a bit confused about DNP

Go-GetterRN · Dec 23, 2014

You can become a CRNA with either a masters or doctorate degree right now. In the year 2025 (supposedly) the only way to become a crna will be with a doctorate. Everyone who has a masters by that time will be grandfathered in and won't need to go back and get a doctorate unless they want to.

FYI, most people say the doctorate degree is just extra theory and research classes, not science.

jj224 · Dec 23, 2014

Like ^ said, you can become a CRNA either way. You'd be grandfathered in if you have an MSN. One thing I'm noticing more, though, is that each year more schools are moving to DNP as it makes the school more money - DNP $$$ vs MSN $$. So by the time you decide to go back to school, your choices may be more limited. Good luck!

mh0712, MSN, RN · Dec 24, 2014

By 2022 all CRNA programs will have to be in compliance with the DNP movement which is that all graduating in 2025 will be with a doctoral degree. Any practicing CRNA will continue to practice and will be grandfathered in. One thing I will caution you about is that most MSN programs are 28-30 months and you cannot work for any of this time due to the intensity of the program. If you get your MSN and then go to a MSN-DNP program it will be roughly two years and be a minimum of $35,000- at least that is what the programs I have seen are charging; however, if you do a direct entry 36 month BSN-DNP program, most will let you work your first year or at least part of it and will be online during this time. Then your last two years will be full time clinicals and the intense CRNA schooling we all know and love. My reason for choosing the BSN-DNP is that during the time I work and save I will have more saved, actually have less time without a job, and will have the terminal degree and never have to go back. No the DNP does not make you a better provider, but it does make you more marketable and prevents you from ever going back to school, and that to me is what it is all about!