MSN or DNP?

[maxcat]

I'm currently a part time LPN student, planning on getting my BSN, and ultimately want to become a nurse practitioner (I have a BA and a MS in another field, hope some stuff may transfer). What's the deal? I know that position required a MSN up until very recently...is it now a DNP? What is the purpose of a MSN, now? Is it just for teaching?

[eglide87]

DNP is NOT required. It is only a suggestion. Unless you just want to get a doctorate, the MSN will serve fine for a NP. The DNP adds ZERO to your competence as a provider but does add to those who are in administration or teaching positions. Any current practicing providers who are MSN prepared will be grandfathered in.

[BCRNA]

Generally speaking, you have to have a degree that is higher than the level you want to teach. A master's will be good to teach the bachelor's level. Doctoral level for Doctoral level. It is only a suggestion, but almost every school is creating or will have a DNP very soon for everything except CRNA's. I can't find one single school that has no plans for a DNP. So far it looks like the DNP will become the standard, still at least five or more years down the road though. But when everyone is graduating with a DNP, they will go ahead and make it the requirement since everyone is getting it anyway.