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.

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

no, it is not mandatory........yet. here is what johns hopkins son website states from their faq:

1) what is a dnp?

the doctor of nursing practice (dnp) is a doctoral degree for nurses at the highest level of nursing practice. the american association of colleges of nursing (aacn) has proposed that the dnp degree will be the level of entry for all advanced practice nurses by 2015.

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/academics/academic_programs/doctoral/dnp/faq/

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.
"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.

No it's not mandatory yet. First of all there are a TON of regulatory things that would need to change. The certification corps would have to change their requirements. each state would have to change their laws and regulations. Some of these would have to be by legislation and that is sometimes that is like pulling teeth. What is first going to happen is that there just won't be any MS programs out there. But I expect that just like the PharmD, the PT/OT and others that there will be some stragglers out there. Remember that AACN has no regulatory authority.

There is almost no way that in 5-6 years they will puill this off. Is it possible yes, but I doubt it. I remember when NP went from a certification program to a MSN program, it took decades. What i expect to see is a phased implementation.

So don't loose any sleep, just keep your eyes and ears open, so when your ready, you can make the correct choice.

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What is first going to happen is that there just won't be any MS programs out there.

Just to clarify, there are lots of MSN programs in concentrations other than the four advanced practice roles (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA). The only discussion at this point is requiring the DNP for entry into advanced practice -- this would have no effect on MSNs in nursing administration, education, healthcare policy, informatics, etc.

And, yes, it is still a proposal and nothing more. That and $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee! :) So far, the major support for this seems to limited to some pockets of nursing academia (the schools that are offering or developing DNP degrees ;)). In order for this to happen, the entire rest of the nursing community, including all the state BONs, would have to buy into it and, so far, I'm not seeing any groundswell of enthusiasm among the general nursing community.

Keep in mind that this is the same occupational group/community that has been debating making the BSN the minimum entry into practice for over 30 years, and that's no closer to happening than it was 30 years ago, despite the enthusiasm and concerted efforts of the people who support that idea ...

I ain't holding my breath!! :)

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Of all advanced practice nursing groups, enthusiasm on the DNP seems to be coming mostly from the NP front. The latest unified statement from a variety of NP-related associations do not indicate pushing for a date when a doctoral degree will be mandatory. Rather, the NP groups are addressing titling (obviously, in response to AMA resolutions on limitations of the use of the "doctor" title in healthcare settings) and DNP certification (evidently, going against the Mundinger camp who is proposing a new DNP certification in the fall).

Refer to: http://www.nonpf.com/DNPStatement0608.pdf

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