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Discussion

MSN or PhD?!?!?

I already have a Bachelor's in Sociology and a Masters in Public Health (Epidemiology). I am currently pursuing an ADN. If I pursue the MSN, I have to wait a year and at the end of two years after that (total 3 years), I'll be done. - OR - I could start on a PhD now and at the end of that (total 3 years), be finished with that.

I am really really interested in becoming a Nurse-Midwife, but I also have aspirations towards Research as well as being ADON or DON somewhere. Any advice anyone?

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I have a BS in zoology and decided to become an RN. I checked into both the ADN and BSN programs and it was only going to take me 1 extra semester to get my BSN as opposed to the ADN. I would think it would be about the same for a sociology degree. I'm just curious why you opted for the ADN instead of the BSN program??? I don't start until next January, so I'm still trying to get all the information I can about all the programs, although I am pretty committed to the course I'm on. I'm just really nervous about getting accepted!

  • Author
I have a BS in zoology and decided to become an RN. I checked into both the ADN and BSN programs and it was only going to take me 1 extra semester to get my BSN as opposed to the ADN. I would think it would be about the same for a sociology degree. I'm just curious why you opted for the ADN instead of the BSN program??? I don't start until next January, so I'm still trying to get all the information I can about all the programs, although I am pretty committed to the course I'm on. I'm just really nervous about getting accepted!

Well, here the ADN program is 15 months long and the BSN program is a full two years...Besides, the ADN program offered a night/weekend option and the BSN's around here didn't. I'm not willing to give up my day job to go to school full-time. The BSN also costs more per credit. I also had a really hard time going back for a Bachelor's degree when I already hold a Masters.

...but that's just my situation. :rolleyes:

i also had a really hard time going back for a bachelor's degree when i already hold a masters.

but isn't the adn going back even farther when you have a master's?? :confused:

topcat

  • Expert

How can you get a PhD in nursing in only 3 years with only an ADN? I've never heard of such a quick option and doubt that you understand the facts correctly -- or suspect that it is not a legitimate program. Every PhD program that I am aware of requires at least 3 years beyond a MSN or 5 years beyond a BSN. Even with the Master's in another field, I am surprised they would not make you get at least a Bachelor's in nursing before progressing on to the doctoral level nursing courses. -- or would your PhD not be in nursing?

I would double-check your information to be on the safe side. I could be wrong, and if I am, please give me the name of the school that makes it so easy to get a PhD in nursing so that I can check it out and perhaps recommend it to friends.

llg

  • Expert

It sounds like you're not interested in relocating to go to school, but, if you know you want to pursue nurse midwifery, I wonder if you've considered the direct entry Master's programs? They take people who have a baccalaureate degree in something else (but I'm sure they wouldn't hold your Master's against you! :chuckle ), you do one year of basic nursing and then go right into the MSN program.

Since you asked for advice, I would encourage you strongly not to limit yourself to options that don't require you to give up your day job or move. This is the rest of your life you're talking about! If there is a program somewhere else that really interests you, I would encourage you strongly to pick up and go there and do it. Student loans and scholarships are plentiful (esp. for nursing) and repayment is relatively painless. Also, there are some programs that allow you to "work off" the loans instead of paying them back. Whatever path you choose, it's going to require a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (and $$$$) -- you might as well have the education and degree you really want when you're done. SCHOOL IS (comparatively) SHORT -- LIFE IS LONG!!

Best wishes with whatever you decide --

  • Author

TopCat1234:Yes an ADN is further behind than a Master's, but I come out with a certification that I couldn't get otherwise...i.e. RN

llg: No, the PhD would not be in nursing. I've found an online program in Organizational Leadership that seems promising (so far).

elkpark: I've moved my husband 6 times in the past 5 years to further my career or education. We just closed on the latest house this past February. I'm done with moving!

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me with this decision.

Dawn

ba in sociology

mph master's public health

adn registered nurse

ph.d organizational leadership

and then perhaps become an adon or don or research?

or

ba in sociology

mph master's public health

adn registered nurse

msn master's nursing

and then perhaps become a nurse mid-wife?

am i understanding correctly?

topcat

  • Author

In a nutshell, yes, I suppose that is the scenario...of course, real life never takes us where we plan on going! :)

i was just trying to get a better idea of what decision you are trying to make--i guess it depends on where exactly you want to be: management vs patient care.

however, i think even as a nurse mid-wife you could possibly move into management. either way, you will need to pay your dues in direct patient care once you receive your adn...

i think i will defer to the experts around here...

topcat

I am in kind of a similar situation. I have just graduated from an ADN program and have a prior advanced degree. The thing I see about nursing is that it seems to be imperative to have knowledge from the ground up. Your ADN will train you up to be a great acute care nurse; probably more focussed towards this than the BSN. The BSN seems to incorporate more management and community health training. I didn't know this prior to starting the ADN, but I'm very glad to have made the choice I did. If you are more interested in clinical vs. managerial or administrative nursing, ADN is great, and you can progress to the MSN, without a BSN. MSN opens many doors to you. I firmly believe that it's better to have some time on the floor before doing MSN. I'm sure this is the best preparation for upper level clinicians, even if it's only 1-2 years (on the floor). I'm heading in that direction too and I will know more once I'm full-time on the floor... from July, and looking forward to it :stone .

... ADN program is 15 months long and the BSN program is a full two years...Besides, the ADN program offered a night/weekend option and the BSN's around here didn't. I'm not willing to give up my day job to go to school full-time. The BSN also costs more per credit. I also had a really hard time going back for a Bachelor's degree when I already hold a Masters...

You absolutely made the right decision.

Good luck!

ba in sociology

mph master's public health

adn registered nurse

ph.d organizational leadership

and then perhaps become an adon or don or research...

sense this is the way to go for you, if you don't mind putting in the extra study.

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