Entry Level MSN or Accelerated BSN program? Which is better?

Published Sep 11, 2016

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I decided to go back to school for nursing and I am having trouble choosing what program to do. I like the idea of entry-level masters programs because it might be easier to go into DNP programs, and I would be eligible for federal loans and private scholarships. It also might save me a bit of time in school. I started working as a nursing assistant to make sure nursing was right for me and I love it, but I am really ready to get this nursing show on the road! With an accelerated BSN program, I would have to take out private loans for the portion of school I cannot pay for because I already have a BS & BA, so I am not eligible for federal loans. Also comparing the BSN and MSN programs near me, the BSN programs actually have more prereqs to complete, so the BSN will take longer, which seems completely illogical to me! However, I have heard from some people in nursing admin at the hospital I work at say that they find entry-level MSN nurses to be under-prepared compared to traditional MSN grads. I personally think that the level of preparedness has just as much to do with the program as it does with the individual. Anyone have any strong opinions or advice on which programs are better?