Acute Care Nurse Practioner Inquiry

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Oct 13, 2020

7 hours ago, desire2aspire said:

Are BSN-DNP programs more challenging to get into as a new graduate nurse vs. MSN-DNP programs?

I don't think that is a comparison you can make. There are a number of schools that totally eliminated the MS/MSN programs for NP, hence, they only offer a BSN-DNP. For the remainder of the schools that did not do this, you have an option for a BSN-MS/MSN for NP and an option for MS/MSN to DNP for NP's who are already in practice and would like to advance to a DNP degree. Difficulty level in getting admitted is really school-specific, not degree specific. Some schools can be more selective with their applicants than others.

7 hours ago, desire2aspire said:

Also, are there any online programs that anyone is aware of that do not require critical care experience at the time of the application? I will be transferring to an ICU in the next upcoming year.

AGACNP programs as a rule, do not require just critical care experience. Many programs take students with any in-patient hospital RN experience including Med-Surg and ER though ICU experience will be helpful for students because there is a critical care component in the course content. Not having ICU experience will make you less qualified for some jobs such as ICU NP positions but you can still work in other acute care areas that does not involve the ICU.

desire2aspire · Oct 13, 2020

1 hour ago, juan de la cruz said:

I don't think that is a comparison you can make. There are a number of schools that totally eliminated the MS/MSN programs for NP, hence, they only offer a BSN-DNP. For the remainder of the schools that did not do this, you have an option for a BSN-MS/MSN for NP and an option for MS/MSN to DNP for NP's who are already in practice and would like to advance to a DNP degree. Difficulty level in getting admitted is really school-specific, not degree specific. Some schools can be more selective with their applicants than others.

AGACNP programs as a rule, do not require just critical care experience. Many programs take students with any in-patient hospital RN experience including Med-Surg and ER though ICU experience will be helpful for students because there is a critical care component in the course content. Not having ICU experience will make you less qualified for some jobs such as ICU NP positions but you can still work in other acute care areas that does not involve the ICU.

Thank you so much for the information!