Doctoral degree to become an NP???

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is calling for the requirement of doctorate in nursing for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists. This new degree will be called a Doctor of Nursing Practice and, if the AACN has its way, will become the entry level for advanced nursing practice.

AACN Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing

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Vicki RN- May I ask you if there is any speculation in what the doctorate must be in? For example, do you think that a doctorate in Clinical Psychology would be acceptable for the psychiatric nurse practitioner? Just wanna pick your brain... Thaks a bunch.

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

I cannot answer for certain, but knowing the track record and dogmatism of the AACN crowd, they will probably push their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the only acceptable doctorate for this role.

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Hi! I'm currently in school for my BSN. My eventual goal is to become a nurse practitioner. Does it look like a doctorate is likely to become required for practice, or is this a revenue grab by the universities?

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

There is no way of knowing for sure at this time. There are many political forces at work: despite AACN's self aggrandizement, they are not the only voice in nursing. There are many who oppose this, and ultimately, both the economics and impracticality of such a move may put skids on it fast.

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"The Practice Doctorate is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, and offers an alternative to research focused doctoral programs (i.e. PhD programs). Though only a handful of practice doctorates currently exist, more than a dozen new programs are taking shape nationwide, and several have expressed interest in seeking accreditation."

Does anyone know what schools offer this program now?

-Kate

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
"The Practice Doctorate is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, and offers an alternative to research focused doctoral programs (i.e. PhD programs). Though only a handful of practice doctorates currently exist, more than a dozen new programs are taking shape nationwide, and several have expressed interest in seeking accreditation."

Does anyone know what schools offer this program now?

-Kate

See if you can find a contact person on the AACN website: http://www.aacn.nche.edu

Someone there should hopefully be able to answer your question. Best wishes :)

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"The Practice Doctorate is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, and offers an alternative to research focused doctoral programs (i.e. PhD programs). Though only a handful of practice doctorates currently exist, more than a dozen new programs are taking shape nationwide, and several have expressed interest in seeking accreditation."

Does anyone know what schools offer this program now?

-Kate

Kate,

Many universities offer clinical doctorates such as a DNP and DNSc.

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Specializes in NICU/Neonatal transport.

My concern is that there is a nursing shortage to begin with and making it even longer and more difficult to get new blood in there will turn off people who are looking at nursing as a second career. I mean, I'm in a direct entry graduate program, and if I had to first get my masters and then my PhD in nursing, that would likely alter my decision to become an NP, just because we can't afford to have me in school for that long.

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I'm with you, LilPeanut. Even thinking that a doctorate could become a requirement has me a little apprehensive about my decision.

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My concern is that there is a nursing shortage to begin with and making it even longer and more difficult to get new blood in there will turn off people who are looking at nursing as a second career. I mean, I'm in a direct entry graduate program, and if I had to first get my masters and then my PhD in nursing, that would likely alter my decision to become an NP, just because we can't afford to have me in school for that long.

This will not be a PhD in nursing. A PhD is a research grounded doctorate. The proposal that is being made is for a clinical doctorate (specifically the DNP). Also, if I remember correctly, one will not do a masters program, but simply the doctoral program to become an APRN (Don't quote me on this). Another thing to think about...how many years has this group been pushing for this and to make the BSN entry-level? MANY years. I honestly don't see it happening. On one front it's a good thing, but on the other we could be serving ourselves crow.

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The AACN can dictate the new "doctorate for entry into advanced practice" until they are blue in the face. Half the country cannot agree upon ADN or BSN as to entry into registered nursing.... So now you want to up the ante for advanced practice? There are bigger fish to fry! Sounds like another issue to muddy the already muddied waters! Also, what are we going to do with all those "Masters prepared advanced practice nurses" hmmmmmm..... Do I hear a grandfather clause, or will it be a forced return to academia to get the honored doctorate sheepskin?

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