Is a Direct Entry Master's program right for me?

Direct-entry master's programs usually do target career-changers, but it is not out of the ordinary for recent graduates to enter these programs. We have quite a few in my program, in fact, so don't let that hold you back from applying.

As for not being sure what specialty you are interested in, you may want to look for generalist direct-entry programs. Clinical nurse leadership programs are the main ones, but there may be others out there. These will lead to a master's degree and if you choose to go on for a post-grad certificate as an NP or CNS you will already have the core classes out of the way. Another option is to pursue a family NP program as these will give you a great deal of flexibility. Of course an accelerated BSN or an ADN is another option.

Depending on your time and interest you could take a CNA course to gain some experience. You could also contact local hospitals to find out information about their volunteer programs; if you go that route I would be sure to let them know that you are interested in going to nursing school and would like a position where you will be exposed to nurses/patients. I think the most important thing is to do your research: read through the forums on this site, talk with any nurses you may know, talk to area hospitals to find out if it would be possible to shadow a nurse for a day or two, etc.

Good luck!

Check to see if the programs you are looking into offer a BSN with the MSN or if just skips the BSN award. I was looking into the direct entry a lot too, even applied to several. I ended up getting into an acclerated BSN at CSU Bakersfield (15 months). Something that we have been told is that some direct entry MSN people had difficulty getting a job out of the state they recived thier MSN due to the lack of a BSN or ADN. I don't know how true that is, but it might be something to look into. Also, the Acclerated BSN is not so bad. I will be able to work as a RN by march and apply to any 2 year MSN I want. CSUB has pretty much told us that so long as we dont royally screw up we shouldn't have to hard a time getting into thier MSN FNP program anyway. It helps to already know all the people involved in admitting people to the MSN due to being in thier BSN.

Best of luck. I'm really enjoying my experiences in school, its hardcore though!

Oh, one more thing. Other than an ADN being cheaper (at least at California Community Colleges, don't know about Texas) there's not a lot of reasons for a person who already has a Bachelors to get one. My Accelerated BSN is 15 months long. it takes twice as long to get a ADN. I know the Accelerated BSN programs vary in length, in fact, CSUB's next class with be 18 months instead, but I don't think Ive seen any that are longer than 18 months and Ive heard of some as short at 12 months. One big thing to look at is who is sponsoring the program. My school has sponsors who we have to agree to work for for 2 years, though they paid no tuition for us. University of Arizona Tuscon does the same thing, but i think the hospitals actually pay the students tuition.

Thank you guys for the info!

arciedee,

After receiving an MSN with the intention of becoming a NP or CNS, do you simply take a certification exam or is there further training/schooling after your Master's?

Also, I've looked into CNA programs nearby (I can't go far because I'm still in school), and there really are none. Do employers like hospitals or nursing homes ever train you for becoming a CNA, or do I have to go to school for it? I'm thinking the volunteer route sounds more practical..

MWJamesLDS,

After hearing your opinion and doing a TON of research, I agree that an Accelerated BSN makes the most sense. No waiting list, done in a year, and if I can get into a school close by then I could potentially be paying in-state tuition. Then I can have some time to decide on a specialty, get some experience, and later apply to an MSN program. I'm really liking how University of Colorado Denver Health Science Center looks. Any ideas how difficult it is to get in?

*

I think it really varies. I've heard of some programs with 300 or more applicants for 40 spots. I kind of got lucky with mine. CSUB did a direct entry MSN that ended up flopping. They dropped that program and decided to do the A-BSN on what seemed like short notice. They didn't really advertise it much, so there were on 80 applicants for 43 spots. If you haven't done your Pre-req's, just make sure to get A's, especially if you have no previous nursing experience. I think i've heard colorado is pretty competative. Anyway, if you haven't seen the following lists check them out, they were helpful to me on my search.

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/Issues/Aug02.htm

double post

MWJamesLDS:

Did they give you a list of the health partners that sponsor the program at CSUB? Are you guaranteed a job at one of these facilities? Do you get to pick the facility? What are the benefits for you? It seems like this is to benefit the school in order to produce a nursing program?

I am interested in the AccBSN, but would be worried about the committment after passing the NCLEX.

Yes, they did give us the list of partners. In fact, the hospitals had last say in who was picked for the program. The school approved us first based on min requirments. Then the hospitals scheduled the interviews. If the hospital "hired you" you were offered a spot. Going through the program does require a 2 year commitment that runs along with our sign on bonus. We are not only guranteed the job, but required. The only real benefit to us is that the program is offered. The situation seems a little shakey, as in, what ground do they have to stand on to keep someone there that doesn't want to stay, other than ethics. It all kind of seems like indentured servatude. We are essentially being required to pay them back for providing our instructors with a salary, even though we still had to pay FULL tuition. Its kind of a sore spot with me. But its only 2 years in the long run and its guranteed experience. As I mentioned earlier, the UA of Tuscon has a similiar program, but they also pay the students tuition. Only one hopsital in our CSUB program actually provides its students with a "scholarship" THe county hospital acutally gives them $10,000 a quarter. The rest of us, however, are living on loans. On the plus side, the pay is ok in CA. Even, Bakersfield, one of, if not the lowest, paying parts of the state, still starts you off at $26 an hour or so. There are other hospitals within 100miles starting at $34hr.

PS, we were able to pick which hospitals we were interested in being interview by, but you pretty much said any of them if you wanted a spot.

I am in the direct entry program at UCSF. We have a 1 or 2 recent grad - most of my class is career changers and folks who did a few years of volunteer type work ought of college (several Peace Corps alumni).

Our program - like most DE programs moves very, very fast. Clinicals start the first week of school - we were attending to acutely ill people right out of the box, even to the point of doing post mortem care on day 1. Thus, one should have a clear understanding of what nursing is and what you plan to do in nursing before you apply. I would advise you to get some healthcare experience before going the DE route if that is what you choose. Also more science than the required courses will help you greatly.

One thing to think about is what you want to do in nursing. If you want to be an APN then DE program will save you time. It will cost you money but save you time. You are young so time is on your side. ADN programs turn out fabulous nurses here in Cali for not much tuition. If I were young I would have strongly considered the ADN route. Alas I am ancient, so the DE route was a better choice for me.

DE programs are controversial. The evidence suggests that they turn out good APNs but the rank and file of the RN world is pretty darn skeptical. If you decide to go DE you should be prepared for this.

Best wishes on your journey!