APRN to DNP Change

U.S.A. Connecticut

Published

I was hoping to get a definitive answer on when APRN programs are going to require doctorates. I know, or think I know, that the change is imminent, but no one can give me a clear answer as to when this will happen and when the cut-off time for being "grand-fathered" would be. This is my first post, as I've just recently started an account on this site. Already, I have gained some insight and had some questions answered by virtue of reading posts and responses. There may be other areas where this post might be more appropriate, but I thought I would start here. Briefly, a little background: I've had several careers (in the mental health field, as a banker, running a restaurant with my wife, etc.), and the change to nursing has been extremely rewarding so far. My initial sole intention was to get into a nurse anesthetist program after a few years of critical care, but I got the psych bug after a few clinical rotations. I'm the night (only/charge) nurse on a psych unit and am currently enrolled in SHU's online RN-BSN program. I hold several associate's degrees, but no bachelor's (indecisive moron). I was all set on starting the psychiatric APRN track, but I'm old as dirt (37) with a wife, two kids, a mortgage, and the extra time it would take if they tack on a few years for the DNP would be a concern. I've been getting the psych PA idea thrown at me, and was dismissive at first, but I'm willing to at least look into it now (not really, though). Anyway, I should probably stop typing now, so I'm going to stop typing now. Thanks for your time and consideration, whether or not you made it this far. (Also, if you're aware of any threads specific to my questions, please refer me.)

Specializes in Psych.

So I'm guessing you live in CT (tags of Yale and Fairfield) and as an old ass psych RN I can give you this advice. Regardless of license start school NOW! I believe Fairfield is already stating you must start a doctorate program. Both of your schools require a hefty amount of $$$$, but I've had a few friends that have completed their Masters at Yale with a Stafford loan, pay back 2 years at John's Hopkins. But also call a Navy recuiter, the armed services are desparate for APRN's ! They will even hire me up to age 55! Can you imagine? JUST START!

Specializes in Psych.

oh and BTW, sorry for no definitive answer. I'm gonna guess CMHC

marty6001, EdD, EMT-P, APRN

1 Article; 157 Posts

Specializes in ER, Critical Care, Paramedicine.

If your in an APRN program before the cut off, which don't quote me but the last I heard was 2015 (and even that is doubtful) you will not have to go back for a DNP to practice. I have been an APRN since 06, and they will have to drag me kicking and screaming to get a DNP (I'd probably leave the profession first as I have no interest in going back to school for a clinical degree).

elkpark

14,633 Posts

The reason you're having trouble getting a "definitive answer" is because there is no official date at which the DNP becomes mandatory. It is a proposal/goal of the AACN and a few other academic organizations, but the rest of the nursing community is not jumping on that particular bandwagon in a big way (the NLN, another of the most prestigious and significant academic nursing organizations, recently came out against the proposal, at least at the current time). Many schools are changing their advanced practice programs from MSNs to DNPs and it may well become much more difficult to find an MSN program, but I have not yet heard anything about the DNP becoming mandatory for licensure or certification (other than the CRNA community, which has a target date of 2025, but even that remains to be seen).

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Thx, all.

phsnurse56

1 Post

The conceptual model or LACE for APN's is suppose to go into effect in 2015. That being said there is argument about mandatory DNP because of the cost and the fact that there are so few programs. This would limit the number of individuals coming into programs when there is a health care reform movement at the same time. Bottom line think 1984 proposal for mandating the BSN as entry level professional RN. This never came to fruition.

AudyLynnRN

4 Posts

I'm going to UCONN in the fall. I have my ASN and am going to do the RN-MS program. It's been a struggle though because they are currently changing the programs over to DNP, no more APRN. There is a CNL master's that will only take me 2 years to complete, so I may go for that. I don't have a huge desire to be in advanced practice anyway. I'm really aiming at an administrative position one day.

Specializes in Psychiatry.

I am definitely weighing my options since the DNP conversion. I feel like I've wasted so much time already with Sacred Heart's RN-BSN program, in which I enrolled only in anticipation of applying to Yale or Fairfield because they alone have psych APRN programs in CT. Makes me a little sick if I do change my track to have not gone straight to MSN. I don't know if I'd be happy in administration, but it's one out of the three ways to make a living in nursing, and I passed on anesthesia when I caught the psych bug. My desire to be in advanced practice may be waning, and I'm sick to death of school, but I think I'd prefer it over anything else. Good luck at UCONN.

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