mrhappy

I'm 37, male, and have a Master's degree in Biology. I've applied for the Master of Nursing program at UMN for Fall 2010 and just completed one semester of prereq. courses there. I have three more courses to take Spring semester. If I don't get into UMN's program, which only accepts students once per year and, unless things change for 2010, has only 48 available seats, I'll probably apply to Rush University's MSN program in Chicago, which accepts students twice per year and has more seats and a higher acceptance rate. Since I'm not sure what type of Nurse I'd like to become yet (other than a good one ), I'm not being too picky about MN vs. MSN. Hopefully I won't regret that decision. I love Minnesota and would like to stay here if possible though. All of my previous education was in CA, and I think that UMN is a great school.

I appreciate your legitimate concern. I would only apply to accredited programs with reputable and highly rated universities, as is the one nearest me. I think accelerated programs (and any programs) can only provide a foundation, and that there is no substitute for actual, on the job experience. Given my current age and life situation, going for an accelerated MSN program is the most feasible option for me.

Thanks for the thoughtful advice, everyone. If I can manage it, I will probably go for a Master of Nursing degree program. The programs are typically about 16 months long (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall) and are for students with a bachelors or higher degree in any field. Hopefully my extensive scientific/life sciences experience from a background in Biology will be useful in some way or another. The grad. advisor to a local program I'm looking at said having a Master's degree is a plus as far as competitiveness for getting into an accelerated MSN program. BUT, first I have to fill some prerequisites. Thanks again.

Hi folks, I'm interested in your feedback. I have a Master's degree in Biology and am considering one of two routes: (1) either going back to school for an Associate's degree in Nursing that will allow me to take the exam, or do two semesters of prereq. (either didn't take the specific courses or they are outdated - older than 10 years) and apply for an accelerated MSN program. With the community college route, educational expenses are less and programs are easier to get into, but I'd only have an Associate's degree in Nursing with a Master's degree in Biology. With the MSN, educational expenses are more costly and accelerated MSN programs are quite competitive to get into. Do you think that with an Associates degree in Nursing and a Master's degree in Biology, I'd have similar opportunities for advancement compared with having the MSN?