Getting a MSN without a BSN

butch228 · Feb 25, 2008

Hi There...

I went back to school to get my ADN degree to get into nursing. I already have a BA in Bio..so it took me exactly 2 yrs to get my nursing degree. I didn't even entertain the idea of going thru the accelerated BSN or ASN route..because of the costs. I wanted to work during nursing school..which was difficutl but doable. I just didnt want to incur any school loan debt. I simply didn't think a Bachelors in Nursing would be necessary esp since I had my eye on becoming an NP.

So after 3 yrs of working as a staff RN , I went back to get my MSN which I completed over a yr ago.

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 25, 2008

I have a B.S. degree in another field other than nursing. The cost of the accelerated BSN program was $250 a credit hour and the program was way intense. It would've taken me almost 2 years to get thru the program, I couldn't work and I would have to drive over 2 hours one way to school 5 days a week.

So I too opted for the ADN route. I paid $80/credit hour, went to school with 2 friends of mine so we carpooled and I graduated 4 semesters (plus 2 summer school sessions) later. I was able to work during NS. I didn't have any student loans during NS either....which is great now that I want to go on in my eduation.

Now I'm looking at ADN-MSN programs. Because I already hold a B.S. degree, I have to take 2 classes, send in my application and portfolio items and I'll be able to start the MSN program without doing a bridge. The program is on line with 2 sessions "in person" during the program and it will take me approx. 3 years part time to complete.

The only thing, I will not get a BSN when I complete my MSN program but that's OK. I already have 1 B.S. degree so I'm good with not having another degree.

Chaoticdreams33, MSN, RN · Jun 4, 2008

mom2michael- what school is that? where did you find out about the program?

elkpark · Jun 4, 2008

There are a number of schools that have ADN -> MSN programs -- not nearly as many as there are BSN -> MSN programs, so you don't have as wide a choice of schools, but there are several out there.

BChapp3182 · Jun 5, 2008

I too have BS in Biology, went to get my Associates in nursing, took maybe 1 extra class in nursing research and went right into the MSN program. I won't get a BSN, but feel I don't need it with the MSN.

PhilGN · Jun 5, 2008

I'm in the same boat as a lot of you. I got a BA in religion and I'm in nursing school right now. I know the University of San Francisco has an ADN to MSN program, and that's what I'm thinking of doing after this. It will probably be a little more expensive since its a private school, but its part time and they have the program at different campuses. It's not the traditional MSN in advanced practice nursing though, it's an MSN clinical nurse leader program.

JaneyW · Jun 5, 2008

I have a BA in psych and an ADN and am almost finished with my MSN with Cal State Dominguez Hills. It took 3 1/2 years, but I have actually enjoyed most of it. It is on-line and is a little over $200 a unit for national people and much cheaper for California residents.

ANPFNPGNP · Jun 7, 2008

Hi,
I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and I have applied to a couple of schools that have ABSN programs. I have already gotten 2 rejection letters and I am still waiting to hear from one more. If I don't get accepted to the last one my other option was applying to a ASN accelerated program which is exactly 12 months. However, I want to become a NP.
Is there anyone who got their MSN without a BSN but had a bachelor's degree in another field. I really want to do the ABSN program but if don't want to wait another year to reapply again if I can get into an AASN program which is the same length as the ABSN program.
Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm assuming you want a MSN in order to become a NP?? You need to check out the modified distance program at Vanderbilt. Although, since you're not already a nurse, I believe you would have to live in Nashville the first year. They have a special progam for people with bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing and you can become a NP in 2 years. This will save you a lot of time and the end result is an awesome career as a NP!

EMTPTORN · Jun 8, 2008

university of south alabama at mobile.

Buckeyejunk · Jun 9, 2008

I went through a "graduate entry" program but they're called different things at different schools (accelerated, bridge, etc). I had a bachelor's in Biology - but during my second half of college realized I was going to pursue advanced practice nursing so I stocked up on some unnecessary-at-the-time classes for the nursing side of things.

I was off school one year (hubby was in grad school) then went through the grad entry program - it was 2 years full-time to get my RN, (not awarded a BSN) and then another year full-time to the MSN & NP cert. I worked as an RN during that third year but not everyone does/did.

I have not had the no-BSN become an issue. Most people don't care what degrees I have at this point as I have been practicing for a while.

liljluv · Jul 4, 2008

I have just been accepted into the clinical nurse leader program at Seton Hall and am contemplating whether to take the chance or not. I have a B.S. in nutrition and was looking to get into an accelerated bsn program. Seton Hall changed their program right after I applied and I was just informed that they are offering me a place to start this fall for the MSN program. I would not get a bsn but an msn instead. I have a couple of questions as I work in a hospital now and all the nurses are scaring me since they have never heard of something like this.

1. How is it possible to take the licensure exam without any kind of degree in nursing? asn, bsn, etc..

2. Would I run into a problem not having the bsn and just the msn when I get out?

3. If I take the test in NJ will I have a problem taking the test in NY or any other state without the bsn?

Please help as I have to send a deposit soon:bluecry1:.....