2nd degree student wondering best path toward MSN?

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Hello, This is my first time to post. I am a prospective nursing student. I already have a B.S. in Speech Pathology, and am hoping to start nursing school next year. My goal is to get my RN, then move on to get a master's in advanced practice nursing with a psych/mental health focus. I originally hoped to do a direct-entry master's, but there are no DE programs in my area, and the cost of those programs is extremely high. Since moving is not in the cards at the moment, and for various other reasons I have decided to just go for the RN now, and do the MSN separately at a later date.

So now the decision to be made is to either get the BSN or the ASN. The time commitment is the same. There is an ASN program in my area that is only 16 months, the same time commitment as an accelerated BSN. The ASN is much cheaper. Is there any good reason for me as a 2nd degree student to do the BSN over the ASN?

And if I go the ASN route, am I eligible to apply directly to master's programs, since I already have my prior BS? Or will I have to do an RN-BSN bridge program in nursing prior to applying to a master's program?

I am just finishing up the last of my prereqs this semester, and am planning to apply to at least 2 programs this fall for spring 2010 enrollment (hopefully)

I am in the north TX area.

Any input is greatly appreciated!!!

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I just wanted to tell you I am facing the same situation. My intention is to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, and I have a BA in Social Science. I'm comparing 2 local programs too, a very inexpensive ADN and an expensive accelerated BSN.

A few things that have factored into my decision- the CNM programs allow admission with an ADN/RN/non-nursing BA, but they require a bridge program- meaning 3 years instead of 2. I worked this out using projected read dates, and for me, it actually means getting into the CNM workforce nearly two years earlier! For me, this was a big factor.

Second thing, I have been meeting with CNMs in my area to get their input. (I don't know what I don't know) You can probably do the same with mental health MSNs. Ask them which program they suggest and why- which path- pros/cons- etc. I just took a midwife out for coffee & dessert at Panera 3 days ago LOL. It's time and money WELL SPENT (and great networking!).

Lastly, I found out about a state scholarship program that I intend on applying for. You simply have to work as a nurse when you graduate (lol-that's the idea!) to fulfill your obligation. It will be about $7,000 toward tuition and $6,000 stipend- it makes the "expensive" program not "soo expensive."

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I also am in the same situation as you. I graduated in December 2007 with my Bachelor of Arts in History. I was an excellent student of history and would have been successful had I pursued a career in the field but my heart changed and this is where I want to be. There IS a direct entry MSN program in my area but I can not feasibly do so because it is an hour and a half away and I must work full-time and I have a 19 month old---whom I love tremendously and want to spend as much time with as possible. The BSN is also at the same school as the MSN so my only choice is ADN-BSN (online)- MSN (online)-Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Getting all of my in-class studies and clinicals at my local college and hospital makes the most sense timewise--even though that is a half hour away it is still better than 1.5 hours one way...

Literally the semester after I graduate with the ADN I will start the BSN (paying out of pocket). Immediately after I will do the MSN. This route gets me working at the same time as the DE MSN, although it sets me back from getting my MSN by approximately 1 year (I can start the ADN program in the Spring so I have an 8-month advantage on the start date for the MSN). But financially it is worth it---I have a VERY good job that I earn plenty of money to support myself, my son, and pay for my schooling (with community college prices) with no assistance--I can't afford to give that up to do the direct entry. Plus my ADN-BSN bridge program will be CHEAPER this route too!!!!

My advice to you is *if* you get the BSN and it is not financially straining, nor too far away I would do that. If there was a university in my town (or within an hour's drive) I would do that instead of the ADN-BSN-MSN route.

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I know that there are RN-MSN programs, and I have seen some folks that posted to this forum who had ADN's and went on for their master's without getting the BSN. So do the RN-MSN programs just incorporate the bridge year, making them longer than a traditional MSN program? There are so many options, it is really confusing. I think I may apply to both and see where I get in, and then decide.

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I think there are a few programs that will let you do a RN-MSN because you have a prior bachelor's degree but most MSN programs require at least one or possibly two years of clinical experience. Also since ADN programs don't teach you any management classes, your program might be longer than it would be if you went for your BSN to your MSN.

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