How do go from ADN to MSN.. Skip BSN? what?

chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 21, 2011

As has already been suggested, the first step is to locate a college that offers an RN-to-MSN program. Google might be helpful but you will still need to go to the college web site for specific info.

The RN-MSN programs that I've seen are for second-degree students. Obviously, you need to be an RN but you also need to have a BA/BS in some discipline. For these programs, there are a number of "bridge" courses required for the non-BSN's, usually 3 or 4. Once you've completed the bridge classes, you go through the regular curricular sequence for the MSN. I haven't heard of any program that goes from associates to MSN without requiring the student to hold a baccalaureate but if there is one, I'd guess that the number of bridge courses would have to be much more than 3 or 4.

I'm a second degree ADN but opted for the RN-BSN rather than RN-MSN for a few reasons. The biggest was cost. The tuition for the 3-4 bridge courses required is charged at the graduate rate and would have been nearly double what it will cost me to get my BSN on-line. In addition, I felt that being an MSN with essentially no experience beyond the nursing program clinicals could be a liability rather than an asset when competing for jobs. Finally, there is the time element. It takes 3 - 4 semesters, or about a year, to finish the MSN bridge program, assuming one course per semester. At completion, you would then become an MSN student without a BSN (you usually do not get a BSN by virtue of completing the bridge program). At one course every 5 weeks it will take a bit more than a year to complete my RN-BSN (12 courses) but at completion I'm a BSN who can then apply to an MSN program - and not have to bother with the bridge courses. YMMV but for me, lower cost, the advantage of having the additional BSN degree and no time penalty made it a pretty easy decision to do things this way.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2011

I've seen a couple programs but the MSN is geared toward management and not an NP program. I have no interest in management nor the personality for it. I'd rather be an NP and use my brain and skills that way. Haven't seen any programs for NP, other than direct entry which is meant for those with a non-nursing background and BS in another field.

Yes if you do find such a program, they go ahead and charge graduate level tuition all the way, so it is a money maker for them. Who knows maybe more colleges will start to offer ADN to NP, for the financial incentive if nothing else.

I think some online universities offer this, for profit, but I'm leary of going to a for-profit college. They are not always accredited properly and wonder if you'd be able to get a job after. For profit universities are notarios for high student loan defaults and other problems. They are the universities you'll always see advertising on TV.

The non-profit and public universities don't need to advertise and profit isn't though sole motive, so I'd stick with them if you decide to go back to school.

Jackfackmasta, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2011

I use http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/ to look at schools. I am ADN deciding whether to do Rn-BSN then MSN or RN-MSN or RN-BSN/MSN. I use this site and if I find a school I like I just goggle the school name to get to the nursing website. It lists the schools but you have to look up the school''s nursing page through Google. This helped me tremendously

kenyacka · Jul 22, 2011

I know in GA they have an RN-MSN program. It's not just management, they have FNP, Nurse-Midwifery, etc... not positive of all of the programs they have because I haven't looked in a while. You basically take one year of very accelerated courses to meet the BSN component, then go straight into the MSN stuff. You do not have to have a bachelor's degree in another discipline. Again, state by state may very and it will be very costly. Good luck in your search!

honeykrown, MSN, NP · Jul 22, 2011

Searching on Google is definitely not easy. I was doing a search for schools myself today and i think navigating previous posts on AN is way better than navigating Google. And most of the time those search results on google are not what you are looking for; or it tells you to enter your info and you have all these random people calling you up.

The internet wave is becoming harder and harder to navigate.

OP i would suggest you type in RN to MSN programs in the AN search box, i believe someone might have posted something.

higherexpectations · Jul 22, 2011

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers this program. RN to MSN. The program runs for 3 years which encompasses the BSN for 2 and the MSN for the final year. I am just starting out and still in the process of applying for to an RN program, but I plan to apply for the RN to MSN program in the future to have a specialty. It's a great school!

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jul 22, 2011

There are two ways you can get your answer. We can Google for you and tell you or you can Google it yourself. It is probably time you start learning to do some things on your own. This is a forum for advice, help, tips, etc. Not to make people do your work for you. If you find a program you are interested in, there is a IL specific forum and I bet lots will be happy to provide you with more information on the program. Not rude at all - just trying to help without doing your work for you.

Here, LMGTFY (Let Me Google That For You): http://lmgtfy.com/?q=ADN+to+MSN+in+Chicago

LMGTFY is the coolest thing since sliced bread.

Midwest4me · Jul 22, 2011

i'm glad taumarus was able to help enza out with some links. this will surely help others too. she went the "extra mile"...exactly what allnurses members are here for--to help.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2011

I wish they had an RN-MSN NP program in Wisconsin!

flowerlilly · Sep 17, 2011

Rush offers that program.

Good Luck!