To obtain the BSN or not to obtain, that is the question

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I could really use some advice from my fellow nurses. I have been debating for many many months on this topic: do I go for my BSN or should I pursue my BS in Public Health in the hopes of landing a position in epidemiology. I currently have my ADN and I do not like floor nursing. As silly as it sounds I entertain the BSN as a point of validation - but my heart isn't in nursing. My ideal job would be to work for the CDC and my interest lies in epidemiology, hence the idea of going for my BS in Public Health.

So I guess I am looking for opinions on which path I would be the most wise to pursue?! I don't want to be in student loan debt up to my eye balls but that I guess is a necessary evil. Pursuing my BSN would take less time and $ but that just doesn't seem to be the right reasons to go for something where my heart doesn't lie 100%. Thanks in advance for the replies :)

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Trauma ICU.

Well if you don't want to be a nurse I see no point in getting your BSN.

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If you are thinking the CDC or other like work will hire you with a BS in public health for anything other than a real entry-level job with limited prospects, think again. But a BSN with a MPH can write her own ticket. Take the accelerated BSN course and then it's a year for your MPH. In ten years those years will look ridiculously fast ... whether you do them or not. Wouldn't you rather have had them done?

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If you are thinking the CDC or other like work will hire you with a BS in public health for anything other than a real entry-level job with limited prospects, think again. But a BSN with a MPH can write her own ticket. Take the accelerated BSN course and then it's a year for your MPH. In ten years those years will look ridiculously fast ... whether you do them or not. Wouldn't you rather have had them done?

How is the MPH only a year after BSN?

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My thinking was a BSN would open more doors into public health vs a BS in public health. Not sure if there is any truth to that?

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I know some schools ie WGU offer a BSN that can be done in a relatively short period of time, but how is it that a MPH would only take a year to complete?

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Some MPH programs are one year of full-time study (some are two years, and longer if you do a part-time program).

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Thank you for all the replies and insight. I wish I had the luxury of being able to go full time, but I also have to work full time and go to school.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

a BSPH, RN is not nearly as strong as MPH, BSN, RN. MPH programs are 45 credit hours. 1 year is pretty tight, but can be done with dedication. I did mine in 18 months.

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a BSPH, RN is not nearly as strong as MPH, BSN, RN. MPH programs are 45 credit hours. 1 year is pretty tight, but can be done with dedication. I did mine in 18 months.

Keylime - did you get BSN immediately or did you start with an ADN and work your way up?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

My friend earned a BS in public health many moons ago and the only jobs she could find were caseworker positions that offered poor pay and limited prospects. She ended up attending nursing school to get out of the vortex in which she was formerly caught.

The BS in public health is not going to take you very many places career-wise.

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