RN to BSLA to MSN, or RN to BSN/MSN???

[vonda1975]

I recently graduated from Excelsior with my ASN. I was looking into the RN to BSN/MSN combined program. I read a post from someone else that getting a Bachelor's of Science in Liberal Arts and then going into the MSN program may be faster and cheaper since most of the classes can be completed with exams. Is anyone else familiar with this???

[rebel100]

BSLA might be a quicker way to finish but be sure the MSN you want to attend will accept that for admission. They are used to seeing BSN candidates and there may be problems getting into some programs without the BSN. I'm not saying it won't work...I'm saying be sure it will work for you.

Have you taken a look at the RN to BSN track at WGU? RN to BSN Online | Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree Program | WGU College of Health Online They also offer a self paced online no clinical rotation MSN...I think half the nurses at my hospital might be enrolled or thinking of enrolling in their program.

One other issue...as hospitals seek "nursing excellence" designation the specific number of nurses with either a BSN or MSN begin to count. They have to have a certain percentage of staff with those specific degrees. My point is that as a nurse, particularly working in a hospital, is well served holding a BSN it can mean employment and promotion. Depending on your ultimate goals a BSN might be much more beneficial to you.

[bluebooger]

I recently graduated from Excelsior with my ASN. I was looking into the RN to BSN/MSN combined program. I read a post from someone else that getting a Bachelor's of Science in Liberal Arts and then going into the MSN program may be faster and cheaper since most of the classes can be completed with exams. Is anyone else familiar with this???

perhaps you're thinking of an accelerated nursing program
https://www.google.com/search?q=accelera...g+programs

these are usually for people who have non-nursing 4 year degree
I don't know if they take someone who already has nursing credits

they might, you'd have to check the schools

anyway, these accelerated nursing program are usually 15 months long, full time, 5 days a week, 8am-5pm
starts in the summer and finishes in winter of the next year

once you complete the program you get a BS in Nursing
a lot of schools automatically accept you into their Masters program at that point -- you don't have to attend the Masters, but you can if you want -- and if you have the money

the masters programs are "normal" masters programs -- not accelerated


I don't know of any MS programs that accept someone without a BS in Nursing -- it would be interesting to hear if any do

[amielynne]

I'm actually applying to three MSN programs after I complete my BS at COSC. They are direct-entry accelerated MSN programs here in the Cincinnati area. Most MSN programs do require a BSN accept for the type I'm applying for. I do know that certain MSN programs will accept RN's who have a bachelors in something other than nursing, into the MSN program. Frontier Nursing University and Vanderbilt are two of them, both have online options.

[amielynne]

Btw, quite a few colleges have an ADN to MSN path too. Skip the BSN altogether....The two named above do as well.

[dmjacobsen]

First off, congrats on graduating!

As a nurse myself, I'd strongly urge you to go the BSN route. You will not be competitive with a Bachelors in Liberal Arts when you move on to the MSN level. Yes, there are programs where the BSN is not needed. But, if you're accepted, what you will end up doing in these programs is back-tracking and taking a lot of BSN-level "bridge" nursing courses before entering the MSN program. This will add a lot of time, cost, and headache to the process. Of course, I am not familiar with *all* direct-entry MSN programs, but a vast majority of them operate this way.

Have you considered WGU for your RN-to-BSN? I completed their program in 14 months, although I have read stories of students completing the program in MUCH less time. The tuition was very reasonable compared to my local university's RN-to-BSN program that would have taken me longer to complete. After getting my BSN from WGU, I was accepted into a local FNP/MSN program with no problem.

Good luck to you in whatever decision you make.

[Gaz]

Vonda,

You may have read one of my posts. I was speaking specifically about the Excelsior MSN program. Having said that, they are not the only school that accepts non-nursing bachelor's degrees for RNs applying to an MSN program.

This is direct from the Excelsior Nursing catalog:
"The MS in nursing degree program is open to anyone who has earned a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution and who is licensed to practice as a registered nurse."

Gaz

[Gaz]

I should also mention that I agree with dmjacobsen's post. I plan on completing my BSN first. Nursing is competitive; I feel that earning an MSN straight out of an ADN program would be more of a hindrance for me personally. If I already had several years of nursing experience (I have 27 years of health care experience but nobody cares, trust me.) and my goal was to simply move up the ladder I would consider bypassing the BSN.

[vonda1975]

I actually decided to enroll in the RN to MSN program. I will graduate with a BSN and an MSN. Thanks!

[cookderosa]

I actually decided to enroll in the RN to MSN program. I will graduate with a BSN and an MSN. Thanks!

FWIW, I think you made the right decision!