Education for RN CM?

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Specializes in MSICU.

What are the typical educational requirements to become a CM? Do you need a MSN, or does a BSN suffice? Or is a post-master's certificate desired?

I have a BSW and worked in child welfare case management for about 10 years. Was planning to enter a MSW program, but decided I was really more interested in the medical field and would love to eventually become a RN CM. I have completed prereqs and am applying to nursing school. I am very torn between 2 programs:

1) A concurrent enrollment program between our community college and a university. Spend 2 years doing the ADN program and online theory work, awarded an ADN, can sit for NCLEX and begin working bedside. Continue online theory work for 1.5 years and earn a MSN. Total cost for ADN and MSN portions is just under 30k.

2) A traditional BSN program. Takes 2.5 years to complete program, then taking the NCLEX and begin bedside. Total cost is just over 20k.

I wonder what you would recommend? My inclination is to go for the MSN program because if I do need the MSN for CM positions, this seems like the most cost effective way to have that degree. My concern is continuing school during my first 1.5 years of bedside nursing. I understand the learning curve that first year entails, I experienced it in social work as well. Plus, if a BSN is an acceptable degree for CM positions, I may rather save that extra 10k in school costs. Either way, I do plan on 3-5 years of bedside nursing before transitioning to CM (so long as, in practice, I find that this is still the path I want to be on. I understand my nursing experience may lead me elsewhere).

I am applying to both programs, so perhaps the choice will be made for me if I only get into one of them! But in case I were to be accepted to both, which would you recommend?

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I think option 2 is much better! It's easier to get a job as a new grad with a BSN than ADN. And I don't think you need a MSN to get a job as CM. From some things I've read in these forums, it's easier to get a job with just RN, BSN than with RN, MSN. Especially if the job you want doesn't require MSN.

Good luck and I hope you like it!

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I got an ADN, was able to get a job within a month, did a BSN completion at WGU for 3500 within the first year, and now looking at MSN in Chronic Care Management. Theres so many pathways, if youre in an area that needs nurses and don't want to rack up debt do the ADN (assuming it at a Community College). I dont know how old you are but if you are younger you might be in a better position to take on more debt. I wasnt.

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Specializes in MSICU.

I am 37, so taking on more debt is a consideration. ADN graduates of our community college are desirable for employers here, the program has an excellent reputation and NCLEX pass rate. So I think I can get a job with just an ADN to start. By the time I earn the MSN I should have more than a year of nursing experience and would likely remain with my current employer for several more years anyway. I know I need at least a BSN (plus years of experience) to be a competitive applicant for many positions beyond bedside. I just wonder if I need the MSN? Because, given debt considerations, I will likely not return to school following my completion of one of these two programs.

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You dont need the MSN to be a CM. You can have a BSN, then get a certification if you want after two years as a CM.

But why not do option 1? It appears to be a one year difference in time commitment, and less than 10k difference in monetary commitment between your two options. You say that you wont return to school after this one last push. So why not go for the master's? It will offer you more mobility in your career. You may find you dont care for CM and want to do something else.

But, as eh14 says, if you are in a high demand area, you may not need more than the BSN for almost any specialty you choose.

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