taking new grad RNs into NP programs. My school required time as an RN as a requirement for acceptance.

BritFNP · Sep 8, 2012

To answer your question: NO, you do not have to have your BSN initially (ADN fine), but your MSN program will be longer to award you a BSN too or the equivilant. These are the RN-MSN programs. Again, it will be longer than the BSN - MSN which is usually 2 years.

sashaalicia1 · Sep 8, 2012

Well speaking from experience, I find it very niave and frustrating that new graduate nurses and/or nursing students are pursuing their advanced degrees with no basic nursing knowledge or experience. I believe that having experience as an RN (ADN or BSN) will better you in having a base line clinical skill level to be able to advance and truly gain the proper education that SHOULD be required for your MSN or NP. I would complete your ADN or BSN program, start working and then go on for your advanced degree ( Which is what I did) . Dont you think that an advance practice nurse should be... advanced, experienced and knowledgeable?

I am currently in a master's of nursing program after coming straight out of an undergraduate nursing degree. By the time I am finished I will have maybe two years of bedside nursing experience. This is an honest question..."what is the difference between an individual going straight into their medical education after a bachelor's degree in many different things (with the required sciences of course) and an individual getting their advanced practice degree in nursing after a bachelor's in nursing?"

myelin · Sep 9, 2012

There's nothing wrong with having career goals and if being a provider is what you want, go for it. Try and go to the most reputable program you can. Only one research study has compared RN experience with NP competency and it found that RN experience didn't help.

Psychcns · Sep 9, 2012

Physicians go straight through but they have a lot more clinical hours during their training than we do. Historically the advanced practice role built on RN practice. It is a different role than staff nurse and you may have to explain the direct entry education at interviews.