Education Advice Needed

Published

Hi, all! I am finishing up my ASN and am trying to decide between an RN-BSN program and an RN-MSN, concentration in Adult NP. Ultimately, my goal is to become a CRNA, but that is still a couple of years away. Will it hurt me to have the MSN? Thoughts? Suggestions? Thank you, in advance, for any help you can offer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU,Tele. PCU, IMC.

According to my research, most schools allow you to transfer in 9 credits max. Having your MSN first means that you wouldn't have to take those extra fluff nursing courses, which might make your class load lighter and allow you to focus on your core CRNA courses. It is not going to make your CRNA program shorter or less expensive. However, unless you go to a school that gives an MSc or MNAP instead of MSN for the CRNA program, it just seems to me like you are paying to have the same MSN twice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

are you currently working an ICU, MICU, SICU, ect? One to two years is a requirement for CRNA programs. Masters in nursing, even in an NP concentration, are significantly different than CRNA programs. (there are a couple overlapping courses- research, stats, ect- but most CRNA classes are specifically and only for CRNA).

Why don't you look into RN-MSN programs that have a concentration in CRNA? You can get your ICU experience while you are in the BSN portion of the program?

just a thought : )

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Having just gone through a number of interviews, the feed back I received has been that your time in ICU is more important than spending that same time working on a masters. As strange as it seems, some graduate schools place a greater important on experience that they do on graduate work. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion