Which path for degree? BSN or MSN?

klone, MSN, RN · Jan 15, 2014

My recommendation, since you already have a bachelor's degree, is to do an Accelerated BSN program. Once you've done that, if you want to get your MSN, you can do it part-time or online while working (if you're able to get a job - sorry, just have to throw that out there - caveat emptor)

Oh, and welcome! :)

elkpark · Jan 15, 2014

If, by "get a 2 year degree and use my BA," you mean that an ADN plus a BA in English would be considered the same as having a BSN, you are mistaken. You have lots of choices, though; you can do an ADN degree and decide later about any further nursing education; you can look at the possibility of transferring into a traditional (non-accelerated) BSN program; you can apply to accelerated BSN programs; or you can apply to the "direct-entry" MSN programs for those with no nursing background but a BA/BS in something else. There are so many individual variables for each person's situation (e.g., do you need to work while you're in school? Where are the programs located? Are employers in your area hiring ADN grads? (That is becoming an issue in a lot of places)) that no one here can give you a definitive answer of what would be best for you. I encourage you to talk to all the nursing programs in your area and see what they have to offer you.

"Quickest" is not necessarily the best choice.

Best wishes for your journey!

CaffeineJunky · Jan 16, 2014

Thanks for the replies.

I think I will try and look at all my options I have at this point. I was just thinking that it would be less expensive and quicker to get into the field with an ADN and having a BA would give me a boost. I don't know. I'm still learning and trying to understand the best option for me. I will need to work while attending school.

klone, MSN, RN · Jan 16, 2014

When it comes to nursing, other previous degrees really aren't going to give you a leg up, unless possibly they're in some healthcare or management related discipline.

DedHedRN · Jan 16, 2014

Nothing quick or easy about a two year degree. They require the same amount of classes as a BSN and the same amount of clinical time. Go BSN if you have the time and money.

Runner02 · Jan 18, 2014

Hi,

Just wanted to add my input. I also had a BA before deciding to pursue nursing. I've worked in healthcare for over 10 years and I am currently at UH. I initially set out to get the ADN because I felt it was the quickest route. At the time I was looking there were no accelerated BSN programs that were nights/weekends in order to continue working full time. I am currently attending Chamberlain College of Nursing in Cleveland and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was all set up to go to a community college when I found out about CCN. I was a student in their very first night/weekend offering (Sept.'13). I did my science based courses at cc and saved about $14k doing it that way. Everything I took transferred into CCN. Yes, it's expensive but it's well worth the $. It's personalized attention and you'll work with the best faculty. They legitimately care about your success and understanding of the material. There are so many resources available to the student and they will work with you to make sure you're doing your best. The admissions people are awesome. They give you the info you need without putting any pressure on you to commit to them. I highly recommend coming to an open house. You'll talk with current students to get honest feedback. I went this route because it's my overall goal to become an NP. Shaving 2 years off that process was very important to me. Also, having a bachelors, I felt it was important to progress my education and get the BSN. I know you mentioned you'd be wasting time having to do all your sciences but you'd still be doing that either way. I did mine at cc and now at CCN I'll have the BSN in 2yrs 8wks. You do have the option of doing all your core general courses at CCN and you'll graduate in 3 yrs. I was able to take 8wk classes with tri c to speed that up.

Good luck to you and I hope you check into CCN Cleveland a little more. I'm working full time and taking full time classes. I feel it's the support of the faculty and staff that is helping me make this manageable. Many of the evening/wkend students work full time and have children and we're making it work. I'm also pretty motivated having figured out what I want to do with my life.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jan 20, 2014

I also vote for the accelerated BSN program, but taking what you can at the CC and transferring the credits. The ABSN program should be able to give you a list of exactly what will transfer.

Palliative Care, DNP · Jan 22, 2014

If you know you want an MSN and can find a reputable RN to MSN program then go for it. Old Dominion University in VA offers one.