Pathway to FNP with a Bachelor's in another field

[mb2316]

I just graduated from a university with a Bachelors of science in a health related field. Towards the end of my education, I realized that I wanted to be a nurse practitioner, specifically a family nurse practitioner.

I have read many posts on this forum, but have not found anything that has helped me figure out which path to take.

I am currently applying to nursing programs--- I am applying to a few accelerated BSN, a few graduate entry generalist MSN programs, a few BSN-MSN programs (UPenn and Emory) and a few accelerated specialty MSN programs (Yale, Vanderbilt).

I do not know, which route is the best to take. I have some concerns.

1) If I take an accelerated MSN, where I graduate with my NP, will I have enough experience and will I need to get my DNP after?

2) If I apply to a generalist MSN, will it be hard for me to find work as an RN and how long will it take for me to get my DNP? Will I have to work for a few year and then spend an additional 4 years getting my DNP? Is there a significant advantage to applying to be a DNP with a generalist Master's degree, rather than a BSN?

If anyone has gone through this process and can offer some advice, I would be so grateful. I feel very lost.

My goal is to be an FNP, as soon as possible, but I don't want to be unprepared. However, I don't want to spend 6 years as an RN, while working towards my DNP.

[ladyk84]

If you already have a degree in health science, then you could do an accelerated BSN.. Correct? That takes maybe 1.5 years? You can become a FNP while working as a BSN to gain experience. I know a few online schools that bridge BSN to NP online. I'm sure there are clinical's as well but I'm not there yet by any means.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I've never heard of an accelerated MSN. There is an accelerated BSN. But then most master's programs want some critical care usually 1 year of critical experience. I have heard of a direct entry MSN. But I think those are few. There is talk of the nurse practioner having to get the DNP eventually but right now a MSN is all that is required. There is a reason for this. You need some nursing experience to become an Advanced Practice Nurse. Nursing is about the practice. It's not necessarily like other fields. Nursing school prepares you to take the NCLEX. You don't really practice your nursing skills until you are in the field. I would look at a BSN and go from there.