Confused over PHCNP process in Canada

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Okay, so I've been accepted into BScN at McMaster. My end goal has always been to become a nurse practitioner... While I know it's something in the future I need to worry about and not right now, I like to plan and have a direction.

I'm confused about the process here in Canada to become an NP. So I first complete my BScN, than I have to work for 2 years so that I can then apply to a PHCNP program? Is that correct? OR can I get into a program right out of school?

If I can't get into the program right out of school, it means 2 years work, and 2 years of school... so an additional 4 years on top of my BScN. :(

Is this the fastest method to achieving my goals, or am I misunderstanding something regrading the process?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Having experience to move forward to be a NP is a good thing. One NP I am friends with only the other day mentioned initially you had to have over 10 years experience to be accepted by the course provider

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Have you looked at NP program's admission requirements? In many cases, applicants need two years of experience plus a completed Masters degree. Also, if you look at the admissions for the masters program, applicants often need two years of nursing experience to get accepted into them.

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Having experience to move forward to be a NP is a good thing. One NP I am friends with only the other day mentioned initially you had to have over 10 years experience to be accepted by the course provider

It is good, just adds time is all. I was more curious if I had the timing correct, and if that was the fastest method on becoming a PHCNP.

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Have you looked at NP program's admission requirements? In many cases, applicants need two years of experience plus a completed Masters degree. Also, if you look at the admissions for the masters program, applicants often need two years of nursing experience to get accepted into them.

I was just looking at the McMaster PHCNP program, and it seems there is a requirement to have a Masters to get into their PHCNP program. However, at McMaster it goes:

MScN = 2 years

Work = 2 years

PHCNP = 1 years

BUT their MScN does not require work experience. So it might be possible to work while doing your MScN and shave a year off... BScN, work while doing MScN, complete PHCNP would be 3 years total.

However, Ryerson has a combined program of MScN and PHCNP but requires 2 year experience, so that's still 4 years on top of BScN.

I think the McMaster route might be the fastest, IF one was capable of working as an RN and doing their Masters simultaneously.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Lots of nurses work while they're completing their Masters. It isn't easy - some employers are reluctant to hire people they know aren't going to stay - and there will be sacrifices along the way. But it IS doable. I'm curious though... what's the rush? Being a PHCNP is a worthy goal, but I think being a GOOD PHCNP is a better one, and that's something that requires experience in addition to education. For me, your focus on speed is a little concerning. I invite you to change my mind.

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Lots of nurses work while they're completing their Masters. It isn't easy - some employers are reluctant to hire people they know aren't going to stay - and there will be sacrifices along the way. But it IS doable. I'm curious though... what's the rush? Being a PHCNP is a worthy goal, but I think being a GOOD PHCNP is a better one, and that's something that requires experience in addition to education. For me, your focus on speed is a little concerning. I invite you to change my mind.

I would tend to agree with you... EXCEPT I'm 34 and just starting my BScN this Sept. I have a wife and 2 kids... and starting a second career can be hard. Hopefully my interest in a bit more speed will make some more sense. :)

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

That does give some context. I was 36 with a spouse and three kids when I graduated form nursing school. I've found nursing to be a very good career with a lot of opportunity for additional education and acquisition of new skills. We're debt-free, mortgage-free, have two children with professional careers (the third is severely handicapped) and my spouse is retired. But I'm "just a nurse". I don't have any desire to be "more".

Is it the authority and autonomy of being a nurse practitioner that attracts you? It can't be the money, because we bedside nurses make almost as much...

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That does give some context. I was 36 with a spouse and three kids when I graduated form nursing school. I've found nursing to be a very good career with a lot of opportunity for additional education and acquisition of new skills. We're debt-free, mortgage-free, have two children with professional careers (the third is severely handicapped) and my spouse is retired. But I'm "just a nurse". I don't have any desire to be "more".

Is it the authority and autonomy of being a nurse practitioner that attracts you? It can't be the money, because we bedside nurses make almost as much...

I'd never suggest you were "just a nurse" btw. It's an amazing career. Glad to hear you have done so well for yourself. I desire the same thing. :)

Autonomy is right! You can make good money as an RN no doubt. However, I did read that in Ontario where I am, the avg NP in a hospital was clearing 120,000. Money isn't so much the draw for me as is the career itself though.

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Have you read the qualifications PHCNP job postings? Most ask for 3-5 years related RN experience.

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Have you read the qualifications PHCNP job postings? Most ask for 3-5 years related RN experience.

I think by working while doing your Masters would add to that experience, and shave some time off, do you not agree? The main thing to me, would be completing the schooling in the shortest amount of time possible.

BScN --> Working 2 years --> Masters / PHCNP --> Working, is likely the longest possible route.

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It's clear what your motivation is.

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