Are Accelerated Nursing Programs Worth It
There are many compelling reasons to consider enrolling in an accelerated nursing program. For example, pursuing a nursing career will place you in an in-demand field that allows you to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Plus, the nursing field offers many opportunities to specialize and pursue advancement.
How To Check Accreditation For Direct
Accreditation of colleges and universities and the programs they offer is the means by which students and the public are assured that the schools and programs meet important standards of academic quality. There are two basic types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is administered by several national and regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation of direct-entry MSN programs in the U.S. is administered primarily by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , although programs may also be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .
It is critical that prospective students confirm both institutional and programmatic accreditation of any and all degree programs they are considering. Accreditation information can typically be found on program and school websites. Youll also find accreditation information by visiting the CCNE and ACEN websites, or by using the search feature on the DOEs Database of Accredited Institutions and Programs webpage.
Gain Experience In The Field
This step likely comes as no surprise, but its an important one. Prior to beginning clinical rotations in a post-masters certificate program, you need at least one years worth of professional nursing experience. The reasoning is simple: Before pursuing an advanced nursing position, you need to understand what its like to work as a nurse in the field. Besides, while you may leave our program with an MSN degree, youre going to learn a lot in that first year of working both about nursing and about working with other healthcare professionals.
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Which Msn Degrees Pay The Most
An MSN degree is what it appears to bea Master of Science. Regardless of what type of specialty nurse you are pursuing, you will learn all the foundations and core principles that everyone in an MSN program will acquire. These foundations and core principles will include the following.
- Community and Public Health
- Community Skills
Regardless that all MSN programs will have the same core principles when you decide on a specialty, your curriculum will change from other students classes. Your programs courses will depend on your area of specialization. For instance, if you are going into an administrative field, you will learn about leadership skills. A Masters in Nursing salary will vary depending on the specialty.
The following includes the highest paying MSN jobs.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist if you are one of these nurses, you can expect to be at the top of the pay scale. The CRNA can anticipate earning more than $175 thousand per year.
Certified Nurse Midwife a CNM is someone who cares for pregnant women. They work in the offices of obstetricians and gynecologists. These types of nurses can expect to earn just under $110 thousand per year.
Nurse Practitioner As a nurse practitioner, you may choose from a variety of specialties. These specialists include the following.
- Family Practice
Obtain Your Nursing License
Upon graduation from our Direct Entry MSN program, the next step is to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination . This step is crucial, as you must pass the NCLEX to receive nursing licensure. To help students prepare for the NCLEX, we administer practice exams each semester.
One of the great things about applying for a nursing license in the state of Wisconsin is that the state belongs to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact . This means that nurses can apply for a multistate license, allowing them to practice in more than 30 states without the need to apply for a new license.
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Choosing A Direct Entry Program
The time commitment and curriculum required for accelerated MSN programs vary depending on the MSN specialization that you choose. Clinical rotations are a time consuming part of most all MSN programs. This is especially true for Advanced Practice Nursing specialty programs.
Because students entering direct entry MSN programs have no experience as an RN, certain MSN specializations might not be available to them. For example, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist specialization will typically require at least 1-2 years of experience as a critical care nurse.
Depending on the college or university offering the direct entry program, students may be allowed to first complete their BSN as part of the program thus enabling them to qualify for more specializations. However, this is not the norm. Most programs will not award any nursing degree until you have completed the MSN program.
Are There Entrance Examination Requirements
While admissions requirements will vary by school, most Direct Entry MSN programs utilize entrance examinations to ensure prospective students have the minimum academic qualifications to be successful in the program. At Ameritech, all MSN students must pass the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills with a minimum passing score of 60% cumulative.
Once you graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing, youll immediately enter the field ready to make an impact. Whether you have more questions or youre ready to enroll, give Joyce a call at 890-4704. Or read more about our direct entry MSN program to decide if its the right choice for you.
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After You Earn Your Msn
After you have earned your masters degree, you are close to being able to practice as a nurse practitioner or another type of advanced practice nurse. Now you will need to sit for your national certification exam, which is called the NCLEX-RN examination.
After you have passed that exam, your next step is to be certified in your speciality, such as neonates, pediatrics or geriatrics, among others.
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program and the American Nurses Credentialing Center both offer certification programs for many subspecialties. You may sit for a certification exam if you have a masters degree or doctoral degree in nursing in adult, family and adult/gerontological nursing by taking this exam.
