Question About Change to DNP

[JordanLeigh]

Hi everyone! I'm just starting on this road towards nursing school and was hoping to see if anyone knew what the deal is with the 2015 change to DNP for NPs? I've read so many conflicting opinions. Is it a requirement or was it a suggestion that isn't really getting implemented as originally thought? I am in NC, not sure if that has any impact on the question.

Also, if you have any advice on my plan I'd appreciate the feedback. I am currently 24. I have a BS in Business and a MA in Human Services. I am taking A&P courses now and plan to get CNA certified this fall to enter a ADN program in 2015. A local CC actually has an evening option next fall that I think I'll be qualified for. I am going to get my ADN then apply to either MSN or DNP bridge programs since I dont have a BSN. I want to do either Family Primary care or women's health.

I am not looking into the ABSN programs because they are full time and more money and I need to work. So my decision to do a ADN has more to do with money than anything else. It will take longer, but WAY less money. I can do the entire program for like $4000. I would LOVE to be a practicing NP by the time I'm 30. Any advice?

I'm also debating whether it's smarter to just go to medical school or a PA program. Obviously they are way more money, but at this point, it would be quicker than the NP route for me. I'm open for all feedback. Thanks!

[ATBStudent]

From what I've seen. MSN and DNP programs require a BSN...maybe there's a MSN bridge since you have a prior degree...but DNP you will definitely need a BSN...along with several years of critical care experience...and most hospitals want BSNs for those positions...just something to think about. I think most programs are phasing out their masters programs for NP over the next few years ... And even if you found one still going when you're ready to attend. Which new grad is going to get the job? The DNP or the MSN? Food for thought

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

I am getting my master's but our program is in the works to phase out their MSN program and many others have followed suit. It is just a suggestion but basically it will eventually become mandated because that is all that will exist. The program i am has the ADN bridge program. if you think undergrad is stressful.............wait until you hit graduate. if you can get your bachelor through an online program and work for a few years just to relax and get experience it will serve you well. you want to come in with a little bit of background. we have some newbies that went straight on and they are doing fine....but not having those nursing 'life' experiences does make it a little harder. i would say 3 to 5 years is ideal at minimum. good luck!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

medical school and PA programs are not the amount of time.

I have a friend that went straight from ADN to MSN, but wasn't sure about the DNP so she did a BSN at the same time (crazy, I know) because you must have a BSN to do DNP or you can go from ADN to MSN. Here, the schools are phasing out APN/NP programs for DNP. Nursing leadership, education, and informatic MSNs are still available, but the practitioner programs are becoming doctoral.

I would have done the ABSN to DNP if that's what you want to do; shortest distance between 2 points.

[JordanLeigh]

Thanks everyone so far! The ABSN programs seem to be very expensive and take 2 years of full time, intensive work which I cannot do. UNC and Duke both have those, and I just cant afford to do them. The opportunity cost of missing work combined with the tuition is too great. I'd just go to PA school and be done with it if I could do 2 years without working rather than the 4-5 I'll need to eventually get a MSN or DNP program. I've found many programs as well that would allow me to go into an MSN or DNP program since I do have a BS already, just not a BSN. I'd have to take some additional courses most likely. I was more worried about what programs would be around in 3-4 years when I'm ready to make that move. I keep hearing about this big change, but doesn't look like anything has happened yet. It's helpful to hear some schools are indeed phasing the MSN programs out.