How long does it take to become a DNP

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I have a BSN. How long does it take to become a DNP or NP (not sure of the difference, i could use some help with that also!) Do you have to get your MSN than apply to a DNP/NP program? or is there a way to combine MSN and NP programs? In general how long are MSN programs and DNP/NP programs?

Thanks in Advance! I'm just very confused

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I have a BSN. How long does it take to become a DNP or NP (not sure of the difference, i could use some help with that also!) Do you have to get your MSN than apply to a DNP/NP program? or is there a way to combine MSN and NP programs? In general how long are MSN programs and DNP/NP programs?

Thanks in Advance! I'm just very confused

Try looking here:

https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/

Look at the stickies at the top of the forum.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, meaning it is a clinical doctorate for advanced practice nurses not just Nurse Practitioners. Most DNP programs that I have seen have options to enter them with a BSN or MSN. Starting from a BSN most programs (again, that I have looked at) are approximately 3 years in length with a master's focus on NP. If you were going to get a DNP with a master's focus on say CRNA then it would be slightly longer.

To get an MSN (focusing on NP) it takes two years for most programs. In a BSN to DNP program, you get your master's during the program, and then are awarded your doctorate.

As a bit of a side note, I would recommend really researching any DNP program you consider. DNP programs are relatively new and vary quite considerably from school to school. In my opinion, many of the programs are too full of fluff and while I plan on pursuing a DNP eventually, I think I'll wait until the programs iron out the kinks and are a little more aligned from school to school (that's just my opinion though, and I'm still working on my BSN).

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Breaktime, you make a good point that helped me sort out things. Although they are still having debates about the DNP, the school adopting the programs for pre-emptive measures seem to vary widely (at least the programs I've looked at in S. Florida and on the Newsweek top nursing grad school list). I know I want to go on to my master's, potentially with a focus in acute care, but I'm in the 3rd semester of my ADN so I'm trying to calm myself and not rush into something my employers won't know too much about. But I can understnd the OP's sentiment to know about options beforehnad, even if they seem years away. It's hard to focus on the present, if you don't know what the long-term goals are.

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But I can understnd the OP's sentiment to know about options beforehnad, even if they seem years away. It's hard to focus on the present, if you don't know what the long-term goals are.

I agree 100%. Like I stated, I'm not even out of school myself yet, and I've been looking at these programs too. I think it's very beneficial to research programs now. I'm kind of hoping that if I continue to follow a few of the more promising programs, that by the time I graduate they will be up to par.

Good luck in school to you both!

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thanks guys! i hadn't really considered taking my time to research a program. I figured if a school had a program it would be great to attend that school;however, i agree with u.. its all new and prob a good idea to wait awhile.

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Do you guys know of any DNP programs that do seem crediable? I'm not looking for any specific location.. any program location is fine. I just want an idea of wat to look for in a DNP progam?

Which sparks another question... what are u suppose to look for in a DNP program? I mean what makes it a good program?

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I can't list any specific programs right now, as I haven't followed up during the summer so I don't want to give out old information. However as for what to look for, In my personal opinion, science. The thing I found astonishing about so many programs was how few science and medical courses there were. While I chose to pursue a route toward NP as opposed to MD because I want a background in nursing and the attitude toward patient care that provides, unless I'm way off here, I won't graduate NP school knowing as much about diagnosing and treating disease as an MD. I think a lot of the programs need to cut back a bit on the fluff courses (i.e. a little too much theory) and some more science and medicine. Again though, take my opinions with a grain of salt as I'm also still a student. I do however work directly with an NP on a research project (and she is a fantastic mentor and resource) and this is an opinion she shares if that adds any weight.

I'm sure as I have time during this semester I will look back into DNP programs and if I come across anythign impressive, I'll forward it on to you.

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Specializes in SICU, MICU, Med/Surg, ER, Private Duty.

i was looking into the DNP program, in some schools. OMG, some of it is ridiculous!

one school requires a 4-5 page paper personal statement!

another school require 3.6 gpa for entry

another school requires 4 letters recommendations from people with doctorates in nursing degrees!! i don't even know one person with a DNP... how unrealistic!!

one requires a camera video portfolio..

this is fairly new, as we get closer to 2015, the requirements will be more realistic.. !

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