RN to BSN vs RN to MSN

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Hello to all!

This is so premature, but I know I want to further my education beyond my associates in nursing. I have been accepted into nursing school (yipee!) and ultimately want to earn my MSN. I notice that there are programs for RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, and RN to MSN. Aside from the obvious difference in the degree that is achieved and the time required in each program, what are the differences in taking the RN to BSN then BSN to MSN versus the RN to MSN? Do you ultimately earn your bachelors while earning your MSN if you go RN to MSN? I guess I'm wondering if there is any type of disadvantage to going straight from an associates to a masters. It seems like you'd be skipping a necessary degree, but I really don't know. I have checked a few different school websites, but I have yet to find a comparison of the two programs and the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Any insight will be greatly appreciated!

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I was wondering the same. I hope someone has some insight.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I am also wondering the same thing!

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Hey,

I have done tons of research on this...Usually if it says RN to BSN/MSN it means after you are awarded a BSN (usually in 3 semesters) you will usually go straight into your MSN program with that same school. A lot of times these programs will have bridge courses that allow you to complete your MSN faster because you are doing both your BSN and MSN with that particular school. A true RN to MSN program for example, Samford University in Birmingham, AL which also has the bridge courses for faster completion but there is not a BSN awarded which can put you right back in where you started if you fail out but also eliminates a degree you may not need for your ultimate goal. Hope this helps! :)

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Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

It depends on what you want to do once you. There are some areas that require you to get the BSN before getting the certification. (Such as CRNA.) If you want to get into education or administration, then the RN to MSN would be fine. (I've been looking into this myself, also a little prematurely. LOL)

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Hey I've been looking into this too and I was also wondering the same thing. what schools are the most affordable and offer these types of online programs?

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