To sit for these tests, you have to have:
- An MSN or DNP degree
- RN license that is active
- 500+ clinical clock hours supervised by faculty
- University transcript
These certification bodies also have certification exams for these specialties:
Is Nursing School Worth It
It can be difficult to decide whether to return to school especially if you have already earned a bachelors degree and have been a working professional for a while. However, if your career isnt turning out to be everything you hoped for, youre certainly not alone.
In some cases, the barrier to switching to a different occupation is relatively low, such as when people decide to stay in the same field. However, if youre thinking about switching to a new field entirely , then youll need to head back to school. The good news is that you might not need to spend four years working toward another degree if you decide to earn an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing .
Transitioning to a nursing career can be incredibly rewarding and personally fulfilling. Youll be able to help others and serve your community. Ultimately, however, only you can answer the question, Is nursing school worth it?
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The Path To Your Destination
- Graduates will receive enhanced bedside nursing education and training and the necessary tools to advance into a leadership role or continue toward a doctoral degree.
- Students will have opportunities to explore their areas of interest, including global health, research, quality and safety, and practice in many specialty areas.
- Graduates of the MSN Program will be prepared to take the nursing licensure exam, NCLEX, and be licensed as an RN.
- Post-graduation, students can choose to enter the nursing workforce immediately or continue their studies toward an advanced practice nursing specialty or doctoral degree.
- Scholarships and financial aid are available.
MSN Entry Virtual Information Session August 2022
Do I Need A High Gpa To Enter The Program
While we welcome all educational backgrounds, as a true Masters level program, a low GPA is not sufficient for direct entry MSN programs. You must have earned a minimum of a 3.0 GPA with your bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. Your degree must also be awarded by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Is Nursing School Worth It For You
All of the incentives discussed above are compelling ones. However, only you can determine for certain whether nursing school would be a good choice for you. If youre still having trouble making a decision, consider taking the following steps:
- Apply to an internship position in the healthcare field to gain hands-on experience and see whether this type of work appeals to you.
- Make use of your schools alumni network, if available. See whether you can contact alums from the school where you earned your first bachelors degree, and ask them for their insights on the nursing profession.
- Sign up to research relevant courses from an online learning platform to become familiar with the academic demand of earning an ABSN. If you find that the learning material appeals to you, then perhaps your answer to the question, Is nursing school worth it? is Yes.
Have you decided that becoming a nurse is your true calling in life? Grand Canyon University welcomes you to apply to our accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Pre-Licensure program. Our ABSN degree combines online classes with in-person, hands-on nursing skills labs, immersive simulation learning activities and supervised clinical rotations at local medical settings. Click on Request Info at the top of your screen to learn how you can earn your ABSN degree in as few as 16 months.1
Approved by the assistant dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Dec. 27, 2022.
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How Much Does A Direct Entry Msn Online Program For Non Nursing Majors Typically Cost
Cost may depend on many factors. School tuition costs typically vary from one area to the next. Concentration areas may help individuals to earn more. These may cost more as well. Based on the type you choose. The cost includes many things. That may include tuition. There are typically lab costs and fees. Students may pay more if they live on campus. Others could complete an online program. These may be more affordable.
Many may qualify for discounts. This may include scholarships and grants. There may be financing options available. More affordable nursing programs may be available. Some students may receive funds from an employer to cover the costs. Financing may help to cover costs. This ranges. Students may wish to talk to financial counselors for some help.
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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.
How Long Could It Take To Earn My Msn Degree In A Direct Entry Program
Direct entry MSN programs for non nursing majors online typically vary. Some may take 15 months to complete. Others could take two years. Part time and full time options usually exist. Accelerated MSN programs may be available. Some programs may need 30 credits. Many typically need 70 to 80. Previous education may play a role in what you take.
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Summary Of How To Become A Nurse Practitioner Without A Bsn/nursing Degree
Whether you are currently an RN or not, and you are seeking a career in the advanced practice nursing field, there are online programs available to get you started on the path to earning a masters degree in nursing. If you pursue one of these programs, be prepared to study hard and apply yourself. Just because it takes less time and is generally less expensive, it doesnt mean it wont be challenging. It may be more challenging than a traditional college MSN degree program. These online programs will test all of your skills, critical thinking, and time management. After completion, however, you will be equipped with the tools needed to succeed in helping provide quality care for patients while also gaining employment opportunities in a growing healthcare field.
Secure Your Aprn Licensure
After completing your post-masters certificate specialty program, you will sit for your APRN licensure exam. After obtaining licensure, nurse practitioners will work with individual state boards of nursing to complete the necessary steps to practice and prescriptive authority.
