Should I go with ABSN or entry level Masters?

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I have a bachelors in biology already. I am debating on couple of programs and was wondering what would be better. Now my main interests would be to become a nurse practitioner so I was wondering what would be the best path to achieve that. Taking time and money into consideration.

ABSN program would be one year and a half and I could be a working nurse. I figure I can work a couple of years then apply to NP school. Now I already have a bachelors degree already so I feel like my previous degree was a waste of money.

There is this program that I am considering. I will post up the information and I want you guys to tell me what you think.

Our MSN-Entry program offers a path for graduates from non-nursing fields to obtain RN licensure in four semesters and then earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree through distance learning while working in the field.

As you complete your RN licensure you will choose between three tracks for the MSN portion of the curriculum:

  • Health Systems Leadership-Administrative Nurse Leader
    This program prepares you with the latest knowledge and applied skills to be an effective administrative leader advancing better care, better health, and lower costs. Today's health care systems require nurse leaders who can integrate experience, knowledge, research and technology to effectively lead at the unit, clinic or departmental level.
  • Health Systems Leadership-Clinical Nurse Leader
    This program prepares you as an advanced generalist at the point of care. The CNL is prepared to lead patient safety and quality improvement, evidence-based practice, risk reduction, and care coordination. The CNL works with interprofessional teams caring for a variety of patient populations in all practice settings.
  • Ambulatory Care
    This program prepares you in obtaining advanced clinical and leadership skills in primary ambulatory care or out-patient health care settings. The Ambulatory Care Nurse (ACN) coordinates care for a distinctive group of patients as well as actively engaging indirect patient care including telephonic triage. The ACN evaluates patient outcomes, assesses risk, and provides patient and staff education.

Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Option

MSN-E students who wish to enter the FNP program will first receive their MSN degree and will be required to submit their Post-Masters FNP application. Students wishing to enter the FNP program immediately following completion of the MSN will be given a modified in-house” application and will not be required to re-submit transcripts. Any student who chooses to re-apply at a later date will be expected to follow the same application process as listed on the Post-Masters FNP Requirements web page. MSN graduates will be required to have completed 2080 hours (1 year, full time) RN work experience prior to acceptance into the FNP program. All WesternU College of Graduate Nursing graduates will be given first consideration in the FNP program.

Here is the cost of the program.

[TABLE=class: tablepress tablepress-id-24, width: 405]

[TR=class: row-1]

[TD=class: column-1]Tuition & Fees[/TD]

[TD=class: column-2]$52,485.00[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: row-2]

[TD=class: column-1]Budget Items/Estimated Costs[/TD]

[TD=class: column-2]$28,412.00[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: row-3]

[TD=class: column-1]Loan Fees[/TD]

[TD=class: column-2]$4,887.00[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: row-4]

[TD=class: column-1]Total Budget[/TD]

[TD=class: column-2]$85,784.00 [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: row-5]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

I would like to hear your thoughts. Which do you think is a better route?

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