Accelerated BSN/DE MSN: Which to choose?

Nursing Students General Students

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I have my B.S in Kinesiology from a solid liberal arts school. I am in the process of completing science prerequisites in order start a nursing program. I've always been a pretty good student, but definitely was not as diligent as I should have been the first time around (I have a few C's in essential science courses and my GPA is not as high as I'd like). I'm trying to not let this deter me from pushing the limit of what I think I'm capable of but am still conflicted on the best route moving forward. So here are my questions.

1) I'm fairly confident that I eventually want to be a NP. What is the most advisable way to get there? Some people say you need quality RN (via accelerated BSN) years under your belt before pursuing being an NP (via DE masters program) and others say it doesn't matter.

2) Since my undergrad GPA isn't as strong should I just pursue accelerated BSN and see if I can cut it (and that i even like it!) as an RN first before trying to take on increased responsibility of being an NP?

3) I live in Ohio near Cleveland so Case Western Reserve University is the only school that I know of that's close that offers DE masters. If anyone knows of other programs that would be helpful.

Maybe it's just a personal hang-up, but I just feel like I already got my B.S. and getting another one seems redundant especially if in the long run I want to pursue a masters degree.

Thanks!

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I am applying both to the ABSN or Entry Level MSN programs. I know that even if you do the MSN you do need some experience before doing your NP.

I think in the end it's your personal preference and what works best for you.

Good luck.

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Thanks for the reply! I think I plan to apply to both as well.

Do you know what schooling would look like post-direct entry masters in order to become a NP? Is it just a certificate program? Or a few more years of school.

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I am not very clear on this part and from the little I know, I don't think I can give you the best advice.

If you do a search on here somethings should come up.

How many schools are you applying to?

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As of now, I'm applying to a handful of ABSN programs and one DE Masters because there's only one nearby.

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