Published Feb 8, 2002
Simonne
13 Posts
I've just read on the NP thread that in the US, some schools offer the NP program in 3 years without having to have a BN or a RN. As long as you have a degree, you can get into the NP program, with a few requirements of course. The first year, you do courses to complete your RN, then the next 2 years you do your Masters, to become a Nurse Practitioner. That's great news! The schools I've checked out in Canada, having a BSc., I'd have to do 3 years to get a BN, then 2 more to do the Masters level of Nurse Practitioner. Does anyone know of such a program in Canada, as in the US? That would certainly cut down on a lot of time, and enable a person to get into the work force quicker. Also, I was wondering what types of Nurse Practitioners are more in demand these days. It seems like the market is starting to get flooded with them in certain areas, but there seems to be still a demand and for a few years to come. Any ideas, pass along.
cannurse
5 Posts
I would be very cautious about NP programs that don't require you to be an RN or BScN before entering. Would you want someone consulting and advising on your family members care with a degree in english and " a few courses " to complete their RN's. I think there are many great opportunities out there for electronic and distance education. Just make sure what you end up with is marketable.
Level2Trauma
121 Posts
If such programs do exist, I doubt that the individual would be able to become certified by the ANCC which would put an awful lot of limitations on the individual.
Perk
25 Posts
Well, I don't know if there are any reputable programs that I have heard of that worked like that, but what I can suggest is since you already have a degree you can apply to an intensive nursing program such as the one at John Abbott College to earn your DEC in nursing. Once you've completed the program for your RN then university of Ottawa has a nurse practioner certificate program, or a post RN BScN / nurse parcticioner program. I speak highly of John Abbott's Intensive Nursing program, and have only heard the best of university of ottawa. I know it is overwhelming looking at different programs and how long it takes to get where you want to be. I would suggest taking a look at what classes are offered for what program, and then find out which program is best for you to excell in your carrier. Best of luck :roll
canoehead, BSN, RN
6,901 Posts
If you are looking for a quick program there is a PA program in Montana that allows you to sit for boards after a year and do your clinical at home. You go for 6 week stretches for classes but work with a MD preceptor in your hometown. It's either University of Montana or Montana State University.
Thanks for all of your reply's. The program I am talking about; the 3 years Masters program, starting with just a degree is offered at Yale University, and I would imagine the program at Yale would be recognized everywhere. I think it makes a lot of sense, 1st year to get RN then next 2 years to get Masters. I have a Biology degree so its not like I'm starting with not a clue about the body!
lalaxton
413 Posts
Canoehead, Remeber that PA's are not recognized in Canada. At least not yet! There are some PA's in the military here and I know they are trying to get recognition but that may be a long way off. Also Simone, if you are looking at Yale, when I worked there 10 years ago the MSN programs tuition was $25,000/year !! Cant imagine what it is now in Canadian dollars!!
Lalaxton,
you worked at Yale, how was it. I assume you worked in the Nursing department. How is their Nursing program, I guess it ranks pretty high across the US. I realize the tuition is very high, but it cuts down on a lot of time spent in other universities, and it all adds up. Taking 1 or 2 years off the length of the program is well worth the high tuition and afterall, it is an ivy league school, so I guess you also pay for that. But, I believe its well worth the cost. And, no, the Canadian dollar doesn't look too promising; don't you think North America should come up with a common currency, like Europe did. I would surely make life a lot easier. How about the Nuro? :chuckle
Simone,
I worked at Yale/New Haven hospital in the Neuro ICu for 3 years from 89 to 92. Learned alot and worked with some fabulous nurses but would never go back there for several reasons, one of which is that I did not feel comfortable with the schools for my son. I much more enjoyed living and working in North Carolina.
Yes, an Ivy league school may open doors for you after you graduate but as far as the quality of education there are schools with better reputations that are cheaper. Several schools have RN to MSN bridge programs similar to Yale's. Personally no school is worth $50,000/year Canadian when your protential earnings are not enough to pay off your student loan in your lifetime....also considering the two years of lost wages....
Finally when I left Yale and had my exit interview, after unloading the many concerns I had (but did not want to mention earlier) they told me that I should be happy that having Yale on my resume would look good even if we all knew that the facility did not live up to its reputation...
Dont get me wrong, there are some wonderful people at the hospital who truly want to do the right thing and this was 10 years ago, I have no idea how it is to work there now.
As far as the school of Nursing, not sure what it is ranked but personally I would look at U of North Carolina at Chapel Hill which has an excellent reputation or Vanderbilt in Memphis which I know has a bridge program.