BSN to DNP Schools

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hello everyone! I am in my senior year of my BSN program and expect to graduate and take the NCLEX in May 2019. I am looking into BSN to DNP (I don't have a certain specialty in mind) and am looking for advice on schools to apply to. I would like to apply to enter Fall 2019, which means I need a program that doesn't require X years of nursing experience and would allow acceptance with the understanding that I will earn my license before attending class. My friend did this with Arizona and it worked great for him, but does anyone else have suggestions for schools that may fit with me? GPA shouldn't be an issue, but I would like online (or mostly online) programs. Thanks!

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Why are you immediately trying to jump into a DNP program without even knowing what specialty you want to persue.

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Just want to know options, nothing is set in stone.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

It is really foolish to pursue a doctorate A) without experience and B) not knowing what you want the focus of the doctorate to be.

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I wasn't really asking for opinions on that but thanks anyways. In my opinion, the educational system that I am in is ran by "experienced" DNPs and it doesn't help at all. Since that isn't working, I don't see the harm in trying. I don't understand why I couldn't gain experience along the way in a doctoral program. To each his own I guess.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Tbh, not all schools offer all specialties or sub-specialty concentration. Many schools limit the number of transfer credits to 9-15 from my experiences. They can also deny credit if they feel it doesn't match up to their course.

If you were asking my advice, I would say to wait until you have a firm grasp of your career goals and path before starting grad school. I personally very much appreciated the time I took off to decompress and not be so weary of school.

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I really appreciate it! I am kinda leaning towards going into education because I feel like there could be some improvement there. I'm just scared that if I don't immediately go to school then life will happen and I won't make it back you know?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
I wasn't really asking for opinions on that but thanks anyways. In my opinion, the educational system that I am in is ran by "experienced" DNPs and it doesn't help at all. Since that isn't working, I don't see the harm in trying. I don't understand why I couldn't gain experience along the way in a doctoral program. To each his own I guess.

OP- are you aware that 'DNP' is a degree and not a role? That not every person with a DNP is an advanced practice nurse? That DNPs can be CNMs, CNSs, NPs, CRNAs, educators, administrators, informaticists, infection preventionists? That is why we are giving you the advice we are- because it *seems* like you are confusing the degree with a certain role.

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I understand. Instead of a medical doctor, I see a FNP with a DNP. The director of my nursing program has a DNP with no specialty. Before this role, she was the director of a local hospital. I know that I want to enter administration, but what I don't know is whether it be on the academic or clinical side. Therefore, I am open to different tracks. My med-surg professor is a CRNA with a doctorate, she just didn't like her job so she started teaching. I don't really think you're stuck with any "role" if you have a DNP.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
I understand. Instead of a medical doctor, I see a FNP with a DNP. The director of my nursing program has a DNP with no specialty. Before this role, she was the director of a local hospital. I know that I want to enter administration, but what I don't know is whether it be on the academic or clinical side. Therefore, I am open to different tracks. My med-surg professor is a CRNA with a doctorate, she just didn't like her job so she started teaching. I don't really think you're stuck with any "role" if you have a DNP.

There is no such thing as "DNP without a specialty". You need to further research this issue. ALL DNPs have a focus and lead to certain specialties. For example, if your DNP is in Education (like mine is) I am limited to education and leadership roles- I am not an NP and my DNP was not a pathway to advanced practice.

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Yes but leadership is a broad term and you can work in a variety of positions with your degree, which is the flexibility that I want. This is why I don't have a specific path set in stone.

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You can apply for Rochester Nursing School Family Psych Mental Health NP which is offered as a distance program and does not require experience. You can take it both as a full-time or a part-time student.

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