non-nurses pursuing MSN

[sruehl]

Hi! I am from Chicago and plan to stay here while pursuing furthering my education with nursing. I have a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. I am very interested in a few programs in the Chicago area. I am wondering if there is anyone else on here that is in a similar situation. I am really just looking for any helpful information anyone is willing to offer. Helpful tips on preparing to apply, statistics on acceptance, what it's like to be in this type of program, and/or anything else that anyone would be willing to share. I would appreciate ANYTHING. Thank you!

[Ifi]

I wish I had tips to share! I have applied to DePaul, Rush and UIC. I wish I would have known about the Elmherst program but strangely it never came up on my searches.

[araew2129, ADN]

I can't speak to the programs in the Chicago area, but I did apply to a master's for entry to nursing program here in Arizona. This program is a very intense 15 months, and it is also a bit pricier than other nursing programs in my area. For these reasons (among others), it isn't my top choice. I've spoken to quite a few people in the nursing world and it seems that a master's isn't exactly necessary to fit my career goals (RN case management as I had been a social worker for 10 years before this career change).

I was also advised that whatever programs you are considering, to make note of clinical experiences and also NCLEX pass rate. My top choice ended up being a BSN program because this particular campus has had a 100% pass rate for all 13 years they have been established in my area. They also have a very small cohort of 20 people, and they offer excellent clinicals including a preceptorship. The master's program doesn't offer a preceptorship, which also swayed my decision.

Another thing to consider is to look at unconventional options as well. Through my time in prerequisites, I became aware of another option through our community college where you are concurrently enrolled in their ADN program and a university. While completing the ADN program you also complete online work through the university, after graduating the ADN program you continue online with the university for another year and ultimately earn a traditional MSN degree. Which is actually another thing to be aware of. Some of the master's programs for non-nurses do not award a traditional MSN degree. Here we are awarded a MS-RN degree. Just something to consider.

Overall, my advice is to look at ALL aspects of the programs you are considering to find the one which will give the best experience and education. But also to apply to all of them. Best case scenario, you will get to pick which to attend if you get into more than one! I've applied to 3 programs in my area (including the masters for entry, the BSN, and the concurrent enrollment with my community college) and awaiting decisions now.

Good luck!