MSN vs MS

Yeah, I have to agree w/ lovegasrn. I just came back from a conference and this was a topic of a rather conversation. The "push" for APRn's to have the DnP as the standard is in it's very infantile stages and there are a WHOLE LOT of issues that need to be resolved. The last indication that I had heard was that they wanted Anesthesia programs to be DnP by 2015. Some schools (such as mine) are starting to incorporate different classes and pre-requisites "just in case." They are not going to make CRNA's who already have a MS/MSN go back.

Now on to your original ?, I am in a MS program and I have talked with several people who went to MSN programs and the curriculum and environment is rather different. Since the MS is a focus on science, we have taken a lot of science courses. I am finishing up Bio-chemistry which I have had all semster (and had NOTHING to do with anesthesia I might add!). I talked to a buddy of mine that went to Anesthesia school at USC (which is a MSN) and his biochemistry education consisted of a 2 hour lecture! From what I understand the MSN is really an extension of the BSN. Alot more academic, more research and evidence-based, so if you wish to continue on for personal reasons, more power to ya. I personally hated me BSN program, (I was an ADN first) and I think I would have shot myself if I had to write any more papers than I already have.

Just to clarify AANA is mandating 2025 as when all new CRNAs will be required to get their DNP/DNAP. AANA Announces Support of Doctorate for Entry into

Nurse Anesthesia Practice by 2025

"Park Ridge, Ill.--Two years after convening a high-level summit meeting and appointing a task force to thoroughly explore interests and concerns surrounding doctoral preparation of nurse anesthetists, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has announced its support of doctoral education for entry into nurse anesthesia practice by 2025." http://www.aana.com/news.aspx?ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetID=171&ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetType=4&ucNavMenu_TSMenuID=6&id=9678

The real difference between the MS and MSN programs is the MS programs drop all the MSN requirements...nursing theory, nursing research etc and they don't need to be affliated with a nursing department. Both programs are mandated to cover core topics required by the AANA.

I don't think MS programs have more science courses either. It is up to the individual program what they offer above and beyond the normal curriculum. I was told in many places it is much easier to set up MS program vs. trying to set up a program within/affliated with a nursing department.

I am in an MSN program and we take 5 semester hrs of gross anatomy, 3hrs of neuroscience, 3hrs of physiology, 3hrs of pathophys., 3hrs biochem., lots of research (my school requires all MSN students to submit their research for publication before we graduate) 5hrs medical pharm taken w/ the 2nd yr med students (this is one of 3 pharm classes) along with all the other normal anesthesia classes.

I would have rather have gone to an MS program and skipped all the nursing theory, roles, and nursing research classes, but I am going on the USAF's dollar.