What is the quickest way to earning your DNP?

[tortorRN]

Background Info: I am in an ADN program currently and will graduate in May 2014. Hubby is in the Army and doesn't want to get out until I'm completely done with school. I am quite the planner but I wanted to start looking into schools so that when it comes time to apply, I know exactly what I'm doing.

Questions:

-Would it be quicker to do an RN to DNP program without compromising quality? If so, do you know of any available anywhere in any format?

OR

-Would it be quicker to do an RN to BSN program then a BSN to DNP without compromising quality? If so, do you know of any available anywhere in any format?

OR

-Would it be quicker to do an RN to MSN program then a MSN to DNP without compromising quality? If so, do you know of any available anywhere in any format?

Oh, the options they have for today's nurses lol.

**I have the luxury to relocate if needed, but I would definitely prefer to take hybrid or online vs. face to face so that I can be with hubby more. But please list them all in disregards to location!

**All programs suggested, I would like them to be accredited as well

Thank you all in advanced!! -tortor09

[Annaiya, NP]

As others have stated, the DNP is not required. This is a very common misunderstanding. I would highly recommend reading some of the criticisms of the DNP degree. I understand you wanting to go a head and get it right away, but if you're really looking to be done as fast as possible and as cheaply as possible a MSN is the way to go. Also, you will need to decide what specialty you want, and I really think taking some time off to work in the area you are interested in before starting an NP degree is the way to go. Actually working as a nurse is completely different than being a nursing student and considering the time and financial investment of NP school, you need to make sure you're picking an area that you actually like!

[RubySlippers06]

OP, where are you stationed at and is there a chance you will PCS? I know near Fort Hood, there is a BSN-DNP program at Baylor. It is about an hour away. Are you wanting online schools or a physical campus? I would do an RN-BSN then a BSN-DNP. I've never heard of ADN-DNP. Doesn't mean there aren't any: I just havent seen them.

I'd start looking at where you are/will be living and do a google search for programs. I, too, am an army wife. :)

[Tinabeanrn]

I am in Michigan too and its not required, just suggested. There are colleges that dont even offer doctorate degrees but still have MSN/NP programs here. I think the fact that certain schools are only offering DNPs now is what may have caused the confusion. I know that Michigan State has a DNP program that is really good and is offered online. And Wayne state has a DNP program as well, but I am not sure how much of it is online. You will for sure have to do some classes on campus there. Oakland also offers a DNP. I went to U of Detroit Mercy and got my MSN. I completed my ADN like you, then received my BSN from Oakland and then my MSN/FNP from U of D. U of D is a good program but you can not go straight through at this time and its not online. You would have to complete your BSN which you could do in 5 semesters then you would have to do the MSN/FNP program. Then work for a year and then complete the DNP program. You might try Madonna too... They have a BSN to DNP. I think that Wayne state, U of M and Michigan State are the only ones that offer the RN to DNP option...but either way you still end up doing the programs chopped up (Gotta get this before that and so on). I think the shortest one to go to without comprimising your education is Michigan State. Check them out. Let us know what you come up with : ). Best luck

[tortorRN]

Annaiya: I am also an EMT, and I've worked in the ER during my clinicals when I was working for my license and I LOVED it. So I have an idea of what I want to do as far as specialty. I also want to partner with a MD someday and run a Primary Care Family Practice together. I have been looking for FNP programs and there are a few schools that will add a critical care/emergency care aspect to your master's program. Also, I do plan on working at least part-time at a hospital in my area while attending school after I receive my RN license.

RubySlippers06: My husband is based at Fort Drum and I'm in Michigan, living with my in-laws, trying to get my ADN. After graduation, I definitely plan on living with him. He says that he's going to request Fort Drum again when he reups for another 3 years. And we both know there's always a chance of PCS. In my research of around 30 schools yesterday, I didn't find any ADN-DNP programs, which is what I expected. It looks like I will need to do a RN-BSN then BSN-DNP.

Majority of the programs are made for full-time workers that have an established career in their area. They only require the class meet face to face as little as 2 times in an academic year or as much as 3 times per semester, and the rest is all online and clinicals and/or residencies.

