OSU Graduate Entry program

[kitzetti]

Anyone go through this program or currently enrolled? I am debating between applying for an associate degree or the OSU graduate entry program since I already have a MA degree in something else. But it seems really intense and I have 2 kids not in school yet. But if an associate degree takes 2 years and the Graduate takes 3 it almost makes sense to take the extra year and get the graduate degree.

But it seems crazy to be an NP so quickly....which brings me to another question. Once you have the Master's degree is it possible to work as an RN to gain experience then in a few years work as an NP?

If there is anyone with any opinions or experience similar to this I would love to hear some feedback I keep going over it in my head and haven't made a decision yet, but I really need to take prereqs this fall to get things rolling.

Sorry long post, Jenny

[foreverLaur]

I don't attend the program, but I am a student at OSU and I have been to information sessions about it because I was interested in it as well. Here is everything I have been told by the staff there.

The program isn't any more accelerated than other options. An accelerated BSN program is 11-15 months in length if you already have a bachelors degree. An MSN program is 2 years in length.

Depending on the specialty you want to practice as an NP you might have to take time off between the RN curriculum and the MSN curriculum. Specialties such as acute care and neonatal require work experience as an RN. You will take 1-2 years off in the middle of the program, work as an RN and then return to complete the MSN portion. You will be an RN so you will be able to work as an RN or as an CNP (or CNS).

In my opinion, there are a few major downfalls to the program. The first being that you do NOT get a BSN even though you take all the BSN curriculum. This means that if you have a life changing event and cannot return to OSU to complete the MSN portion, you will have to retake all that curriclum to get a BSN to do another MSN program. So basically you are stuck completing the entire program and cannot leave since they do not award a BSN. This was a big downfall to me and thus I have decided to do an accelerated 2nd degree BSN and then apply to MSN programs all over after working as an RN for a few years.

Another downfall is that they do not offer the CRNA through this. If you have ANY thoughts about being a CRNA, this isn't the program for you. CRNA programs require a BSN first and you won't get that with this program. I would guess that they might accept an MSN in place of a BSN but why go through 2 years of schooling only to do 27 months more?

Since you are unsure, I would recommend doing an 11-15 month accelerated BSN program. You will have your bachelors degree in nursing and you will be an RN upon passing the exam. You can then decide if you'd like to pursue a 2 year MSN option at that point and you won't be tied to any specific school either.