Aspiring NP, but scheduled for a 2016 BSN graduation

Specialties Advanced

Published

Hi,

I'm looking to become an NP and I was planning to enter a program after finishing my current BSN program in 2016. I just read about how the DNP will be the new standard for advanced practice nursing effective 2015. I was wondering if I could still become an NP with a Master's degree, or does that mean I'll simply have to take the extra time to get my DNP before I can make that a reality. Is the DNP just for specialties?

I wanted to work as an RN while getting my Master's, then work as an NP while getting my Doctorate. This puts a pretty serious kink in the schedule of my life plans, anyone able to clarify this for me a little?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are a lot of threads about this topic and if you search you can find a lot of info about the 2015 DNP requirement. I researched it myself and called the AACN in Washington DC who made the recommendation. As of right now, that is all it is - a recommendation! Many programs are going to DNP from MSN so it may be harder to find programs but I don't foresee a DNP requirement any time soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

DNP is recommended to be the entry-level for APRNs in the future, but 2015 is no longer a realistic goal as there are not enough BSN-DNP programs to produce APRNs at a desirable rate. As I've learned from other members, the year has been set for CRNAs which is 2022. For NPs, the date is not yet set (that I know of), but I would expect a similar time frame in the 2020s.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The DNP is a recommendation for all four APN categories which mean that if you obtain an MSN by the time it is a requirement, you will be grandfathered in and can still practice with that degree. I myself have an MSN and I have applied to a DNP program this coming Spring 2015 and that is because I also teach and the DNP is a terminal degree required to teach one level above you. Plus I am also getting it out of the way since my company pushes furthering our education and I like translating evidenced based practice into clinical scenarios.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment