Accelerated BSN(Nursing) or non-nursing Masters Entry? (bachelors, doctorate, school)

[sunkisses87]

Hello,

I'm trying to debate between two programs to enroll in for next year (Fall 2013). I have no nursing background. Initially I was starting my own business, however because of my son and other engagements that's sort of been placed on the back-burner(though I still free-lance and blog). I've had interest in nursing since I was pregnant with my son. Since then I've been doing research on whether or not it would be a good career move for me. I'm currently a SAHM, but planning on going back to full time work by the time my son is 4/5. I wasn't very passionate about my previous career and I knew that I most likely would leave the field. So here I am. I have two choices: enroll in an accelerated bachelors-to-BSN program to become a nurse or enroll in a masters nursing program. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. From what I've been told some nurses that have masters but have no "experience" in the nursing field upon graduating may have had difficulty getting their foot in the door and may very well have to start off the same way a BSN would start off(financially and career-wise). On the other hand getting a masters may be the better move. If I started the accelerated program I would start it in spring of this year, if I do the masters it would be fall of next year, but I'd have to take the GRE, and Pre-reqs(most likely have to take them this year at the community college). For the BSN I wouldn't have to take pre-reqs or the GRE. I'm undecided about what the best move would be?

[Katiana]

As I understand it, in these master's programs for non-nurses, the first part of the program is geared towards the student getting their nursing basics. I believe it's a kind of BSN/MSN combined program. I have no idea about job prospects. Perhaps you could talk to your intended school about what former students are doing.

[sunkisses87]

Originally Posted by Katiana

As I understand it, in these master's programs for non-nurses, the first part of the program is geared towards the student getting their nursing basics. I believe it's a kind of BSN/MSN combined program. I have no idea about job prospects. Perhaps you could talk to your intended school about what former students are doing.

Yep that is what it is looking like. I'm going to an information session for Vanderbilt on Friday(they have a masters pre-specialty entry for people like me).

[Gatornation]

I was going to say make sure it's a quality program but you answered that with Vandy. Would your masters classes potentially count towards a DNP degree if you went after that in the future?

[sunkisses87]

Originally Posted by Gatornation

I was going to say make sure it's a quality program but you answered that with Vandy. Would your masters classes potentially count towards a DNP degree if you went after that in the future?

I am going for advanced nursing practitioner and Vandy has that program for those with non-nursing backgrounds. I'm not sure about the bolded, I will ask that during the information session on Friday.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by Gatornation

I was going to say make sure it's a quality program but you answered that with Vandy. Would your masters classes potentially count towards a DNP degree if you went after that in the future?

My educated guess would be that the courses for a master's don't count towards a doctorate, but they may be pre-reqs.

[Gatornation]

Originally Posted by sunkisses87

I am going for advanced nursing practitioner and Vandy has that program for those with non-nursing backgrounds. I'm not sure about the bolded, I will ask that during the information session on Friday.

Doctorate in Nursing Practice is going to be the standard for a NP shortly. I'm not sure how many more years a school can have it as a masters level degree.


Doctor of Nursing Practice - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Upstate Nancy]

Originally Posted by gatornation

doctorate in nursing practice is going to be the standard for a np shortly. I'm not sure how many more years a school can have it as a masters level degree.


doctor of nursing practice - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2015.