RN to BSN or RN to MSN?

[jason4546]

Hi Everyone! I have been thinking lately of further career plans for my nursing journey but am confused as to what route to take. I reside in Southern CA, LA area. I am going to begin an ADN program next month in the local community college. There is a collaboration with University of Phoenix that the college has to obtain a BSN after the ADN in 6-12 months. I eventually want to get an MSN, just unsure of what specialty but I am leaning towards Nurse Educator. There are many RN to MSN programs out there today so should I get my BSN and then go back to school for MSN or just get them both together? I feel I would need years of experience before I go back for a Masters. Furthermore, what schools do you all recommend for either route? Any say on UOP? Also the collaboration with UOP is about 14K total. Is this too much?! Thanks!

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you don't know for sure what you want to specialize in at the MSN level, then you are not ready to enter and MSN program. It would be such a waste of your resources to invest in an MSN now only to figure out that you majored in the wrong thing. For you, it sounds like the best path might be to take 1 step at a time.

However, I've nothing against RN-MSN programs. They are great for people who have enough experience and self-insight to know for sure what they want their graduate specialty to be.

[jason4546]

I agree. I should definitely focus on getting my ADN and then BSN first. I really would like to get experience before making the MSN decision. Thanks!