Master's degree in Biology

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2009

Nope. Your experience in Nursing will advance you more than the titles. Yes, get your RN at a good community college, then if you want to go on, at least a hospital tuition reimbursement program will help $. Don't go further than an RN without a goal in mind. That is, what are you wanting that further education to get you?

elkpark · Jun 10, 2009

Welcome to allnurses!

Let me turn the question around for you -- if I had a Master's in nursing and an Associate's in biology, would I be considered, within the biology community, to have the equivalent of a Master's in biology? Would I have the same professional/educational/advancement opportunities?

Best wishes for your journey! :balloons:

bluesnurse · Jun 11, 2009

To answer your question briefly ... no.

What is your ultimate goal? Do you want to be an RN, NP, CNS, nurse researcher, or any combination thereof?

Nursing is a completely different discipline than biology. The two do overlap, but you are looking at starting from scratch academically and professionally. Your background is impressive but it will not necessarily give you an advantage in Fundamentals of Nursing and beyond. If you really want to be a nurse, and are willing to commit to the education it requires, by all means go for it!

If you want to get into health care in general, you have many options. Biotech is hot right now, and your background would likely qualify you for pharmacy, PA or med school. You're going to have to invest a number of years into school in any event so you might as well take the most direct route to where you really want to end up.

In any event, do check out some of the new grad threads. You can't predict what the economic climate's going to be when you graduate, and no degree or license guarantees you employment.

Best wishes with whatever you decide!

MurseMikeD · Jun 11, 2009

Try looking at accelerated BSN programs. It'll take longer to get an ADN, and it'll probably be about as hard to get in to either.

If you have the option of a BSN or MSN as your entry level, do it. You'll have more options, and be more marketable.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2009

Yes, check in to those fast track programs as well. But check the hospitals in your area. Some fast trackers I know have not been received well. Comments about not being in a substantial enough program?! Not sure what that means. I had considered that as well as I also have another degree.

Seyma · Jun 11, 2009

Try looking at accelerated BSN programs. It'll take longer to get an ADN /QUOTE]
An accelerated BSN should take the same amount as an ADN program (2 years)...at least that's how it is with the schools in my area.

mrhappy · Jun 12, 2009

Thanks for the thoughtful advice, everyone.

If I can manage it, I will probably go for a Master of Nursing degree program. The programs are typically about 16 months long (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall) and are for students with a bachelors or higher degree in any field. Hopefully my extensive scientific/life sciences experience from a background in Biology will be useful in some way or another. The grad. advisor to a local program I'm looking at said having a Master's degree is a plus as far as competitiveness for getting into an accelerated MSN program. BUT, first I have to fill some prerequisites.

Thanks again.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Jun 13, 2009

Thanks for the thoughtful advice, everyone.
If I can manage it, I will probably go for a Master of Nursing degree program. The programs are typically about 16 months long (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall) and are for students with a bachelors or higher degree in any field. Hopefully my extensive scientific/life sciences experience from a background in Biology will be useful in some way or another. The grad. advisor to a local program I'm looking at said having a Master's degree is a plus as far as competitiveness for getting into an accelerated MSN program. BUT, first I have to fill some prerequisites.
Thanks again.

My situation is very similar to yours. I have a Bachelors of Science in Biology and am now in a direct-entry/fast track Masters of Science in Nursing program. I am in my second semester, and we go spring, summer, fall, spring, summer fall. So the program is just a few weeks short of 2 years in total. Our first semester was 19 credits, this summer is 13, fall is 17, next spring is 16 and then we can sit for the NCLEX. Then next summer is 3 credits and our final semester 9 credits. VERY fast pace, but I equate it to working full time (I quit my job to go back).

Good luck applying!

mrhappy · Jun 13, 2009

I appreciate your legitimate concern. I would only apply to accredited programs with reputable and highly rated universities, as is the one nearest me. I think accelerated programs (and any programs) can only provide a foundation, and that there is no substitute for actual, on the job experience.

Given my current age and life situation, going for an accelerated MSN program is the most feasible option for me.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Jun 13, 2009

honestly....u shouldnt do this. a lot of msn programs do not have enough clinical hrs and training to prepare u for nursing. the direct entry programs are part of the medical fields critisms of nursing

My program has over 1100 clinical hours. This is comparable to other nursing programs (ADN, BSN) programs in my area. It also has a 100% NCLEX pass rate and has been fairly well received where I am located.

I guess this may vary state to state, but what you said has not been my experience with it. As long as the OP does their research and make sure that their program is accredited, I think direct entry programs are a wonderful option for them.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 14, 2009

Off topic, but too curious.

Melmarie... your avatar - What is it a picture of? Looks like you are sitting, wearing red shoes, with a swan on your lap!