3 Years into B.A. - Best Way to NP from Here?

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Hi everyone!

I have been researching the different routes to becoming an NP and reading a ton on the forums here. I'm a little unsure of which path is most efficient and most realistic.

Thank you very much in advance for your thoughts and helping me figure this thing out!

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I always wanted to be in the medical field, yet when it came time to enter college at 17, my dad convinced me to settle for a business degree ("med school is too expensive"). Three years in, I left and continued my freelancing work. It's been 7 years since I left school, and in hindsight I realize it was silly to leave with only 2 semesters left to complete my B.A. :wtf:

Fast forward to now! I was accepted to UMUC to finish my degree, which would take me about 12 months (or less) since they graciously transferred almost all of my credits.

I will also need to complete prerequisites in anatomy, biology, etc. on top of my B.A. to be accepted into BSN/MSN programs. Probably another 9 months.

So now I'm wondering if I should start like this...

Finish B.A. (12 mo.) + Prereqs (9 mo.)

--> Accelerated BSN (12-18 mo.)

--> BSN-MSN (12-18 mo.)

= 4-5 years (not including possibly earning DNP)

OR

Forget finishing B.A. and go straight for...

--> ADN (2-2.5 yrs. - instead of 3ish due to transfer credits)

--> RN-MSN (18 mo.)

= 3.5-4 years (not including possibly earning DNP)

What do you think? Am I missing another great option or are one of these the winner? Thanks for the advice!

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I would go with the second option, just because you will be a NP in a shorter period of time. Plus, an adn program would be a bit easier and less stressful than an accelerated bsn program.

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't think you need an MSN to get into a DNP program, just a BSN and maybe experience as an RN. If you go with option 2, you will still end up needing most of the prerequisites that you would have needed for the BSN. Option 2 probably is a lot cheaper too.

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I'm confused, if you want to be a nurse why do you need the B.A.? I's that for you to work?

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@Simplistic Thank you! :)

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I don't think you need an MSN to get into a DNP program, just a BSN and maybe experience as an RN. If you go with option 2, you will still end up needing most of the prerequisites that you would have needed for the BSN. Option 2 probably is a lot cheaper too.

You're right, you don't need an MSN to get into a DNP program, it's just seems like a quicker stepping stone to NP (I'd love to have experience as an NP first before going into a DNP program).

I appreciate the help! Definitely leaning more toward option 2 now.

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I'm confused, if you want to be a nurse why do you need the B.A.? I's that for you to work?

It's because I am almost done with it and I could skip the ADN and go for an accelerated BSN. Weighing the options. :specs:

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Specializes in Neuro.

Finish your BA and then get into whatever nursing school will take you first ADN, BSN or ABSN. Keep in mind many nursing programs are very competitive to get into, you may not get into your first choice or the first time or two you apply. I'm not trying to be a downer, just realistic. Most importantly, *be a nurse first*and get nursing experience before rushing to become an NP. Again, just being the voice of reason, it's always possible you could get in there and faint at the sight of blood or not like working with patients after all. Point is, one step at a time and be flexible, your plans may be forced to change.

Good luck.

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Finish your BA and then get into whatever nursing school will take you first ADN, BSN or ABSN. Keep in mind many nursing programs are very competitive to get into, you may not get into your first choice or the first time or two you apply. I'm not trying to be a downer, just realistic. Most importantly, *be a nurse first*and get nursing experience before rushing to become an NP. Again, just being the voice of reason, it's always possible you could get in there and faint at the sight of blood or not like working with patients after all. Point is, one step at a time and be flexible, your plans may be forced to change.

Good luck.

Thank you for your input! I appreciate it. :) That makes a lot of sense.

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Specializes in ICU.

If it were me, I would finish my BA then go for the ABSN then MSN program. Or you could finish the BA and then go into a masters entry level program where you can go straight into a MSN with the BA, if you are looking to be done faster. To me I would feel as if all the classes I took and being so close to the BA it would be somewhat of a waste. Plus, if you are close to a bachelors why go backwards to get an associates? Also, in most places getting a nursing job is going to be easier with a BSN. I think that an extra year or so is definitely worth the extra degree. Just my opinion and what I would do if it were me.

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