RN to NP. 2015 DNP true??

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

Hi Everyone,

I've been researching accelerated BSN programs to start this coming Fall ('13) and my end goal is to become an NP in whichever niche I find I love over the next few years. I have a business/finance degree and make decent $$ in downtown Boston managing $$ but the desk job just isn't cutting it anymore. I love helping people and I need some action!

While looking at programs I have seen that a lot of people are talking about the change from an MSN needed for an NP, to a Doctorate in 2015...which would mean a TON more schooling. Not that more school is a bad thing, but the cost and time to get there is something that has to be weighed in. Is it true that this is happening? If so, are new graduates/students going to have to take a longer outlook on their career aspirations?

How do you guys look at it? Good? Bad? True? False? Any and all details would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

John

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
Hi Everyone,

I've been researching accelerated BSN programs to start this coming Fall ('13) and my end goal is to become an NP in whichever niche I find I love over the next few years. I have a business/finance degree and make decent $$ in downtown Boston managing $$ but the desk job just isn't cutting it anymore. I love helping people and I need some action!

While looking at programs I have seen that a lot of people are talking about the change from an MSN needed for an NP, to a Doctorate in 2015...which would mean a TON more schooling. Not that more school is a bad thing, but the cost and time to get there is something that has to be weighed in. Is it true that this is happening? If so, are new graduates/students going to have to take a longer outlook on their career aspirations?

How do you guys look at it? Good? Bad? True? False? Any and all details would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

John

John,

Do a search on here or check out the NP forum and you will see this is a commonly discussed topic. The truth is none of the state boards of nursing in any state have passed a law changing the entry level of NP from MSN to DNP. While it could happen at some point in the future, the 2015 date is completely false.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Forensic Psych.

While I think it will eventually happen, I don't think it'll be any time soon...definitely not 2015.

In Texas there aren't any straight DNP programs. Meaning, I have to become an NP via an MSN, and THEN bridge to a DNP, which leads me to believe our BON isn't putting any pressure on anyone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey John. I agree with pp it likely will happen at some point, but will not by 2015.

I am in the same boat as you!! Corporate job for 10 years - making good money. BS in Business and MS in Communications and I'm leaving it all behind. Starting an accelerated BSN program this fall and then hope to pursue my MSN and become an NP within 5 years! Best wishes to you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

Hello John!

My advice... contact the Massachusetts' Board of Nursing and/or the institutions that offer the Nurse Practitioner degrees for the most accurate information.

Massachusetts' BON: Nursing

Use the CCNE website to identify the institutions that offer the graduate programs: CCNE - Accredited Programs

There is a transition period that started in 2010, but I do not know exactly when the master's degree will be phased out completely. It is different in every state, thus my advice of contacting your local organizations.

Good luck to you! :headphone:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics.

I asked this question in the forum for CRNAs because I was concerned as well. There has been no mandate as of yet. 2015 was the target date when all of this DNP talk started some yrs ago, but as of now, this will probably happen by 2025. I have, however, seen a few schools that have already phased out their MSN programs,offering only DNPs. (ex: Temple Univ.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for the input every one! Extremely helpful. For posting my first thread I'm quite impressed... this is great! I have my research and work cut out for me, but this is a great start. Thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment