are all Nurse Practitioner programs going to doctorate?

[jaredsgirl]

Hi! I'm currently a high school senior, and my ultimate goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner!

But, I've been hearing alot about nurse practitioner programs going to doctorate level. Right now I believe they are at a master's degree level. I am planning on either getting my adn first and working while getting my bsn, or getting my bsn altogether and then working as a nurse. Either way, I would then enter into a nurse practitioner program, but I wasn't planning on attending college for that long! Anyone know the scoop? Are all NP programs going to change by like 2015, or what?

Also which do you advise doing? getting adn then working while getting bsn, or getting bsn up front? I just figured it would be better to be getting some money in and experience while getting bsn....but what do i know? =) That's why i'm trying to gain some advice from some experienced nurses! Thank you so much!

[dp1200]

For what it's worth, a couple weeks ago I attended an NP program information session at a well-regarded local University, where I intend to apply for 2012. Here is what they said on this topic.

They said "the DNP mandate is gone" (their words). This particular school already has both Masters-level NP tracks (including a direct-admit program), as well as DNP, and they are supportive of the DNP in general, but they openly admitted that they do not foresee ever completely phasing out the Masters NP programs. They did recently introduce a new, very limited direct-admit path for the FNP track that adds a fourth year and goes straight to the DNP, but this is in addition to the regular direct-admit Masters FNP track.

They also said that the whole DNP thing is aimed at leadership, management, and policy involvement. They said nothing about DNP having to do with actual clinical practice.

Overall, it was a surprising backpedal from what we've all been hearing about the DNP, and I was frankly shocked. With the state of health care today and the shortage of primary care providers, I think the impracticality of trying to force the DNP as the entry level for NP practice is finally dawning on everyone, particularly as it adds nothing to clinical competency.

.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

While I agree with the bottom line, the notion that the DNP is more about leadership, management, and policy involvement than clinical practice is ludicrous and in direct contrast with the stated goal of the DNP. Whomever was speaking needs to check their facts, they got that part all wrong. It does seem logical that the MSN entry point will stay around indefinately. I think it may be effectively eliminated by attrition over time and the fact that fewer and fewer schools are going to offer it, but a 2015 target date was never practical. Those not inclined toward getting a DNP at this time have no reason to fear they will be forced, IMO. 20 years from now there may effectively not really be a choice, but for now options are wide and the future for NP practice is secure, either way.

regards,

Linear

[elkpark]

While I agree with the bottom line, the notion that the DNP is more about leadership, management, and policy involvement than clinical practice is ludicrous and in direct contrast with the stated goal of the DNP. Whomever was speaking needs to check their facts, they got that part all wrong.

We're all aware of the "stated goal" of the DNP, but there has been plenty of discussion here about how, in the bulk of the current MSN-to-DNP programs for current advanced practice nurses, the curricula provide little or no additional clinical education, but are focused on content regarding healthcare systems and policy, leadership, financial/economic issues, etc. At least that's the case in the curricula I've looked at (purely out of curiosity).

It may be the case that the DNP programs developed and intended for people to go straight into from undergrad programs do (or will) provide more clinical education than the current MSN programs do -- but, given that the existing MSN model of advanced practice nursing education has been doing a fine job of turning out generations of competent, safe clinicians, I'm not sure I see the point.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Oh, I see. IDK, my DNP program requires 1000 hours of additional clinic time in addition to the didactic. I guess that is not the norm. In any event, the study of healthcare systems and policy, leadership, financial/economic issues will inform practice and make me a better provider. If I didn't believe that (as some apparently do not) I wouldn't bother doing this enormous amount of work either! :)

Regards,

Linear

[prairienp]

Oh, I see. IDK, my DNP program requires 1000 hours of additional clinic time in addition to the didactic. I guess that is not the norm. In any event, the study of healthcare systems and policy, leadership, financial/economic issues will inform practice and make me a better provider. If I didn't believe that (as some apparently do not) I wouldn't bother doing this enormous amount of work either! :)

Regards,

Linear

All DNP FNP programs are expected to have a 1000 hour plus clinical as compared to MS programs which have 500 hours plus hours for FNP. So when 500 hours are added along with additional didactic content one should anticipate a better prepared FNP. There will be exceptions, but the expectations for a FNP DNP include additional clinical hours. The expectations for the MS FNP is 500 to meet certification requirements.

[futuretravelnurse]

As several have said, there are definetely schools starting to implement the DNP track (especially BSN-DNP instead of the BSN-MSN) BUT there is nothing coming in 2015 that is going to either require the schools to change or the licensing to change.

I am in the same place - trying to figure out which route to go - as I have an ASN, an existing Bachelors in a different field, and getting ready to start an MSN program.

I called and spoke to both certifying agencies, the ANCC and ? forgot name, it's late..... and both of them said a similar thing. The important thing is your eligibility to sit for the certification exam. Doesn't matter if it's an MSN or DNP as long as you are eligible to take the exam. While schools may change their programs, until these agencies say you aren't eligible to take the test, it doesn't matter. They told me that they won't change eligibility requirements until there are a more substantial number of DNP's practicing as NPs.....And by substantial, they believe that means it will be years until there enough graduated DNP's to make more like 50% of the practicing population. So get whatever degree you want, but pay attention. They will continue to clarify things over the next few years, but it's going to take time. You can argue about better practice, and pay etc......but while getting there, the key is being able to sit for certification. Feel free to call down to the ANCC and ask for Dr. Tomkins.

[futuretravelnurse]

was that Vanderbilt by chance?

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

All DNP FNP programs are expected to have a 1000 hour plus clinical as compared to MS programs which have 500 hours plus hours for FNP. So when 500 hours are added along with additional didactic content one should anticipate a better prepared FNP. There will be exceptions, but the expectations for a FNP DNP include additional clinical hours. The expectations for the MS FNP is 500 to meet certification requirements.

Sorry, I was unclear. My MSN required 850 hours (110 adult acute, 110 adult chronic, 110 pediatric, 110 sexual/reproductive health and 410 family practice residency). The DNP requires an additional 1,000 hours NP practice hours (unrelated to paid employment).