DNP vs. Certificate

A Masters program is not a certificate program, it is a 6 year Graduate program. Your question is confusing. The Doctorate program would add 2 more years and is not required at this time. Their is talk it will be in the future but it is still just talk.

So I want to be a nurse practitioner and I am in IL. I was told the trend is toward requiring a DNP. While master's certificate programs still exist I have been told that these certificate programs are becoming like an associate's and the DNP is like getting a bachelor's...if you get my comparison...I'm just unsure. I don't want to start and go through a certificate program only to be told upon completion that it's not sufficient and that I still need a DNP. Help!

As Lisa stated the Master's is not a Certificate, it is an actual degree much like the DNP is a doctorate of Nursing Practice degree. Their are Post-master certificates you can earn to add onto your masters. But to your original question, there it no mandate to having the DNP as of yet, nor will there ever be in my humble opinion. Many moons ago, there was talk of getting rid of the ADN programs and going strictly with a BSN....still hasn't/nor will it ever happen. If your not willing to put in the work for a doctorate, then don't do one. Get your masters and be happy. And after you have your masters you can go get those certificates in another area of practice

The extra two years of the DNP program cover leadership, program development and evaluation, etc. It's not clinical. In my DNP program, there are MSN prepared NPs completing their doctorate. Honestly, they have a distinct advantage because they are already practicing, have real world knowledge, and can apply it to the courses much better than the RN.

Also, I would be wary about believing the trend toward DNP being a requirement in the near future. They've been saying that forever with BSN vs associate prepared nurses and still not everyone is a BSN. if it ever happens that the DNP is the degree of entry, it will be a long time. Employers don't have much motivation to have a preference... like I said before, the extra two years are leadership-focused, not clinical. Most NPs are hired for their ability to see patients and bill as providers. Duties beyond that are really just extra...

My advice to you is go for the program that will prepare you for practice the best. That is your first priority. Then consider finances. You may find the extra two years in a DNP program more expensive than you can or want to afford... in that case, it's entirely possible to get your MSN and then finish the DNP later, if at all.

If your not willing to put in the work for a doctorate, then don't do one.

This is an interesting comment.

But moving on. I don't believe motivation/willingness to work are the main factors clinically-oriented people struggle with when deciding on DNP vs. MSN right now. There are other issues...