MPH-RN to DNP

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Specializes in Psych, med surg.

Hi all! I have my MPH degee and am a RN in psych nursing. I really want to earn my DNP and continue to practice nursing. But can I do this without having to earn a MSN or NP? That would be a waste of time and money to earn another master's degree. And besides, MPH is a healthcare related field.

Thanks all!!

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

Sure you can. There are DNP that have an administration or nurse education focus. DNP programs are not only for advanced practice nursing. The more important question is what career trajectory you want to reach for in seeking this degree.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health.

I'm also an MPH/RN and will be starting a BSN-DNP program this fall. I'll be concentrating in community systems administration instead of becoming an advanced practice nurse. In my program, I will have to take master's and doctoral classes and will end up earning an MSN in the process. I hear you about not wanting to earn another master's degree, but it seems like taking some master's classes on your way to a DNP is unavoidable. The good news is that having an MPH will definitely help you gain admission into a graduate nursing program. Good luck!

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The DNP degree is a doctoral degree in nursing. Since you do not have a Master's in Nursing, you should consider the many BSN-DNP pathways in the country. The MSN-DNP pathways would not be appropriate for you since you do not have a Master's in Nursing.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I would think that even with a DrPH or PhD in public health or similar field that you could tailor your research with a nursing focus and still be welcomed into nursing academia. Just a hunch. The local flaghship university for examples has a PhD in educatinoal psych and another in biostatistics on staff as asst. profs. in the nursing dept.

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I'd love to hear how you feel a DNP would serve you, as I am currently deciding between doing a DNP or MPH. ( i am currently an FNP with my masters). The DNP looks like a hybrid between public health and nursing administration/outcomes improvements.

The DNP-MPH dual degree that is offered in Colorado is daunting as I would be part time and would take me 6 years!

What about the DNP are you wanting, and what do you want to do with it?

Thanks!

Cris

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Specializes in Psych, med surg.

Thanks for the feedback and it's been some years since I posted this! I'll be graduating this years with my WHNP MSN degree and I only have a desire to practice as an advance practice nurse in women's health! Now I have to try to find a DNP program geared towards my WHNP degree? Any thoughts? Thanks!

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