Help me with pros and cons!! ABSN vs. AMSN

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I would really appreciate some advice from those who are more experienced than me or currently in either of these programs!!

I recently graduated with my bachelors in biology.

I have the choice between attending a direct entry CNL program which would give me an MSN with a CNL and holistic nurse certification.

This program is at the same school I got my bachelor's from, private Jesuit university.

The other option is to get an accelerated BSN, with an MSN degree afterward. This program is set up so that in 16 months, I will receive my BSN, be expected to work for a year and then I will start the MSN portion (the traditional way). This MSN portion is already guaranteed acceptance by the way.

This is a much larger public university, but has a good national ranking for nursing.

Ultimately, I am very determined to pursue a further degree, such as NP, DNP or CRNA, which I have not decided yet.

People have told me many pros and cons of each...such as

AMSN= in only four more months, you will have a masters instead of just a bachelors

ABSN=more thorough background with more options for clinical choices

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

My instinct would be to follow the path that would cost the least money. There is no particular preference for BSN vs MSN when applying to NP or CRNA programs. I've worked with entry level MSN nurses and their role is no different than those with Associate's or BSN.

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Some schools require a BSN to get a DNP, I wasn't sure from your post if one of your paths was RN to MSN w/o the BSN.

sounds good, thanks!

after doing more research, I have decided to go with the BSN route. thanks so much!

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