BS to Nurse Practitioner Route

[Patel.94]

Hello! I am currently a third year BS in Biology student. Until now, my goal was to go to medical school but I have now realized that I don't want to spend so much time in college after my undergrad. My question is, is it possible become a NP, especially DNP, with just a BS degree? I am not really sure how it all works so any advice might be helpful. Since I am already in three years with BS in biology... I don't think I want to try and do BSN because its not gonna be possible. Do you guys know any programs which are directly BS to DNP or BS to NP? How long does it usually take?

Thank you!

Priya

[littlepeopleRNICU]

I'm not 100% positive there's no loop around it, but any schools I have looked at or had friends go to, a nursing license is required for entry. Some programs also require actual nursing experience too before you can be accepted.

[awilliamsesu]

You should look into direct-entry MSN programs. With most, you get a BSN and MSN. Some (like Boston College) give you an RN and MSN (no BSN). I wish I had taken this route, as I knew for a few years now that FNP is my career goal. I'm currently in an accelerated BSN program (I already have a biology degree) and my goal is to go right into a BSN to DNP program upon graduating next summer.

[TammyG]

The direct-entry MSN program that offer advanced practice degrees (there are only about 10 in the country right now as I recall) will prepare you for both the NCLEX and the nurse practitioner boards. There are many more that offer a generalist MSN, so be sure you are looking at programs that will make you eligible for NP boards. I am not sure you are going to spend any less time in the classroom than you would going through an accelerated second-degree BSN program and a separate masters, however, Certain classes are required for NCLEX and certain others for NP board eligibility so there is not that much opportunity to reduce the total number of classes. You might be better off getting your BSN separately and working for a while, to be sure you are going down the right path, before you commit to the entire thing.