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Discussion

MSN degree without specialty

Hi,

I'm a prospective student applying to enter an accelerated masters program (for those with a BS in a field other than nursing). I have recently heard that this program has changed: whereas one used to earn the equivalent of BSN within 1 year of accelerated coursework and then enter into a NP specialty; the program now gives you a basic/unspecialized MSN after 4 rigorous semesters, with no NP schooling or APN specialty, and then you may apply separately to an NP specialty track while you also begin working as an RN with an MSN.

The school is also now billing for the accelerated masters program at the graduate level (meaning each course credit costs more money).

My question is: what will an MSN degree without any APN specialty do for my career? I am certainly planning to continue with an NP specialty track, but why two separate programs? Does this seem strange to anyone?

Any suggestions on how to correctly or most successfully apply to jobs upon completion of this program would be helpful. I feel as if an MSN should make more than a BSN, but I may be wrong in the case of an unspecialized nurse.

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    . I feel as if an MSN should make more than a BSN, but I may be wrong in the case of an unspecialized nurse.

    This is the very reason that many MSN prepared RNs have problems finding employment as a bedside RN... Why would a facility pay a new graduate RN more simply because they have a MSN but will do the exact same job as a BSN?

    There are direct entry APRN programs you could apply to.

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    • Experts

    Moved to student NP forum

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    My question is: what will an MSN degree without any APN specialty do for my career?

    Pretty much nothing. It doesn't fast-track you to management.

    why two separate programs? Does this seem strange to anyone?

    It's an easy way for schools to make more money.

    Any suggestions on how to correctly or most successfully apply to jobs upon completion of this program would be helpful. I feel as if an MSN should make more than a BSN, but I may be wrong in the case of an unspecialized nurse.

    You apply to jobs as a new grad RN, just like other BSN and ADN grads. You won't make more because you do not do anything more than what RNs do. If you want to become a manger, you will need a few years of RN experience to assume more administrative responsibilities. However, anyone with a BSN can do that without a MSN.

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    • Author

    Thank you for your responses so far! The school is VERY reputable, I don't doubt the education I would receive. That's important to me. I just didn't understand what an MSN would do to distinguish an RN from those with a BSN, and I think the answer seems to be a resounding "nothing at all!"

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    After I earned my MSN, I was able to work as an instructor at a jr college, write articles for a CEU company and work as a consultant. All of those roles required an MSN + experience. I see many jobs that requre MSN (management, consultant, government jobs).

    Of course, the MSN is useless without experience under your belt also. That goes for both MSN and NP.

    Like someone said above, you will be a new grad just like ADN and BSN grads and you will be competing with them for jobs. The MSN will be valuable in the future, but not as a new grad.

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    • Experts

    1. By moving their program for people with degrees in other fields to the MSN (graduate) level, it makes those students eligible for graduate level financial aid. Many people wanting to enter nursing after having earned a degree in another field have already used up their undergrad financial aid options. By making it an MSN level program, those students can now get graduate-level aid. That is often a big reason that schools put those programs at the MSN level.

    2. When you first graduate with the MSN, you will be eligible for new grad nursing jobs -- not leadership jobs or advanced practice jobs. That's because you will have 0 experience in nursing and will need to get some experience before moving up the career ladder. However in many cases, people with that entry-level MSN can move up the career ladder a little faster because of their maturity, their experience in their other discipline, and because they have the MSN credential that is preferred for some jobs. For example, a 22-year old new grad may need to get 3-5 years of experience before being considered for some promotions ... but the 25 year-old new grad with a BS in one field and an MSN in nursing may be considered for a promotion after only 2 years. By getting that entry-program MSN, the person shaves a few years off the time it takes to move up and also saves some time and money by getting the MSN for only slightly more money than a BSN. And with some of the basic graduate-level courses already taken, the person can add a specialty certification, DNP, or PhD more quickly and cheaply than if they had started with a BSN.

    But ... on the day you graduate with that MSN, the only job you are really qualified for is an entry-level RN job -- just like every other new grad nurse. It's what options come in 2 or 3 years that differ for the 2 pathways.

    Other people have given you the "con" side of such degrees. I thought someone should give you the "pro" side of the debate about those programs. They are a wise move for some people, but are not the right fit for everyone.

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    • Author

    Thanks for responding Carrie_RN and Ilg, despite the "cons" I am completely optimistic about the program. So, I'm glad to hear both of your "pro" opinions because I am planning on accepting if I get an offer into this accelerated program. For me, I think it will be a great benefit to my career because I have a degree in psychology, have worked in academic research for years, I am a little bit older than a typical applicant, and also currently work for said school. My only concerns were the higher cost - which just comes with a graduate degree, and the change in the programs pathway. My other question was that with a MSN and no clinical nursing experience once I graduate, I just wasn't sure how someone markets themselves as an applicant for jobs at that point. I am glad for the honest and truthful "cons" concerning that because I just want to know what I'll be able to do and not have any let downs or misconceptions. The school has information sessions pertaining to this program, but I feel like asking in this forum may have given me some real-life answers. I think the school itself is an amazing institution, so if I get an offer into this program I would accept it no doubt!

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    • Experts

    Good luck! It is the type of program I would be doing if I were in your position -- especially if it is from a reputable institution. Just remain realistic about the job prospects for new grads with no relevant experience. But given the specifics of your situation, your maturity and your professional connections, you might be able to land a better-than-average new grad position with good prospects to move into other positions once you get your feet on the ground as a nurse.

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