Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN Option

Benefits of the Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN at Hopkins vs. Entry Level Master's Program

Many students with prior degrees ask why they should pursue a the BS to MSN Option that grants both a second baccalaureate degree and a master's degree. The baccalaureate degree in nursing gives the student a strong foundation to begin their career and prepares them as a nurse generalist. The master's degree prepares the nurse in an advanced practice role specializing in a specific area of nursing. Below is a list of the benefits of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN.

• Many nurse managers prefer their employees to have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing in addition to a master's degree. Nurse managers and administrators recognize the importance of the baccalaureate degree and the strong foundation that it provides, particularly with its focus on critical thinking.
  
  
• Employment in many government and military organizations require nurses to have a baccalaureate degree in nursing in addition to a master's degree in nursing.
  
  
• Graduates of the Johns Hopkins University Direct Entry to Combined BS to MSN option receive both the baccalaureate and master's degree in nursing in approximately the same amount of time, if not less, than receiving only a master's degree in a generic direct entry master's program.
  
  
• Admissions at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is flexible in that it allows students to elect to be 'Undecided' for the master's portion of the BS to MSN at the time of application. The baccalaureate program allows for exploration and experience of many clinical areas and career mentorship prior to declaring a master's focus. A Johns Hopkins University student may declare their focus at any time prior to enrolling in the master's program.
  
  
• Students may change their master's focus while enrolled in the baccalaureate program. They may also choose to take a semester or a year break prior to enrolling in the master's program or they may choose to end the program upon completion of the baccalaureate program.