BSN or MS for nursing?

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BRUINS1990

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I started looking into the nursing route, especially that of a nurse practitioner. I want to eventually become a nurse practitioner, but at this moment I'm so unsure of how to get there. After going to a nursing workshop offered through my university, I thought that I could apply for a master's program in nursing to eventually become an NP and that was what I was set on doing and looking more into ...until now. After reading SDN forum and googling some things, I'm confused on what I need to do to eventually become an NP. I know I have the option of doing a:thumbdown: (accelerated) bachelors of science in nursing program (ABSN/BSN) but I feel like I would be backtracking since I would already have a B.S. degree in an unrelated field (biology). I thought that I could go straight to getting my master's in nursing, but it seems like that is mainly for people who already have a bachelor degree in nursing. I know that there are also master's in nursing for people with B.S. in unrelated fields (like me) but it seems like those are only for older people who have A LOT of health care experience (or am I wrong, I really don't know?).

Can someone help me? I'm really confused. I'm unsure of who to talk to/ask.

For example, UCSF's nursing school offers these master programs:
Master of Science (M.S.) Program
for experienced registered nurses with bachelor's degrees in nursing or related fields, who seek preparation for advanced practice as a clinical specialist, nurse practitioner, educator, nurse midwife, administrator, health policy specialist, or consultant.

ADN to Masters Pathway Program
for registered nurses with an Associate Degree, who have not previously earned a Bachelor's degree in any field. The program offers a baccalaureate degree so that applicants can meet the qualifications for entry into our Master of Science Program (above). Students may choose to stop at the baccalaureate level, or continue on to earn a Master of Science degree in a pre-selected specialty focus.

Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
for non-nurses with bachelor's/baccalaureate degrees, seeking to enter the nursing profession

...so assuming from this, I can do the MEPN?

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Yes, the "MEPN" (aka ELMSN- entry level MSN) type of program is what you want to look into. There are likely several options available. In your research, you should ask for contact info for graduates who can tell you what they think of the program, how well prepared they felt as a newgrad, as well as their ability to find work, etc.

Good luck
 
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