Thoughts on ADN to MSN then NP?

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jan 15, 2019

Is the ADN to MSN an NP track as well? The advantage of that is you're already pre-admitted to the NP program while you're finishing the BSN portion and you seamlessly transition to the MSN/NP portion afterwards.

If you choose ADN-BSN then MSN/NP later, you have more options to choose from as far as BSN completion programs and you have more time to decide which NP school to attend since you are not locked in to one school.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Jan 16, 2019

So you’ll get and pay for an MSN that you won’t use. Seems like a waste of money when there are a bunch of BSN programs under $10k, and then you can do a graduate program that you will use.

Neo Soldier, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2019

MSN and NP are both masters degrees/programs. Why get two masters? If you can go from ADN to NP that would be great otherwise, get the BSN which could take less than a year and then you have more opportunities in nursing while working on your NP.

arockenhaus1 · Jan 18, 2019

Some of you guys seem to be confused about the difference between NP and MSN. Nurse Practitioner is a title that requires you to hold, at least, an MSN degree. NP isn't a degree. An ADN to MSN program is going to be a straight shot. Depending on the program, you may or may not get a BSN in the middle of the program, but in the end it doesn't matter unless you plan on dropping out in the middle. NPs aren't bedside nurses and no job is going to care if you have a BSN or not if your applying for an NP position. The main draw to doing it the traditional way, ADN to BSN to MSN, is flexibility and that it might be cheaper. You will have more say in where you go to school and if you need to move that will be a lot easier to do. It will probably take longer. At the end of the day, if you know you want to be an NP, then I'd choose the direct route if you have access to one.

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Jan 18, 2019

Rereading the thread, I see the OP never stated whether the RN to MSN program was an NP program or not. I assumed it wasn’t based on a different thread. Having that bit of info would change my answer (or at least cause me to look at additional factors).

TexasmedicRN · Jan 19, 2019

I had someone mention it to me. I do believe a few places offer ADN to MSN finishing with an ACNP. I know of a few that offer ADN to MSN FNP. Just curious. Will probably go do BSN for flexibility and the chance to take a break or deal with any life situations that might arise.