The Accelerated MSN Program (which is NEW for 2010) for people with no nursing background (i.e. a degree in another field) gives you a Generalist Master's Degree. All I know about this degree is that it is NOT an advanced practive degree. I believe you will be qualified to work in RN-type leadership positions - basically a nurse manager. The RN to MSN Program is actually an RN to BSN to MSN program, and I believe it actually gives you an advanced practice degree. For this one you do need to have your RN, so if you have a Bachelors in something else you should consider doing the Accelerated BSN program and then the MSN program following that. You need nursing experience to get a MSN that allows for practice as an advanced practice nurse. Basically everybody has been right in their own Hope this clears things up for everyone.