Job opportunities for entry level MSN grad?

[secondcareernurse]

I already have an undergrad degree in biology and an MA in environmental education, but I'm ready for a career change. I'm debating between doing an entry level MSN program or an associate's RN program. It sounds like having a MSN opens some interesting career opportunities, but I'm wondering if that's not really the case for an entry level nurse. I'm worried that the entry level MSN would make me over-educated and under-experienced and make it difficult to find my first job. What are your thoughts? Is the ELMSN program a good route or should I do the ASN and then consider a higher degree later if necessary?

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

I have been precepting Georgetown students for the past 10 years and every student has been amazing.

[Ms.Tshep]

On 12/24/2019 at 1:38 PM, acindc82 said:

Hi Ms. Tshep - I went to Georgetown University (and maybe some of my classmates are reading this or will chime in ? The program was rigorous, challenging and at times seemed ridiculous. However, I am now realizing that it really prepared us well to enter into the nursing field and ask good questions, work well with others and provide great value added.

Now I will be honest and say that it was INSANELY expensive and if you have any way of funding school (regardless of where you go/what degree you do) then I encourage you to pursue it. There is no doubt the ADN/BSN route is MUCH MUCH cheaper - there are more Scholarships and cheaper options like community college and in-state tuition for public university. In retrospect, if I were to do anything differently in terms of pursuing my MSN I would have tried to establish residency in MD or VA while I was taking my pre-reqs and then gone to their state universities for nursing which also have excellent MSN programs but with a much lower cost.

Thanks, that was very helpful. I didn’t know that Georgetown had an entry level MSN program. I was looking at Johns Hopkins. Again, thank you!