Its worth noting that while many states participate in licensure compacts, these do not apply to being a nurse practitioner. To learn more about your states APRN licensure requirements, visit NursingLicensure.org.
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Msn Degree Program Considerations If You Are Not A Registered Nurse And Hold A Bachelors Degree In A Related Health/science Field
If you are currently not a registered nurse, but would like to pursue a career as an APRN , there are online programs available for you, also. These are called BSN to MSN programs. Typically, these programs first focus on the BSN portion and are normally 18 months. After completing this part of the program, the student will take the NCLEX exam . Following taking and passing this exam, the remainder of the program focuses on the MSN degree, which also takes about another 18 months. The total time depends on how long it takes the student to pass the NCLEX exam between the two portions of the program.
Who would choose to do this? This is normally someone who has a bachelors degree with experience in the work force, but decides after a number of years that they are drawn to a career in nursing. Some people also find that the field in which they got their degree is very limited with a lack of employment opportunities. They would like to become a nurse , but arent interested in starting all over with a traditional college education to earn a BSN, and then an MSN. People such as these can complete an online BSN to MSN program and have better employment opportunities and earning capacity.
The Best Online Direct
Earning an MSN through an online direct-entry program is a great way to launch your nursing career if you have a bachelors degree in different area, but finding the right school isnt always easy. To help get you started, weve researched direct-entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors offered online by schools throughout the U.S. and evaluated them based on a variety of factors, including accreditation, affordability, and curriculum comprehensiveness. The result is our list for the top online direct-entry MSN programs for 2022. Heres a closer look at three of the very best:
Marquette Universitys full-time, five-semester direct-entry MSN program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination and jumpstart their advanced professional nursing careers. The programs curriculum is offered in a blended study format that combines fully-online nursing theory courses with in-person nursing skills and simulation lab work on Marquettes Nursing School campus located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Students additionally complete a minimum of 700 clinical practicum hours at healthcare facilities located throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Because of the in-person requirements, all students must currently reside in or relocate to the Pleasant Prairie/Kenosha, Wisconsin area for the programs duration.
University of South Alabama
Ohio State University
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Learn Through A Blended Curriculum
Weve designed our Direct Entry MSN program to thoroughly prepare you for a career in nursing in 1921 months.
William, on his decision to enroll in the Direct Entry MSN prog
At the foundation of our Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program is a blended learning model consisting of three main components:
Discover How You Can Pursue A Growing Career
Nurse Practitioners are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks nurse practitioners as the 2nd highest job category in terms of projected growth rate from 2019-2029. Combined with a 2019 median salary of $109,820 per year, becoming a nurse practitioner can seem like a great career for non-nurses looking for career growth and high earning potential.*
However, its not easy to become a nurse practitioner. It is not a job you can reasonably pursue with no formal education or nursing experience. Youll need extensive professional and academic experience to qualify for jobs and succeed in the role.
For non-nurses starting from scratch, there are many schooling options you may consider when you choose your educational pathway to a career as a nurse practitioner.
Lets first address some of the most common questions from non-nurses considering pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner.
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The Demsn Program: Building A New Direct Path To Nursing In Nevada
Accepting non-traditional students into the UNLV School of Nursing is not a new concept. Older students or students who led previous careers have been present in nursing cohorts over the years, and in 2021, the School of Nursing launched its Nursing BS – Accelerated Second-Degree BSN Track for those with non-nursing degrees looking to try a different field.
However, UNLV Nursing is launching a new program that is set to make a unique mark in Nevada that could open more opportunities for students and help increase the nursing workforce in Southern Nevada. Its a generalist program designed to develop nurses from non-traditional backgrounds with experience in other fields. The Direct Entry – Generalist Master of Science in Nursing program, or DEMSN, accepts students with non-nursing bachelors degrees and teaches them how to be a nurse from introductory concepts and basic skills to having a general master of science in nursing degree. The expected first cohort is Fall 2023, with applications still open through July 1st, 2023.
Building a new academic program is far from easy. UNLV Nursing professors Angela Silvestri-Elmore and Jennifer Pfannes both worked extensively on bringing DEMSN to life for nearly a year. Silvestri-Elmore is also the Associate Dean for Entry and Pre-Licensure Education, and Jennifer Pfannes currently leads the traditional BSN program . They explain the motivations behind introducing this unique track and how it will enhance nursing education.