Published
Just wanted to find out if anyone on this part of the forum is in the know about the DNP being the definitive degree for new NPs starting in 2015. I just got my BSN and I don't plan on even applying to NP programs until at least 2016 so suffices to say I will fall under this DNP plan if it becomes a reality. But I keep hearing that it's not happening on one end and that it is on another.Confused here ...
*** No. The DNP as entry for advance practice is only a SUGGESTION, by no means a requirment. Many schools have already dropped their masters NP programs, but many have not. Some clearly state they have no intention of going to a DNP program. I went to an information session on the FNP program for a local catholic university where the dean of the program clearly stated she was dead set aginst the DNP for entry to advanced practice and that this particular school would never go to DNP. Her point being that NPs are supposed to be cost effective providers of health care and that greatly increasing the time and money investment is counter productive to that. She also added that there was no evidence what-so-ever that indicated that masters prepared NPs were deficient.
The AACN can bluster and "suggest" all they want. The only thing that matters is what state boards of nursing requires and all of them require a masters program for people entering advanced practice. I haven't heard of any state considering requiring a DNP for entry to advanced practice.
The exception is CRNAs. CRNA programs are accreditied by the AANA and they have decided that CRNA education will be doctorate (thought not DNP, impossible since many CRNA programs are not based in schools of nursing) by 2025.
PacoUSA, BSN, RN
3,450 Posts
Just wanted to find out if anyone on this part of the forum is in the know about the DNP being the definitive degree for new NPs starting in 2015. I just got my BSN and I don't plan on even applying to NP programs until at least 2016 so suffices to say I will fall under this DNP plan if it becomes a reality. But I keep hearing that it's not happening on one end and that it is on another.
Confused here ...