Bachelor in Human Biology to DNP pathway

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I will be graduating with a Bachelor in Human Biology next spring and I want to become a DNP, but I'm just not sure on the pathway that I should take and I would love some advice. I have shadowed a DNP for the past year and I love everything she does. I was thinking of doing an RN program at a community college and later apply to a DNP school, but after doing some research it seems like they require a BSN or a MSN degree. Does anyone know the fastest route to become a DNP with a BS?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

One does not 'become a DNP'. A DNP is an academic degree- not a job/ role/ career. I have a DNP, but am not a Nurse Practitioner.

To your point- You will need at least a BSN to enter a Nurse Practitioner program.

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To your point- You will need at least a BSN to enter a Nurse Practitioner program.

Not necessarily. There are, of course, the kazillion direct-entry MSN programs, that do not require people to have a BSN to matriculate (a BS in biology would do just fine). There are some MSN programs that take people with an ADN, but without a BSN. Of course, going that route would significantly restrict one's choice of MSN programs. In a recent thread here, someone mentioned that (as I suspected would be happening soon) there are starting to be direct-entry DNP programs, for those with no nursing background, but a BA/BS in another discipline. The school that was mentioned specifically in the other thread (as offering a direct-entry DNP) is University of Seattle.

OP, if you are referring to becoming a nurse practitioner, as opposed to taking a DNP degree (which, as meanmary notes, can have a variety of concentrations; not all people with DNPs are nurse practitioners and, conversely, plenty of nurse practitioners don't have DNPs), you can still become a nurse practitioner via an MSN degree, and do not need a DNP (yet) to get licensed and start practicing. After doing that, you can complete a DNP while working if you really want one.

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So sorry, I was asking about the route from a BS-->NP--->DNP

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I will be graduating with a Bachelor in Human Biology and I want to become a Nurse Practitioner. I know that some schools offer the direct entry MSN program, but they seem very expensive. I am also looking into doing an ADN/BSN through Pierce College & CSUN and the program would take 3 years . My last option would be just doing an ADN program which would take 2 year, but then I'm not sure what to do after or what programs to apply. I am very indecisive on what pathway to take that would allow me to be an NP and it would not cost a lot since I already have my deb from my bachelor degree .Thank you so much!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum.

There are direct entry NP programs where you get an MSN - then you can go on to the DNP. Does that answer your question?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Merged threads.

I understand you don't wish to incur more debt. Perhaps some of your credits from your BS will transfer to a nursing program. Best bet is to look at some different schools and see what they offer.

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I think the best way to do this (and the way I did it) is to do an accelerated BSN program. Get at least 2 or so years of ICU/high acuity experience as a RN, then go for your NP.

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Hi. I second Dodongo, you can do an accelerated BSN program (about 1 yr in my area) and become an RN, then look into DNP or MSN programs.

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At best, you want an inexpensive BA/BS-to-DNP, nurse practitioner program - you likely won't find an inexpensive program like this. If you're willing to compromise time for student loan debt, you've got a bunch of options:

BS, to ADN, to BSN, to MN or DNP (longest route; I wouldn't do this one)

BS, to ADN, to MN or DNP (skipping the BSN might be cost effective and save some time)

BS, to BSN (accelerated or traditional), to MN or DNP (would be more expensive than the one above)

BS to MSN (direct-entry masters)

BS to DNP (direct-entry doctoral; likely the most expensive)

I think you should also rationalize why becoming an NP with a DNP is more important to you over becoming an NP with a master's degree. And for what it's worth, I would recommend the second option I listed.

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I have a BS in biology. I got an RN degree from a community college in Arizona $70 a credit x 30 credits ($2100) total for my RN degree. I then practiced as an RN. I went to a state school (without a BSN) and got a Nurse traineeship grant that gave me $25,000 x 2 years = $50,000. Minus tuition and books of $35,000. I came out ahead w/ my NP degree (I made about $13,000) doing it.

I started nursing school in 2010 and just finished my Master's degree/NP without any debt, took 8 years though. I also made a lot of money along the way as an RN (nurses do well).

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