Entry Level Programs

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I am looking into ELMN programs (AACN listed 63 such progs. in US in 2010), but are there any entry level doctoral programs? Or, has anyone earned a nursing doctorate by entering from another field?

ELMN seems to build in an accelerated BSN curricula and attaining of the RN. Is it any faster than doing an accelerated BSN followed by a MSN? What are the practical differences (total cost, total duration, flexibility, and...)?

If there are no entry level doctoral programs, might that change in 2015 as the doctorate will become a requisite standard for nurse practitioners?

Further to comparison between ELMN and BSN: After completing an accelerated BSN, can one enter doctoral study in nursing? (Special terms and considerations to consider?)

Thank you.

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The University of Vermont is starting a direct entry doctoral program in nursing with the first class in the fall of 2013.

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Thanks celticsgirl! I will look that one up and check out their plan.

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The website hasn't been updated but the prerequisites are the same as the old direct entry masters program. If you email they are really helpful. Good luck!

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From what I've read on here, the DNP is not a mandate, just a goal that they have in mind, and it is supposed to depend on the state, so it may not even end up happening, from what I understand. MSN is fine for now, and you will probably have the option to complete your doctorate if it is necessary later on.

The entry level MSN is faster than doing just a regular ABSN program and then continuing on to continue your education for the most part, because instead of taking time off to work and then going back to school, you typically work part time in the master's portion of the program(s).

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I talked with the people at UVM about the direct entry doctoral program. The first cohort in 2013 won't have their RN but will earn it along the way. From 2014, there will be two annual cohorts (those with and those without the RN).

Practical considerations make the ABSN the right choice for me at this time.

I really do think all the masters nursing programs are planning to upgrade to DNP. (Physical Therapy programs have completed this transition in the US.) Nurses going on to grad school will pursue DNP or Ph.D. degrees and choose specializations within those programs. Working masters practitioners could continue in the same capacity; though, they might have incentives and opportunities to upgrade. New-hire practitioners would eventually all have the DPN. Maybe a MPN would have a fast-track options/advantages to pursue a nursing doctorate compared with a BSN, but I hope there will be opportunities for a BSN to enter a doctoral program directly. Professors, is this correct?

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