Nurse Practitioner Inquiry

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 25, 2005

Does anyone know how difficult it is to become a nurse practitioner through the two year program without getting their B.S. degree in Nursing? I am interested in working for a doctor of sports medicine or orthapedics and was wondering if a degree in kinesiology would be more beneficial than nursing. If anyone has an opinion or personal experience I would appreciate your comments! Thank you!

You must have an MSN to be an NP

elkpark · Aug 25, 2005

You must have an MSN to be an NP

I thought this, too, siri, but I have been corrected here at allnurses in the past (and I'm sure that others who know more details will post on this thread eventually). Apparently, CA (and only CA) still has a few "certificate" NP programs that aren't MSN programs. Graduates of the programs can only practice (as NPs) within the state of CA; their credentials are not recognized anywhere else in the US.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 25, 2005

I thought this, too, siri, but I have been corrected here at allnurses in the past (and I'm sure that others who know more details will post on this thread eventually). Apparently, CA (and only CA) still has a few "certificate" NP programs that aren't MSN programs. Graduates of the programs can only practice (as NPs) within the state of CA; their credentials are not recognized anywhere else in the US.

Ah, yes.....and you are correct. I made the mistake of posting without verifying the state of OP residence.

Thank you, elkpark. :Melody:

elkpark · Aug 25, 2005

(My pleasure, siri -- and, BTW, I always enjoy your posts.) :balloons:

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 25, 2005

Thanks elpark. :Melody:

O.K...........now since I have strayed us from the topic.......

Back to the topic!!!

suzanne4, RN · Aug 26, 2005

Her question is, at least the way that I am interpreting it to be is with a two year degree in nursing, and BS in kinesiology, can she become an NP and the answer is yes, you can go for the MSN without a BSN in quite a few programs.

For working in sports medicine that would actually be the smarter route to take.

elkpark · Aug 26, 2005

Her question is, at least the way that I am interpreting it to be is with a two year degree in nursing, and BS in kinesiology, can she become an NP and the answer is yes, you can go for the MSN without a BSN in quite a few programs.
For working in sports medicine that would actually be the smarter route to take.

Yes -- in fact, if the OP is not already a nurse, there are so many direct-entry MSN programs now that s/he wouldn't even need a ADN/license. You could get into a direct-entry NP program with a BS in kinesiology without having any kind of nursing degree at all ...