Nurses can practice in various settings, including communities, hospitals, and academia. For the 22nd consecutive year in the Gallup poll, nursing has ranked first as the most trusted profession, with most U.S. adults believing that nurses are honest and ethical. You can take different routes to get into the profession, including accelerated nursing programs at the master’s and baccalaureate levels. But should you choose an accelerated BSN vs. direct-entry MSN? Use the information below to decide based on your lifestyle and goals.

Before we explore these fast-track program options, you should ask yourself the following questions. After careful consideration, your responses will be vital in helping you decide whether accelerated BSN and MSN programs are the best educational path for you.

• Am I eligible for an accelerated nursing program?
• How long do I want to be in nursing school?
• Can I commit to rigorous, full-time study?
• What are my long-term career goals?

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Given the complex, ever-evolving nature of our country’s healthcare system, a BSN is becoming the preferred entry degree for professional nursing practice over an associate degree or nursing diploma.

Compared to direct-entry MSN programs, accelerated BSN programs take less time to complete. So, if your goal is to make the quickest possible transition into the nursing profession, then an ABSN program may make the most sense.

At Xavier University, for example, our ABSN builds upon your existing BA or BS degree to allow you to earn a quality BSN in as few as 16 months. Furthermore, a BSN degree from Xavier prepares you to pursue an MSN in the future.

Nursing Careers for RNs

While hospitals are the largest employers of registered nurses, countless other facilities, from corporate clinics to private practices, have RNs on staff. As of May 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual salary for registered nurses as $86,070 and projects a 6% employment growth for this occupation from 2022 to 2032, accounting for about 177,400 new jobs in the field.

The career possibilities are virtually endless with a BSN or MSN and the proper certification and/or experience. For example, you can enter a wide array of practice areas, including:

• Flight Nurse: caring for patients being transported by aircraft to a hospital or trauma center
• Labor and Delivery Nurse: caring for women and babies before, during and after childbirth
• International Nurse: caring for patients around the world, mainly underserved populations
• Travel Nurse: completing contracts at hospitals that have shortages or need specialized assistance
• Telehealth Nurse: attending to patients via video or phone sessions

Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

So, what’s the difference between an accelerated BSN vs. direct-entry MSN? Accelerated MSN programs, also called direct-entry MSN programs, allow qualified students to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in less than two years. These full-time, fast-paced programs cater to individuals with a BA or BS degree and no nursing experience. One example would be our 20-month MIDAS program.

Upon graduation, a student in the MIDAS program will be eligible to sit for certification as a clinical nurse leader (CNL). A CNL is an advanced practice nurse who addresses issues of patient care complexity and champions quality care and positive patient outcomes. They are leaders at the bedside and the organizational level.

MIDAS graduates typically enter the nursing workforce at the bedside in areas such as critical care and emergency nursing. Since they have an MSN, they have many opportunities for quick advancement within healthcare facilities and other settings.

Nursing Careers for MSN Holders With Certifications

Registered nurses who choose to seek additional education as and become an APRN (advanced practice registered nurse) and hold an MSN or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) have access to some of the highest-paying jobs in the profession, including nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these(APRNs earn a median annual salary of $129,480.

APRNs include:

• Nurse Anesthetist: This nurse provides anesthesia and anesthesia-related care to patients before, during and after surgery. The requirements include an MSN, acute care experience and an RN Anesthetist Certification.
• Nurse Midwife: A nurse midwife is an RN who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care and reproductive health. The basic requirements include an MSN and a Nursing Midwifery Certification.
• Nurse Practitioner: An NP is a nurse who can examine, diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medication. Basic requirements include an MSN and Nurse Practitioner Certification in a particular practice area. Earning an MSN lays a solid academic foundation for pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree later.

Accelerated BSN and MSN Programs

When you consider the demand for registered nurses nationwide, a quality nursing education is worth its weight in gold. Whether you choose an accelerated BSN vs. direct-entry MSN — and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN®)— you can enter one of the fastest-growing and most diverse professions available.

If your long-term career goal involves an advanced nursing role in patient care, you’ll need to earn an MSN sooner or later. You’ll find it’s common for nurses to earn their BSN first, gain a few years of clinical experience, and then go back to school for their MSN and advanced nursing certification. Why do they do this?

Nursing is a vast, highly diverse occupation, with countless specialty areas, career opportunities and practice settings from which to choose. Nursing school graduates don’t always know what area of the profession they’d like to be in for the long haul, so they enter the workforce to find their niche and build their skills for the future. Many healthcare employers provide tuition reimbursement to nursing staff members who want to earn an MSN and advance within the organization.

Take the First Step Toward a Career in Nursing

You could earn your BSN via our 16-month ABSN program and then enter the RN workforce to grow your clinical experience — all while making a good living. When ready, you could apply to an MSN program and continue working as you earn your advanced degree.

Xavier is a top choice among future nurses who value high-quality education and plenty of hands-on learning experiences. Each of our ABSN students receives one-on-one access to an Academic Success Coach to help facilitate their progress. Plus, we’re the only ABSN program to offer three start dates per year and three enrollment locations in Ohio.

If you’re prepared to learn more about our 16-month ABSN program, take the first step and contact our admissions team.