Nursing career - Unusual track

leenak · May 23, 2011

I'm not sure what websites you see that say it is a case by case basis. For a traditional MSN-NP program, you need a BSN first. There are some that have ADN to MSN programs but you'd need an ADN. Then there are programs that are Direct Entry which are for those that don't have BSNs but they are specifically tailored for those that don't have a BSN. For some of those programs, they will grant you a BSN on your way to MSN. Other programs just grant you a MSN. No matter which program you go into, you will have a year that is basically an accelerated BSN program. Schools that you might want to look at are UCSF, Yale, Vanderbilt and University of Pennsylvania. There are some others as well but that would give you an idea of direct entry MSN programs. Oh and I should add, these programs are all 3 years, full time programs.

xscpx · May 23, 2011

USF and UT. UT requires that 3 undergrad nursing courses are taken prior to beginning classwork, and USF does case by case and may require prereqs accordingly.

Both of these programs are full time, but allow you to continue working. Perhaps it's difference in Florida?

I'm even more confused now. I just don't want to spend time or money getting a second bachelors degree if I don't absolutely need it.

ETA: I see that UT has one of the accelerated BSN/MSN programs. That would probably be a good choice for me then. Thanks!

leenak · May 23, 2011

The requirement is basically to have 4 semesters of RN training, equivalent to those that have a BSN in order to get a MSN. How you get there may vary. I'm also in the same boat.

So even if you don't 'get' a BSN, you still have to do the coursework equivalent to if you were getting a BSN. You can also contact your perspective schools and see what they may recommend.

Oh and I happened to go look at the USF program, they expect you to be an RN before you apply, either with a BSN or 'other' (ie possibly diploma or ADN). So they may offer classes to fill any gaps but you still need to be an RN before you apply.

iPink, BSN, RN · May 24, 2011

Your previous non-nursing degrees shouldn't matter in terms of getting into these programs. There usually is prerequisites needed to be completed to get in, such as A&P, Micro, Psych, etc. The disadvantage that should be considered is being an NP without any nursing experience. This was something I thought heavily about and therefore decided to do the second bachelors before going back for the NP.

Moogie · May 24, 2011

Have you looked into direct entry MSN programs designed for people with previous bachelor's degrees? Some of these programs offer advanced practice roles such as NP. With a master's in infectious diseases, it sounds like you have a good background and might do well in a DE-MSN leading to NP.

Check out this thread (and many others like it): https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/adn-straight-msn-569729.html

As others have said, the biggest disadvantage of becoming an advanced practice nurse through a DE-MSN program is that you don't get floor experience. I strongly advise you to do a search for DE-MSN programs on allnurses and read about some of the experiences of NPs who have gone this route. Another disadvantage is that these programs are competitive and very expensive. Still, it would get you where you want to be, probably in less time than going for either an ADN or BSN and then the master's.

Pardon my ignorance but what sort of program is Keiser? Is it ADN or BSN? Private or public?

Good luck to you in whatever you decide!

xscpx · May 24, 2011

It's an ADN and private. I have already fulfilled all prereqs for RN programs. I actually did all the med school prereqs because I originally wanted to go the PA route, but it's looking like NP may be a better option in terms of autonomy.

I definitely want to become an RN first and work for at least a year or two before applying to an NP program. I think that hands on experience in medicine is far superior to book learning.

[i have my masters and know everything about diagnosis of many infectious diseases, everything from how the tests work to clinical signs and symptoms, etc. My husband, in his first week of EMT training, already hand more experience and knowledge than my previous 5 years!!]

I would not want to become an NP until I at least had a few years under my belt working as an RN. Judgment is so important as an NP and experience is needed for sound judgment.

I was more so testing the waters to see if I was ok doing the ADN program if my sights are on NP. Like I said, I don't want to waste time and money getting a second bachelors if it is unnecessary and I can just take a few prereq courses down the road, but I also didn't want to put myself at a major disadvantage by going the ADN route.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I'm going to do the ADN, work a year or so, and do an NP program like at USF where I can continue to work. Their program also requires a residency and a few hundred hours hands on.

I'm really excited about this. Originally I wanted to work in infectious disease but I always had an interest in maternal/child health. I am honestly thinking now about going the OB/GYN route especially after an article I read about how few people are going into that field now. I guess I will see when I get to that point, but either way, nursing is looking like the way to go. I really wish I would have figured this out 10 years and $50k ago!! =)

Moogie · May 24, 2011

Just make sure that your school is accredited by the NLNAC (which accredits associate degree, diploma, and some BSN programs). If your school is not accredited, you will have trouble getting into an ADN-MSN program.

:idea: If you're interested in OB-GYN, maybe you'd want to pursue nurse midwifery. Was just reading another thread about Frontier offering an ADN-MSN in nurse midwifery. You do one year of baccalaureate-level nursing courses and then start the CNM coursework. Many ADN-BSN completion programs are one year in length, so count on adding one year, whether you get the second bachelor's or go ADN-MSN.

I wish you the best and oh, I do hear you about wishing you had figured this out earlier! But no education is ever wasted so don't beat yourself up over not deciding until now.

iPink, BSN, RN · May 24, 2011

Ok, now that you've clarified what program you're in, you can certainly do the RN-to-MSN route when you decide to go back for the NP. As you go through your different clinical experiences, maybe an area of interest will guide you to your prospective specialty. I know my mind keeps changing with each of my clinical experiences. Good luck in school.