How do I transition to a BSN/MSN

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Hello everyone! I am about to graduate with my ADN in December and wanted to know a little more about how I should go about furthering my education. I know I want to get my MSN, i'm just not sure if I should get my BSN and then my MSN or just go straight to MSN. Some pros and cons would definitely help.

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You can probably check this out at the same time you explore the different programs that interest you. What are your important criteria? Is it cost? Distance, if a brick and mortar school? School reputation? The ability to enter a MSN program with the option to opt out after the BSN? You have to investigate what is out there, think about how each will work for you, and then make an informed decision for yourself.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello,

Nursing is a field one can evolve in many different directions. Possibilities are almost limitless. If you are graduating with your ADN this December, I recommend you sign up for the BSN only. The BSN will give you a broader view of nursing and learn some ethical and administrative skills. The Master's degree is more of a specialization in a certain area.

My first advice is to get your RN license, find a job, continue your studies for the BSN, get experience, test the waters in different areas of nursing until you find what really moves you... what makes your heart tick in a special way. Then look for the MSN degree that will enable you to grow in that particular specialization.

Nursing education is not a competition; it's a journey... that should be tailored just for you. Time is going to go by no matter what, so what's the hurry? Move with steady and firm pace. Move in your own time zone, not someone else's.

Hope this helps! Cheers !

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I was hoping to be doing everything online, i'm not sure if that's an option yet. I haven't done too much research yet. Cost is going to be a big factor, but I will have to get student loans out for both so i'm not sure if it will matter what route I go except for the specific school of course.

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I haven't done too much research yet. Cost is going to be a big factor, but I will have to get student loans out for both so i'm not sure if it will matter what route I go except for the specific school of course. I was hoping to be doing everything online, i'm not sure if that's an option yet.

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sorry, i thought it didn't post the first comment.

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Devon, thank you for the advice. I didn't think that it would be necessary to have a specific area to specialize in, but I completely understand what you are getting at.

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Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Which State do you live in?

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I live in Idaho for now, but I definitely plan on moving. I spoke with a couple other nurses and they explained a little bit more about specializing in a specific field.

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Specializes in Psychiatric nursing.

You should definitely get your BSN first. Most MSN programs, at least in my area, require a bachelors. There are plenty of online BSN programs. Having the BSN can open up more doors for you to see more in the field of nursing and get you a better idea on what specialty track to choose for your MSN

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