Masters Degree

I'm a pre-nursing student who eventually would like to get a Masters (ACNP) as well. From what I've been researching about grad schools, it usually is best to wait 1-2 years at least. A lot of grad school won't even consider your application if you don't have some kind of experience as an RN. Some grad programs that I've seen even want your experience to be in certain departments.

I personally just wouldn't be able to justify the time and the application fee for a program that I technically wouldn't be qualified for as a brand new RN. My personal plan is to work as an RN for a year or two and then start applying to MSN programs.

Most MSN programs are taught around the idea that you have some experience as a RN, and if you don't have that experience, you will find yourself behind the curve.

If you do some research, you will see that almost every MSN program either requires or STRONGLY encourages you to have 1-2 years MINIMUM of experience. Additionally, when you get on the job market, MSN nurses without experience have a very hard time (just as do any new grad nurses these days). California, especially the Bay Area, has the most competitive market in the US for nurses, so anything you can do to help set yourself up for success will help a lot.

I plan to go back for my CNM, and I'm waiting until I have my student loans paid down more, and I have at least 2 years of experience.

All of the nurse practitioner/CRNA schools that I could in enroll in (strict BON) require at least a year of experience. I understand that it's not like that everywhere. I think its ridiculous to get a MSN in admin or education without having been a nurse.

I would recommend you get into nursing school first. You need a good GPA on your BSN to even think about grad school. Don't put the cart before the horse. You are not even in nursing school. Focus on your nursing pre reqs then getting into nursing school then getting awesome grades in nursing school. That alone is NOT an easy task. If you do that the rest will fall into place.

I say don't plan so far ahead, because life will pass you by...just concentrate on getting into a nursing program FIRST, and then getting through it, then actually practicing as a nurse for a few years NEXT...right now, you really have no idea of the opportunities that are really out there. there are LITERALLY thousands of roles for nurses outside of bedside nursing, and you need to find a niche and enjoy it for a while!

I was an RN for 16 years before I decided that I had enough knowledge and experience to finally go back and finish my NP. I know that as a rule, in my geographic area, many practices won't hire new NPs that don't have CONSIDERABLE nursing background, and because you are taking on a LOT of liability, I would want that experience in place first as well. my grad school won't even let you apply until you have a few years of experience...

nursing is a fun and exciting career path with SO many opportunities. enjoy it as it comes and have fun!~

I would recommend you get into nursing school first. You need a good GPA on your BSN to even think about grad school. Don't put the cart before the horse. You are not even in nursing school. Focus on your nursing pre reqs then getting into nursing school then getting awesome grades in nursing school. That alone is NOT an easy task. If you do that the rest will fall into place.

Focus on getting into nursing school...it's great to have long term goals, but your first priority is getting an undergraduate nursing degree. Then it will be all about the NCLEX. Also most Masters programs require you to have some experience for the clinical portion. How would you feel as an NP/CNW student and don't know how to do basic assessment?

I have 2 years+ experience and won't go back already because I still don't know enough. In your first year you're just getting your feet wet as a new grad. Just my two cents...

Can't stress enough how VERY premature this conversation is...with us, and with your parents. First you need to get INTO nursing school....GRADUATE from nursing school....PASS the licensing exam....THEN think about all the rest. There's about a million potential hiccups along the way.

It's going to be years before this is even something worth a moment's thought. If and when the time comes, you can always get plenty of advice (from everyone, LOL, whether you asked for it or not!) but for now....just concentrate on your grades HERE and NOW. :)

Can't stress enough how VERY premature this conversation is...with us, and with your parents. First you need to get INTO nursing school....

I have to agree. Not to be down on your dreams, they are great! Don't let them go completely but your focus needs to be 150% on getting into nursing school because California is BRUTAL! You need outstanding grades, as close to a 4.0 as you can get and that is exhausting and trying. Sometimes looking that far ahead makes the present even harder to deal with. One step at a time. I tell people the best way to survive nursing school is to NOT look at the big picture because its so overwhelming you'll feel like you're going to drown. Essentially the same here.