Non Nursing B.S-Should I do RN to MSN or BSN to MSN

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Hi all!

Thank you all for your help in advance. I really appreciate it!

So, I am trying to figure out the best situation for me, and was wondering if any of you were in similar situations or have advice for me. I am graduating from Boston University with a B.S. in Health Science this may, but my true career goal is to become a nurse practitioner.

I am now trying to figure out the best track for me...I am deciding between doing an accelerated BSN program, then applying for the MSN, or going for the associates degree RN, and "bridging" to a masters because I have a non-nursing bachelors degree.

Among my reasons for the Associates Degree RN to bridge, is that I really liked the associates program that I visited ( Lawrence Memorial at Regis College). It appeared that they gave a lot of individualized attention, especially at the clinicals. Coming from a school such as BU, individualized time was hard to come by. I also like that I can get to the same place (MSN) by bridging without having to get a second Bachelors degree, because my B.S health science degree is very similar to the theory courses in a BSN, and the idea of getting a 2nd bachelors degree sounds a little tiring to an upcoming graduate, when there is another option.

Lastly, my other reasons for the associates are time ( I took many of their curriculum courses such as A&P 1,2, Microbio, stats, nutrition, ethics, sociology) in my health science major, so I hope to cut down my associates program by transferring courses. Also, it's cheaper, closer to my house then many accelerated BSN, and I loved the facility and professors. And they have a great nclex passing rate!

But.....Should I go for the accelerated BSN to eventual MSN? I am so conflicted, and any help would be amazing!

Thank you again!!

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Here's my two cents for what they are worth. The BSN will not give you any role flexibility. It's just a nice thing to have on your resume. However, a Masters opens up a lot of doors. I had a BSN...no big deal, no difference in pay where I worked. Now that I have the MSN, I can teach, do more supervisory things, and even get into admin if I want. I chose not to become an NP, because I wasn't attracted to that role...but that is yet another thing that you could consider with an MS than is not available to a BSN...

Good luck with your final decision.

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Thank you so much for your quick response and advice. I definitely want an MSN, I just hope that the RN to MSN bridge is the best way opposed to a BSN-MSN track. I guess I'm wondering, if your post meant that it really doesn't matter how I get to the MSN, as long as I get it?

my apologies if I misunderstood!

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What about direct entry MSN programs? If you want to be an NP, this seems like the most direct option to me (and probably less expensive in the long run). I guess I just don't understand why you would want to go with an ADN program then bridge to the Master's when you could be done with both a BSN and an MSN in 3 years (as many schools award both degrees upon completion of the program).

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Hi Juliewoo,

I really appreciate your advice and thoughts! I actually did consider the D.E, but unfortunately I do not have all the requirements (GRE, some prereqs) for the D.E and wasn't sure how long I wanted to wait before I started my nursing career. I also missed some of the deadlines and would be unable to start until Sept 2012. Very good point though, and I truly appreciate your time!

Thank you

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Hi Juliewoo,

I really appreciate your advice and thoughts! I actually did consider the D.E, but unfortunately I do not have all the requirements (GRE, some prereqs) for the D.E and wasn't sure how long I wanted to wait before I started my nursing career. I also missed some of the deadlines and would be unable to start until Sept 2012. Very good point though, and I truly appreciate your time!

Thank you

You're welcome. Good luck with whatever path you choose! :up:

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Specializes in Home health.

I decided to go the ABSN track. I was in a similar situation as you, except that I had taken no prereqs in college. I first wanted to do the direct entry masters programs, but I decided that I wanted to get my BSN first and work for a couple of years, then figure out my next move. One thing you might want to consider is that the major Boston hospitals don't hire ADNs (unfortunate in my opinion), and with the economy the way it is, it is probably better to go the BSN route right off the bat to improve your chances of landing a job. Then, you could go back to get your masters part time (which is my plan), and the financial burden will be lessened somewhat. Anyway, that's just my two cents.

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Thank you so much for your two cents I really appreciate it! Well noted and its definitely unfortunate that Boston hospitals don't hire ASNs right away.best of luck to you!!!!

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I am doing the ASN route and I have a BS in Biology already. Northeastern has a direct entry into MSN program. I heard it is great.

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Thats wonderful, congratulations! If I may ask, what ASN program are you doing?

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I just got into BCC's RN program. I am super pumped.

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Is anybody in the new Regis part-time evening/weekend BSN for non-nurses program? Are you able to work and to what degree? Thanks.,

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