Best way to DNP with a non-nursing bachelor's?

[Narwhal1209]

Hi everyone - I have a non-nursing bachelor's degree (communications), and I'm currently in process of getting my ADN (with an RN certification of course). My end goal is a DNP, but I'm not sure what I should be looking into... get my BSN to work directly to a DNP, or should I find an ADN-MSN program and work from there?

I know it's different for everyone, but hearing the paths you've taken would be very helpful!

Thanks.

[Tacomaboy3]

You have many options, especially if you're flexible with location.

-ADN with comm bachelor's to DNP (these programs are rare, but they are out there; e.g. Seattle University)

-ADN to BSN to DNP (opens up almost all DNP options)

-ADN with comm bachelor's to MSN to DNP (I'm currently looking at this route once I finish school, but this may end up being longer, more expensive and frustrating particularly if the DNP program doesn't transfer any of your MSN credits)

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Just a thought: a lot of ADN to MSN programs have a point at which students earn a BSN. I would recommend one of those programs as you never know what will happen and you might need to pause your education for a bit. That way, you'd still end up with a BSN at some point.

[Whull1, BSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

So, I didn't have a bachelors in another degree. I wasn't able to do the RN to MSN. I got my ADN, went right back for my BSN (one semester later). Waited a year post BSN and am now in a BSN to DNP program. I liked doing it this way, I got a little bit of a break each time. Look at price, time commitment (my DNP program is 4 years Part-Time), your availability and your end goal. If you really break it down, the time frame for all tracks will pretty much be the same.

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

Since you are already working on your ADN, the best course would be as mentioned go RN to MSN and then on to DNP. It could cut a few terms off of getting a hard BSN and IMO a BSN is moot once MSN is under your belt. BUT if there's a remote possibility you won't be able to commit to a full program, a RN to BSN is a good stop-gap just in case. Many ADN to MSN programs are hard to transfer credits and can turn into a waste if you either fail out or leave early. I know in my ADN to MSN program, there was the occasional sinking feeling of "what happens if" and "wasted money" when exams were getting tough.

Had I been in your shoes, I would have taken an accelerated BSN course that taps in to your current Bachelor's degree presuming the requirements were met.