getting a masters degree without a bachelors in nursing?

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Hi,

I have a question-- I have heard that you can get a bachelors degree in just about anything (does not have to be nursing) and can still apply for a nursing masters program? Has anyone ever heard of this before?

Thanks for the info.....

Specializes in LDRP.

Sheeco, are you a nurse? that makes a big difference as to what program you would be looking for

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Sheeco, are you a nurse? that makes a big difference as to what program you would be looking for

Hi HappyNurse2005,

No, I am not a nurse, both of my degrees are in another area. There are accelerated BSN programs for people who hold a BS or higher in another field in Miami but I really would like to get into a Masters in Nursing program like an MEPN OR GEPN, I think they are called. I found an old thread regarding this option but nothing mentioned anywhere in Miami or Broward county. The other thing, none of the out of state schools that offer this option can be taken online. I would need one that was online and allowed me to finish my clinicals in Miami or Broward because I could not afford to do it in another state. Do you know of any? Thanks for writing! :yeah:

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I'm bumping this thread because I'm looking for info PLEASE...The only programs I've found for MSN is Excelsior College and Sacred Heart University....I'm looking for a MSN online program for RNs with a BA in another field. ANY HELP?

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I'm bumping this thread because I'm looking for info PLEASE...The only programs I've found for MSN is Excelsior College and Sacred Heart University....I'm looking for a MSN online program for RNs with a BA in another field. ANY HELP?

Did you try St Josephs College in Maine?

Program: Master of Science in Nursing - Online Degrees: Saint Josephs Online - acalog ACMSâ„¢

I think there is a 2 week onsite requirement, but the rest is online..

Good luck!

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Thanks jah but that program wants a BSN. I have a BA.

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Thanks jah but that program wants a BSN. I have a BA.

Sorry about that. They used to send me notices as I am in New England. Thought at

one point they did accept non BSN with RN. If the program interests you , wouldn't hurt to ask them.

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or...to amend my previous post

Walden University has a RN /non BSN option

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Walden University

Anyway, good luck and keep us posted!:)

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I think people are talking about 2 different programs/pathways here.

Either one is a valid way to get your masters. (incidentally, I think it's worth pointing out that there is a difference in getting a straight msn and a masters that allows you to a specific job, like np, cnm, cns etc. so look into that if you're not familiar with it. Personally, I think if you're going to "do the time" you might as well learn a specific job, even if you're not sure you'll use it.)

Anyhow:

First pathway is for someone like an English major. They have a BA, decide to be a nurse, and they want to get it all over with in one big, intense, expensive 3-year gulp. They would choose the direct-entry masters programs. The GEPNs, etc. Most want you to take 6 or 8 prerequisites (each school has their own list, and there is little crossover, so check with the schools in your area, or the schools you're interested in to make a plan for attacking the list).

The second is that you have the degree in English (or no bachelors at all), but at some point you go and get an associate degree in nursing -- the RN. There are many schools that offer you a "bridge" to the masters -- essentially a slightly shortened version of the coursework that would represent the remaining two years on the bachelors degree. Then you would start the masters. At least that's the way it works in my state.

Everyone's situation is different, and nursing program requirements vary enormously. You DEFINITELY need to TALK to the schools you might be interested in. Don't just look at the web site! The information can be wrong! You might think you're not qualified, or they don't have the program you need, but they might just not have updated. Or the opposite. You might enroll and find they stopped the program you wanted.

In my case, I looked into a bridge program and learned it would take about the same time to become an NP as to get the bridge. And for me it does not make sense to do both.

But always do your own research, talk to people in your intended specialty and do what makes sense for you.

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