I am not trying to repeat a topic. But your input is appreciated.

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I am intersted in pursing a Family/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have read numerous threads about the 2015 changes and some say it is fact and others say it is not. Three of my schools in my area have done away with the masters and have made the BSN-DNP the option (I have a BSN) whereas one still has a MSN option.

I really don't want to pursue a DNP due to the cost and time. But I don't want to get the MSN degree and then in a few years not be marketable (or even now) and have to go get a DNP. Do I need this DNP degree now to do this work? I'm really confused. I want to get the job I want or start a practice that I won't have trouble starting.

All advice is appreciated. I apologize if it's posted elsewhere. I've read numerous threads and done numerous searches to prevent this post.

Thanks.

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Having read the numerous threads about this very subject I can say this with a reasonable degree of certainty. If you get into a MSN NP program you will be fine / shouldn't have any problems getting a job.

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Although I hope that 2015 goals become true, you should have no problem with MSN competing with DNP. The increasing number of enrollments in NP programs are more concerning than just DNP/MSN differences... I saw few jobs posting about DNP/PhD preferred but most people don't care...

Good luck

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Although I hope that 2015 goals become true, you should have no problem with MSN competing with DNP. The increasing number of enrollments in NP programs are more concerning than just DNP/MSN differences... I saw few jobs posting about DNP/PhD preferred but most people don't care...

Good luck

Hey Harmonizer I'm curious - why do you want the 2015 goals to come true? I like hearing about different NP's views on this matter, since I'm kind of torn regarding the DNP. Thanks!

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Specializes in PICU.

I don't think getting an MSN is going to hurt you getting a job upon graduation. I've talked to a lot of NPs about this and while some are choosing to pursue a DNP, I have never heard someone say they thought MSN prepared NPs were less desirable or competent. Everyone seems to be in agreement that the DNP does not make you a better clinician. And if you changed your mind at some point, it wouldn't be that much more work to go straight into a DNP program after your MSN, so you aren't risking much by going that route.

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I'm obviously not harmonizer but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. It seems there is a fine line between increasing knowledge (in theory, I know some question the value of the DNP) and not making it seem as if MSN prepared NPs aren't educated enough to do their job. I like the theory of a DNP I'm just not sure its quite there in practice.

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Specializes in Community Health.

I know all schools are not the same. But my DNP program offered double the clinical hours as opposed to the other MSN programs in my area. Don't assume that the only benefit of the DNP program is to get more "fluff". That is not always the case.

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Thanks for the info all. Any other is appreciated as well.

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