Is it better to do an entry MSN or BSN if you do not have an RN yet?

creativetype2007 · May 3, 2010

Would you be able to say the school you attend? I found one really good CNL masters program at the univ of toledo. But I'd love to know more if you are able to say. No worries if you cannot. Thanks.

jjsrn1 · May 5, 2010

Cacurlytop: There are different "entry-level MSN" programs. All of them average between 2 and 3 years. However, some offer a BSN and MSN degree, and others offer only an MSN. If getting a BSN is important to you, you might want to apply to a program that offers both. I am starting one of these programs shortly. After 1 year I receive my BSN and then sit for the NCLEX. I can then either choose to continue into the MSN year or take a leave of absence and work as an RN for a maximum of 2 years. My ultimate goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and possibly become certified also in Oncology. Many NPs I've shadowed and talked to strongly recommended working as an RN for awhile first. During this time, you gain more of an understanding of what nursing entails and develop more advanced critical thinking skills that are necessary to work in an NP capacity. They also told me that I would be a more competitive applicant for an NP position if I had RN experience under my belt. This may not be true in all areas of the U.S., but in my region this seems to be important. I know that you are more interested in CNL so this part may not apply to you, but those are my reasons for selecting an accelerated BSN/MSN program. Good luck to you!

For those of you wanting to view a list of schools that offer entry-level programs, check out http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/programs/direct-entry-msn/. This may not be a complete list, so I encourage you to visit school websites to double-check.

Davidnelsonigoma · May 5, 2010

In uk is possible but here in africa is not possible. Because you are required to get into BNSC program with O level credit in science, physic, chemistry, mathematics, biology and english language to run the BNSC progra plus JAMB and within you will sit for licience exams for RN..called GNC before your are qualify to dream of MSN nursing and PHD ....prof nursing. You guys in UK are enjoying ....i am a nursing student waiting for my General nursing exams, RN to graduate out of university.

Davidnelsonigoma · May 5, 2010

In uk is possible but here in africa is not possible. Because you are required to get into BNSC program with O level credit in science, physic, chemistry, mathematics, biology and english language to run the BNSC progra plus JAMB and within you will sit for licience exams for RN..called GNC before your are qualify to dream of MSN nursing and PHD ....prof nursing. You guys in UK are enjoying ....i am a nursing student waiting for my General nursing exams, RN to graduate out of university.

jjsrn1 · May 5, 2010

In uk is possible but here in africa is not possible. Because you are required to get into BNSC program with O level credit in science, physic, chemistry, mathematics, biology and english language to run the BNSC progra plus JAMB and within you will sit for licience exams for RN..called GNC before your are qualify to dream of MSN nursing and PHD ....prof nursing. You guys in UK are enjoying ....i am a nursing student waiting for my General nursing exams, RN to graduate out of university.

The nursing programs that we have been describing are in the US, not UK. :) Hopefully, one day this "accelerated" concept will spread to more countries/continents.

ERpsychRN · May 5, 2010

Just my two cents on the education paths presented here-I too agree the CNL is sort of up in the air right now as far as use it's value. The real deal, I think is in the NP programs and for these I think you need experience.

I would hesitate to begin a program as intense as this sounds without the assurance of at least the BSN. I really think to know what you want to do with the masters you may need to work as a BSN first. I know this has been the case for me. As a new grad RN I am not sure I would have understood just how many options can come with the masters.

I just finished a family pscyh apn masters and did so in 2 brutal years, but it was required I be an RN with a year experience before entering. I came up the long way, ADN in 2.5 years, 5 years working, 2 years total to finish prereq's for and finish BSN and then 2 years grad school for MNSc.

I live in a "behind the times state" (Arkansas) and am taking a job that only pays as much as my best RN year (but with no weekends, holidays, nights, etc). I don't have any loans for the MNSc though, so this is a good deal to me.

In my state they really don't quite know what to do with the Masters nurses, and many are employed as staff with no more pay than one with an ADN. My minor is nursing education, and nursing faculty is paid poorly I hear. In the hospitals everybody here seems to pay for experience and not degree, unless of course you are an NP.

sewnew · May 5, 2010

University of Maryland has a CNL program as well.

http://nursing.umaryland.edu/academic-programs/grad/masters-degree/cnl

Who?Me? · May 6, 2010

As has been stated here you have to have either a Bachelor's in a different field before getting your BSN and then after getting your BSN you can enter a graduate program in Nursing.

Good luck with your education endeavors.

vmae71

cacurlytop · May 6, 2010

MPHgirl- What school program are you in? That sounds like a better way to secure both degrees. This one is at St Louis U, and is a new program for them. It is 5 straight semesters, no BSN though, just the Masters. Do you need both?

ERpsych RN- do you think you need both? I was thinking this would be a way to get right to a Masters. I would grad and plan to still work as an RN first a few years and then use the CNL Masters later on. Could I get a job as a new grad RN, if I had this Masters degree? Or would it be harder to get a "regular" RN job becuase of it and I'm better off with a BSN? I have no idea where to seek this advice. I have 12 days to decide. I have been accepted to a 2 yr BSN program as well. I will have a non nursing BA degree next week. Just thought for the same two years maybe the Masters would be better. Maybe it would be too hard academically though...??

jjsrn1 · May 6, 2010

cacurlytop - I will be starting the FACT program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia this month. I was accepted into other programs, but they were MSN only and did not allow me the opportunity to pause and get work experience as an RN before continuing onto the Masters courses. It can be debated about whether you need both a BSN and MSN. Like you, I was also concerned about looking overqualified with an MSN if I wanted to work as an RN first. But, overall, I don't think it matters.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · May 6, 2010

I'm in a masters-entry program right now that spits us out with our RNs and some of our APN coursework done (including research). It is nice that we get the chance to go and work after graduating (in fact, it's heavily encouraged for most students). The Masters-Entry program in town that spits people out with their APN of choice encourages students to work part-time once they move on to the masters work - though in the current economy, it's hard for them to find positions as the university hospital is on a hiring freeze and everyone else who takes new grads right now prefers full-time workers.

KYCNM · May 6, 2010

Ok. I see why now. A CNL is not an Advanced Practice Nurse, which is why you are able to do it in 2 years.
Good luck!

No, the CNL actually is an advanced practice area of specialization similar to the clinical nurse specialist. The nurse is prepared to provide direct patient care and promote evidence based practice. For more information on what a CNL is and does, go to:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/FAQ.htm