MSN vs BSN

[jchav02]

Hi everyone. I am just starting to get into the whole nursing gig. I am starting my prerequisites and have a couple questions. So I already have a bachelors degree and am interested in the CEP (concurrent enrollment program) at Maricopa Colleges. All the programs have different prereqs. I am looking at ASU which I will complete at the end of the year. I am considering CEP and the Accelerated program at ASU itself. However I did see they have a program with Grand Canyon University but its for an MSN. So essentially you graduate with an ADN in nursing and then complete the CEP program with an MSN in a specialty such as education or nursing informatics or Public health. The advisor mentioned I could eventually work towards a nurse practitioner program if I chose to. MY question is however will this affect my ability to get a job without a BSN? It is my understanding that the BSN is very important these days and while the MSN sounds nice I am not sure if I want to focus on either of the options for the MSN? Any insight on the matter would be really appreciated?

THanks!

Jorge

[PinkRose34, MSN, RN]

Hi there!

So I did an entry-MSN program and most of my classmates and myself were able to get RN jobs, both acute and non-acute not too long after the program ended. It is true though that some hospitals or new grad programs require or prefer a BSN I think because BSN students have more clinical experience than entry-MSNs. So you'll be ok either direction you choose, but you're right - you might have more opportunity open if you have a BSN. If you do go the BSN route never fear, you can always do MSN later.

Hope this helps!

[jchav02]

Hi! Thank you for the response. So the end of your response is what I was interested with. To be clear then do most hospitals not recognized the MSN to be on par with a BSN. For example would a Magnate hospital hire you with an MSN and not a BSN? Did you notice any specific benefits to the MSN such as higher pay? Did it set you apart and make you more hire-able?

[cleback]

Nursing, in general, is not a good field to have a master's and no experience. Most master's level nursing positions require previous nursing experience. You would fare better getting your BSN and then working a bit before entering grad school.