Recent thoughts of MSN

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi there. I've just started toying with the thoughts of going back to school after 5 years hospital nursing (4years ICU) for MSN. I'm not sure if I want NP or Nurse/Patient Educator. MSN would be the right next step from BSN, correct? I live in the north Boulder/Denver Colorado area. Any thoughts on good colleges to look into in this area? Anyone with experience with University of Pheonix online? Are all the classes online with maybe local, self found clinical? Thanks for your help.

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Yes, the MSN is the next logical step. Most programs have a few generic classes in the beginning, but you really ought to have some goal in mind or you will waste time and money. Check out the local universities first as they are probably cheaper than U. of Phoenix and you will have the advantage of using their library and other resources. Talk to their advisors or Dean to get some direction. Graduate school is more personal than BSN. You will get to know your instructors much better, so start right now by putting in some time to make contacts. Good luck. I think you will be happy you made this decision.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Can't speak to colleges in Colorado, but I did the MSN program via University of Phoenix with a concentration in management and leadership. Then...I'm now doing an advanced practice nurse via my local college of nursing. UoP is expensive, but I thought very doable.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

I am starting an on-line masters at Cal State Dominguez Hills in January. As a California resident, I pay resident tuition, but they have a national program that is $225 a unit. It is worth looking into. They have both FNP and educator. I agree with a previous poster that it is good to do some soul searching before you start. I was trying to choose between the two and finally realized that what I really wanted to do was teach--not treat patients independently. It took a real weight off my shoulders and I am very much looking forward to starting! Good Luck!

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I completed my MSN through UOP very doable on line; check out the state some have grants for working in rural setting. UOP has a NP track but does require some other things not sure . Doing school at night in front of computer in PJ's rather than driving 60 miles twice three times a week was a very wonderful way to go.

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I am starting my Masters online at Regis( which is based in Colo). I am going down the education track.Currently I am residing in Wisconsin, teaching Surgical Technology at a technical college, but with my Masters want to move over to the ADN program. My question is about finacial aid. Does any one have web sites i can look at. Everything I see for loan forgiveness pertains for MD, NP, but not for nursing instructors

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
I am starting my Masters online at Regis( which is based in Colo). I am going down the education track.Currently I am residing in Wisconsin, teaching Surgical Technology at a technical college, but with my Masters want to move over to the ADN program. My question is about finacial aid. Does any one have web sites i can look at. Everything I see for loan forgiveness pertains for MD, NP, but not for nursing instructors

This is an excellent resource and place to begin your search:

http://www.nlnfoundation.org/

http://www.nlnfoundation.org/pressreleases/scholsep122005.htm

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