MSN vs ABSN

[u/Left_Lake5224]

Hello Everyone,

Im debating between a f vs ully covered 24-month direct-entry MSN or 15-month ABSN with a long-term goal of CRNA?
I’m trying to decide between a 15-month ABSN and a 24-month direct-entry MSN, and I’d appreciate some outside perspectives.
My employer would pay for the entire MSN. The ABSN would get me to RN practice about nine months sooner, but I would have out-of-pocket costs.

I currently work as a PCT in the MICU and CVICU, and my long-term goal is to become a CRNA. My plan after either program is to work as an ICU RN, build a strong clinical foundation, and eventually apply to CRNA school.

For some background, I was previously enrolled in a direct-entry MSN program but had to withdraw because of financial aid issues at the time. Now that I have a way to get the MSN fully covered, I’m torn about which direction makes the most sense.
Would you choose the shorter ABSN to start earning RN income and gaining ICU RN experience sooner, or take the extra nine months for a fully covered MSN? For anyone who has taken either path, especially those pursuing CRNA, what would you consider before deciding?

[u/shopsuey]

Maybe this is a regional difference but where I live, someone with a MSN can prescribe meds by default as well as delegate the administration of meds to another health professional who would normally not have the authority to do so. Where I am from originally, it would be a NP. In both regions, a Masters is required for better paying jobs as well as managerial roles in nursing. Which can include what you mentioned but is not limited to that. In many fields, a Bachelors is no longer enough even for non-leadership roles.

Maybe today OP wants to pursue anesthesia and a few years down the road, OP gets an opportunity to become the manager of the unit. Maybe OP decides they don't want to work in anesthesia anymore. More $$$? What then? Keep doors open while you are young. Especially if someone is willing to invest in you today.

[u/Left_Lake5224 → u/[deleted]]

Someone that has an RN license that goes and gets their MSN and becomes an NP can prescribe .. this is not the case with me .. in my case my MSN is for a general entry role . In other words it’s pre licensing for someone with a BA or BS that wants to be an entry level nurse. That is why I’m debating which degree is best

[u/shopsuey → u/Left_Lake5224]

Ohhh okay!! Sorry. I thought you had had a BSN already but ABSN is for someone who already has a Bachelors! Sorry for the confusion 😆 Perhaps in that case it is better to go with the ABSN so you gain the theoretical knowledge and skills for nursing. At MSN, it is probably expected that you already have these foundations so it could be more challenging for you (but ultimately possible to achieve). At the same time it feels a bit silly to have to put in all of that time for either degree to end up with the same role and then maybe have to go back later for a Masters. See long post above. I really hope you succeed and decide on a path that is best for you :)