Doctoral degree to become an NP???

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The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is calling for the requirement of doctorate in nursing for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists. This new degree will be called a Doctor of Nursing Practice and, if the AACN has its way, will become the entry level for advanced nursing practice.

AACN Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing

Specializes in OR, ICU, Home Health.

There is also the DrNP - which is a clinical doctorate and is described as an academic practice doctorate that is both a research and practice degree which requires a clinical dissertation. (Academic practice doctorate).

The PhD is the doctor of philosophy which is research based.

The DNP is doctor of nursing practice (practice doctorate) which depending on the institution may be either research based or non-research based degree and may or may not require a clinical dissertation which is also dependent upon the institution. (Professional practice doctorate).

According to the AACN, the DNP degree prepares the graduate for the highest level of advance practice in nursing.

My personal opinion is that a master prepared APN should remain and the DNP should not be a requirement. APNs are already widely recognized by the general public as providing high-quality care, this should be a choice and not a requirement (again my personal opinion).

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OK let's see... For the nurses and NPs out there:

- What do you think the potential is for increased diabetic and clinical hours: Sooner than later?

- Will there be any standardization of programs coming down the track anytime soon?

I'll bet you could do 5,000 hrs if you wanted to just keep taking your preceptor courses and giving your school the tuition money. That way you could spend a semester in any clinics you could think of. :yeah:

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

I have probably a silly question & I dont want to read the last 80 pages to find out the answer- I am currently in the first block of an ADN program, & ASU has a fast track 1 year ADN-BSN program here in AZ, so in about 3 years I'll be ready to start on my MSN or DNP- & I guess thats my question- legally, to be a nurse practitioner, do you have to be a DNP? or is that a future thing?... & starting when...? Thanks for any info!

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I have probably a silly question & I dont want to read the last 80 pages to find out the answer- I am currently in the first block of an ADN program, & ASU has a fast track 1 year ADN-BSN program here in AZ, so in about 3 years I'll be ready to start on my MSN or DNP- & I guess thats my question- legally, to be a nurse practitioner, do you have to be a DNP? or is that a future thing?... & starting when...? Thanks for any info!

Rumor has it, you will need the DNP starting in 2015. Prior to that, you need the MSN to be a Nurse Practitioner. If you get your MSN before the DNP becomes standard, you will be grandfathered in. We'll see if that actually happens. Back in the 70s, it was guaranteed that the BSN was going to be the entry level for an RN and almost 40 years later, that still hasn't happened so who knows. Time will tell.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

What a frustrating situation. I don't graduate till May 2010, but I want to be an NP someday. It just doesn't make sense to keep us in school any longer. I mean, NPs provide excellent care as it is, so what's the point of tacking on more credit hours? Money? The title of "Doctor"? I don't know, but the whole situation is silly. Hopefully the landscape will change within the next couple of years and things will be clearer.

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I was told today that this is the case. I'm just starting my Accelerated BSN program and will finish in spring 2011. I wanted to become an NP after working a few years, but would it make more sense to go for NP right away? Does the same thing apply to CNAs?

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Specializes in GI/GU surg,Pacu, ct surg, home care, NH.

So far there are nursing organizations that are pushing for the DNP to be the entry to practice for new NPs starting in 2015. But going the NP route right after finishing your BSN is not a good idea. You should atleast work a couple of years before attempting to go into a NP program. It helps to have some good hands on nursing experience prior to starting an advanced practice program.

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Specializes in NICU.

I have been a NICU nurse for 2 years now. I just got accepted into Grad School from my NNP. I would highly recommend working as an RN for at least a couple of years. Although I am excited about going back to school I am super nervous because of my lack of experience. Many of our Neo's and practitioners are supportive of me doing this, but they have commented on how experience means more than having book knowledge.

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The "DNP minimum" proposal is still, so far, just that -- a proposal, not official. There are lots of existing threads about that here if you want to read further discussion/opinions (you could find them with the "search" feature).

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Its 2015. From what I understand it is by the recommendation of the AACN which is not the say all end all.

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Specializes in ER.

and there is only one accredited doctoral program... as of 2006

http://www.nlnac.org/About%20NLNAC/whatsnew.htm

how is that going to happen? Just as there is the push for all RN's to hold their BSN... so shall they push for all NP's to have their PhD's.

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"The Practice Doctorate is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, and offers an alternative to research focused doctoral programs (i.e. PhD programs). Though only a handful of practice doctorates currently exist, more than a dozen new programs are taking shape nationwide, and several have expressed interest in seeking accreditation."

Does anyone know what schools offer this program now?

-Kate

SLU does. Saint Louis University in ST Louis MO

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