Hi, I'm looking to become an NP and I was planning to enter a program after finishing my current BSN program in 2016. I just read about how the DNP will be the new standard for advanced practice nursing effective 2015. I was wondering if I could still become an NP with a Master's degree, or does that mean I'll simply have to take the extra time to get my DNP before I can make that a reality. Is the DNP just for specialties? I wanted to work as an RN while getting my Master's, then work as an NP while getting my Doctorate. This puts a pretty serious kink in the schedule of my life plans, anyone able to clarify this for me a little?