How to choose an MSN program

I'm having a hard time finding any info about online MSN programs. There seems to be a lot of info on the RN-BSN programs, but the graduate degrees are a mystery. Anyone have any recommendations?

Hi there. I just finished the BSN program through western governors University and I have nothing but positive things to say.

Im going right into their MSN program. ** if i take a break I will stop:)**

But they offer MSN in leadership/management and MSN in education.

The tuition is dirt cheap and classes are doable.

I was able to work full time and be a single mother with no difficulty.

Just wanted to let you know of another option.

I'm an RN who is completing her BSN in March for University of Texas-Arlington. I want to start on my MSN within a year after graduating. I am deciding between and education or an administration degree. I think NP is out of the questions, because I don't think I can do all the clinical hours while working and spending time with my family. What I am looking for is a degree program that is online, can be done part time, is affordable, provides a quality education and (most importantly) is respected by employers. I have found a number of affordable programs that can be done part time (Fort Hayes State University for one), but I'm having a hard time ascertaining whether the programs are effective and well-respected. Money is a concern, but I would rather pay more to receive a good education and get a job after graduation. Any suggestions, either school suggestions or help figuring out what constitutes a good program?

I'm glad you've both had good experiences with online nursing schools. It makes me feel a little more confident knowing that a Master's from a strictly online school is respected by those doing the hiring. I understand the need to do the MSN right after the BSN. I was going to take a year off, but I started to have doubts that I would go back. I've looked at Western Governors University before, but I have 2 concerns about it. First, I just don't know how I feel about the pass/fail aspect of the classes. I'm motivated to study partially because of my desire to maintain my A average. I'm worried I would lose some of that in a pass/fail situation and in an online learning situation, motivation is everything. My other concern is that, while I love the pricing, I'm worried that I would overstretch myself trying to get as much done as I could in a short time, since it isn't priced by hour, but in 6 month increments. Do you find yourself having that problem with that?

Truthfully, I have been practicing for a while, 6 years, and if I were to pick the career I truly want I would probably choose nurse practitioner, but due to the fact that I need to work full time and I have a young daughter and I don't want to lose time with her I just don't think it's in the cards for me. An NP program just requires more clinical time than I am willing to sacrifice. I know I want to continue in an acute care setting, not an academic setting (at least not right now), but I do have interest in education (patient education or staff development). I would like to keep the option open for a move to management down the line. I'm just trying to decide which pathway will be the most flexible. I want to be marketable and I don't really want to be pigeonholed into one career.