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I have to chime in because I feel that some of these responses (in many other threads, not just this one) are incomplete or have inaccurate info. There are different masters programs that offer you a MSN degree. Some take you straight to a NP and take somewhere around 2-4 years to compete depending on the pace. Others provide a generalist MSN degree that prepares you to practice as an RN with the title of "Clinical Nurse Leader" (if you pass that licensing test). The CNL positions are attainable after getting experience as a RN. I have heard of people struggling to find jobs after a direct entry NP programs, but have not heard of (around my area and from internet browsing) anyone with a generalist MSN degree struggling any moreso than new BSN grads. In my CNL program, we have more clinical hours than the BSN program and our grads are very well prepared after graduation and have no problem finding jobs. That could be possibly be different in various areas, but I don't see any legit reason why it would. If you want to do a generalist MSN degree on your way to becoming a NP, there are post-masters certificates you can work on after you graduate and while working. These do not have to cost an additional "50k" as stated above. The one I plan on doing is $15-20k and grants you a certificate (not another degree) to take the NP licensing test. I was in a similar position as you. I strongly encourage you to search the forums for these types of questions and responses. There are dozens. The deciding factor for me was qualifying for loans I needed but only at the graduate level.

Anonumous666, I think you should have listened to me. maybe next time!

There are indeed programs that offer a MSN for students with a non-nursing degree. A CNL is not an advanced practice position. If someone wants to become a NP after a CNL MSN, there are certificate programs designed to accomplish that.

Congrats Terri8, I'm sure we'd all love to hear about your offers!

OP, it seems like you might as well stop following this thread. Online forums can be great, but they can also be a huge pain in the rear, especially when people don't take the time to read your responses throughout the thread and feel like unloading all of their years of annoyances on you. Been there, done that. When threads get derailed like this one, I personally choose to peace out instead of spend time/energy with the frustration and defending. I recommend it! ??✌️

Yes, look into specific programs you are interested in and see what courses they require before signing up. I haven't seen any in my area that didn't require anatomy and physiology and microbiology, so I think you can start there. But some schools are very picky as to which college they'll accept credit from, so again it's best to look at which programs you want to pursue and go from there.

I thought I would say that I'll have much more than that amount of debt when I'm done and while I am worried about it, it is the best decision for me. I am starting on the path to become a nurse practitioner and looked at many factors for the decision. While it is certainly not ideal to have a lot of student loan debt, the cost of higher education these days makes it almost impossible to avoid for someone in my (and it sounds like your) shoes. Good luck!

I don't think it's much ado about nothing to care about the future of your profession. Anyone pretending they operate in an isolated bubble is unrealistic.

I certainly don't apply the common sense argument to the intricacies of diagnosis and treatment in practice. From my latest research on the topic, outcomes from NP providers have passed the muster test. My argument for common sense was directed toward the apparent argument that there has to be mounds of statistical data to prove some of the "benefits" of some NP programs (mostly online education, little oversight in selecting preceptors, minimal clinical hours) are not as beneficial as more rigorous requirements offered at the vast majority of PA and MD programs. There are several reasons I am not pursuing either of those options, but most are logistical and not because of the quality of education or format of instruction, which I do believe is superior. I appreciate the emphasis on having data and statistics to prove this, but I'm not sure who/what organization would pay to gather this type of information on a statistically significant large scale. If anyone knows of any studies related to this, I'd be interested to see them. I hope this response makes sense. I'm on my phone and I woke up too early today. ?

It's called common sense. Just because something doesn't have mounds of data behind it doesn't mean you can't logically compare facts and come to a conclusion. A program that thoroughly vets its preceptors vs a program that allows you to pick any NP you want... Let's logically think about which choice has a greater likelihood of higher caliber clinical experiments. I'm interested in eventually becoming a NP, and of course I think the current NP model is inferior to the MD model. How is that even a question? Disregarding the whole 11+ years of education and training thing, MD programs have much stricter requirements for accreditation than NP programs. And yes, it would be an ideal world if event could obtain the level of education they desire in their current residence and not have to sacrifice to obtain NP licensure by moving, but that's just not realistic. The question shouldn't be about a students desire to obtain education in their home community, but what is best for both the patients whose lives are in our hands and also the future of the NP role and viability as a solid career option.

I like your lifelong learning plan! And I didn't mean "leaving the bedside" as in never working near it again. I'm not sure of a better generalized way to describe career paths other than staff nursing, so that's what I used. I can definitely see how a nurse manager position can be stressful! Do you think they are in a position to make a positive difference in the working conditions for their nurses or not so much?

This applies to lots of areas in life, as well. And the search bar will point you to many threads with good information.

I've never been a subscriber to the belief that hair needs to be back and away from the face for an interview. I've almost always had my hair down and curled because I feel most confident that way. It doesn't seem to have held me back. If you're going to do a ponytail, I would recommend making sure it looks smooth but not like a hairspray helmet. I'd also tease the ponytail to add volume and curl the ends. As another poster mentioned, wrapping a section of hair around the elastic helps, but That can be hard to do right in my experience. Good luck!

I already have a bachelor's but had zero pre-req sciences completed. On top of that, I wasn't sure which type of program I would apply to (PA, direct entry NP, ASN/BSN/MSN) or which school, so I had to take a lot of course just in case. I took 19 hours (4 sciences and psych) last fall, took A&P this spring, and will finish Micro this summer followed immediately by nursing school!

This. And also, a bird in the hand... Always give yourself options and in this market don't turn away a good job in a department you know you like. Best is the enemy of good, or whatever that saying is! Not to be a Debbie downer, but until you have an official signed offer in writing, don't assume it's in the bag, so definitely don't shoot yourself in the foot in that way, either.