rn to msn or bsn to msn? ?

blusueNP, MSN, APRN · Mar 6, 2014

Hello,

Congratulations on your graduation. Please spell out your words on this post . This is not texting - we like full sentences and correct syntax. My advice is to go to work at least part-time and start getting your pt care experience. Regardless of the path you choose, it will take time. You mentioned that you lack the pre-requisite classes, and these you must have in order to be accepted into a nursing program. You are young - you have the time. Do not be in such a hurry. You will gain much from a good education. Practitioners are entrusted with peoples lives - they need a solid education, not shortcuts.

1) If are worried about "wasting time", don't bother with the "2yr" ADN degree if the NP is your goal. Why? You still need all of the prerequisite classes (2yrs). This is in addition to the 2 yrs of nursing school for a grand total of 4 yrs. So it is really a BSN, only without title!

2) Save yourself the time/money and get into a good 3-4 year BSN program, and then apply to grad school. If you do the bridge program (RN to MSN) and skip the BSN - you will not be able to teach in some states without a BSN somewhere in your educational history, so if this is the case where you live, and you want to teach nursing at some point in your career, then go for the BSN and then apply to a good MSN/NP program with a solid program - preferably one associated with a major university. I say this because they are in turn associated with major medical facilities and offer substantial clinical experiences for NP students.

3) There are many things that you will not be exposed to if you go through a bridge program. Bridge programs are typically condensed and students are under a great amount of pressure academically. You should choose a program that is rigorous and has high expectations of its students. Don' t sell yourself short- do the work and get into a good school- there are far too many substandard schools that are only too willing to take your money and give you a lousy "education" in return - you will lose in the end.

jkaur159, BSN · Mar 6, 2014

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, I am very young and want the best route even if it takes longer. I just don't want to mess up anywhere and it leading to something I didn't want.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Mar 6, 2014

I will preface this with I am not an expert on all of the paths to becoming an NP, I'm not sure there is anyone who is an expert on all of them, but that's another issue. Also, your location, and what your local schools offer may limit your decisions, but here's what I would suggest you consider:

1. I would examine and consider programs that are designed to take you straight through from nothing to your NP degree. You are already doing nursing, most of these programs are more than four years long, and I would think with that you would have sufficient nursing experience by working part-time during the program. These programs are designed to give you your pre-reqs, RN, and then your NP degrees, so it would be one program that would take you from start to finish. This may require relocating depending on what is available in your location.

2. I would lean towards LPN -> BSN -> NP over LPN -> ADN/RN -> NP because there are many MANY more BSN -> NP options, and this would be a more flexible pathway for you. Of course, if you are in a location that only offers an ADN/RN program locally and have a reason to not move, then that limits your options and you can still do that and then do the RN -> NP programs after that.

3. Online vs. On Campus. Although I'm in an online program, I would say that as a young individual without as much life experience and the resources I have, I would lean towards a on campus program if one was available for me. Again, location and family situations may affect this decision, but I think there would be more support, and I would also opt towards a program where the program at minimum had clinical sites established that you could use if you needed. As someone fresh out of high school, without alot of contacts in the provider community (I'm assuming), I wouldn't want to have to find my own preceptors and be responsible for assessing that these providers would be able to educate me to the degree I felt was necessary for my future success. That would be a bit much to ask of yourself.

4. Don't be in a rush to make a decision today. You have time, explore the options, because there are many out there for you to explore. Take the time to research them extensively and then mull over your options. Don't pick the first one that looks good because there are probably alot that are at least as good, and maybe even better. As you learn about what is available your options and choices may change. There is nothing wrong with taking a year to work in your new role, explore the options and then pick the one that best fits your needs.

5. Don't fear your choice. Although you can make a choice that you will regret, you have many years to correct it. Don't be hesitant to chase your dreams. If you think you know what you want, go for it. There is nothing better than working towards a goal that makes you happy.

Good Luck!

jkaur159, BSN · Mar 6, 2014

Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate it. Yes, I am not in any sort of rush to just get it "done". I want the right path even if it takes a year or so more.