Best path to NP...MSN or DNP?

dilleweed · Mar 30, 2008

I can reply with my own feelings on the subject, being in a similar boat as you. I'm about to start my BSN and will start my NP program in 2010. I am leaning strongly toward getting the MSN, and here's why:

1. I'm out of school quicker and working as an NP.

2. There are still not many schools offering the DNP (although it's growing), so I have more programs to choose from.

3. Once I'm working as an NP, I can choose to go back to school later on to get the DNP at a slower pace, rather than killing myself to get through it quickly so that I can start working. (I'm not a patient person )

There you have it... my own personal reasons for wanting to an MSN rather than DNP. I think it comes down to your professional goals and your personal situation!

JerseyGir1 · Mar 30, 2008

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I have been thinking, which made me lean toward the MSN, too. Good luck with everything!

dilleweed · Mar 31, 2008

Thanks! Today I found a program that is really intriguing. It's a DNP at Arizona State, hybrid online/on-campus where you just have to visit a couple times a semster. And it's only 7 semesters long, or 2.5 years! They seem to really emphasize clinical hours - by the end, you have almost 1200. I'm definitely interested in them, because it's not that much longer than an MSN. Maybe you should check it out!

JerseyGir1 · Mar 31, 2008

Hey dilleweed - Thank you soo much!!Not only does that program sound great, but my boyfriend might be applying to school in AZ next year. I'll definitely look into that!

emtneel · Apr 4, 2008

well if you do a program that requires 1200 hours plan on NOT working. I don't see how you can do that and work.

I did my MS-FNP program in 2.5 years or 7 semesters. We weren't allowed to start clinicals til 3rd semester after Pharm, and assessment were done and diagnosis and managment 1.

But even if you do 90 hours/semester often times you can't get 10 or 12 hour days, and have to do 4,5,6,8 hour days, and often no times on weekends.

So anyways, i did my program extremely fast taking 10-13 credits/semester, i think 5 is full-time. AND i worked full-time. Most weeks I put in 6 days/week, sometimes because of work schedule i did 14 days straight of work and clinicals before a day off.

Just something to think about. My program had 630 hours which is already at the higher end, i think only 540 are required for certification?

I went to University of Colorado Health sciences center, they also have a DNP program.

Neelia

JerseyGir1 · Apr 4, 2008

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I will definitely think about all of that. I assume you work as an FNP now? If you care to share, what kind of setting do you work in? And how do you like the profession?

dilleweed · Apr 4, 2008

well if you do a program that requires 1200 hours plan on NOT working. I don't see how you can do that and work.
Neelia

Good point. It does sound like a very intense program... I was hoping to work while I went to school so that I wouldn't have to borrow as much loan $$. That probably means I'll have to cut back to part-time, or bite the bullet and borrow enough to just go to school. Thanks!

emtneel · Apr 4, 2008

I'm still looking for my first job just graduated DEc.07.

I am glad i worked during my program, i think the experience will definitely benefit me.

I would think hard before i did a program with 1200 hours that's a LOT of free labor!

Neelia

dilleweed · Apr 4, 2008

I'm still looking for my first job just graduated DEc.07.
I am glad i worked during my program, i think the experience will definitely benefit me.
I would think hard before i did a program with 1200 hours that's a LOT of free labor!
Neelia

It is 1200 hours for a DNP, not an MSN. Most MSN programs that I have seen range from 500-650 hours. I like the idea of more clinical hours - I have seen a lot of threads on here from new NP program grads who feel like they're being thrown to the wolves! I know it's free labor... but there are lots of sacrifices to be made in the name of education. :bugeyes:

emtneel · Apr 4, 2008

i dunno. I think you are going to feel scared and unsure no matter how many hours you do. And with most MS programs you can do more hours if you want, you just have to pay for them.

Also most Docs who have 4 yrs of med school and 3+ yrs of residency also still feel unsure etc..

I"m just saying with that many hours, you might as well go to med school...

dilleweed · Apr 4, 2008

I have many reasons for choosing the NP route over the MD route. I don't think that it's valid to compare the 2 educations on a basis of one of many facets. Even if it were just a matter of time, the NP is still preferable b/c I can be an NP in 3.5 years compared to 7 years for an MD.