Master of Science in Nursing Program (BSN to MSN) FAQs

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), a regulating body, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are Registered Nurses with additional training. APRNs have gone beyond baccalaureate degrees and have been educated at master’s levels or higher. Additionally, they are trained within specific roles in patient populations (niche areas). APRNs are certified to assess, diagnose, manage patient problems, order tests, and prescribe medication.”¹  

Citation:

¹ NCSBN. “APRNS in the US|NCSBN.” NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc, 2019. (Accessed Sept. 20, 2022).

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,^Ⓡ “Nurse Practitioners [NPs] practice autonomously and in coordination with healthcare professionals and other individuals. NPs provide a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and managing acute, chronic, and complex health problems. They are also most often involved in health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling to individuals, families, groups, and communities. They may also serve as healthcare researchers, interdisciplinary consultants, and patient advocates.”¹

Citation:

¹ American Association of Nurse Practitioners. “Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners.” American Association of Nurse Practitioners, AANP Website, 2019. (Accessed Sept.22, 2022).

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Nursing School offers the following paths to completion: 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program = 24 months.*
*90 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

General or Full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program = 32 months.†
†120 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

Licensed Vocational Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Advanced Placement = 15 months.‡
‡63 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advanced Placement Program = 12 months.§
§45 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

• A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing = (BSN) 
• A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Master of Science in Nursing = (MSN)

According to NursingProcess.org, the primary difference between the two degrees is that a BSN program is only a bachelor’s level program. By contrast, the MSN program combines baccalaureate education with graduate training, resulting in a master’s. Further, the MSN trains one for a specific nursing concentration.¹

Citation: 

¹ Monroe, BSN, RN, Julie. “RN to BSN vs. RN to MSN—Which Degree Is Better?” Www.nursingprocess.org, NursingProcess.org. (Accessed Sept. 20, 2022).

Many pathways exist for the MSN pathway. There are also programs for entry into the MSN program which don’t require a BSN.¹

According to the Nursing License Map, “You don’t need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or nursing background to become a Nurse Practitioner. However, you will need an advanced or graduate degree to become licensed as a Nurse Practitioner. There are Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs as well as direct-entry MSN programs that don’t require a BSN.”¹

Citations 

^{1^a, b} “How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a BSN.” Nursing License Map, 2U, Inc., Aug. 2020. (Accessed Sept. 20, 2022).

1. The BSN is a bachelor’s degree, while the MSN is a master’s.
2. Training with a BSN program stresses bedside and patient care, while MSN education stresses management and leadership.
3. BSN programs represent bachelorette and undergraduate-level training. In contrast, MSN programs are graduate-level education. 
4. BSN programs provide overall well-rounded foundations in nursing. In contrast, MSN programs concentrate on specific populations and healthcare specialties.

To have information sent to you or a school representative contact you, fill out our online contact form here. Or call us at 1-877-GURNICK.

The first step is to submit an online application.

Applicants should follow the general requirements for entry into Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. These can be found at the General Requirements for Admissions link. 

Applicants must:

1. Meet the following admission policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: immunization, health screening, background check, and CPR Certification. (See Policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in the School Catalog and “Admissions.”)
2. Submit a completed application for the program. It is recommended that interested applicants fill out the application with an admissions advisor.
3. Submit proof of current RN license.
4. Submit official transcripts from an accredited institution showing obtained BSN degree with graduation date. Copies are not accepted. 
5. Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale) or higher in all college coursework. 
6. Submit a three-page typed Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent.
7. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation to the nursing program. These may come from employers, immediate work supervisors, health-related facilities at which the applicant has done volunteer work, or faculty from previous college/university coursework. These letters or recommendations must be submitted on formal organizational stationery.
8. Submit proof of health-related and/or community work, e.g., volunteering at health fairs, hospitals, or clinics, working with the homeless, mentoring or tutoring other students, Big Brother or Big Sister. These experiences must be substantiated with a document or letter of verification on formal organizational stationery.
9. Applicants will be asked to pass an interview with the Nursing Program Director or Associate Program Director in person or via Google Meet, if necessary.
10. Applicants will be rank ordered based on the following score, which includes:
    • GPA in Prerequisite Courses;
    • Personal Letters of Recommendation;
    • Community Work;
    • Health Related Experience.

