Should I get the DNP?

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I am a 3 year MSN/FNP. I can't see the benefit. Is it feasible to do most DNPs and work full time? I am looking at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and the program is brand new. Will there be reimbursement issues down the road for the APNs that don't get the DNP?

As of today it seems like a bad investment getting the DNP if you already have MSN. How much you make really depends on specialty and years of experience. The license is the same for both degrees (and reimbursement is also the same for both DNP and MSN). I don't see an incentive in spending thousands of dollars more for something thats pretty much useless in the clinical setting (It could be a good move if you're planing on becoming management or plan on teaching somewhere).

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
The license is the same for both degrees (and reimbursement is also the same for both DNP and MSN).

For now, but that could change. And, probably will. 3rd party reimbursement may require all APRNs to have the DNP just like it was when the MSN was required years ago.

Yes, all will be "grandfathered" in, but that might just be for your state only. No one will be "disenfranchised". But, should you decide to relocate to another state where the DNP is required for APRN practice, the grandfather clause would be null.

For now, it is still just a "vision" and not a requirement to become DNP in order to practice as an NP.

As has been stated by wtbcrna, only CRNAs have embraced the DNP and that is for the year 2025. For now, the year 2015 applies to NPs only.

I fully expect this to come to fruition. The DNP will be required for NPs, but this is only my opinion.

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Yes, all will be "grandfathered" in, but that might just be for your state only. No one will be "disenfranchised". But, should you decide to relocate to another state where the DNP is required for APRN practice, the grandfather clause would be null.

This is the part that worries me, as I know I will move around. So I am planning on tacking it on. My CRNA program offers you to start DNAP classes starting the second year, then having just one more semester of work to do after finishing the MSNA. Since credentialing seems to take around 3 months in places, I might as well spend that time finishing it up. That's my current plan. I would prefer to do a PhD, but I am older and have taken the very long path of schooling, so it would be nice to be 'done'. Esp as doing the PhD would be 4 years of ambitious work, and a max of 8. That's a ton of time I don't have to spend. It will mean I am limited in my ability to teach, as PhD is often preferred, but there you go. Who knows what will happen when I graduate...maybe we will raise alpacas and be self sufficient farmers....

me

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Specializes in PACU, IV TEAM, GI, Ambulatory Care.

Hi KTC328. I have looked at several dnp programs online and the time and expense required in a DNP program is steep. I will wait as long as I can, if it becomes a requirement in the future. You can bet that most programs will be available online, and streamlined to accommodate working NP's, there is such a shortage of NP's they have to make it alot easier than it is now if or when this becomes an requirement.

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