UMD Accelerated BSN program now is Clinical Nurse Leader Program

Just to get a different perspective, I'm planning to get a Masters, and I'm 90% sure that I want to become a CNM, but I would think that geting the BSN first would allow you to get some practical experience before committing yourself to a Master's program...but ppl with Bachelor's degrees may not get the option anymore, from what I've seen. I know that UVa is piloting the same type of MSN program, and today I heard from one of my professors that CUA is thinking about doing this as well. Apparently some people balk at the prospect of getting "only another bachelors" and would rather get a MSN after already having been through undergrad.

Hopkins has a very flexible program. You can either apply for a direct entry BSN/MSN program or just go for the BSN/RN. After you get your BSN/RN, you can work for a year and then go on for your masters (another 2 years). Or you can go to school straight through. If you work across the street at Hopkins hospital, the hospital will pay for your tuition while you are working. I just think that having a BSN/RN is a good investment even if you have BS in another field.

Smile123

The problem I found was that most Masters in Nurse Midwifery require you have a BSN to be considered for admissions, unless it is a direct entry program. I just don't want to pay for a masters I am not going to use (the masters program is $10,000 more than the BSN program). I think that some applicants are excited about this new program, which is great! I just don't think it is for everyone, and I don't think Maryland should have assumed that we would have all been excited to have been offered "an apple instead of an orange."

When I called them, they were understanding and offered me a spot in the traditional program. I figure what is an extra 6 months in the big scheme of things!

The problem I found was that most Masters in Nurse Midwifery require you have a BSN to be considered for admissions, unless it is a direct entry program. I just don't want to pay for a masters I am not going to use (the masters program is $10,000 more than the BSN program). I think that some applicants are excited about this new program, which is great! I just don't think it is for everyone, and I don't think Maryland should have assumed that we would have all been excited to have been offered "an apple instead of an orange."

When I called them, they were understanding and offered me a spot in the traditional program. I figure what is an extra 6 months in the big scheme of things!

That's excellent you called them and they offered a spot in the traditional program. I don't think most applicants would have thought of that or even considered that option.

Smile123

The problem I found was that most Masters in Nurse Midwifery require you have a BSN to be considered for admissions, unless it is a direct entry program. I just don't want to pay for a masters I am not going to use (the masters program is $10,000 more than the BSN program). I think that some applicants are excited about this new program, which is great! I just don't think it is for everyone, and I don't think Maryland should have assumed that we would have all been excited to have been offered "an apple instead of an orange."

When I called them, they were understanding and offered me a spot in the traditional program. I figure what is an extra 6 months in the big scheme of things!

Many applicants are misinformed about UM's new Master of Science Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Program. If you have a BS degree and want to earn a Master's Degree to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), then this is the best route to take. After graduating with your MSN CNL in 16 months, you need to find a NP program that is a Post-Master's Program. You will have already finished the core classes for any NP program and this may save you time in the long run. I graduate next week with my BSN and I wish that I was offered the opportunity to go into the CNL program. The program is going to be very difficult. Just so you know, in the next ten years, most of the MSN-NP programs in the US will be entry level doctorate programs.

Check out this link for more information about the CNL http://nursing.umaryland.edu/ClinicalNurseLeader.pdf

Thanks for the info! I wish UMD had explained it a little better in their acceptance letter. They were very vague in the description of the program and they made it sound like all you could do after you graduated was be a CNL. I realize this is the first year that they are implementing this new program, and that is why they probably are not being very specific at this time.

Because I want to be a CNM, I think that doing the BSN program first is still a wise choice for me, however, I think that people who are considering all other types of NP specialties should seriously consider doing this program and then the post-masters certificate as you suggest. Thanks for your wisdom! This is great advice!

Well, I'm not going to defend the level of organization at UMAB ( I graduated '04 with my BSN). However, I will say this. I am currently applying to medical school, more or less debt-free. This would not have been possible had I been suffering $50,000 in Hopkins grade loan debt. This will be a major issue after you graduate and will be stuck paying $200-$500/ month for the rest of your professional life.

HELP!!!! Looking for a Clinical Nurse Leader to interview for a paper due in 9 days.