FNP, DNP vs. MSN?

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Hi everyone!!

I wanted some opinions and guidance on whether to pursue a DNP or a MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I was recently accepted into a DNP program and a MSN program. What are the differences? Would it make a difference in salary/where I can practice? Would a DNP give you more opportunities and skills to practice? I heard it will start to become a requirement (to have a DNP) around 2025, but I'm not sure how accurate that is. I know a lot of nurse practitioner programs are starting to become DNP programs so if that is true I would definitely want to pursue that option now instead of the long run.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student NP forum.

1. As to differences in MSN vs DNP - you still come out as an FNP and take the same boards.

2. No requirement to be a DNP except for CRNA after 2025.

3. DNP does not equate to more pay

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

No immediate difference in pay or legal status. But the international trend is to require more education for jobs in general. If I were spending my money now, I would choose to invest it in the higher level of education unless there were some very strong reason not to -- not because of an immediate benefit, but because of future possibilities. I would not want to have to go back to get the higher degree later for some career opportunity that I wanted. I would get the higher degree to start with on general principle.

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Specializes in APRN / Critical Care Neuro.

I was accepted to a BSN to DNP program focusing on Family Practice. I chose the DNP versus the MSN route because I am strongly interested in education as well. As I develop as a practitioner there are specific areas of interest within Family Practice in which I hold high interest. These areas will hopefully lead to opportunities to not only help educate fellow nurses and practitioners, but also change the way we educate now. When it comes to education practices and changing HOW we practice in specific areas I think the MSN would limit me. I think you have to really dive deep within yourself on what your goals are. I will sit for my boards and have the opportunity to practice as a NP while I continue my education. Obtaining the DNP will not slow my roll.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Something to consider is time and cost. If you can do the DNP in the same time and for the same cost as the MSN, then go for it. However, another option is to earn the MSN, then start working, and get your DNP on a part time basis. Some employers will also pay for it.

Some DNP programs will grant the equivalent of an MSN, which allows you to sit for the boards, then you can work as an NP while completing the DNP portion of the program.

As for pay, DNP does not generally pay any more except if you work for the federal government.

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Specializes in APRN / Critical Care Neuro.
On 6/13/2019 at 6:55 PM, FullGlass said:

Something to consider is time and cost. If you can do the DNP in the same time and for the same cost as the MSN, then go for it. However, another option is to earn the MSN, then start working, and get your DNP on a part time basis. Some employers will also pay for it.

Some DNP programs will grant the equivalent of an MSN, which allows you to sit for the boards, then you can work as an NP while completing the DNP portion of the program.

As for pay, DNP does not generally pay any more except if you work for the federal government.

This is what I am doing. It is a BSN - DNP, and part time so I can work while going to school because my employer also offers tuition reimbursement. After 2.5 years I will be eligible to sit for my boards and begin practicing as a NP. I get a total of up to 7 years to complete the DNP, but can also get it done sooner....totally up to me and the pace I take. I love that. Flexible and I need that for my life with kids.

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I would definitely be interested in something like that... if you don't mind me asking, what are these schools called so I can get a better idea of what the program is like?

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Specializes in APRN / Critical Care Neuro.

I am attending the University of Virginia this fall. They are fairly unique in having this set up. Virginia Commonwealth University was my undergrad alma mater, but they have the MSN separate from the DNP so you have to reapply after getting your masters instead of it allowing for one application and a seamless transition. I also like that while I am working on my masters I can be thinking about future research and get the guidance to go with that.

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Specializes in Family.

I figure by the time I have to do DNP there will be more options available and easier routes to take.. gonna wait it out and see..

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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.
On 6/23/2019 at 11:44 PM, Kahalaukane said:

I figure by the time I have to do DNP there will be more options available and easier routes to take.. gonna wait it out and see..

Exactly what other options are you thinking there will be coming? I feel like you are talking about the DNP lol... Schools or jobs are not going to "make you" do a DNP. Education is for self improvement and increasing your status/position in life. Where I am schools are getting rid of MSN programs all together. Not just CNS but NP MSN is gone in my city.

I guess you are talking going to med school or PhD??‍♂️

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