Best way to become a FNP

[AJ Healthy]

What is the best way to become a FNP?

Currently, I am a student in a Public Health Program. If I decide to finish, I will have roughly 1 1/2 to 2 years left. Thinking if I go this route to get an Accelerated BSN and go forth with getting a Master's or DNP for Family Nurse Practioner.

Second option, Go for an ADN- BSN Bridge program, become and RN and work for one or two years while finishing my public health degree and starting a FNP program.

I want to be at least half way done with all the schooling in the next 3- 4yrs. Is there a way to double major with BSN and Public Health?

Look forward to hearing all your answers. Thank you in advance for the advice. :)

[AJ Healthy]

I was also in an exercise science program, but decided to drop that because I have several personal training certifications and decided to go for the ACSM Public Health Physical Activity Certification once I graduate with my Public Health Degree. My Main goal is to have my own practice as a Public Health FNP. I would like to open my own center and also start medical fitness programs and cardiac rehab programs.

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

The answers your going to get are going to be primarily based on whether the posters feel that RN experience is an integral part of NP education or not. Also factor into your decision whether you will enjoy being a nurse since you will have to train as a nurse and practice as a nurse first and there is every chance despite ambition that you might end up having to hop off the ladder there for a variety of reasons within and without your control.

So the question is what do you define as best? Quickest? Most rewarding? Best Experience?

[PMFB-RN, RN]

In my opinion NPs should have significant work experience as an RN before going on the NP school. I can sure tell the difference between those who were experienced bedside nurses before becoming NPs and those that were not.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Most NP programs have practice requirements. If you can find one that doesn't, I think you will still face problems when you graduate, at the very least from employers. Most nursing employers require a minimum of a year's experience by RN's (which is causing a lot of underemployment among new nurses, but that's a digression) and I would think that would also be the case for an NP.

Your second option is would normally be a good choice and is similar to the route I thought I'd take to FNP as a second-degree nursing student. The rub is that, in my part of the world, the overwhelming majority of nursing job postings state "one year minimum experience required" and most of the few that don't now state "BSN required". This may or may not be the case in your area.

Good luck with whatever route you eventually choose.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

Most NP programs have practice requirements.

*** There are many of these direct entry BSN/MSN programs popping up where a person who has no nursing education does an accelerated BSN and is already pre-admitted to an NP program that starts immediatly after the BSN portion. There qre several of these types of programs at the local state universities in my area.

[AJ Healthy]

Do you know if any schools in NJ have direct entry BSN/MSN programs?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Do you know if any schools in NJ have direct entry BSN/MSN programs?

If you want it be a FNP, start getting used to researching things that you need answers to.

NJ actually looks pretty sporifice for DE programs.

Nationally accredited DE's by state:

http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/programs/direct-entry-msn/#massachusetts

((website looks like it is up-to-date but take it with a grain of salt))

[AJ Healthy]

Thank You! I will take a look at the website.