What is the Direct Entry MSN?

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Feb 3, 2016

Generally, you will work towards a BSN (Maybe in a year), graduate, sit for NCLEX to become an RN, then finish the MSN portion of the program. Some programs may very well go right to an MSN then take NCLEX. No you will not enter nursing at a higher level. You will not have any experience. The degree alone does not qualify you for nurse management or educator positions. Employers want to see some nursing experience under your belt first. After gaining the experience, you will have a leg up on others because of having a graduate degree. I looked into direct MSN programs but decided to do the accelerated BSN.

I hope this information is helpful.

Good luck!

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 3, 2016

Generally, you get BSN in about 18 months, then MSN within the same program, taking NCLEX somewhere near middle of the road.

IMHO, these programs are ideal for those who already have good working experience in some other area and want to switch it to healthcare with as little of direct care as possible. IT specialist to Nursing/healthcare IT, psychology to mental health nursing education, RD to nursing ed. These programs are accepting mostly adults and so way more sensitive to the needs of second career students.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2016

In the local direct entry program, you do not earn a BSN. You may want to clarify this with the schools you are looking at because most MSN direct entry programs, you do not get a BSN. Some direct entry programs allow you to sit for an NP exam at the end. Some are only NCLEX RN.

Our direct entry MSN program for RNs does not give people a BSN. It is a MSN program. Also, you pay graduate tuition so it's probably going to be more expensive than doing an ADN.

For our local MSN program and for most that I've looked at, you are only in a graduate program for MSN. If you fail out, you don't get a special BSN degree.

kinkin92 · Feb 3, 2016

Thank you this is all very helpful! The schools I am looking at offer the MSN (CNL certificate)/ RN license.

Will the RN license be able to be transferred to other states?

I definitely know I want an advanced specialty degree - either NP or CRNA so when applying to those programs will that be problematic?

I know some of the CRNA schools I have looked up require a BSN but at the end I may have a MSN -- but is mine "really" a MSN degree? Or just pretty much graduate level program that gives out a RN license?

Thank you!

sjalv · Feb 3, 2016

If your end-goal is NP or CRNA, I think it would be more wise to do an accelerated BSN. These programs generally require one to have a bachelor's degree in any field, and are completed generally within 9months to a year. It is intense, but a quick way to get your BSN and subsequently take the NCLEX to get your RN. There is no point in getting your MSN without a focus if your end goal is NP or CRNA. At best, you'll have 1-2 classes out of the way you'll need for your NP/CRNA, but all in all it's a better idea to do an ABSN and then start working so you have the required experience for NP/CRNA school.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2016

It should be a MSN. Each school is different but most will accept a graduate student and allow them to enroll for another MSN or a post graduate certificate.

You should have a real msn. Most will accept in place of the bsn. Some hrs may get picky but most won't.

kinkin92 · Feb 4, 2016

The only concern I have is that I have a Bachelors already and I feel like I am going backwards if I get a BSN. If I continue with this MSN route-- will it be completely impossible to get my NP/CRNA?

I will definitely get minimum 2-3 years of experience to make sure I can qualify.

Thank you for your help! Has helped immensely!

MiHopeFull, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 4, 2016

I'm in the last semester of a direct entry MSN program in Ohio. I will graduate with a MSN, which will allow me to sit for NCLEX and start off as a bed side nurse..If I wish to return for an NP degree I have two options, return for a second masters in a NP speciality, or complete a NP certificate program, such as a certificate in FNP, since I will have an MSN. The draw backs for getting a certificate are, you can not get federal student loans for certificates, and if you take 2-3 more classes you will qualify for the masters. That's how direct entry programs work, from someone who is right in the middle of the struggle.. The reason people get direct entry masters, is because of increased loan maximums for graduate degrees, and how quickly you complete the degree..

kinkin92 · Feb 4, 2016

Are the certificates for FNP or CRNA easy to obtain with the type of MSN we obtain? When you're a bed-side nurse can you work in any department? I really want to be in ICU or Er/ Trauma. Yeah, I have my BA in Biology & Psych and I feel like if I get the ABSN I'm just going backwards.

Thank you! Good luck to you!

MiHopeFull, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 4, 2016

I will mostly likely be starting in a ICU, you will be paid the same as any associate or bachelors trained nurse just with a higher level degree, and yes you can work in any department that will hire a new grad. I don't understand what you mean by easier to obtain? Also, everyone in my school, every nurse I meet in the ICU, and people I meet walking the dog, and my garbage man wants to be a CRNA, so where ever you get get in make sure you get as close to a 4.0 as you can to be competitive get the idea..

kinkin92 · Feb 4, 2016

Thank you for the sound advice! Yes, definitely going to aim high and get that 4.0

Obtain as in, since we have a non-traditional MSN degree when going back to receive let's say NP will it be difficult? This certificate you speak of - is it generally for nurses that want to obtain a different specialty?