Straight to the MSN, Skip the BSN?

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Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

Hello everyone!

I'm a soon-to-be nursing student in an ADN program with a prior bachelor's degree in an unrelated field. After completing my ADN, I'm seriously considering the pursuit of an online MSN, as some programs admit students with bachelor's degrees in any field.

So, can anyone share reasons against going the ADN-MSN route that bypasses the BSN altogther? (The programs I am looking into do not award a BSN along the way.) Aside from preventing entry into most nurse anesthesia programs, are there any other drawbacks? My main concern is keeping the option open to move to Ontario, Canada, where a BSN or equivalent is required for entry to practice nursing. (I live near the Canadian border.) I would imagine that an MSN would be acceptable as an "equivalent" there, but I've been told otherwise. Can anyone shed some light?

I look forward to hearing any thoughts. Thanks in advance!

Best,

Wendy

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

To my understanding, I think you have to have your BSN FIRST before you go for your MSN...you can't go from an ADN straight to an MSN. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
To my understanding I think you have to have your BSN [u']FIRST[/u] before you go for your MSN...you can't go from an ADN straight to an MSN. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

You're wrong :) There are many ADN to MSN "bridge" programs out there that cover BSN management core classes as part of the first year of study but do not grant the degree. You keep on plugging past that for the MSN and any advanced practice certifications with it.

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You do not have to have your BSN first.

That's what i plan to do as I will be graduating with my ADN in 2 weeks. I already have a BA and a Masters.

I just need the other one and I'll be done.

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I would encourage you to check with some Canadian employers. I know of one person (a nurse with the VA) who did a RN-MSN program. The VA would not recognize this, and the person had to do a RN-BSN program after they already had the MSN degree in hand.

Sometimes there are certain rules that must be met.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

Dear UVA Grad Nursing:

Thanks for your reply. That's exactly the kind of information I was looking for: the story of someone having to complete a BSN after an MSN to meet some arbitrary rule. I think it's unfortunate that the VA wouldn't recognize the master's, but there are a lot of politics in nursing, as in other professions.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

Dear UVA Grad Nursing:

Hi again!

Did the person who had to do the BSN after the MSN already hold a bachelor's degree in another subject? I'm just wondering if the lack of any bachelor's degree might have been the reason for the VA not to recognize the MSN. Any insight?

TIA,

Wendy

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