BS (outside nursing) and LPN - Considering NP

[Nurse Blondie, RN]

I am an LPN with a BS in business management interested in the long-term goal of becoming an NP. Can anyone recommend a path to this end?

I have considered the direct-entry masters (NP) programs during which you earn your RN the first year. I have considered the 2 year RN programs at community colleges and then following up with the 2 year masters/NP. I have considered the LPN to BSN and then separately earning an MSN. I am now considering an online-RN and then applying for a masters NP program at a nearby university. I think this might be the best bet, since an online RN could be achieved much more quickly than a 2-year associates RN or even waiting for classes to start in the fall for the 14 month RN portion of the direct entry NP-program.

Does anyone have any insight as to how these online courses would be perceived in light of application to an actual university for a highly-respected NP program? Would an online program become an obstacle in this pursuit?

[Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C]

As far as to the first part of the question, I would do much in the way of research and pick a program that meets your personal situation best. As to the second part of the question, I am not a stranger to alternative education pathways in nursing and I have never had any difficulty finding a gig.

[Gator FNP]

I would think the direct entry NP program would be the quickest for you. You already have the basic classes for the BSN portion of your education. This way you would be in one school, one program, and finish quicker than separating the degrees. Also remember the DNP will be the way into the NP profession by 2015. Schools in my area have already d/c the MSN/NP program. At this point they are allowing the students to leave after the MSN is completed and come back for the DNP portion.