BSN to NP - I'm SO lost!!!

elkpark · Aug 26, 2006

The vast majority of NP programs are still at the Master's level -- you complete an MSN program that offers a nurse practitioner concentration (major). It's not a "versus" issue. The national certification exams for all the advanced practice roles require an MSN to be eligible to write the exam.

The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) is a very new degree that is being added on to the pile of "clinical" or "practice" doctoral degrees (non-PhD) in nursing that are already out there. There are a number of older threads on this site that discuss some of the pros and cons of this issue in detail, if you are interested.

The DNP degree is available to you as an option (at a v. few schools), if you want to pursue one. The proposal to make it the minimum entry level for nurse practitioners is, so far, just that -- a proposal, nothing more. A few of the professional organizations are circulating some position papers. Keep in mind that this is the same occupational group that has been debating making the BSN the entry level for generalist RN practice for some 30 years or so, and that ain't happened yet, so ... :)

Cyndee, MSN, NP · Aug 27, 2006

Hello All! Need to pick your brains. My Deans of Admission & web searches are coming up DRY!
I'm finishing up my BSN in December 2008 (yay 1.5 to go!) - anyhew - my concern is my next step to becoming a NP specializing in Geriatrics.
I receive information constantly from web online programs, but now there's the new news of Doctorate of Practice PRE practioner? Gulp! That's a TON of more school. (not too mention the cost!)
What's my best move? What's my NEXT move? Do I study practioner VERSUS MSN? Or HOW does this system work?
Y'all are SO appreciated. I adore this site!
Amanda, RN

There aren't any states that require a doctorate degree to practice. If and when it does happen (years from now), then we'll all be grandfathered in. Something else, NP's are MSN's. Of course, you can get your MSN in something other than advanced practice, but I wouldn't recommend it. I know several Clinical Nurse Specialists who have gone back to become a NP strictly because of the pay and lack of jobs for CNS's. I am certified in both Adult & Gerontology (I went through a dual program). If I were you, I would go through a dual program or maybe just get the Adult NP (can see patients 13 years and up), that way you will have far more options. Remember, GNP's can only treat patients over the age of 55, so this will be very limiting.