So, just to give a background on what I know (or what I think I know); here it goes...
Some CRNA programs I have been looking at are programs where the CRNA student gets a Master's degree when they graduate. Other CRNA programs have it listed where the CRNA student gets a DNP when they graduate. Lastly, I have seen a few CRNA programs that offer MS/DNP degrees for CRNA's.
My question is, does it matter, right now, what degree you get? I have researched some about this but, opinions scatter this topic on forums to the point where I don't feel like reading through internet fights so I don't get much information. I have read somewhere that until 2025, CRNA's are still able to enter and complete MS programs. Also, that if you are a CRNA with a MS, you are grandfathered in to the DNP category, basically just the same as ever other CRNA, except you have another degree but you can still practice the same amount of care. Correct? Yay or Nah?
If this is correct, by grandfathering into the DNP category, would a CRNA with a MS have to go back to school to earn the title of DNP. In other words, would it be like the RN to BSN shift in nurses where places that have had RN's working for years, encourage them to go back to school to earn their BSN?
I just feel like the terms "grandfathered in" is confusing me. Does this mean that by a certain amount of time, this profession will just have a higher title for people who earned the title and for people who were fortunate enough to get a MS before that time and are automatically at the same level.
If this is confusing you in any way, I am right there with ya'. If someone with an understanding of this whole concept could explain it in layman terms to me, it would be much appreciated. I am far off from applying, but I would like to know in order to narrow down a list of schools with programs that would benefit me in the long run.
I wouldn't want to get an MS just because I thought I wouldn't have to do anything to get a DNP. That sounds silly, but 2 years is better than 3 for the same scope.
Thank you for reading and responding!