CNM available after 2015?

[ck29_2000]

I've done a million searches on this topic but haven't been able to find a definitive answer. I've seen all the DNP buzz and haven't been able to make sense of it. Is the masters level CNM going the way of the dodo bird? I understand that the DNP is a degree all its own, does it replace masters prepared NPs? If it does what exactly will be "masters level" education?

[elkpark]

The proposal by the AACN and some other academic nursing organizations is to make the DNP the minimum level of education for the four advanced practice roles (CNM, CNS, NP, and CRNA), but nothing is official yet. You would still be able to become a CNM; you would just have to get a DNP instead of a Master's. DNP programs are now springing up like mushrooms after a spring rain, but in order for this to become official/mandatory, a whole bunch of folks, including all the state BONs and the professional organizations and clinical accrediting organization would have to sign on. The larger nursing community, so far, doesn't seem to be in a big rush to jump on this particular bandwagon.

If this does become official, Master's programs would still exist in education, managment/administration, CNL, informatics, policy, and whatever other non-advanced practice MSN programs are out there. So far, the discussion is only about entry into advanced practice.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

And, this is from the American College of Nurse-Midwives:

The DNP is a very new degree and it is not clear whether or not employers will offer any salary differential for this degree. Although several schools of nursing in which nurse-midwifery education programs reside are beginning to offer the DNP degree, the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) will not be requiring the DNP as an entry to practice requirement for midwifery certification.

What are the differences between a Master's degree and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree when I try to find employment?