<p>Vanderbilt has an option for non-BSN, non-RN students to get an MSN in a specialty and be eligible for NP exams, and I can start after junior year if I want.</p>
<p>My major concern with this is the employability issues that might arise if I do get my NP certification and MSN, as someone who's had no prior nursing experience. I heard that NP's without much RN experience aren't desired much, and most of the hospitals in my city require at least 2 years of prior experience in that specialty. How am I supposed to meet those requirements without RN experience and only the clinical hours of nursing school (which are not nearly enough, from what I've heard)? And do employers truly look down upon NPs without RN experience? I heard both sides: some say RN experience is crucial, as what the hospitals' job descriptions for NPs show. Others say that being an RN and NP are two different things. </p>
<p>I also heard there are new-grad programs for NPs that'll help the transition, and a very prominent medical school in my city also has a job opening for an NP, and it doesn't require any prior experience, nor do they necessarily prefer it. Are there any other options in my situation if I were to pursue this path?</p>