Pros/Cons of Programs

Nursing Students General Students

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I am in the process of researching nursing school options. I earned a bachelor's degree in another field 10 years ago, but I've always had lingering doubts I chose the wrong field. I am finally pursing this path, and I am having difficulty deciding which Concurrent Enrollment Program would be best.

Program #1: I would earn both an AAS in nursing and a MSN; however, I would not earn a BSN.

Pro: I'd have the opportunity to become an RN and earn a Master's.

Con: I wouldn't have a BSN, and I am unsure how employers would feel about the lack of BSN. Would a MSN really matter/have an impact at the beginning of my career? If so, would it be worth it to get a MSN over a BSN?

Program #2: I would obtain an AAS in nursing and BSN, but no MSN.

Pro: I'd earn the BSN, which is what employer's seemingly want from the get go in many settings.

Con: I wouldn't earn a Master's.

Thoughts?

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

The time to work on an MSN is when you've figured out what specialty fascinates you and exactly what you want to do with the degree.

But there are other things to consider. The cost of the programs, how much debt you'd be taking on, the NCLEX pass rate, the clinical, the commute and which school floats your boat.

Specializes in Neuro.

I also was in the same boat as you. I opted for the BSN route because 1) MSN was much more expensive (even though it was discounted) 2) MSN is specialized fields and wasn't sure the 5 options they gave were any I actually wanted to do (NP wasn't an option) 3) After asking around with employers, as a new inexperienced nurse w/ a MSN, they weren't going to pay me more than their BSN nurses anyway

Already having a Bachelor's really made me want to step up to the next level to masters, but, for me it wasn't worth it especially since the MSN wasn't in any areas I was excited about. With that said you gotta do what is best for you, for me it was forgoing a MSN specialty I didn't necessarily feel I wanted and going BSN. Weigh the pro & cons in all aspects of your life & then make a choice, good luck.

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