Additionally, the following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the BSN to the MSN  at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:

• The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
• All financial obligations have been met, including tuition and textbook charges.
• The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate from the Master in Nursing Program.

Please find more info about the Foreign Transcript/Diploma Evaluations process here.

The application deadline is one week before the online orientation and one week before the semester’s official start date. Please see an advisor for the current academic calendar.

Please contact our Admissions Team for more information. 

Our BSN to MSN program is 24 months long.*
*90 Indicates Approved Instructional Weeks

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution complies with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

This is a full-time program and requires a commitment to the profession.

No. We currently do not offer night classes for this program.

To review the scheduled breaks during the school year, please see Gurnick Academy’s Addendum.

Please find more info about remediation in our Catalog and Addendum.

There are two practicums in the MSN program. Students are responsible for choosing and providing their preceptors and preceptor sites.

The table below reflects the upcoming future starts only.

Total program cost is $14,912.50.* 
*Program fees are subject to change. 

There is an Alumni Grant available for Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts BSN graduates of $1,800.00

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.

Depending on individual needs or preferences, students may be able to work during the program. However, this depends on the type of work, each student’s individual needs, work-study balances, and life schedules and commitments. 

There are some guidelines for study/life balance. The Hechinger Report sites a 2018 Georgetown University study regarding students working while enrolled in higher education. According to the report, “Students who worked had lower grades and were more likely to drop out” than those who did not work during their college tenure. The report states, “The risk was especially high for low-income students. Other studies seem to concur with this report. The conventional advice to students is to try to work under 15 hours a week if they want to finish their degrees,” says the article.¹

Citation: 

¹ Barshay, Jill. “Working in College Interferes With Studies But Boosts Adult Earnings.” The Hechinger Report. June 17, 2019. (Accessed. June 21, 2022.)

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides master’s graduate-level degrees for those successfully passing this program and who have met all school requirements. 

There is no licensure exam for MSN-level graduates.

We have a dedicated Career Services department that may assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected employment growth for nurses with master’s degrees to be upward of 40 percent between 2021–2031.¹ 

Citation:

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. (Accessed Sept. 13, 2022).

“Certain specialty areas, such as critical care and emergency room work, may contribute to nursing burnout. The amount of patient interaction is also something to take into consideration. RN positions involve extensive patient care, while master’s-level nursing degrees may open more doors to administrative, leadership, or research jobs.”¹

Citation:

¹ Deshaies, Shrilekha. “BSN vs. MSN Degree: Which Is the Best?|NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal. June 3, 2020. (Accessed Sept. 20, 2022).

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for registered nurses totals $75,330 per year, while master’s degree-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn a median annual salary of $117,760.¹

“The BLS publishes projected job outlook statistics, which can also provide insight into your likelihood of getting hired. Nurses with master’s degrees can expect a 45 percent projected employment increase from 2020 to 2030.”¹ 

Citations:

^{1^a, b} Deshaies, Shrilekha. “BSN vs. MSN Degree: Which Is the Best?|NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal. June 3, 2020. (Accessed Sept. 20, 2022).

On the whole, nursing, as a vocation, receives high rankings within multiple core employment areas. So much so, US News ranked the Nurse Practitioner #1 in Best Healthcare Jobs and #2 in 100 Best jobs, with an overall job satisfaction scorecard of 8.4 out of 10.¹ Rankings were determined using an elusive mix of factors including median salaries, growth percentages, occupational stress levels, and work-life balance.1 Additionally, the job has a mere 1.2 percent unemployment rate.¹

Citations

^{1 ^a, b, c} News, US. “Nurse Practitioner Ranks among Best Jobs of 2019.” Usnews.com, US News and World Report, L.P., 2016. (Accessed Sept. 14, 2022).

