Hello Everyone, I am in my last year of Biochemistry and I need to find out more about the nontraditional route towards NP.
Can someone help me and clarify things?
I am so confused about the accelerated programs and what you graduate with or not for that matter.
So if I want to be a nurse practitioner in the end, what do I look for in terms of programs?
Like what is the name of the program I am looking for lol.
I am sorry I thought I got it all figured out but than I saw that having an MSN is not at all being able to become a nurse practitioner.
If anyone is willing and able to help that would be awesome.
I would like to start a program next summer (2017) or fall, my GPA is in good standing (relatively 3.5) and I will have my prereqs done upon graduation.
Right now being in a "existential crisis" I am trying to find goals to work forward to if that makes sense.
The direct entry nursing would help me to switch careers, and why I am so interested in it is because it would not only let me say, get a registration, but also a masters and potentially more!
I am very concerned at this point to do a 1 to 2 year program to get a BSN and than again be in a similar position of having to apply somewhere, for further studies, not knowing about my future, not knowing if I get accepted etc.
I need some peace in my life.
I am also not 21 anymore which sets me in a slight panic mode about my future.
Anyways, I feel that's random rambling/ whining but now you know.
Well, usually there are pre-reqs to be completed within the last five years of whatever program you apply. A certain level stats class is usually required.
There are generally three methods of getting a MSN and each program is different. You'll need to research what programs your area offers since not all programs are the same.
There is the RN to MSN tract. You need a previous RN license to apply. Sometimes you need X amount of years of experience. Usually an associate degree of nursing or a diploma is the previous requirement to apply. There are added classes to make up for the no BSN.
Traditional MSN - You need a BSN and an active RN license to apply along other requirements.
Traditional MSN with a bachelors in a different field - you enter into a MSN program with no additional classes at the graduate level but you have a bachelors in a different field. You have an RN license too.
Direct-entry NP - no nursing license is required. It is a lot harder to find these programs and you have competition from a lot of people. It may be easier to get an associate degree. I know of about two schools that offer a direct entry program.
Also, for a direct entry NP program, a 3.5 may not be competitive enough. A lot of people try for both PA and NP. In an area where there is a high demand for nursing, you may have issues getting accepted right away for an Accelerated BSN or a BSN program. Each program is different though.
I wonder if you can do a direct entry masters and than a RN to BSN bridge program online to obtain the BSN. Which would solve potential problems to work in a hospital and for applying to NP dnp programs in the future
I had a similar situation - did my undergrad degree in bio, masters in physiology, and just switched to nursing. I'll be starting Columbia's MDE program this June, and I'm happy with the decision since Columbia has the opportunity to let you go directly into the PhD or dnp programs.
I personally do not feel comfortable sharing stats, but I think what made me an attractive applicant was a culmination of my pre-req GPA (I did well in the courses), my experiences (lots of direct patient care and research), my application essay, and my letters of rec. Columbia really does focus on a holistic review of their applicants, and reading about my fellow classmates has made me realize that they really want people who are passionate about healthcare, nursing, and become potential leaders in the field.
You can definitely reach out to the admissions offices for the programs you're interested if you'd like to know more about being competitive, but that's what I've come to realize based on my experience.
There would be really no point in doing it backwards. As an advance provider, they want to look at your last degree. For DNP, they usually want your MSN. Also, for hospitals you won't be in an RN role so the BSN situation doesb't really apply. You may not even be considered an employee of the hospital depending on what role you do.
Oh, there is also a general direct entry MSN for an RN license too which is not a NP program but those are still rare.
The backwards thing is really what is driving me nuts. I would have wasted 4 years of degree and lots of money if I would not do a direct entry program. I don't think I could justify that.
I guess I have to embark on lots of research to find programs that do either direct entry MSN to DNP or NP.
Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Thank you for the summary.
I wonder if you can do a direct entry masters and than a RN to BSN bridge program online to obtain the BSN. Which would solve potential problems to work in a hospital and for applying to NP DNP programs in the future
You would not do this. If you finish a direct entry masters, you are already past a bsn.
There are many pathways to nursing and to NP. Your best bet to finding out which way makes most sense is to visit the nursing schools near you and talk to an advisor there.
One thing to think about first: do you want to be a nurse? Nurse practitioners are nurses first. If you don't want to be a nurse, then nurse practitioner isn't for you.
It is fairly uncommon to find an NP program that does not require applicants to be licensed RN's. Luckily for you, there is such a need for RN's and NP's that many schools offer a baccalaureate accelerated track option; for applicants who already hold a bachelors degree, you may complete your BSN (a 4-year degree) in a year. After this, you take the NCLEX and you will be an RN to apply to the NP program.
The backwards thing is really what is driving me nuts. I would have wasted 4 years of degree and lots of money if I would not do a direct entry program. I don't think I could justify that.
I guess I have to embark on lots of research to find programs that do either direct entry MSN to DNP or NP.
It's not necessarily a waste if you do an associate degree or a BSN program. However, if you get a MSN and then jump to a RN to BSN program then you are doing it backwards and it wouldn't matter.
I may have misunderstood what you what you said. RN to MSN usually refers to a specific program. If you get a degree that confers an RN and then go for an RN to MSN program, there is no need for a BSN afterwards.
Nursing is confusing with all of the paths you can take to get into it.
Hi! Just saw these comments and wanted to post for future readers that adailydoseofwellness.com is a blog that I found super helpful in my search for programs like this. If anyone is interested in NP programs for non-nurses this is a great resource.
.thumb.jpg.e7b5bd336d518053002d5b4dbeef882b.jpg){kind=small}
mishamo
17 Posts
Right now being in a "existential crisis" I am trying to find goals to work forward to if that makes sense.
The direct entry nursing would help me to switch careers, and why I am so interested in it is because it would not only let me say, get a registration, but also a masters and potentially more!
I am very concerned at this point to do a 1 to 2 year program to get a BSN and than again be in a similar position of having to apply somewhere, for further studies, not knowing about my future, not knowing if I get accepted etc.
I need some peace in my life.
I am also not 21 anymore which sets me in a slight panic mode about my future.
Anyways, I feel that's random rambling/ whining but now you know.