ADN to MSN FNP

Nursing Students NP Students

Published

Greetings. I got accepted into an ADN to MSN FNP program starting in the Spring. I am super excited to start but I heard another nurse talking about how ADN to MSN programs are nice but that if someone wants to continue on and get their DNP later that unless you have a BSN then the program won't let you get a DNP because a BSN is a prerequisite. Is this the case for all programs? Do I need to go get a BSN somewhere if I go to get my DNP even though I will have my MSN? Thank you for any and all advice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

I've never heard that. Not sure where this nurse got her info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You should check your program! I am also in an ADN-MSN FNP program, but when I complete the program I will be awarded both BSN and MSN degrees. My program also has a "stop-out" option to stop after earning only the BSN portion.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

You shouldn't have any trouble with a MSN to DNP bridge; those programs would require a MSN not a BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
...I heard another nurse talking about how ADN to MSN programs are nice but that if someone wants to continue on and get their DNP later that unless you have a BSN then the program won't let you get a DNP because a BSN is a prerequisite. Is this the case for all programs? Do I need to go get a BSN somewhere if I go to get my DNP even though I will have my MSN?

Whether that matters or not depends on two things. First, some ADN to MSN programs award a BSN along the way, others do not. Second, some DNP programs require a BSN, although most recognize MSNs for entry. In other words, the scenario the other nurse warned you about is possible, but can only happen if your ADN to MSN program does not award a BSN along the way AND whatever DNP program you apply to later REQUIRES a BSN (without MSN substitution).

Back when I was looking into ADN-BSN programs, I was considering an ADN bridge program that awarded an MSN but not a BSN. Ultimately I didn't choose that program because I knew I was later going to apply to doctoral program in nurse anesthesia, and most (though not all) of them specifically require a BSN for entry. Mine was one of the more rare circumstances where it mattered.

I think the prudent thing to do is to check to see if your ADN to MSN program awards a BSN, and if doesn't, to check whether the DNP programs you're considering later on accept MSNs instead before you start worrying too much about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much for the detailed reply. I followed your advice and my program does not give the BSN but if I want to continue to get my DNP they will substitute the MSN as entry. Thank you again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you. Good luck in your program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 12/5/2018 at 7:36 AM, power ranger said:

Thank you very much for the detailed reply. I followed your advice and my program does not give the BSN but if I want to continue to get my DNP they will substitute the MSN as entry. Thank you again.

what school do you go for ADN-FNP? is it online? i am looking for one

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 10/23/2018 at 8:05 AM, meganrntomsn said:

You should check your program! I am also in an ADN-MSN FNP program, but when I complete the program I will be awarded both BSN and MSN degrees. My program also has a "stop-out" option to stop after earning only the BSN portion.

what school do you go for ADN-FNP? is it online? i am looking for one

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 10/23/2018 at 11:05 AM, meganrntomsn said:

MSN

I would also love to know what program you got into!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment