Hard Decision MN or MN to MSN

[MKAY101]

Hello, 

I was wondering If I could get some advice. I am a 21F and I am currently getting ready to start an accelerated MN to MSN pathway program at Emory University in May this year. The MN portion is only a year finishing up in August 2024. Once we complete the program we have to wait 6 weeks before we can the NCLEX. Once successfully passing the NCLEX we would be due to start the MSN portion in October 2024. I'm kind of undecided if I should just complete the whole program MN to MSN or complete the MN portion just so I can get some RN experience beforehand. My biggest concerns were if I decided to just complete the MN portion would be losing my spot in my MSN specialty cohort. Financial reasons are another big concern as well. Just wanting to get some feedback from new grads, seasoned nurses, and nurse practitioners on whether it's worth it or not. 
 

*Emory school of nursing MN to MSN Program is basically RN to MSN 
 

thanks in advance 

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

I noticed that some of the  NP paths require one or two years of experience before being accepted into the programs.  I don't understand how you could even enter a MSN program without  it. 

[MKAY101]

subee said:

I noticed that some of the  NP paths require one or two years of experience before being accepted into the programs.  I don't understand how you could even enter a MSN program without  it. 

Yes but I believe since the only options we have to enter the MSN portion are primary care specialties maybe that way we can. But I know if we wanted to specialize in acute care we would have to take a break from the program to get the clinical experience then come back. 

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Can you get your MSN but yet still after graduation work as an RN until you're comfortable pursuing a position using your MSN?   If so then get it out of the way without loosing the opportunity.