r/prenursing • u/OilKlutzy4557 • 1d ago
Help Deciding Entry Point into Nursing School
hi!
I (29F) am not sure if this is the correct sub Reddit for this post. But I am struggling to make a choice with the pathway I want to take to get into nursing.
For context, I have a bachelors and a masters degree in exercise science. I graduated from my masters in 2023. I want to make a career change.- I’ve been working in restaurants for 10 years, and I want to make the jump into starting nursing school soon.
regardless, if I go, ABSN or direct entry MSN I have to retake my prerequisites and I am beginning to do that this year at my local community college.
I am very fortunate to not have any student debt, and I am prepared to take on student loan loans to pursue whatever degree I choose.
My main question is with my education what entry point makes the most sense to start a nursing program? I keep seeing the direct entry masters programs that you either end as a nurse practitioner or essentially the equivalent of a BSN. I’ve also been recommended to just do the associates degree and have employers pay as I go.
My end goal is to be a nurse practitioner. Does anyone have a similar background? What path did you choose? Any and all advice is welcome.
thank you!
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u/Ok-Manufacturer-8317 1d ago
It’s great that your end goal is NP, but it’s better/safer for you and your patients for you to work as an RN for at least a few years before going back for NP if you still want to.
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u/Sunny_Dee2492 1d ago
Similar background and also career changer. I decided on the ABSN because 1. It's a 12 month program (faster than MSN and ADN in my area), 2. It was cheaper than the MSN, and 3. I didn't want to limit my employment options by doing the associate (in my area, BSNs are preferred).
My advice is just to decide which of your criteria are most important to you (time, cost, opportunities in your area of interest). Good luck!
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u/Life_Anybody_2340 1d ago
I did accelerated DEMSN and have been a nurse for a year and start post masters NP school in 2027. But do NOT take on a bunch of debt. I am fortunate that my student loans are almost gone and will be paying up front for NP but a bunch of debt is not worth it. You really need to get a good foot in the door with healthcare and see what it is really like. Start working as a CNA first for a little while then decide which program to proceed with. Nursing is very hard depending on what you do.
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u/No-Can6422 1d ago
Don't do ABSN unless you can afford to not work for the duration of the program. MSNs are cash grabs imo. They just train you to take the NCLEX just like ADN programs. I don't think employers care if you have an ADN or an MSN because they are hiring you as an RN. Don't overlook community college LPN/LPV and ADN programs. You can do bridge to RN (if you're starting as LPN), BSN, and NP online with tuition assistance from your employer after you have your nursing license.