Midwifery Today Community

 Hello! :)

I am smiling because I finally feel like I have made a decision regarding my path.  Now, there appears to be another big decision I am facing regarding schooling...Do I go back to get a Bachelor's RN (BSN) or get my Associate's RN and do a Master's of Science Program??? (I have a Bachelor's in Fine Arts at this point.)

I wonder if anyone can help me with this.  I was told that in some states you must have the BSN/MSN combo to practice in a hospital setting.  I am not even sure that will be my chosen setting, but my main reason for wanting to be a CNM is the flexibility that path offers (any setting, any state!).  Is there anyone out there that can help me understand this distinction, and where I can find the states in which this applies?  I've been trying to do my research but it doesn't seem like I'm looking in the right places!  Perhaps someone here can give me an idea.

I've been feeling pulled to the Associates RN path, but that may be because I want a shorter route.  If it's better in the long run, I'm wondering if I should just go ahead with a BSN program.

Thanks so much.

Check the prereq requirments of potential MSN programs before starting an Assoc. level RN. Many MSN programs will bridge you to MSN with a 1 year fasttrack for the RN though typically more expensive than say a tech or comm college Assoc. program.

The bummer for you would be to get an associates in nursing only to find out that your MSN program requires additional cousework for entry when you apply without a BSN. Additionally, the RN licensing exam is the same no matter what level of education. I'm also thinking that in net time the Associates might save you 1 semester in class time versus a BSN that bridges.

 There are several places here that do advanced tracks for getting your BSN if you already have a degree. I think in most places it takes under 2 yrs, so would be faster than doing your ADN more than likely.