Scope of direct entry MSN program

hi,

I have a bachelor's degree in IT and want to get into nursing. I understand that i have many options, ranging from an ADN to a direct entry MSN program. I am in houston and will be an international student.

1. How competitive is it to get into a direct entry MSN program? It depends on the program. More established programs in bigger schools are very competitive (Yale, Penn, Vanderbilt, etc). There are state schools with MSN programs and other programs that vary based on area of the country, but in generall, most schools are competitive and accept only those with sincere interest, good grades/scores, and potential.

2. What is the scope for employment after graduating from a direct entry MSN program? You graduate as an MSN, APN, able to sit for national exams for certification, register in your state, and have the same scope of practice as any other APN/NP.

3. I hear that there aren't many openings for APN's since not many are required. Is this true? The health care field is only expanding, with increasing needs for providers in the forseeable future. Given this, the area and specialty in which you want to work may have higher or lower hire/need rates than other areas. Rural and underserved areas will never have enough providers.

3 Will i be an APN upon graduation? YES.

Thanks

Lee

See answers to your questions above.

Thanks for the reply "Osorry1". I have 2 more questions.

1. Is there a shortage of APN's in the US ?

2 Are hospitals willing to sponsor APN's for employment as easily as they are

for RN's?

thanks again

Lee

hi,

I have a bachelor's degree in IT and want to get into nursing. I understand that i have many options, ranging from an ADN to a direct entry MSN program. I am in houston and will be an international student.

Thanks

Lee

Hello Lee123,

Have you been to the student nurses forum under the thread, "Direct entry programs, how hard to get in" yet?

As for competitiveness...yes, many are as competitive as are the ADN programs, (very much so). I am applying to both and ADN and also a graduate entry program. My adn program has over 300 applicants for about 95 openings, (which is pretty relaxed) my GEP program also has over 300 applicants but only takes 20.

Slim odds and many people suggest having back-up plans and really organizing your package.

This is discussed there and welcome.

Gennaver