What's the best route?

[sunnydaydream]

Hey everyone!

I will be graduating in December with my ASN. I know for sure that I want to continue on with my education, yet I am not sure what path I should take after graduating. Going for a BSN and then working on a Master's or going for the ASN-MSN track. I know that getting a Master's allows options for teaching, managing etc. I know that a BSN is prefered in some hospitals rather than just an ASN and can also be helpful in managing and teaching. Yet, I really don't know what I want to do with my career other than getting out there and working!

Is there advantages in getting a BSN and waiting to get a master's at a later date? Can you be hired for any floor position you want if you have a master's? Also, there are so many different routes to a master's which one do you choose?

Finally, is there any online BSN or ASN-master's programs that you would suggest or NOT suggest... My idea is to get going on this as soon as I can, but most online schools look like they are making you wait until you have graduated and passed the NCLEX which would put me waiting for a program to start in the fall of 2008 or summer of 2008.

Thanks for your advice!!

[ann945n, RN]

If you want to get your MSN you have to get a BSN first, no way of skipping that step. If its a ASN to MSN program they will award you with a BSN sometime during the program. My point is whether you do a ASN to BSN or ASN to MSN its really the same amount of course work. Just figure out what way works best for you.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Actually there are some ADN to MSN programs that do in fact skip the BSN. However, the caveat to this is that if you don't complete the program, you get absolutely nothing.

"Students do not attain a baccalaureate degree in the course of their ADN-MSN studies. Graduates earn an MSN in the graduate area of study they pursue. "

http://www.rushu.rush.edu/nursing/pos/adn_msn.html

This is from the AACN:

"There is a misperception that RN to MSN programs can circumvent baccalaureate level nursing content which is not the case. In fact, the baccalaureate course work embedded in these programs must provide a sufficient bridge to graduate study in order to prepare students to complete graduate level courses and to meet the accreditation standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education."

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/DegreeCompletionProg.htm

However, though you may complete all the needed requirements to fulfill the BSN, you may not necessarily be awarded the BSN.

[arciedee]

If you're not sure what direction you want to take your career I would start off with the BSN. You'll keep your education going, but will give yourself some more time to figure out what you want to get your master's in.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

If you're not sure what direction you want to take your career I would start off with the BSN. You'll keep your education going, but will give yourself some more time to figure out what you want to get your master's in.

That's pretty good advice, but you also need to balance how soon you need to be in the workforce. If you can wait till completing your BSN before entering the field, then do so. That's probably the most time/cost effecient route.

But if you need to work ASAP, then go for a ADN, & do the ADN--> MSN route while employed (maybe getting tuition reimbursement)

[NeosynephRN]

I am thinking about the same things. I think I am going to go ADN-MSN...because I do not have a Bachelors degree...therefore I would still qualify for more financial aid and grants. If you have a undergrad degree then you automatically do not qualify for some aid programs. My thought now is to go out and get 1-2 years exp...then hit it hard to get my MSN. I am just sitting here waiting to take my NCLEX so I can get started! Good Luck!

[akantner]

I've looked into many RN to MSN programs and it appears to save some time. I haven't done a full review, but it appears to save at least half a year by doing it this way instead of getting your BSN then MSN. Check it out for yourself.