Disappearing direct entry msn?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Maybe I am just missing it on their websites, but I can't find VCU's direct entry program anymore... I've noticed that some schools are paring things down for these programs (ie not offering as many specialties) or not 'renewing' them at all. Either that or I am really failing on my internet research...

They are no longer offering that option. They are only offering the Accelerated BSN now.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I think this type of degree is going to slowly fade away. Particularly as students finally wake up to the concenpt of return on investment when it comes to college costs. My opinion only- of course.

Specializes in Mental Health.
I think this type of degree is going to slowly fade away. Particularly as students finally wake up to the concenpt of return on investment when it comes to college costs. My opinion only- of course.

Not a very accurate opinion. With high NP salary, demand, and programs like NHSC, the direct entry programs are a great investment. Loans can easily be paid off in 5 years

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I assumed this was a direct entry to practice- in other words a pre-licensure program. NOT an NP program. I assume the entrant has another BS in another, non-nursing discipline. Which they are not going to be 'using' as a career path, if I may phrase it that way.

I agree that NPs are in demand - I just don't think this is that type of program.

Specializes in Mental Health.

Direct entry MSN programs for non-nurses are indeed direct entry to practice and licensure as NP. I'm not sure what you're thinking of.

I assumed this was a direct entry to practice- in other words a pre-licensure program. NOT an NP program. I assume the entrant has another BS in another, non-nursing discipline. Which they are not going to be 'using' as a career path, if I may phrase it that way.

I agree that NPs are in demand - I just don't think this is that type of program.

?? Direct entry programs are NP programs. There is a pre-licensure portion, but then once the student is a licensed RN they continue (often seamlessly) on to the NP portion and are licensed NPs upon completion.

Maybe you're thinking of a generic masters or CNL program? Those programs offer RN licensure w/a masters degree. I don't think those programs are useless, though, I've seen new grads from these programs get hired preferentially and placed in positions of clinical research and they seem to move up faster as well (likely due to the masters). I mean it makes sense to want to hire nurses who are skilled in policy and research, since attempts to improve outcomes and change policy abound in floor nursing. Maybe it's just the west coast?

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I was referring to the direct entry to nursing practice programs (to become and RN, not an NP) that were popular in the 90s. My comments were directed to those types of programs.

I apologize for my 'not very accurate opinion', clearly, my ignorance is showing.

Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
I was referring to the direct entry to nursing practice programs (to become and RN, not an NP) that were popular in the 90s. My comments were directed to those types of programs.

I apologize for my 'not very accurate opinion', clearly, my ignorance is showing.

How are these different from any RN program available now?

Specializes in Mental Health.

Anyway, I'm not sure if MSN programs will completely disappear. I have seen some programs get rid of their MSN in favor of DNP (U of Vermont), but there are still plenty out there. I am applying to psych direct entry programs soon and found around 10 that I can apply to, and there are even more for FNP. So the programs are out there, but you may have to move geographically. But I wouldn't be surprised if slowly these programs transitioned to direct entry DNP programs.

Not all Direct Entry programs lead to a NP. I know of one Direct Entry program that leads to a CNS role, and there are many that lead to CNL preparation (Virginia, Maryland, UCLA, Rush, and others).

In my locale (Virginia), graduates of Direct Entry NP programs faced employment difficulties. Some could only find jobs as new grad RNs in impatient facilities (getting the same jobs as BSN grads). Employers in cities, towns, and suburban areas preferred hiring NPs with BSNs (and there are plenty of them). This left some Direct Entry NP grad to going for the jobs that experienced nurses did not want (retail positions on weekends, rural counties) that did not pay well. The NP employment market varies greatly around the country.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

(I was attempting to quote the "how are these programs different" post above, but my laptop hates me today)

These are not NP programs - they complete the program with the ability to take NCLEX. They are a generic, entry-to-practice program which happens to award a MSN as the degree.

It has been largely replaced with the accelerated BSN for those having a bachelor's in another discipline.

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