What would be a better route: ADN or Entry Level MSN

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Hi Everyone,

I'm really lost about which route would be more logical to go for and I hope you can give me some opinions. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences in 2009. When I found out that nursing is my passion, it was too late to drop out of my major and transfer to a nursing school. Now, I want to become a nurse and start my career. I have researched about the entry level MSN programs at SSU, SFSU, USF, and SMU. I also looked at ADN programs at community colleges like DeAnza, Ohlone, etc. Entry level MSN programs seem like it would be a more logical route, but it is so tough to get into (in terms of GPA, work experience, etc.) whereas ADN programs are easier to get into, but more impacted. My plan is to apply to both types of programs and see which one I can get in first and then go from there. I'm not sure if that's a good choice, what do all of you think? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Please give me some tips. Much appreciated!!

Optimism

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Hi,

I live in the Bay Area Also. I have a bachelor's degree also. I have just been applying to both entry-level MSN programs and ADN programs. I did not get into USF's entry-level program. I am going to go to College of Marin if I get in. I will not have any loans, and it is really close to where I live. If you search for ADN vs. entry-level MSN, you will find several threads dedicated to this topic. There are pros and cons for each route. It really comes down to what is a good fit for you. Good luck!

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I had to make this choice over a year ago, too. I had a BA in Spanish and wanted to do nursing. I ruled out ADN because looking at the accelerated 2nd Bachelors programs and entry-level masters programs it seemed like a waste of time because I would spend more time in school for a lower degree.

I decided that I wanted to attend SMU and was encouraged to apply to both programs but in the end I decided only to apply to the ABSN because I was told that if you do the masters you will never receive your bachelors. I supposed your choice would be if you really want the bachelors or if you just want to be licensed. All I know is that some hospitals have decided that they will ONLY take nurses that have a bachelors (or higher i suppose). In that case you would have to commit to completely the MSN. I had heard that many used to join the MSN programs just to get licensed and get a job then quit the program. For me, the BSN was most important. I finished the program in a year and got licensed. I have loans you won't believe but I am done!

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Hi Everyone,

I'm really lost about which route would be more logical to go for and I hope you can give me some opinions. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences in 2009. When I found out that nursing is my passion, it was too late to drop out of my major and transfer to a nursing school. Now, I want to become a nurse and start my career. I have researched about the entry level MSN programs at SSU, SFSU, USF, and SMU. I also looked at ADN programs at community colleges like DeAnza, Ohlone, etc. Entry level MSN programs seem like it would be a more logical route, but it is so tough to get into (in terms of GPA, work experience, etc.) whereas ADN programs are easier to get into, but more impacted. My plan is to apply to both types of programs and see which one I can get in first and then go from there. I'm not sure if that's a good choice, what do all of you think? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Please give me some tips. Much appreciated!!

Optimism

I'm in the same situation as you. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences at CSUEastBay in 2009 as well. I thought about taking ADN program at a community college at Los Medanos; however, community colleges have that lottery system, so pretty much getting in is by chance or luck. In addition, if you do get in, once you have your ADN license, you wont have much choices ei.. promotion ( this is what I've heard) versus having a BSN or MSN. Good luck!

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Specializes in Surgery/ASC/Urgent Care.

I too had planned to go the ABSN or EMSN at Samuel Merritt. I already have a Bachelors and MBA. However, the cost was over 40K and just did not make alot of sense. Some who already have bachelors and/or masters in other disciplines go the ADN route to get licensed. There are many programss that you can then obtain your BSN or MSN after. (University of Phoenix for one) Something to think about.

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I also have a bachelors degree. When I decided to go back to school for nursing I went to a local university and finished all my pre-req's and applied to their nursing program, but I didn't get in. I was #6 on the waiting list. About a week later I heard about a LPN program that was opening up in my hometown. I really wasn't wanting to be an LPN, but I applied anyway and got in. I figured that LPN would get me to a nursing job quicker and then I could go to an LPN-BSN program. I am now an LPN and I am applying for a local LPN-RN program.

I looked into an Accelerated BSN degree, but in my area it was only offered at a private college. It is a lot of money and even more pre-req's. I didn't want to do all that.

I also looked into going straight to my MSN, but I really didn't know what I wanted to get my masters in and it would cost a lot of money.

So basically the route I went is not for everyone but it was pratical for me. I am single and living with my parents and did not want them to have to support me financially while I completed my BSN (even though they would have). Now I can work as an LPN and save money while I wait to start the RN program. Then switch to PRN when I start school. :)

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Hi Everyone,

I'm really lost about which route would be more logical to go for and I hope you can give me some opinions. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences in 2009. When I found out that nursing is my passion, it was too late to drop out of my major and transfer to a nursing school. Now, I want to become a nurse and start my career. I have researched about the entry level MSN programs at SSU, SFSU, USF, and SMU. I also looked at ADN programs at community colleges like DeAnza, Ohlone, etc. Entry level MSN programs seem like it would be a more logical route, but it is so tough to get into (in terms of GPA, work experience, etc.) whereas ADN programs are easier to get into, but more impacted. My plan is to apply to both types of programs and see which one I can get in first and then go from there. I'm not sure if that's a good choice, what do all of you think? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Please give me some tips. Much appreciated!!

Optimism

hey i'm in the exact same situation...living in the bay area and not sure if I should do the ADN or entry-level masters...I know I want to be a Family NP, but the ADN route seems like it would be better because the CC near me pays 100% of my tuition so it would be FREE! The only thing I'm worried about is that after I get the ADN I'll still have to do 2-3 years of an expensive private school...which I could technically do now without the ADN with a Masters-entry program?? Really confused :/

Plus I've heard Hospitals in the bay area aren't even hiring nursing without a BSN anymore?

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