MS versus DNP

Nursing Students SRNA

Published

So, just to give a background on what I know (or what I think I know); here it goes...

Some CRNA programs I have been looking at are programs where the CRNA student gets a Master's degree when they graduate. Other CRNA programs have it listed where the CRNA student gets a DNP when they graduate. Lastly, I have seen a few CRNA programs that offer MS/DNP degrees for CRNA's.

My question is, does it matter, right now, what degree you get? I have researched some about this but, opinions scatter this topic on forums to the point where I don't feel like reading through internet fights so I don't get much information. I have read somewhere that until 2025, CRNA's are still able to enter and complete MS programs. Also, that if you are a CRNA with a MS, you are grandfathered in to the DNP category, basically just the same as ever other CRNA, except you have another degree but you can still practice the same amount of care. Correct? Yay or Nah?

If this is correct, by grandfathering into the DNP category, would a CRNA with a MS have to go back to school to earn the title of DNP. In other words, would it be like the RN to BSN shift in nurses where places that have had RN's working for years, encourage them to go back to school to earn their BSN?

I just feel like the terms "grandfathered in" is confusing me. Does this mean that by a certain amount of time, this profession will just have a higher title for people who earned the title and for people who were fortunate enough to get a MS before that time and are automatically at the same level.

If this is confusing you in any way, I am right there with ya'. If someone with an understanding of this whole concept could explain it in layman terms to me, it would be much appreciated. I am far off from applying, but I would like to know in order to narrow down a list of schools with programs that would benefit me in the long run.

I wouldn't want to get an MS just because I thought I wouldn't have to do anything to get a DNP. That sounds silly, but 2 years is better than 3 for the same scope.

Thank you for reading and responding! :geek:

Specializes in Anesthesia.
What's the difference between DNAP and DNP?

The DNP curriculum was set up by the AACN, and is through a school of nursing. A DNAP is a CRNA specific clinical doctorate that is approved through the nurse anesthetists council of accreditation. The DNAP has more latitude in the type of program that can be set up. The DNAP program that I chose had an additional 12 semester hours in advanced/applied science along with the option to specialize in nurse anesthesia education/administration. The DNAP came about because many nurse anesthesia schools are not in schools of nursing and cannot offer an MSN/DNP degree.

So if I did not wish to teach, would a DNP be sufficient? I feel a DNAP sounds like it is more specific to a nurse anesthetist, but if a DNP would get me to the same place as a DNAP depending on my school of choice, it doesn't really matter?

That last run on sentence is confusing and probably doesn't make sense. It's just all of these different degrees that virtually give you the same thing is confusing me. I don't want to make a mistake of doing something I don't want to by not knowing what it means.

I keep trying to relate it to the RN thing. I wanted to be in a 4-year BSN program because it would give me everything at one time without having to go back to school or have wide gaps between applying elsewhere, as opposed to getting an ADN or a traditional 2-year BSN (pre-requisties done before applying). Now, I'm just trying to figure what would be the best route to take for a CRNA with the same motive; get it all done at one time in one place.

If that makes any sense, please help me! If it doesn't, I'll try to explain what is confusing.

Thank you so much!

Specializes in Anesthesia.
So if I did not wish to teach, would a DNP be sufficient? I feel a DNAP sounds like it is more specific to a nurse anesthetist, but if a DNP would get me to the same place as a DNAP depending on my school of choice, it doesn't really matter?

That last run on sentence is confusing and probably doesn't make sense. It's just all of these different degrees that virtually give you the same thing is confusing me. I don't want to make a mistake of doing something I don't want to by not knowing what it means.

I keep trying to relate it to the RN thing. I wanted to be in a 4-year BSN program because it would give me everything at one time without having to go back to school or have wide gaps between applying elsewhere, as opposed to getting an ADN or a traditional 2-year BSN (pre-requisties done before applying). Now, I'm just trying to figure what would be the best route to take for a CRNA with the same motive; get it all done at one time in one place.

If that makes any sense, please help me! If it doesn't, I'll try to explain what is confusing.

Thank you so much!

http://www.aana.com/newsandjournal/Documents/educnews_0409_p92-96.pdf

Specializes in ICU, transport, CRNA.
So if I did not wish to teach, would a DNP be sufficient?

If you dont want to teach there is no reason to ever get a doctorate in anything ever

Specializes in Anesthesia.

I will have to disagree with that. People use doctorates to become administrators, researchers, educators, and/or just for their edification/personal fulfillment. There is more than one reason to get a doctorate degree.

Specializes in CVICU,SICU,ICU.

Wtbcrna: I agree with you. My inner nerd is really looking forward to obtaining my doctorate for my own enjoyment and fulfillment, though I may not pursue it until well after CRNA school, depending on where I eventually attend school.

WOW! I should have read that the first time you posted it. Forgive me for my lack of patience. That article hit the nail on the head. Right now, I think I would wish to get a DNP just because I don't want to mess around with a Master's if I only have to go to school for 6 more months.

The only part I get a little fuzzy about is on the second page, middle column, it talks about how a DNAP as a practice doctorate has a clinical focus on nurse anesthesia. Wouldn't the DNP also have a clinical focus on nurse anesthesia?

Thank you again wtbcrna for posting the article again!

Specializes in Anesthesia.
WOW! I should have read that the first time you posted it. Forgive me for my lack of patience. That article hit the nail on the head. Right now, I think I would wish to get a DNP just because I don't want to mess around with a Master's if I only have to go to school for 6 more months. The only part I get a little fuzzy about is on the second page, middle column, it talks about how a DNAP as a practice doctorate has a clinical focus on nurse anesthesia. Wouldn't the DNP also have a clinical focus on nurse anesthesia?Thank you again wtbcrna for posting the article again!
Compare curriculum between a DNP program and a DNAP program. The DNAP will tend to more focused on nurse anesthesia than a DNP program.

What are the best DNP schools?

I am currently applying to MSN and DNP CRNA programs.... If accepted to to an MSN program, I would eventually like to pursue my DNP or DNAP. The reasons holding me back from DNP programs are a) price and b) length of time to complete. I have my BS and my MSN so I definitely have my fair share of student loans. I don't want to graduate and drown in my debt!! Next there is the length of time to complete - The MSN program I applied to is a little over 2 years, and the DNP program is 40 months! I would really like to get my career, life, family started sooner rather than later. That being said, I would like some feedback on job opportunities for the CRNA with MSN vs DNP (assuming both are great programs and will adequately train me). In my experience, HR and management tend to look at credentials. Does anyone else feel that CRNA's with MSN degrees will have a harder time finding a job in the next few years?

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