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.

[SkiTheEast]

Hi! Only suggestion would be to check the STATE you are going to go to school in/practice in. Some states require a DNP and only offer tracks with DNP's. I myself did not go through this process, but a classmate of mine from A&P ended up at University of Vermont's accelerated NP program (she had a B.S. and M.S. in another field).

Explore all your options, go to information sessions, ask NP's in your community/providers office what track they took, and good luck with the GRE!

[sadiemae1123]

At this point there is no requirement for FNPs to acquire a DNP, and if there is one later on then anyone with an MSN would be grandfathered in. Getting a DNP would be your choice for personal fulfillment/professional growth. I'm not aware of any state passing legislation or with pending legislation requiring a DNP for licensure. If a state did pass such a law it would most likely have a timetable and grandfather clause included. You can contact your state nurses association to be sure.

As far as which path to take to become an FNP, any one you mentioned would be a valid choice. It will most likely depend on your lifestyle and study preferences. You mentioned several schools, you might try contacting the nursing departments there to address your concerns about finding the right school to fit your needs. You can ask questions specific to your school/work/life balance, financial aid, exam pass rates, and job placement after graduation.

A program with an accelerated element, either an accelerated BSN or a specialist MSN, will be very intensive and fast paced. You would need to take into consideration the amount of time you will have to sacrifice away from your family and if you can afford not working or severely cutting back on your hours while in the program.

A generalist MSN might offer some classes that would transfer towards the specialty MSN or DNP for an FNP. That would require research into the specific schools to be certain. As far as the marketability of an MSN RN, that will depend on the area you want to work, both specialty wise and geographically. You could try contacting the HR departments where you are interested in working.

Best of luck.