Published Mar 1, 2015
sertile
6 Posts
Hi, I've had my BSN for a few years now and have started getting serious about taking my career to the next level. I'm looking for brick-and-mortar schools that still offer online MSN FNP tracks. Unfortunately, almost every University I've looked into has already switched over to DNP-only. I live in Missouri, but location doesn't matter all that much. How many MSN programs are still out there?
ryguyRN
141 Posts
There are plenty out there you just have to do some investigating.
anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP
1 Article; 769 Posts
Arkansas still has plenty. ASU in Jonesboro, UAMS, UCA, Harding in Searcy is starting their again, and I think U of A in Fayetteville (maybe?). I believe all of them are the "hybrid" type where you may go on campus a few days each semester.
LessValuableNinja
754 Posts
I believe the technical term is, "a crapton."
Ones I'm looking at for online FNP right now are Texas Women's University (I'm not sure if you can do clinicals out of state, maybe you can, look at it), and Graceland. There are a ton you can find out about by reading the boards here. I didn't even know Graceland existed until today, emailed the advisor a bit ago with some questions. Before I'd mostly been considering TWU because it's local to me so it'll help with the alumni network after.
zmansc, ASN, RN
867 Posts
Last I checked there were still more MSN/FNP programs than DNP/FNP programs, so I would suggest broaden your search and you will probably find some.
Some programs may also advertise themselves as DNP but offer both, for example my program (Frontier Nursing University) is a DNP program, but students are allowed to "opt-out" after completion of a certain portion of the program and get their MSN/FNP, sit for boards, practice, make money, pay loan debt down, and do all the other things that comes with no longer being in school if they wish.
verene, MSN
1,790 Posts
The AANP maintains a searchable data base for NP programs; try searching with your criteria: Search
lhflanurseNP, APRN
737 Posts
I think many of the schools list the DNP programs, but if you dig a little deeper, you will find they still have MSN programs also. There is no definitive "law" that requires NPs to have DNPs, BUT, something to consider if one is younger...insurance companies and hospital/facility credentialling may require that down the line.