MBA graduate wants nursing degree-ASN or BSN?

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 12, 2009

Hi! I'm new to this site and wanted to get some opinions. I've been working in pharmaceuticals sale for several years. I have to move across the country from Ohio to Arizona for personal reasons, and in light of the struggling economy, will be unemployed as I cannot transfer with my company. I've decided to go back to school for nursing (my mom and sister are nurses). I'm enrolled for the ASN program to take pre-reqs (I only need 3 classes), but am wondering if I should go for the BSN? If I have an ASN with an MBA, would I qualify for management roles without the BSN? (My Bachelor's is in Elementary Education btw). I just hate the uncertainty of the sales environment and I want a job where I actually care about people! Also, what kind of salary can I expect to make? I heard $50K to start? I would additionally want to know which area of specialization would be good to focus on? Any feedback is appreciated!

First off, WELCOME to allnurses!

If you have a prior degree (it sounds like you have a bachelors degree & a MBA), you might consider doing an accelerated nursing program. These are designed for people with prior degrees, and typically condense a 2-3 year program down into 12-18 months. The watt list for accelerated programs may also be shorter than the typical 2-3 years for an associates degree program.

Degree requirement for management slots may vary form hospital to hospital, but it seems that many prefer BSN rather than ADN degrees for those positions.

Starting salary varies widely depending on your area of the country. In OH & KY, starting salaries I've seen for RN grads run ~$21 - $23.50 or thereabouts (higher on nights/weekends).

As to areas of specialization - follow your heart. Do what makes you happy. In your nursing program, you'll rotate through different clinical experiences (typically including med/surg, mental health/psych, community health, OB, Peds, and possibly ER & ICU). Keep an open mind during your program - what started out as a "favorite" area may be replaced by something else.

Good luck!

MBAnursearizona · Jul 12, 2009

Thanks for the info! I did look into an accelerated program and they are not offered in Arizona, but they are in Ohio. While I'd love to do the accelerated program, I am definitely moving west next month, so that option is off the table. The ASN in Arizona will cost me $8000K but the Bachelors at ASU will cost me $30,000, so that is something to consider as well, esp if both qualify me to take the exact same RN license test. That being said, I'd rather do the ASN and then leverage my MBA as a way to move up in the healthcare system.

Thanks for the info on the rotations...I didn't realize they did that but am glad they do so that I figure out which area is best for me!

Thanks again for your response!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Thanks for the info! I did look into an accelerated program and they are not offered in Arizona, but they are in Ohio. While I'd love to do the accelerated program, I am definitely moving west next month, so that option is off the table. The ASN in Arizona will cost me $8000K but the Bachelors at ASU will cost me $30,000, so that is something to consider as well, esp if both qualify me to take the exact same RN license test. That being said, I'd rather do the ASN and then leverage my MBA as a way to move up in the healthcare system.
Thanks for the info on the rotations...I didn't realize they did that but am glad they do so that I figure out which area is best for me!
Thanks again for your response!

The University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University offer accelerated BSN programs for students with prior BA/BS degrees. The University of Arizona's accelerated program is tuition-free because you sign an employment contract with a local hospital for 2 or 3 years. I'm not sure if Arizona State University has an accelerated BSN program for second degree students. I think ASU has a traditional BSN program that can be done in some sort of accelerated pattern, but is not exclusively for second-degree students. Grand Canyon University's program may be similar.

A possible complication with the ADN programs in AZ is that most have lengthy waiting lists that can take 1-3 years to get through. However, if you can find a way into an ADN program without an extensive wait, it may be a good option.

Good luck with your plans!

firstaiddave908 · Jul 12, 2009

welcome to allnurses

BigRussKCMO · Jul 12, 2009

So I have a BS and MBA and am debating the same thing here in kansas city. ADN or BSN who knows?!

yesdog, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Do you have a MEPN program in your area? I had an MS in Communicative Disorders. I got an RN license and an MSN at the same time. It look 5 semesters.

MBAnursearizona · Jul 12, 2009

What is an MEPN? Ironically I started my undergrad in Communication Disorders, but didn't get into the program (they only took 25 per year out of hundreds, and I was 28). I switched to Education just so I could finish my degree.

I'm going to look into the U of A and Northern AZ schools....I only knew ASU didn't offer the accelerated program. Thanks for the tips!

yesdog, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

MEPN - Master's Entry level Professional Nursing Program. It is a prelicensure program for those with a bachelor's degree in other fields. It was really hard but really worth the effort.

MBAnursearizona · Jul 12, 2009

Oh, well I looked into the MEPN b/c my mom told me about it but they don't offer it in Arizona.

Also, I looked into Northern AZ and U of A and they do not have campuses in Phoenix where I will be living. ASU has the BSN but not accelerated. Maybe I will just stick to the ASN....Thanks again!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

ASU has a year-round 16 month BSN program:

http://nursing.asu.edu/programs/undergraduate/bsn/options/index.htm

I believe Grand Canyon University may have a BSN schedule without summer breaks, too. You might want to check into that.

I'd check out the AZ board for info on the Maricopa County Community Colleges' RN programs. Wait-lists are lengthy.

3rdcareerRN · Jul 14, 2009

A couple of thoughts for all MBAs entering healthcare and reading this thread:

- If you are really unemployed after (move/layoff/career decision/...), you might consider doing healthcare-related sales to keep the income coming while getting exposure to the industry. There are lots of healthcare buyers (hospitals, LTC, clinics, ...) and thousands of vendors, so any successful sales background would be a plus.

- If you must abandon sales, but need an income soon, consider the LPN/LVN path, if it is available in your state. But...read some of the related threads in this forum to see what you'll be facing.

- If you really want to be in healthcare management, then starting as a staff nurse is a long, hard climb. Why not consider going directly into management, such as a marketing position in assisted living, and then moving into some other management role or organization later? I speak from hard-earned lessons that all your prior non-nurse degrees and skills are considered useless until you have completed that first year of staff-nurse experience.

Whatever you decide -- all of you MBAs who are entering healthcare -- you have my best wishes.