The average lengths to complete the programs are as follows:

RN-BSN: 1 year

BSN-DNP: 3 years

TOTAL: 4 years

RN-MSN: 2.5 years

MSN-DNP: 2 years

TOTAL: 4.5 years

RN-BSN: 1 year

BSN-MSN: 2 years

MSN-DNP: 2 years

TOTAL: 5 years

I thought this was INTERESTING to look at!! Don't forget this doesn't include the wait list time (if any) or if you have to get prereq's. Also most BSN-DNP programs will award you an MSN along the way as well.

[tortorRN]

Tinabeanrn:MSU is not offering their DNP program until Fall 2013 and they haven't posted any information about it. I checked into MSU and UM-AA and UM-Flint as well. UM-AA isn't even offering a DNP option, only the PhD. But UM-Flint is offering a part-time BSN-DNP that takes 4 years and is distance-friendly. As far as getting my BSN goes, MSU's program takes 18 months and UM-Flint's program is 12 months and both are online.

LCC and MSU have an agreement that current LCC nursing students can attend MSU and complete some of the RN-BSN courses while in the Nursing Program. This is brand new, and again no information I can find on that. I would imagine that I'd be able to cut it back down to a year if I do take extra classes during the summer and during my final year.

[Tinabeanrn]

I know a couple of girls that are going the RN to DNP part time option at U of M flint. Im surprised to hear that MSU is not offering that until 2013 bc when I was looking to go there it was offered and it was all online and a DNP so I decided not to go that route. But that was back in 08, so maybe things are different now. Maybe you should hop in the U of M Flints 12 month BSN completion program. That sounds really good. You must be in Lansing..but Oakland also has a BSN completion that is all online and doesnt take too long if you already have your chemistries and pysch classes completed. I took classes over the summer as well. You must be planning on doing this whole thing full time. The BSN part will be fine full time, but the NP part is gonna be hard if you are also trying to work at the same time. Do you have little ones yet?

[tortorRN]

No little ones yet. Hubby won't talk kids til I am completely done with school and boy do I have baby fever bad! It might possibly be part of my motivation to get done with school quicker

I am currently attending LCC, yes. When I looked back in the FAQ's for MSU's DNP program I saw this:

When did your program begin?

The DNP Program at Michigan State University begins Fall 2013.

I do plan on going to school full-time. I already have my psych classes completed. My chemistry is very rusty- not looking forward to that. Statistics is already completed as well. I know I have one more english/writing class then I can be eligible for transfer to a 4 year school.

[Tinabeanrn]

Well if you have no kids than go for it. Get it done asap. It would be hard with kids to go straight through full time like that. I would call some schools on Tuesday and see about their information sessions and go there and talk to some folks :). I hope it goes well for you and quick! Good luck sweetie

[tortorRN]

I agree about going to school FT and also juggling a family on the side. Thank you so much for your advice!!

So... Any others with experiences with their RN-BSN or BSN-DNP education?

[Annaiya, NP]

If emergency is what you want to do, you might want to consider USA's Emergency NP program:

USA College of Nursing - Emergency Nurse Practitioner

I have a friend that graduated last year with a MSN from USA and another friend who is currently enrolled there in a DNP program. They both have good things to say about the school. If you are going to have to move during clinical semesters, it can make it very difficult to find preceptors, but my friend still managed. All of their programs are online.

I realize this is a dual certification program and not a DNP, so it just depends what your focus is. If you want to work in an ER this program would prepare you much better than a DNP FNP program. Plus if you don't have the AC certification, states like TX won't allow you to work in an ER. So the DNP route could be more limiting to you. If your goal is to never have to go back to school, you might want to seriously consider dual certification either with a DNP or instead of (depending on how long you want to stay in school).

[Palliative Care, DNP]

I graduated from ODU's RN to BSN program that was all online. I am now a first year DNP student at Loyola University New Orleans. It is an online program but we have to go to the campus once every year and again to defend our capstone projects. Also, a member of the faculty actually travels to watch us on each clinical site at some point during each rotation.

[tortorRN]

Annaiya - Thank you for your input! I will look into it!! :)

Mom To 4 - What does ODU stand for?