California State University Dominguez Hills School Of Nursing
Three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the School of Nursing at California State University, Dominguez Hills. They offer a Direct Entry MSN pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a BSN to MSN pathway.
The universitys accelerated Direct Entry Program is an accelerated program designed for those with a non-nursing Bachelors degree seeking to become a Registered Nurse. The program requires 75 credits and more than 1000 hours of clinical experience. It can be completed in just six semesters of full-time study over 2 years. Students in the program earn an MSN with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader.
The RN to MSN pathway is offered to RNs who hold a non-nursing Bachelors. They complete pre-requisite BSN courses along the way to their MSN.
Registered Nurses pursuing their MSN can choose from several roles/specializations including the following:
- Nurse Administrator
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry MSN program are required to hold a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study. Grades of B or better are required in all science pre-requisites . Grades of B or better are strongly recommended in all other pre-requisite courses. Students are also required to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant course prior to entering the program.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
What Competencies Will You Gain During A Bsn Vs Msn Program
While the BSN degree qualifies you to work as a registered nurse in a variety of health care facilities, the MSN degree gives you the chance to work as an educator or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The main difference is that a BSN RN focuses more on hands-on patient care, while an MSN RN covers leadership, administration and educational roles, and can still work bedside patient care.
That is why the skills that you gain during these programs are quite different.
Masters In Nursing Specializations
Because the health care field is so broad, many doctors, nurses and other health care professionals elect to specialize. Choosing a specialty dictates the focus of an MSN program. For instance, a family nurse practitioner curriculum focuses on developing treatment plans for patients, educating patients on how to avoid disease, encouraging healthy habits, performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results, and managing a patients overall health care.
On the other hand, a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner concentration focuses on making psychiatric diagnoses, conducting physical and mental health assessments, designing treatment plans , and providing education to patients and their relatives regarding the ways to promote mental health.
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What Are The Advantages Of Having An Msn Degree
Now that you know what is the difference between a BSN and an MSN, here are a few reasons why people choose to get their masters degree:
- It opens up more career opportunities. A nurse with an MSN can ultimately choose to do the job of a nurse with a BSN degree plus have additional opportunities that bring about more responsibility. Moreover, certain positions at prestigious hospitals and health care organizations may give preference to candidates who have their MSN as well.
- There can be a significant pay increase. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a nurse with an MSN degree can earn nearly double that of an average RN.
- There are many program options that can fit your needs such as the normal MSN program and the BSN to MSN program.
- Most programs offer online courses. When you already have a full-time job, being able to attend courses online, at a more flexible schedule, is the perfect option.
- You can start teaching nursing. If teaching is in your blood and you love doing it, then getting the MSN degree is the obvious choice. This gives you the opportunity to become a mentor and educator for other people.
- You can start working toward a doctorate degree. To truly reach the top of this industry you will need to finish your BSN then MSN in order to pursue a PhD. education.
- More flexibility at work. The schedule for MSN degree holders tends to be more flexible and can have regular hours, while most registered nurses have to work long shifts.
Bsn Vs Msn Degrees: Which Degree Is A Better Step For Your Nursing Career
Being successful in the health care industry means committing to constantly learn and improve your skills and education. A nursing career is full of stepping stones and the key is to find out which steps are better choices for your career.
This is why both beginner and experienced nurses are looking for a way to advance in their careers and find out the degree that would get them the jobs they desire. For many, this means a Master of Science in Nursing . Others might think that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the best option. The decision is personal and depends on your individual circumstances, so there is a number of factors and circumstances that need to be taken into account. Continue reading to find out which degree path might be the right route depending on your background and circumstances.
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How Much More Will I Earn With An Msn
The exact figure will vary considerably based on your specialty, employment setting, and full- or part-time employment.
Its not uncommon for a nurse with an MSN to earn more than $100,000 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some advanced practice registered nurses like nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn an average of $123,780 annually.
Youll Have A Real Impact
Few career paths allow you to positively impact peoples lives. As an NP, youll care for people at their most vulnerable. Youll be instrumental in improving and sometimes saving the lives of your patients. With your advanced clinical training and practice, youll be given the authority to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, provide evidence-based preventive education and even prescribe medications .
Did you know? Care by nurse practitioners is correlated with better patient outcomes. Choosing an NP for care leads to higher patient satisfaction, increased health counseling, more emphasis on prevention, better provider-patient communication, improved follow-up, fewer visits to the emergency department and increased time spent with patients. States that allow NPs full practice authority see fewer hospitalizations and better outcomes for Medicare and Medicaid patients, which is especially important for our aging population .
