RN-MSN?

Nurses General Nursing

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If you have intentions of getting your BSN and going into a program for either CRNA or APRN, it seems like going into an RN-MSN program would actually cost more money because these two programs are still almost 2 years long. If somebody knows different please enlighten me for I am just a student.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm a bit confused. You have to have an MSN to become a CRNA. APRN is just a generic category for 'advanced practice RN' (NP, CNM, etc) and those require an MSN also.

You will have to have a bachelor's degree before you can get an MSN. There are accelerated programs for ADN nurses to obtain MSNs but the curricula includes all the BSN requirements.

It would be a good idea to talk to some admissions counselors to iron out all these details in advance so you use your time % $ most effectively.

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The CRNA and APRN programs allow you to get in wtih a BSN will award you with an MSN. But why would you want to pursue an RN-MSN program just to turn around and apply for a CRNA program or APRN program when it does not save time?

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I'm not sure I understand your question.

Any RN-MSN program assumes the MSN portion will be completed in some area of specialization such as the 2 examples you cite -- CRNA or NP programs. These are designed for RNs without a BSN who already know they intend to pursue an MSN with a specific goal in mind, and that they already have or will have the RN experience that their school requires.

Two universities with which I am familiar offer RN-MSN and shave a small amount of time/tuition off the total by counting two specific BSN classes toward the MSN degree as well. It's not a significant difference ... more just a single, long-term pathway.

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Ok, from what I was reading, just because the school offers an RN-MSN program does not mean it will offer a CRNA program for example. But it appears you are saying the opposite, which school offers an RN-MSN CRNA program that you know of?

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

This forum here at allnurses.com will probably be a help to you:

Pre-CRNA Inquiry - Helping You Be a Better Nurse

Scroll to the bottom of the first page of threads for a couple of FAQ stickies.

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