Beyond helping, caring, and serving others, many Registered Nurses report general satisfaction within their professions. According to US News and World Report, RNs received an overall score of 7.4  in job satisfaction. Registered Nurses ranked #5 in Best Health Care Jobs. Best Health Care Jobs and #12 in 100 Best Jobs.¹ Jobs are rated according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including stress, professional satisfaction, work-life balance, salary, and more. 

Citation: 

¹ News Staff, “Registered Nurse Ranks Among Best Jobs of 2019.” Usnews.com, 2016. (Accessed May 25, 2022.)

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “The role includes, but is not limited to, assessment; ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests; making diagnoses; initiating and managing treatment, including prescribing medication and non-pharmacologic treatments; coordinating care; counseling; and educating patients and their families and communities.”¹

Citation:

¹ American Association of Nurse Practitioners. “Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners.” American Association of Nurse Practitioners, AANP Website, 2019. (Accessed Sept.22, 2022).

Yes

According to Your Guide to Nursing and Healthcare Education, “There can be a lot of confusion about the scope of practice for different health care providers. When you see a Nurse Practitioner prescribing your medication, diagnosing you, and doing procedures, you may wonder, ‘is a nurse practitioner a doctor?’ The short answer is ‘no.’”¹

Citation:

1 Jacobson, Lauren. “Is a Nurse Practitioner a Doctor? (Answered by an NP).” Nursingprocess.org, 2022. (Accessed Sept. 22, 2022).

According to O*Net, the top tools Nurse Practitioners use include: 

• Cardiac output CO monitoring units—Cardiac monitors; Hemodynamic monitors;
• Cardiac pacemaker generators or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers CRT-P—Pacemaker analyzers; Transcutaneous pacemakers;
• Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters for general use—Angiocaths; Pulmonary artery catheters;
• Electrocardiography EKG units—Electrocardiography EKG machines; Portable electrocardiography EKG machines;
• Electronic blood pressure units—Electronic blood pressure monitors; Pediatric blood pressure cuffs;
• Eye charts or vision cards—Snellen eye charts; Visual acuity testing cards;
• Intravenous or arterial catheter trays—Intravenous IV administration sets; Intravenous IV cutdown trays;
• Medical or surgical suction or vacuum appliances—Nasal suctioning equipment; Oral suctioning equipment; Tracheal suctioning equipment;
• Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets—Ophthalmoscopes; Otoscopes;
• Surgical lasers—Argon lasers; Carbon dioxide CO2 lasers; Pulsed dye lasers.¹

Citations

¹ “29-1171.00—Nurse Practitioners.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed Sept. 22, 2022).

According to O*Net, the top tasks nurse practitioners do include: 

• Maintain complete and detailed records of patients’ healthcare plans and prognoses.
• Develop treatment plans based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines.
• Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
• Analyze and interpret patients’ histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
• Diagnose or treat complex, unstable, comorbid, episodic, or emergency conditions with other health care providers as necessary.¹

Citation:

¹ “29-1171.00—Nurse Practitioners.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed Sept. 22, 2022.)

According to O*Net, the top work activities for nurse practitioners include: 

• Documenting/Recording Information—Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems—Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information—Observing, receiving, and obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Assisting and Caring for Others—Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge—Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.¹

Citation:

¹ “29-1171.00—Nurse Practitioners.” O*NET OnLine, National Center for O*NET Development. (Accessed Sept. 22, 2022).

Yes. According to NurseJournal, “Nurses who have already earned a master’s degree and are looking to pursue the next step in their education have two options: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.¹

“Both degrees offer nurses a variety of professional opportunities, allowing them to utilize their expertise to benefit the field of nursing.”¹

Citations:

^{1^a, b} Clarke, Elizabeth. “Doctorates in Nursing–Ph.D. Degrees|NurseJournal.org.” NurseJournal, Red Ventures. Dec. 1, 2021. (Accessed Sept. 22, 2022).