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Can You Get An Msn In One Year
There are some MSN programs that students can complete in a year, which are usually offered online. These programs allow students to save money and enter the workforce faster. Nurses are also able to focus on a specialization of their choosing. Considering the current nursing shortage, enrolling in an accelerated MSN program allows nurses to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system more quickly.
Differences Between A Bsn And Msn
Individuals considering earning either a BSN or MSN should consider their personal long-term career goals. The primary difference between the degrees is that an MSN provides nurses with more career options and opportunities to increase their annual salaries. While a BSN program teaches nurses how to provide quality patient care, registered nurses do not serve as primary care providers for patients. On the other hand, an MSN degree program equips nurses with the fundamental knowledge they need to provide effective care as potential primary care providers.
It may benefit a nursing student to begin an educational journey by earning a bachelors degree in the field and beginning their career as a registered nurse. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing: The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree provides the educational and experiential base not only for entry-level professional practice but also as the platform on which to build a career through graduate-level study. Nurses with a BSN can gain hands-on experience in the field before returning to school for their MSN degree. While students who graduate with a BSN do not yet have all the skills they need to become advanced practice registered nurses, they have a solid foundation that an MSN program can build upon.
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What Schools Offer Direct
Students can access direct-entry MSN programs through many schools. Prospective learners should consider what learning format works best for their schedule. For instance, entirely online programs may offer direct-entry MSN coursework, while students interested in traditional classrooms may want to narrow their search by selecting institutions with a brick-and-mortar location.
Can I Get An Msn Without A Bsn
By Paul Mannet
Its absolutely possible to get an MSN degree without a BSN. Theres currently high demand for nurses with advanced practice and managerial skills, so colleges have gotten very creative about offering fast-track or accelerated programs to get you to a nursing masters degree through a shorter path than nursing students have traditionally taken.
You might wonder if you can get hired in some hospitals without a bachelors in nursing. The BSN degree has definitely grown more valuable in recent times, particularly given the so called 80/2020 initiatives being followed today by so many hospitals. Under this plan, issued in 2014 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, U.S. hospitals could be designated as magnet facilities if 80% of their nurses had BSNs by the year 2020. That led to a wave of care centers and other health organizations adopting a policy of only hiring only BSN carrying nurses. .
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What Can I Do With A Bsn Degree Besides Patient Care
Life as a registered nurse isnt always easy. While working with patients can be rewarding, its not without its challenges. Some nurses find they are more suited for roles outside of patient care, and there are many that still allow them to make a difference.
You certainly arent alone. According to Shiftmeds 2021 Annual State of Nursing Survey, 38% of nurses plan to pursue non-patient facing roles in healthcare. Nearly half consider themselves somewhat likely to leave nursing in the next two years.
If youre an RN with an Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, there are many alternative non-clinical nursing jobs you can pursue. Here are some ideas to help you find a nursing career in which you can thrive.
Rn Vs Bsn: Salary Differences
The salary difference between RN vs BSN degrees is that those who hold a BSN degree are likely to make more than RN’s who only have their associates degree. A BSN degree is favored over just an associates degree for many entry-level nursing jobs, therefore a BSN has more opportunities to make more money. Also, in order to grow within the nursing field you may need to further your education to qualify for certain positions. Having a BSN degree allows for an easier and faster transition to obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree and will benefit you later in your career.
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What Is A Master Of Science In Nursing
An MSN is a postgraduate degree that qualifies nurses as advanced members of their field. These programs are intended to prepare nursing professionals for more diverse job functions than what could be managed by the typical registered nurse or BSN graduate. Upon completion of their MSN programs, graduates might be able to pursue the following career paths:
Cultivate the next generation of nurses as nurse educators
Manage nursing departments as nurse administrators
Contribute to clinical practice as advanced practice nurses
California State University Chicoschool Of Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing degree is available through the School of Nursing at California State University, Chico. The university offers the MSN degree in two specializations:
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Leadership
Applicants to the program are required to hold a BSN degree from a nationally accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate nursing courses, including an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or higher. GRE scores from the last five year period are required. Candidates should hold a current California license as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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Rn Vs Bsn: Education Requirements
Despite the two different categories of education level for a registered nurse, both are required to pass the NCLEX exam in order to become a licensed nurse.
