DNP 2015

[JonB04]

I want to be an FNP in the future but by 2015 i will be discouraged a little if it becomes a doctorate degree. Do you think master degrees will be gone and replaced by dnp programs around the 2015-2020

[beingthankful]

I personally don't - I'm a newbie myself (so what do I know) but I've been researching this for awhile now, and it seems as if this has been pushed for quite some time. The problem is that more & more schools are offering a BSN-DnP type program (but at least you still get the MSN a year or so in) while cutting out the MSN programs entirely.

[Snwbdr]

NP programs are supposed to be DNP's by 2015....it's happening...prepare for it

[iPink, BSN, RN]

My goal is to become an FNP as well. I may go all the way and get mine. But there was a huge discussion about it on here already: Doctoral degree to become an NP??? - Nursing for Nurses

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I like the idea of obtaining a DNP as opposed to an MSN as a terminal degree for practitioners. Considering that I won't be completing graduate work anytime before 2015 (I have yet to even begin my BSN), I am embracing the DNP idea, makes things easier

[coffee and toast]

I'm worried as well!

I would be a bigger proponent of pushing post-masters internships instead of educational program changes. I certainly want to see what the 'meat' of DNP programs are before endorsing.

For instance, currently, I end up seeing NPs for most of my healthcare needs. I feel very comfortable with the care they've provided me, and the are mostly MSNs. What will the DNP provide above and beyond what these clinicians know and have acquired in the natural course of career experience?

Second, To me, one of the important aspects of NP education to me is that it is cheaper than Med school, so, they cost less to hire for primary care. I like that, in this sense, NPs are more economical health care providers and can perhaps improve healthcare in traditionally underserved areas.

If it becomes as expensive to become an NP as it does to become an MD........it's no longer an economical way to systemically provide more healthcare to more people..... I always argue that the relative inexpense of hiring an NP is one of the key way of expanding the availability of quality primary healthcare in the US.

Third, and somewhat selfishly, as I want to complete schooling for NP sometime between 2014 and 2016.......I'm just worried about what this means for my own career! It's tough to plan, budget, know what I'm getting into with unknowns like 'what kind of degree will I need!'.

All I know is I hope they make accessible, economical bridge programs for MSN's when the changeover does happen! (I do think this was the case when DPT in Physical therapy came to be the norm).