DNP over all others?

[Texan_Gal]

Ok so considering nursing is rapidly moving towards a DNP as the basic standard to practice in the future, would it be prudent to apply for a MSN to DNP program even if I want to be a nurse practitioner? I've already earned an MS degree in another healthcare field & don't really want an other MS degree, but I want to practice as a nurse practitioner & also want to make the best use of my resources.

Any thoughts or ideas to share?

[llg, PhD, RN]

You'll have to talk with the specific schools that interest you to see if that is even possible. Some MSN-DNP programs assume that the person is already an Advanced Practice Nurse (NP, CNM, CRNA, or CNS) prior to admission. If you are not already a Nurse Practitioner, you may have to complete an NP program first before entering the MSN-DNP program.

However ... the are BSN-DNP programs. Assuming you already have have a BSN, such a program might be a better fit for you as those programs incorporate the NP education into the program.

From your original post, I am not sure exactly what credentials you have already earned -- and your current level of nursing education and experience would be a key factor in determining what education you still need to get where you want to be.

Finally, perhaps you just "mis-spoke" in your OP, but nobody is proposing the DNP as an entry into nursing practice. The DNP is a graduate degree designed to be added on to an entry-level degree (e.g. BSN or direct-entry MSN). The DNP focuses on advanced practice and assumes that the student is already a nurse and knows the basics. The DNP is not an entry-level degree.