[memphisslim]

I am starting from scratch, and I intend to get my Master's in nursing. I am looking at University of Memphis, which has both the undergraduate and grad programs. There is a fast track program for the BA, but, being a stranger to school, I am a bit lost. Can anyone tell me the best way to become an NP quickly?

[memphisslim]

The fast track is for the BSN, I mean.

[Elvish]

Define 'quickly'.

If you want to be a NP, you are going to have to have a BSN at first which is about 4 years, give or take. Depends on whether you get a associate's degree in nursing first, or if you go straight for your BSN. Either way you're looking at about 3-4 years. All the MSN programs I know of (which you will need for your NP certificate) require a years' nursing experience before entry into their program.

The MSN programs (depending on what type of NP you want to be) run around 2-3 years depending on if you go part-time or full-time. So you're looking at several years before you can start the MSN program.

Not to discourage you, as NP is definitely a worthy goal to have. Just want you to have a realistic picture that it's not something you can obtain quickly.

[memphisslim]

I guess "quickly" is relative, isn't it?
I originally planned to study Chinese medicine, but with my lack of a regular BA, it would take longer for me get certified as a practitioner of Chinese medicine or naturopathy than it would to get my MSN. My midwife explained to me what a drag it is not be covered on insurance plans, and I decided to look into conventional medicine.
What I would like to do is open a detox one day. I know this is only an option in certain states and Canadian provinces, unless I get a doctor to collaborate with me.
Your response was extremely helpful. I realize I have a long road ahead of me, but I am not daunted. I just don't want to waste any more time.
I hope you will reply again and let me know if I am on the right track. I am especially concerned that I will have to take some courses that I missed in high school, before I can even enter a nursing college.

[Elvish]

To throw an extra wrench into the conversation, some insurance plans out West (which seems to be light-years ahead of us here on the East Coast in these matters) DO cover naturopathy and so-called alternative medicine. I have a friend who got her ND degree in Oregon and for the moment is staying out there for that reason.

I admire your goals. I do think it's a smart idea to check everything out first before you lock yoursel into a detox center. Nothing wrong with that, mind you, but you may in the course of nursing school find something that you fall in love with even more. Just keep that in the back of your mind, ok?

Best wishes to you.

[memphisslim]

There is also the issue of insurance companies cutting off rehabs, but I am not sure about the detoxes. Likely, they are feeling the pinch, too.
Your friend may have gone to one of the schools that interested me. They all require two years of college and are specific about the credits. The Chinese medicine/naturopathy school in Vancouver has complementary medicine classes for those who are already certified doctors and nurses.
It's easy to want to bite off more than I can chew, which is perhaps why you have gently mentioned I may change directions, I think. You could be right. It's a big world out there.