CNS vs NP?

Does anyone know how long it takes to be either one? Like, does one take a masters? Shorter time frame? Thanks for any answers and consideration!

At this time, both the CNS role and the NP role require at least a Master's Degree. However, there is a rapidly growing movement to require a doctoral degree (the DNP) for NP roles. It's not required yet, but it may be by the time you are at that point in your career.

Shoot! I can't stay in school that long! I hope it doesn't happen...I like it at a masters degree. Well, thanks for telling me! I probably sound like a total bimbo right now so I'll shush. But seriously, thanks!

I live in a state where CNS's are considered APNs and by that, they mean we have prescriptive authority and ability to bill Medicare/Medicaid. I knew this when I went into it and this is what I wanted. To be honest, I wouldn't have considered the CNS unless it had prescriptive authority and the ability to order tests, interpret the results, diagnose and treat.

I appreciate the info in the way things were originally.

I have just finished my masters and am a CNS. The college I attended also had an NP program (which is what I thought I wanted when I started). The further I got in the program, the more I knew I wanted to be a CNS. I did clinicals with NPs and their role is very patient oriented from what I see. They both worked in hospitals and had their own patient loads like resident physicians. They were responsible for all the care the patient received while hospitalizd. For me, the CNS role was the right one because I wanted to be an educator and was a bit ambivalent about the responsibilities of the NP role. Here in NY the CNS cannot prescribe and their role is more education/research/change agent.I hope this was helpful.

I have just finished my masters and am a CNS. The college I attended also had an NP program (which is what I thought I wanted when I started). The further I got in the program, the more I knew I wanted to be a CNS. I did clinicals with NPs and their role is very patient oriented from what I see. They both worked in hospitals and had their own patient loads like resident physicians. They were responsible for all the care the patient received while hospitalizd. For me, the CNS role was the right one because I wanted to be an educator and was a bit ambivalent about the responsibilities of the NP role. Here in NY the CNS cannot prescribe and their role is more education/research/change agent.I hope this was helpful.