<p>I'm going to a junior in the fall at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, and i am already starting to stress out about what I want to do after I graduate. I will graduate with my BSN, and I absolutely want to go to grad school. My question is, am I able to apply for a masters program before I take my board exam? I ask this silly question because of all the programs I've looked into so far, they all say proof of licensure or something along those lines..and I know all about the masters turning into DNP programs but there are BSN-DNP programs out there that I am looking into. and i also know nurse-anesthetist programs require work in a critical care/icu unit..not sure if i want to go that route yet but keeping my options open..any information anyone has will be appreciated, thanks.</p>
<p>My mom is a nurse, and my understanding goes like this. If you have a degree in nursing, you must first pass the boards. If you want to become a nurse anesthetist, you must work at least one year in the ICU or the NICU before you can go into grad school for nursing. But if you just want a MSN, I think you can go straight to grad school. I hope this helps.</p>