MSN/Nurse Practitioner - how to become one?

Nurses General Nursing

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I've tried searching & haven't been successful, so accept my apologies if this info is on the boards & I've missed it...

I've got my ADN (May '10), a BA in another field. I want to become a nurse practitioner, I think. I initially set out to become a bariatric coordinator, but am rethinking that.

So how does one become a NP? Do I go for my MSN then take the test for NP? I think Acute Care Nurse Practitioner sounds most interesting to me at this point. Would that require additional certification?

I've been reading on various websites, but I guess all the information is getting jumbled - I'm getting confused & seem to have more questions than answers!

Thanks in advance!

-B

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Specializes in Critical Care.

NP is at least a master's level program. But you don't get a MSN and then pick if you want CRNA, NP, CNS, etc. You pick a master's program for NP specifically. When you look into what schools to apply to, they will tell you if their NP program is ACNP or FNP. But they are all changing to a doctorate's level now, so you will be looking for a DNP program to become a NP.

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Thanks for the reply.

My plan is to do an accelerated Master's program to avoid having to have a DNP. From what I understand, I have until 2015 to get everything done. Nothing like a time crunch to motivate a girl! :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Actually, the 2015 "deadline" is only a recommendation at this point. No state has enacted legislation yet to make this legal. There are many MSN programs still out there

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Actually, the 2015 "deadline" is only a recommendation at this point. No state has enacted legislation yet to make this legal. There are many MSN programs still out there

I have found more MSN than DNP programs. Univ. of KY has switched from MSN to DNP/PhD already though, at least from what I understand from their website.

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Another question... so what's the point of getting a MSN? What I mean is that I have found plenty of programs that offer just a plain 'ol MSN, no sub-category or specialty under that. Which confuses me. (Apparently it doesn't take much to confuse me at this point. I'll blame it on a lack of caffeine + pregnancy brain.)

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hi there. i'm in an acnp program. here are some answers: if you have an adn and a ba, you may need to get a bsn. most programs (3 in my city) will not consider an undergrad degree other than the bsn. you may want to look into an accelerated bsn program and apply for direct entry msn. depending on the university, some fnp programs require a year or two experiences, some do not. acnp programs require at least one year acute care experience to matriculate, but most students have 2-5 years experience and admissions committees consider this a requirement. i would get a gre prep study book and start studying it, more and more institutions require a gre.

the msn is a generic degree offered to all, but has different concentrations- then you apply for board certification to be credentialed in a specialty. most programs are going to a dnp; you may want to consider this. although the dnp is a recommendation, but you'll see that a master’s curriculum is currently busting at the seams and most programs (esp. fnp) are awarding credit hours close to a doctorate level as they are.

i would call and schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor; they are truly the expert of what ever school you are applying to. best of luck to you.

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btw, i am curious about your accelerated msn plan? there are programs that are offered for those that have a ba/bs in other fields to get a msn, by passing the bsn that is at the generalist level. i could be wrong, but to my knowledge- there are no np, crna accelerated programs- i mean you could do a full time plan of study and be out faster than part timers. are you maybe thinking of a post-master? this is for people that already have a master: like an fnp going back for acnp, it is shorter, but the fnp curriculum has already built the core foundation. i would look into that to not be confused.

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btw, i am curious about your accelerated msn plan? there are programs that are offered for those that have a ba/bs in other fields to get a msn, by passing the bsn that is at the generalist level. i could be wrong, but to my knowledge- there are no np, crna accelerated programs- i mean you could do a full time plan of study and be out faster than part timers. are you maybe thinking of a post-master? this is for people that already have a master: like an fnp going back for acnp, it is shorter, but the fnp curriculum has already built the core foundation. i would look into that to not be confused.

i've just heard over & over that musc offers a rn to msn program & assumed (maybe stupidly) that included all of the msn programs. i'm planning on giving them a call tomorrow to see what the deal is. they have a anp program that i could do. looks like is the only one that i remember that has an acnp program that is (maybe?) online. i've looked at so much in the last 2 days i'm almost overwhelmed. i was just trying to get this over & done with! i really didn't want to do another bachelor's program if i didn't have to. may i ask where you're going?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Another thing to consider is what do you want to do with your MSN? Maybe deciding that would help.

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Specializes in Oncology, Acute care.

In Australia, to become a NP you need a MiN degree and have worked for atleast two years in a field. The Masters degree is quite good, it opens a lot of doorways.

I'm currently doing general practice and specialize in oncology / acute care

-Joel

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i've just heard over & over that musc offers a rn to msn program & assumed (maybe stupidly) that included all of the msn programs. i'm planning on giving them a call tomorrow to see what the deal is. they have a anp program that i could do. looks like vandy is the only one that i remember that has an acnp program that is (maybe?) online. i've looked at so much in the last 2 days i'm almost overwhelmed. i was just trying to get this over & done with! i really didn't want to do another bachelor's program if i didn't have to. may i ask where you're going?

believe me. i know it can be overwhelming! the good thing is you do have options, right! i would do some shadowing of different np's to truly find out what type of np role you want to fulfill. the acnp is designed for hospitals. so, if you want to be in a clinic setting doing the 9-5, this may not be for you. depending on the states rules and regulations each np specialty has their own scope and standard, which can be very practice limiting and specific. anp is a good route, if you don't care to see children. some hospitals will hire anp's and fnp's, and i've seen more hospitals going to the acnp role. take the time to figure out how you really want to practice and lifestyle you want. i am at johns hopkins. best of luck!

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