i am an RN BSN and i want to be an APRN. Do i have to take MSN first?

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Specializes in ED, NICU, OB, PEDS.

I am an RN BSN and want to be an APRN or NP. Do i have to take MSN first? or i can go straight to taking APRN? Do i have to be working as an RN? If so, how long?

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All advanced practice programs are at least MSN programs (and many are now DNP (doctoral) programs). You cannot become an advanced practice nurse, of any type, without completing a graduate program (and passing the national board certification exam).

Different schools have different requirements about how much RN experience you need to be eligible (for that particular school). There are plenty of programs that don't require any RN experience.

Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in ED, NICU, OB, PEDS.

thanks elkpark...coz one of my batch mates went straight to becoming an APRN rather than taking MSN..but she does not want to tell me what she did,,,

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

are you in the US?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I see from your previous posts you are in the Philippines. YOur batch mate is not telling you the truth,. To be an APRN in the US you must complete a MSN program and the pass an accreditation/certification board to allow you to practice as an APRN.

Education forms the basis of four recognized general areas of specialization:

  • Nurse anesthetists (in the United States, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists or CRNAs)
  • Nurse midwives (in the United States, Certified Nurse Midwives or CNMs)
  • Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
  • Nurse practitioners (NPs)

A minimum of a masters degree is required for certification and licensure.

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

TalarossaRN:

- Just wanted to clarify.

- An FNP degree is earned either at the Master's Degree or PhD Degree level. Meaning, you earn your master's degree as part of either program. Therefore, a master's degree is not a pre-requisite for a BSN-to-MSN or BSN-to-PhD program.

- As the previous poster mentioned. Some FNP programs would like to see a year or two of clinical experience, while other schools do not have this requirement.

- Hope this helps.

Johnny

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Specializes in ED, NICU, OB, PEDS.

Thanks sir johnny..well all i have to do is wait till i get hired then take my MSN...

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Specializes in ED, NICU, OB, PEDS.

Esme12: yes i am in the US but acquired my bsn in the philippines

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SirJohnnie -

That would be a DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) for a clinical doctorate degree as an FNP, not PhD. Just wanted to clarify that point a bit.

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.
SirJohnnie -

That would be a DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) for a clinical doctorate degree as an FNP, not PhD. Just wanted to clarify that point a bit.

-- Correct.

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