Most Economical way to get your Masters?

[ILoveCats5]

Hello,

I would like to know what you guys think is the most economical way to get your MSN with an LPN degree?

First let me tell you my situation:

I have my General A.A. with all my pre-reqs for an ADN.

My plan was to get my RN through the associate program in my hometown; however, I moved to a different city and missed that college's admissions date. And instead of waiting for the next year, I decided to get my LPN and then do the LPN to RN transition. Eventually I want to get my masters in a nursing specialty (I don't know what yet).

Anyway, I'll be graduating with my LPN in a few short months and now I don't know what I should do next?! I know that most MSNs require a bachelors degree, so I don't know if I should still do the LPN to RN transition, then the RN to BSN transition, then a BSN to MSN transition! Haha. It just feels really drawn out. And thinking about this makes we wish I should have just gotten my BSN (since I already have my AA and all my pre-reqs) and skip all this overlap! But I can't change the past! >.

So should I go ahead and do the LPN to RN transition (usually 3 semesters) or start the bachelors nursing program (usually 6 consecutive semesters)?

[Jules A, MSN]

Well the cheapest way and what I did was to do the LPN to RN bridge at a community college while also doing any pre-reqs needed. One of the big plusses to this is that you will be able to work as a RN while continuing on with school. As I'm sure you know there are RN to MSN programs. I decided to enroll in a BSN program because I wanted some instant gratification quickly and am working on my MSN now. Good luck!

[showbizrn]

your question is

the most economical way to get your masters.

well...

if the least amount of time

costs

the least amount ot money

your best choice

would be the

bridge programs.

(i.e., lpn to rn, rn to msn, etc)

you will have to research this programs.

much success to you!!!

[RN34TX]

I do not know of any LPN to MSN program anywhere. I don't believe that any exist out there because they would be responsible for your RN education.

Ther are many RN to MSN programs so I'd say get your RN first, then work on the MSN.

[ILoveCats5]

Thank you for all the responses. I do need to clarify that I wasn't looking for a one program that has an LPN to MSN program haha, I don't think such a thing will ever exist! I am leaning toward to sticking with my original plan, LPN to RN transition, just because I want to stay financially secure. And I know that there is a lot of competition out there when getting into a nursing program, so having some experience will help.

I just know that most bridge programs are a few months longer, and by the time I get my masters I'll have bridged over 3 times. xP

[fullofenergy]

I know there are programs for the RN all the way to the NP. It is good to get some experience working as an RN before applying to the Master's program. Usually you can bypass the BSN if you have a bachelor's in another field and take certain prerequisites towards the BSN such as pathophysiology, community health nursing, physical assessments and statistics. These types of programs take from 2 to 3 year part-time. The first set of courses is towards the MSN and the last set of classes are post-masters towards the NP. I wonder if there will be a problem with being employed as an NP without the BSN degree as well? Has anyone out there run into this problem? Or does anyone know anyone who has had an issue with having the Master's degree but not the BSN?

[sierra101504]

I am an LPN right now going through Excelsior to get my associates. Then I plan on getting bachlors through them also. After that hopefully going to University of TN Chattanooga to get FNP. I really like Excelsior so far. You can also CLEP courses but I don't think they go toward your overall GPA since they are pass/fail not letter grades. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway... that is how I am going about it. Some programs have a bridge from associate to masters but there are very few I believe. Vanderbilt it one but it is crazy expensive. Hope this helps.

[Jules A, MSN]

I am an LPN right now going through Excelsior to get my associates. Then I plan on getting bachlors through them also. After that hopefully going to University of TN Chattanooga to get FNP. I really like Excelsior so far. You can also CLEP courses but I don't think they go toward your overall GPA since they are pass/fail not letter grades. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway... that is how I am going about it. Some programs have a bridge from associate to masters but there are very few I believe. Vanderbilt it one but it is crazy expensive. Hope this helps.

I think all schools accept CLEP credits, some will take more than others. At one school for entrance purposes they converted my CLEP score into a letter grade but for degree purposes they accepted them as any other transfer credit with the pass/fail and no letter grade.

[Finallydidit]

I am an LPN, After prereqs are finished, will take 1 yr to complete the LPN to ASN bridge program, then will take 15 months to get BSN, then another 15 months to get masters... Might be taking the long way, but I will get there someday..... But will be able to work as an RN with an ASN, while completing the BSN instead of working as an LPN going straight for the BSN.....

[bwaheed]

Colleges and Universities are starting to offer ADN to MSN (You can apply for a BA once you've completed enough credits).

I plan on doing this after I finish my AA.

[ILoveCats5]

To Finalllydidit,

Haha, I'm probably going to end up taking the long route too. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one doing it!

Also I have seen the ADN to MSN programs; the only programs I've seen them for are PA, practitioner, and a lot of business related nursing (which I'm not interested in). I was considering CRNA or nurse midwife as a goal. But first, one step at a time!