Does anyone know of any programs that transfer credits from the MSN into the DNP?

Hi everyone,

Since CRNA's and NP's will soon start to require doctorate degrees I wondered if it's more advantageous to do a direct entry MSN program instead of an Accelerated BSN; in hopes of  transitioning into the DNP  program after gaining at least 1 year of ICU experience.

I understand that at this time you can practice as a CRNA with an MSN but not as of 2022 if I am correct.

Does anyone know of any programs that transfer credits from the MSN into the DNP?

Thank you for your help! 

4 Answers

The short answer here is yes. Academic prestige matters most in academia related endeavors. Folks who like to say don't worry about your degree or grades are speaking about WORK related endeavors, SCHOOL related endeavors are different. I believe with the entry level MSN you'll be able to leverage your completion of graduate level coursework like advanced patho, advanced pharm and adv HA (huge benefit over a BSN applicant), however I don't believe it will shorten your DNP time at all.

Also, many programs waive the GRE for applicants who hold a MSN. I'm not saying it's necessary, as others have said if the BSN will save you a significant amount of money then go for it! There is an academic advantage of earning the MSN though, it shouldn't be ignored if your goal is to go back for a terminal degree. 

You will be able to practice as a CRNA with a masters degree for many, many years to come.  However, this year is the final year that programs are admitting masters students.  After this year, all admissions will be into DNP/DNAP programs, to meet the mandate to have 100% doctoral entry level by 2025. 

Your questions does not have a lot of merit at this point.  Get your BSN, get your 3-4 years of quality ICU experience, and then enter a program.

Specializes in CRNA.

I doubt the RN MSN will have a benefit. Maybe selected programs may transfer in 3 credits or so, but it won't shorten the program. If it's the same length and cost as the BSN, then sure, go ahead and do it. Programs are going to be more impressed with strong clinical experience and As in your science courses.

NPs by the way are not requiring doctoral degrees. Only CRNA program accreditation requires a doctorate. 

Even if I got by BSN right now, taking about Masters based CRNA credentials is not of any interest to me since I will be done after 2022 and by then all new CRNA’s will need a doctorate degree.  No need to come in here bashing me for asking a question. By the time I graduate with a BSN or MSN I will have to get a DNP to become a CNRA. I am simply asking if there are any benefits to the MSN or if there are programs that would lessen the course length of the DNP by having an MSN. We are all here to support one another and would love insight from people who genuinely  want to help others in a positive manner.

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