If I start the master's program by 2011...

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will I still be eligible to practice as an NP with just a master's degree? I've read through the thread at the top addressing this issue, but I read they want the DNP mandatory BY 2015, which leaves the possibility of it being required before then. I'm only currently in an ADN program, so I know this is pretty far off, but I entered the nursing program with the intent of one day being an NP.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, brittney

Right now, it is not mandatory (DNP). But, if it is, the timeframe will be 2015 for those seeking NP, not before.

If DNP becomes entry-level for NPs by 2015 and you are not finished then the answer to your question is, 'no', you will not be able to practice as an NP.

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Hello, brittney

Right now, it is not mandatory (DNP). But, if it is, the timeframe will be 2015 for those seeking NP, not before.

If DNP becomes entry-level for NPs by 2015 and you are not finished then the answer to your question is, 'no', you will not be able to practice as an NP.

Thanks! Although I was hoping to hear a different answer!

So, would hvaing to have a DNP degree deter you from being an NP or is there not too much of a difference between the two programs?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Would it deter me if I was trying to make a decision to become NP? No, it would not.

I started out ADN and became NP through a 4-year preceptorship (full time) with an OB-GYN, then sat for national certification as OB-GYN NP. Later, I secured MSN and did post-grad certificate as FNP. As you can see, I've lived through all the "minimum entry" levels.

So, no, if DNP is to be the entry-level and I wanted to be an APN, I definitely would get the DNP.

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One more question if you don't mind....Is the DNP requirement to be an NP guaranteed thing yet or is it still just speculaion?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

No, it has not been made mandatory. And, I have no updates as to how this is progressing.

But, I highly suspect it will be. Like I said, I've watched as our specialty fields for the APN have changed and advanced through the years regarding this issue of entry-level. Of course, whether it is to be or not is only my opinion, but I think it will be....

Good luck with your decisions.

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Specializes in ER/OR.
Hello, brittney

Right now, it is not mandatory (DNP). But, if it is, the timeframe will be 2015 for those seeking NP, not before.

If DNP becomes entry-level for NPs by 2015 and you are not finished then the answer to your question is, 'no', you will not be able to practice as an NP.[/quote]

Are you sure about this? It's hard to believe universities can allow students to enter into a MSN NP program, in effect signing a contract through the current student handbook guidelines, and then be like "oh im sorry! can't practice as a NP since the DNP is in effect and you have 3 classes left!". I assumed that if you are in a program before the change happens you'd be allowed to practice. If this is the case, and the date stays 2015, then every MSN-NP program should be forced to change 2-3 years earlier to prevent this travesty from happening!

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Specializes in critical care.

I just started a FNP program this summer...I am going very slowly and will graduate in 2011...my adviser says I will be one the last classes to graduate from the MSN. So in her opinion, if the DNP is a go, they plan on closing the MSN before 2015.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hello, brittney

Right now, it is not mandatory (DNP). But, if it is, the timeframe will be 2015 for those seeking NP, not before.

If DNP becomes entry-level for NPs by 2015 and you are not finished then the answer to your question is, 'no', you will not be able to practice as an NP.[/quote]

Are you sure about this? It's hard to believe universities can allow students to enter into a MSN NP program, in effect signing a contract through the current student handbook guidelines, and then be like "oh im sorry! can't practice as a NP since the DNP is in effect and you have 3 classes left!". I assumed that if you are in a program before the change happens you'd be allowed to practice. If this is the case, and the date stays 2015, then every MSN-NP program should be forced to change 2-3 years earlier to prevent this travesty from happening!

Yes, I'm positive about the date. It is a "vision" only as of now, but the date of 2015 is the one they are hoping for in the end.

I agree, it will be difficult to complete all the change over for that date, but many, if not all, programs are currently in the process of changeover and have been for a couple years now.

Yes, if you are graduated before the changes, you will be "grandfathered" in. As for what can/could happen if you are currently in an MSN program and the DNP becomes mandatory, I have no answer to that question.

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I was just reading up on what a CNS and read that an NP and a CNS are virtually the same thing in most states, so if the DNP becomes mandatory to be an NP, wouldn't it be easier just to become a CNS?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, brittney,

wouldn't it be easier just to become a CNS?

No, it would not. If DNP becomes the mandatory terminal degree, it will apply to all disciplines of the APN (CNS, NP, CRNA, CNM). Of course, the latter two have differing dates for the mandatory DNP. I think the CRNA is 2025. Not sure about the CNM.

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"A Matter of Degree

By the year 2015, a doctorate of nursing practice will become the required degree for nurses in advanced practice fields, according to a new ruling by the AACN."

-From the Johns Hopkins SON website

So it is a definite now? I had assumed that it was only an idea, from what I read in everyone's answers.

Oh well, an extra two years of school never killed anyone.

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