In order to become a registered nurse, you must obtain an associates degree and be working within the medical field, usually under a specific specialty. An RN has also passed their state board exam and has completed their licensing requirements set in place by the state they work in.
A BSN is another classification of registered nurse that is defined by their higher education status. To receive a bachelors degree of science in nursing, you must either have completed your associate’s degree in nursing or have committed to the four-year program to graduate with the BSN degree from your undergraduate curriculum.
Salary Range For Bsn Nurses
Despite not reaching the wages for nurses with an MSN, the salaries for nurses with a BSN degree are also higher than salaries for regular registered nurses and can sometimes come pretty close to the salaries of an MSN degree nurse.
Here are some typical nursing jobs and salaries available to registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
- Geriatric Nurse: In this field, RNs earned salaries such as $70,590, $62,850 and $66,910 in 2013.
- Pediatric Nurse: Nurses can earn from $48,000 to $68,000 a year. However, compensation depends on the level of education, experience, geographic location and the type of facility. Experienced pediatric nurses can earn $100,000 a year or more.
- Charge Nurse: Charge nurses earned a median annual income of $71,597, with the middle 50 percent of professionals in this role earning between $65,216 and $80,611.
- Certified Nurse Midwife: Certified nurse midwives gain an average annual salary of $91,998, which is expected to grow in the future.
The average salary for a BSN-educated nurse is between $60,000 and $120,000, but may also differ depending on the state they reside.
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What Is The Job Outlook For Advanced Practice Nursing As A Nurse Practitioner Nurse Midwife Or Nurse Anesthetist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections program, APRN employment is projected to grow 31% from 2016 to 2026. This is faster than the average growth of all occupations. There is currently, and is projected to be an increase in demand for healthcare services. Bloomberg Businessweek reported in 2013 that the U.S. has a shortage of 13,000 doctors and could grow to over 130,000 by the year 2025. Advanced practice nurses, especially nurse practitioners, could fill that gap.
*Quick facts chart is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Master Of Science For Non
This graduate-entry program is for non-nurses who have a bachelors degree in another eld and now wish to enter the nursing profession at an advanced level.
Admission: Fall only
The Advanced Generalist Master of Science /graduate-entry program prepares non-nurses to sit for the RN licensure exam, then go on to work as advanced generalist nurses who act as care coordinators for a group of patients while providing direct care in complex cases. They are able to synthesize knowledge from nursing and related disciplines, to improve healthcare by assuming leadership roles, and to contribute to the advancement of the profession.
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Prerequisites For Enrolling In An Msn Program
While prerequisites vary by institution, many of the core requirements remain consistent.
For example, a bachelors degree in nursing from a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited institution is typically required to enter an MSN program. However, some programs also are open to those with bachelors degrees in other disciplines.
Other typical core requirements include:
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, though some institutions have a GPA requirement for only the most recent two years
- Academic or professional letters of recommendation, typically from multiple sources
- A current and valid RN license
- One year of work experience as an RN
- Residency in a state where the university is approved to deliver a graduate nursing program
MSN programs may require that prospective students have completed certain courses before they can enroll, such as statistics, anatomy, nutrition, physiology and microbiology.
They may also ask applicants to provide a statement of goals, student transcripts, a professional resume, a letter of good standing from a program director, a clean background check and a drug screening.
What Is The Difference Between Rn And Bsn
Now that weve defined RN and BSN, you may be wondering, Is BSN the same as RN? or Is BSN higher than RN? The main difference between an RN and a BSN is the level of education someone has received. A registered nurse is able to practice within their field with only an associates degree, but a BSN is the preferred level of education for many nurse specialties throughout the medical career landscape.
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A Few More Things To Examine When Choosing The Best Online Masters In Nursing Program For You
Many online education experts mention the following things to keep in mind when choosing an online program.
Make sure the program is accredited. One of the first things healthcare employers look for is if you graduated from an accredited program. The following national accreditation organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Research state licensing requirements in the state you plan to practice. Its important to know if the state you plan to reside and practice in will accept the program/degree you work so hard to earn. Its also important to know ahead of time what the state licensing requirements are for you. The National Council of State Board of Nursing has extensive, useful information and a state search tool. This organization also has information on their site about the APRN Consensus Model .
Determine how much it will cost. Research your options. Each school and program varies. Do the math now. You will thank yourself later.
Look into financial aid. Speak to a school representative about financial aid options. Some schools offer government-funded financial aid. Some nursing organizations also offer grants, scholarships and other programs. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is an example of such organizations.