Pathway to NP?????

[ndsosa]

I'm very confused. So, I was on-track to go to medical school but after gaining some clinical experience, now I'm convinced I want to become an FNP. Problem is, there seem to be a lot of pathways. I have a B.S. in Biology and an M.Phil in Human Ecology.

So... I would want to go to an accelerated program but am getting confused between accelerated MSN and accelerated BSN programs (let alone DNP).

What is the best pathway for someone with a B.S. already to become an NP? For example, one program, a Direct-Entry Program in Nursing, gives one an RN and MSN, but then what about becoming an FNP? Do you need an additional degree?

Another program offers an accelerated bachelors degree which gets one his/her RN, and then one can enroll in their DNP program, and one becomes an FNP in the second year of the three year doctoral program.

Please help!

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

A couple of things that you need to better understand.... First in order to be a NP you must first be a nurse... There are a couple of options that you have already found.. you could do an accelerated BSN program and then go to a graduate program in order to complete the NP education... Or there are some direct entry MSN programs in which they provide the education to sit the NCLEX in order to become a nurse integrated into the MSN program.

Now for the MSN portion -- please understand that you can earn your MSN in a variety of specialties, such as Education, Administration, Informatics, as well as the advanced practice specialties FNP, AGNP, PPNP, CNM, etc... and upon completion of these degrees you would be able to sit the exam for your license... Yes you can still become a nurse practitioner with a MSN. So as you can see, you need to select your MSN carefully to insure that you are headed in the direction that you truly want to head.

If your end goal is the DNP degree, then you can enroll directly into a DNP program as well.. but again make sure that the specialty that you are interested in. You are not automatically qualified to sit an advanced practice exam simply because you have a DNP.. Get your DNP in informatics then you will have to take roughly another years worth of courses in order to sit for a FNP exam...

[verene, MSN]

The two most likely pathways for you are:

1) ABSN program. This is fast-paced BSN degree (frequently 12-16 months) for individuals with a prior degree leading to RN liscensure. Some schools allow application to MSN/DNP at the same time as the ABSN program making it like a direct entry-MSN program, but awarding a BSN along the way. Other ABSN programs you would have to apply again during or after the ABSN program for MSN or DNP program.

2) Direct entry MSN programs come in a couple of types, there are those which prepare a generalist nurse at the MSN level in which case you would have an MSN but not be eligible to become and FNP and those which prepare for liscensure as an FNP (or other advance practice nurse). While liscensure as an RN is part of the program, the only degree granted is the MSN at the end of study. (There are also very, very few direct-entry DNP programs, which is essentially the same concept but resulting in a doctorate degree).

There are pros and cons to each route. The ABSN allows the flexibility of leaving after the end of study for the RN if one desires (which can happen, you may decide you want work experience, or that another area of nursing looks more interesting). However, very few programs offer dual admission into higher education, so you may end up taking a year or two in between the BSN and being accepted into a MSN or DNP program.

There are a limited number of direct-entry MSN programs, ever fewer that allow one to specialize as an FNP going this route. This means they are EXTREMELY competitive, which could make it hard to get in on the first application cycle. It does have the benefit of knowing from the get-go if you make it in you are in all the way through (provided benchmarks are passed).

My advice would be to apply to BOTH ABSN and direct-entry MSN programs to broaden your chances of getting in a to a program. Once you know where you are accepted you can weigh pros/cons of each program for your particular needs and goals.