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Discussion

NP's having to get a PhD

I'm a nursing student at the University of Memphis. I currently deciding if I want to go to crna school or get my FNP. Is it true that by year 2010 that you must get your doctorate degree in order to practice as a FNP?

Featured Replies

  • Admin

hello, marvinskbaby1,

the doctoral degree is the dnp not phd.

check out this thread here in the np forum on the subject of dnp:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/doctoral-degree-become-np-160044.html

and, in the cns forum as well:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f119/doctorate-clinical-nurse-specialists-89797.html

also, you may read the pros and cons of this degree - envisioned by the year 2015:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/514543?src=mp

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/514544?src=mp

Yeah, not a PhD.. a clinical doctorate. Funny though, I don't think they've even decided on a name for it yet. Doctor of Nursing Practice, Clinical Nurse Doctorate?? WHAT? lol

I personally don't have the same reservations as some. I think it could be a good thing for NPs to be educated at a doctorate level. Anyways.. a topic for a different thread.

K

I read where they want all APNs.. to have the doctorate level degree..

O well.. Cool

  • Admin

Yes, you have read correctly, patrick1rn,

By 2015, the vision is for all NPs to be prepared at the doctorate level. Same principal as when the NPs prepared by preceptorships, obtaining certifications only and held less than MSN ~ and now, must have MSN in order to be recognized as NP; vision=doctorate prepared NPs.

I was recently at a "legislative day" in Washington DC and we had the opportunity to speak with someone form the AACN. She said that the intent is to "grandfather" in all those who have NP certs and not make them go through a doctoral program.

  • Experts

Before we all get our panties in a wad, let's stop and remember that this is, at this point, a proposal, not a "done deal." Nothing is official or mandatory yet.

Shoot, we've been debating making the BSN the only entry level to RN practice for >25 years, and it ain't happened yet. In fact, it's no closer to happening than it was 30 years ago. Call me a cynic (a title I wear proudly, in fact), but I predict a similar trajectory for this debate. I'll believe it when it actually happens.

One of hte main arguments that have helped NPs is that they are more cost effective than doctors.

If we switch over to full DNP programs, we lose some of that argument. More schooling = more in debt = demand higher salaries = not as cost effective.

Lets get real guys. The reasons NPs are around is because they are cheaper and because sometimes docs arent available. If NPs made the same amount of money as docs, there would be very little reason to choose NPs over doctors.

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