Engineer switching to nursing: ABSN or direct entry MSN?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Torn,

It's great that you're considering a career change to nursing and have your sights set on becoming a professor in the future!

Let's look at the differences between ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and direct entry MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) programs and options for gaining healthcare experience.

ABSN (Accelerated BSN) Program

Pros

• Quick Entry. ABSN programs are designed for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds, like yourself, who want to transition to nursing. They typically take 12-18 months to complete, allowing you to become a registered nurse (RN) quickly.
• Foundation in Nursing. ABSN programs provide a strong foundation in nursing principles and clinical skills, preparing you for entry-level nursing positions.
• Cost-Effective. ABSN programs are often more cost-effective than direct-entry MSN programs since they focus on nursing practice essentials.

Cons

• Limited Specialization. ABSN programs are focused on preparing you to become an RN. If you have your heart set on becoming a professor or want to pursue an advanced practice nursing specialty, you may need additional education later.
• Intensive. ABSN programs are notoriously intense but doable if you have the drive. It's advisable not to work during the program.  

Direct Entry MSN Program

Pros

• Advanced Education. A direct-entry MSN program offers a graduate-level education from the start. You will earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in nursing, which opens doors to more advanced roles and specializations.
• Specialization Options. MSN programs often provide opportunities to specialize in education, leadership, or advanced practice nursing (e.g., nurse practitioner, nurse educator).
• Future Professorship. Having an MSN is advantageous if you want to become a professor. Many nursing faculty positions require at least a master's degree, and some prefer a doctorate.

Cons

• Longer Duration. Direct-entry MSN programs typically take longer to complete than ABSN programs since they include both undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• Higher Tuition. Given the additional education and advanced degree provided, MSN programs tend to be more expensive than ABSN programs.

Pathway to Professor

If you decide to go with the ABSN program to start your nursing journey and later pursue a career as a professor, here are some options for your career path:

• Work as an RN. After completing your ABSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you can work as an RN to gain clinical experience. This experience will be valuable when applying for advanced nursing programs and faculty positions.
• Pursue a Master's or Doctorate. To become a nursing professor, you'll typically need a master's or doctoral degree. You can pursue an MSN focusing on education or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in nursing.
• Teaching Experience. While working as an RN, you can seek teaching opportunities, such as becoming a clinical instructor for nursing students. This helps you gain valuable teaching experience.

Benefits of Healthcare Experience Before Nursing School 

Gaining healthcare experience before applying for nursing school can enhance your application but is not required. Many programs accept students with no prior healthcare experience.

Its importance varies depending on the specific program and the level of competition. Here's a breakdown of why healthcare experience is important and how it factors into nursing school admissions:

• Demonstrates Commitment. Healthcare experience, such as working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical scribe, or patient care technician (PCT),  demonstrates commitment to the nursing field. Admissions committees often look for candidates who clearly understand the challenges and responsibilities of healthcare roles.
• Provides Insight. Gaining hands-on experience in a healthcare setting allows you to gain insights into patient care, healthcare teamwork, and the daily challenges and rewards of the profession. This knowledge can be valuable when you're pursuing your nursing education.
• Enhances Your Application. Having healthcare experience can make your application stand out among other applicants. It shows you've invested time and effort to gain relevant skills and insights, which can be beneficial as you pursue a nursing degree.
• Strengthens Your Application Essay. Many nursing school applications require a personal statement or essay. Your healthcare experiences can serve as examples that demonstrate your motivation to become a nurse and your understanding of the profession's demands.
• Prepares You for Clinicals. If you've worked in healthcare before starting nursing school, you may transition smoothly into clinical rotations. You'll likely be more comfortable with basic patient care tasks, communication with patients, and understanding the healthcare environment.

If you don't have healthcare experience, you can still strengthen your nursing school application by excelling in prerequisite coursework, achieving a competitive GPA, performing well on entrance exams (such as the TEAS or HESI), and crafting a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for nursing and your readiness to learn.

Ultimately, the importance of healthcare experience in your nursing school application varies by program, so it's a good idea to research the specific requirements and preferences of the schools you're interested in and plan your application strategy accordingly.

Examples of Non-RN Roles

As you are already an engineer, acquiring healthcare experience would potentially involve a willingness and ability to switch jobs.

You should also note that some of the roles highlighted below may require additional training, which may not be feasible. 

Nonetheless, being familiar with these roles can be helpful as you navigate the healthcare industry.

Here are some options to consider:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Patient Care Technician (PCT). Becoming a CNA or PCT is one of the most direct routes to gaining healthcare experience. These roles involve primary patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, including bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs. Many nursing schools look favorably upon applicants with CNA or PCT experience.
• Medical Scribe. As a medical scribe, you'll work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers, documenting patient encounters in real time. This role allows you to gain exposure to medical terminology, patient assessments, and the healthcare system.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). EMTs respond to medical emergencies, providing pre-hospital care and transportation to patients. This role offers hands-on experience in assessing and managing medical emergencies.
• Medical Assistant (MA). MAs work in various healthcare settings, assisting with administrative tasks and performing basic clinical procedures like taking blood pressure and administering injections. This experience can provide insights into outpatient care.
• Volunteer Opportunities. Many healthcare facilities and organizations (such as hospice) offer volunteer programs where you can assist with non-clinical tasks, interact with patients, and observe healthcare professionals in action. While volunteer roles may not be as hands-on as paid positions, they still provide valuable exposure to the healthcare field.
• Hospital or Clinic Receptionist. Working as a receptionist in a hospital or clinic can provide insight into the administrative side of healthcare, including patient registration, scheduling, and record-keeping.
• Home Health Aide. Home health aides provide care and assistance to individuals in their homes, often those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. This role can offer a unique perspective on community-based healthcare.
• Pharmacy Technician. Working as a pharmacy technician involves preparing medications, interacting with patients, and assisting pharmacists. While it's not direct patient care, it's a healthcare-related role that can provide valuable experience.
• Hospice Volunteer. Volunteering with a hospice organization can be emotionally rewarding and offer insights into end-of-life care and patient support.

When seeking healthcare experience, consider the following tips:

• Research the specific requirements and preferences of the nursing programs you plan to apply to. Some programs may have preferred types of healthcare experience or minimum hour requirements.
• Network with healthcare professionals and ask for advice or mentorship opportunities. They may offer guidance and help you identify relevant roles.
• Emphasize the skills and knowledge you gain from your healthcare experience in your nursing school application, personal statement, and interviews.
• Be prepared to balance your healthcare experience with other prerequisite coursework or requirements for nursing school admissions.

Ultimately, gaining healthcare experience not only strengthens your nursing school application but also helps confirm your commitment to a career in nursing and gain valuable skills for your future nursing practice.

In conclusion, choosing between an ABSN and a direct-entry MSN program depends on your career goals, timeline, and financial considerations. Both paths can lead to fulfilling careers in nursing and academia. Consider your long-term aspirations and the type of nursing role or specialization that interests you the most as you decide.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth