What happens to those who complete their accelerated MSN programs for NP on 2015?

[Samian Q]

I know that starting in 2015, you'll need to have a DNP to be a Nurse Practitioner (NP), whereas the DNP will be required for new Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in 2025.

Now, I'm applying to some accelerated MSN programs this fall, and I assume I'd be starting classes in Summer 2011. (So roughly one year from now.)

But let's say I did a program such as the University of Vermont's MEPN.

That could take up to 4 years to complete (1.5 years prelicensure component + 2.5 years doing Master's level work).

So the program would be done midway into the year 2015.

What happens to those students that graduate exactly at the year 2015 with the MSN?

Are they still grandfathered in?

Or are their degrees basically useless in the field now?

[UVA Grad Nursing]

The "2015 date" was an aspirational goal by AACN and the group of deans. It is not a mandate or a requirement at present.

To date, only the national CRNA organization have embraced the DNP movement and will require that all new anesthetists will have doctoral preparation. I believe that all students entering CNRA programs in 2020 will be doctoral level.

Licensure and certification issues are managed by the 50 state boards of nursing and the national certification bodies.