RN to MSN is classified as a nursing bridge program which enables Registered Nurses to obtain their MSN (Masters Degree in Nursing) immediately after earning their BSN. The classes are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student; therefore, nurses are able to eliminate any overlap between MSN and BSN courses, as they receive the maximum amount of advanced placement credit for their BSN work as possible.
RN to MSN Overview
Admissions Requirements
While schools tend to vary in the requirements they are looking for, the following things are typically required:
-A valid RN license
-An overall GPA of 3.0
-A Graduate from an accredited diploma program/associate degree
-BLS Certification
-Diversity of experience, e.g. fluent in other languages, knowledge of other cultures, study abroad
-Personal Goal Statement
-A transcript (official) of all schools attended
-3 Reference Letters
-Work Experience
-Non-Academic Considerations
-Extracurricular Activities
-General education requirements for the BSN completed (55-58 credits)
How Much is Tuition for RN to MSN Programs?
Just as programs differ in admission requirements and content, they also differ in cost. While a state school is substantially cheaper ($12,000) than a private school ($60,000), the quality of education will not compare to what you would receive at a private school. These fees exclude books, lab fees and registration, so make sure you include these costs when budgeting for your education.
For those who may need financial aid, scholarships, loans and grants are often available.
How Important is Accreditation?
Enrolling in a program which has been accredited is a must. Accreditation proves that the education you will receive will adequately prepare you to enter the workforce.
Career Advancement
An RN to MSN program opens up many doors for registered nurses. However, career advancement depends on the specialization chosen. This includes:
-Clinical Nurse Specialist
-Certified Nurse Midwife
-Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Anaesthetist
-Nurse Educator
-Nurse Executive
-Nurse Practitioner
-Nurse Researcher
Nurses who hold a MSN degree have greater career opportunities available to them than nurses who hold an RN diploma or a BSN degree. Some opportunities which are available are in executive or teaching positions; these are very well paid in demand positions with very attractive benefits. If a nurse decides against an executive or teaching role, he/she can choose to go down the clinical path route, with pay being substantially higher than a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, and in fact higher than the vast majority of positions in the field of nursing.
MSN degree holders can also practice under the supervision of a physician - this type of role is called a "Physician Extender," as nurses are able to offer care to patients, and increase the productivity of the physician's office, all without compromising patient care.
How Can I Choose the Best RN to MSN Program?
Accreditation
As mentioned, accreditation is very important. Therefore, narrow your selections to only those schools which have been fully accredited. If you don't, you can waste your time, money and energy on a degree which is often regarded as worthless.
Specialization
To ensure you choose the right specialization, ask yourself what your goals are. Do you want to pursue a career in education or administration, stay in clinical nursing, or become a Nurse Anaesthetist etc? This is a vital step, as not only will it affect the position you will be able to hold, but also because not all programs offer the same specializations.
One more thing to keep in mind is whether you prefer a classroom based program, or an online program.
Cost
As mentioned, the cost of an this type of bridge program varies significantly for a state school compared to a private school. You must find out which type of school you can afford, and then discover and apply for any financial aid/or and scholarships which may be available. It is also worth seeing whether a tuition reimbursement program is offered by your employer.
Work Experience Credit
One last thing to consider is whether the program you are planning to apply to will give you credit for the work experience, or any course you may have already taken. If the answer is yes, the cost of the program may be lower, and you may be able to complete a RN to MSN program in a shorter amount of time. As each school has their own specific policy regarding credit, you should ask the school what their policy is.
At times, nursing can be a challenging career, but with the satisfaction of knowing that you can make a difference to peoples' lives, it all becomes worth it. Anyone who wants to evolve beyond the position of a RN and/or wants to earn more money should seriously consider enrolling in an RN to MSN program
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