Do you need a BSN to get your Masters?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2010

Possibly. You might have to do an RN-MSN program with the BSN requirements incorporated into it.

RedRobin8 · Jan 30, 2010

Our local university offers a direct bridge ADN to MSN. When completed, you have your bachelors and masters. Google 'ADN to MSN' and that will bring up the schools offering the program.

MERRYWIDOW46 · Jan 30, 2010

If you do not want a MSN or DNP it does not matter what bachelor's degree you get. IF you want Masters or higher degree including NP in nursing you need ro do an adn/MSN bridge program or BSN first.

Jules A, MSN · Jan 30, 2010

Having a bachelors might make a difference in your situation but I decided not to bypass my BSN because I wanted something in my hand asap. The ADN to MSN programs make you take all the same bachelors components anyway. I was afraid that something could happen and I'd be stuck with 3 more years of school and nothing to show for it. Then again I'm big on instant gratification and have done LPN to ADN to BSN so far.

allisonhillary · Jan 30, 2010

That's exactly what I'm applying for right now. There's a lot of entry-level masters programs for people with a Bachelors in another field. I'm not sure how having an ADN affects any entry, etc. There's also bridge programs for ADN to BSN, then you can apply for Masters after you earn your BSN. Some programs for NP prefer that you work as an RN for a while before you apply anyway. This website should provide some helpful information - it def helped me!!!http://www.aacn.nche.edu/

Lovelee82 · Jan 31, 2010

My school has a Entry Level masters and a APO ( Advanced Placement option, which is RN-MSN). I would apply for these types of programs. Depending on how many classes you take a semester you could finish in 2 years while working.

LeLeeFNP · Jan 31, 2010

i have an ADn and non-nursing bachelors. unfortunately there are not a lot of programs that benefit US. there are RN to MSN programs for individuals that want to go straight for their MSN and there are also programs that allow you to get a BSN and MSN. Both of these programs usually will only shorten your schooling by a semester and you will most likely still have to do at least 3 years of schooling either way. There are also many accelerated BSN programs and entry level MSNs for career changers. There are bridge programs out there as others have mentioned in which you take a semester to a year woth of courses that "bridge" you into the MSN program, but in my opinion if you are going to have to do that you may as well get a BSN.

Your original question was do you NEED a BSN to get your MSN. The short answer to that is No, not if you have a non-nursing bachelors. but from a time standpoint, the non-nursing bachelors does not necessarily help because every school that I have research will still normally either make you bridge, or get the BSN concurrently with MSN. You should research frontier's NP program. I know they have a bridge option and they are completely online. you can complete clinicals in your hometown. sometimes i wish i would have just went for an accelerated BSN or entry level MSN. I feel like getting the ADN was a waist of time on my end because i still have to do the same amount of schooling as the BSN in order to get my MSN.

LDBRN · Jan 31, 2010

you should be able to go straight for masters

newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 31, 2010

I started an MSN program with my ADN and a bachelor's in another field. While I know the program involved most of the BSN courses, I was specifically told I would not have a BSN when I completed the program--just the MSN.

I ended up dropping out of the program to take a new job.

stariv · Jan 31, 2010

Hi,

I am in the same boat. I've done research and NO you do not need a BSN to get your MSN. There is a school in my area that has you do a 3 credit bridge program and them you go into your Masters. Hope this helps and good luck!