Best Route for a post-Bacc. interested in a DNP

U.S.A. Minnesota

Published

Hi all those more knowledgeable than I,

I am overwhelmed with the routes that are possible in nursing! But that flexibility is what has drawn me to this career over others in the healthcare field. My end goal is pretty firm. I want to complete the DNP in midwifery from the University of Minnesota. I currently have a BA and several pre-requisites completed for many nursing programs. The U requires a BSN for entry into the program or a masters. Ideally, I would do the MN at the U. But I have two small children and do not want to be gone 8-5, which is what their website claims is the average day. Does anyone have any real knowledge of how full-time the u's masters is?

The other option is Metro State, which is full time credits for 7 semesters. I know there are also many more options out there. So if anyone could chime in on some of the best options, that would be wonderful.

To sum:

I'd prefer a masters, as I already have a bachelor's and would like to feel like it was worthwhile.

I need a BSN at least.

I prefer to only be away from home for 4-5 hours per day.

Cost is important to me. I am still in debt from the BA.

Distance isn't a big deal.

Thanks in advance!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi! Another option in the area is St. Kate's. They offer a Post-Bacc nursing program that awards a BSN in their weekend college program. I was accepted to the January 2013 cohort and started prereqs this fall (of which I only have 3 to complete so my school schedule is pretty simple until next year). The reason I thought I'd mention it is because as part of the weekend college, classes are offered evenings and weekends, so as to minimally disrupt your current lifestyle, as many of us have full-time or part-time jobs and young families. Of course, it is a private university, so it doesn't come cheap. I think it will be about $20,000 out of pocket when I'm done, including tuition assistance from my employer. In my situation, I will easily make that back in a year or two of working part-time in nursing, but I understand that it is a concern for a lot of people.

Ultimately, I picked St. Kate's for the fact that I have two young children and a job that I need to work while I get through the program. I couldn't possibly alter my life so much for a program like Metro State or the U and expect to keep any normalcy for my kids. For me this is about them too.

Good luck with your search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi! Thanks for responding! I did look at St. Kate's, and it seemed perfect. But, apparently, they award you a certificate of having completed nursing as a secondm major and not a BSN. I called the U and asked them about their acceptance of a certificate like that, and the person said they would not accept it. That's why I decided against it, but perhaps I should look into it more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, from my understanding they award you a second degree certificate, which is the equivalent of a BSN. From what I know of the program, you complete all the remaining gen ed requirements for the BSN major plus what is expected of typical BSN students in the nursing courses. It would surprise me that St. Kate's would be able to educate so many students through this program if it wasn't actually considered a BSN. What would it be then, I wonder?

I just put an email into our weekend college advisor, so maybe her response could help us both understand better. I'd hate for you to get incorrect info if the program would actually work for you. I'll let you know what I hear back!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Okay, I heard back from the advisor, and this is what she said:

"Here is the information about your credential from the Nursing Department:

"Your previous bachelor’s degree combined with this post-baccalaureate/second major results in a credential equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The Minnesota Board of Nursing approves this credential and the St. Catherine University Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

The curriculum is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN) and also will be eligible to obtain certification as a public health nurse."

You will be able to apply to graduate programs with the second-major certificate."

So I would maybe call the U again just to clarify if you are interested in St. Kate's. I'm guessing there was a misunderstanding in the communication! I'd be curious to know what you find out!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just want to note- if you already have a bachelors, getting financial aid from the government will be extremely tough if you are going for your second bachelors. Additionally, St. Kate's just got off probation. Their NCLEX pass rates were terribly low. It is important to look at those stats when applying. You can go to the mn board of nursing site and look at the info. I was accepted there and opted to go to metro state for the entry level masters program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey,

Thanks so much for all this info. I am still planning on calling the U, so I'll wite as soon as I get that done. I have been swamped though with three tests! Microbiology is intense!

Runner girl, can you give me any more info about the masters at metro state? How is your class schedule? Is it a well recognized program? Mostly I am concerned about the class schedule as I want to continue being the primary caretaker of my two children if possible.

Also, I may be wrong, but I think that if you get a different degree such as a BS when you have a BA, you can get more aid. At least that's what I remember from when I graduated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is from the U of M DNP website:

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the DNP program, you must have the following:

A baccalaureate degree with a nursing major

You must hold an entry level nursing degree (e.g. BSN, BAN, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, or entry-level Master of Nursing). Some specialty areas have experiential requirements.

Note "Post-Baccalaureate Certificate" is one of the options, which is the degree that is granted by St. Kate's in the Weekend College program.

Hope that helps. I have found that when you call an institution you get many different and not always correct answers to your questions. :) Better to get the information in writing anyway, that way you have documentation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The U's DNP program DOES accept the St. Kate's post Bacc certificate, according to an email from an admissions counselor.. Yay! So, thanks for all your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I already have a BS, so the post bacc was a problem. Alot of student in my class have families (one girl has 1 year old twins) and they are able to work and take care of their kids. Right now we have class 9-4 on Monday then clinicals 7-3 or 3-11 tues/wed for half of the semester and that will be most of our schedule from now on. Our first summer was all online, no class time. Just a note, metro state has or is launching a DNP program as well! Our schedule leaves us with less in class time and more time on our own which I love!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Quick note- st kate's has stopped their post bac program. They are looking to develop an entry level masters program for 2013-2014.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment