MBA graduate wants nursing degree-ASN or BSN?

MBAnursearizona · Jul 14, 2009

Thank you. I appreciate your reply about other career paths. I think if this economy were different, I would probably pursue one of the paths you have recommended. I have been interviewing for healthcare sales positions, but they are very competitive with this economy. I was one of 160 applicants for one job, made it the the final 5, and then they chose someone else. So it's very difficult. Also, I would like to get out of sales b/c it would not be a career as I grow older (they like young, energetic people usually-some job posts say "no more than 2 jobs since college" etc) and it is very stressful sometimes. Many marketing positions are not hiring either...in fact, my MBA has a Marketing specialization, but I am not considered eligible for a marketing role b/c I don't have marketing experience...I have 10 years of great sales experience, won many awards, etc. So I guess I feel like I keep running into walls, essentially. I am going to try to keep networking to meet people and establish a new career. But in the mean time, I am going to start my RN degree to do a job I think I will like while also filling in gaps on my resume.

JazzyJJ · Aug 10, 2009

Hello! I am in a similar situation...

I graduated with a BS in Biology. I was pre-med but did not pursue medical school after graduation. I began working at a pharma company. I worked my way up to a Manager position. I enjoyed the business aspect of health and decided to get my MBA. I stopped working there last Fall to attend school full-time. I have one more business course this Fall to complete and will graduate with a MBA in Management December.

Ultimately I am seeking a position in healthcare administration. As I near the end of my MBA studies, I feel in order to bring my goals full circle, I need clinical experience as well. I believe the Accelerated BSN program can provide this to me.

I was hoping for some insight as to if this is a good next step for me; what job opportunities I'd have; how long would I have to practice as a RN before I could be an administrator. Would I be a good candidate? Or should I look for a job.

Thanks so much!

MBAnursearizona · Aug 10, 2009

It sounds like our situations are very similiar. Based on job postings I have seen online, it does look like a BSN is necessary to advance in the healthcare system, along with a masters degree. I looked into the BSN and ASN and here's what I found...the Associates program only requires that I take 3 prerequisites and get at least a grade of a C (in Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, and Microbiology; some programs also require Chemistry but mine doesn't). The wait list is 1.5-2 years long to actually start the core program. The Bachelors degree from ASU requires 10 prerequisites (the ones I mentioned plus Statistics, Ethics, Pathophysiology, etc) and it is very competitve to get into the program (they take 100 of every 300 applicants). Also, the average student that gets in has an average gpa of 3.94, so you have to have straight A's! (On top of that, I will be paying out of state tuition at $1200 per class.) So I have personally decided to start working towards the Associates degree and determine how hard I think the classes are, if I can get A's, etc. I'm also going to volunteer at a local hospital and start networking with people in the administration/business end of things. If a job comes open at the hospital, I will apply for it. If not, I will work on at least getting my associates degree and then get a hospital to pay for the upgrade to BSN once I'm working. You may want to see what the programs require in the area you live and determine what is best for you in terms of time frame, cost, etc. Best of luck!

JazzyJJ · Aug 11, 2009

Thanks for the information. I guess my concerns are whether pursuing the degree would be better for me in the long run in terms of job security, responsibility, and happiness. I don't want to start a new job and still feel like I am lacking, and regret not having pursued the degree now while I have the time. Any thoughts on opportunities for someone who has a BSN/MBA.