Which schools offer MSN to DNP for non APRNs

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Are there DNP programs that will allow you to transition to an APRN role if you were not in an APRN MSN program? For example, offers several MSN programs. Are there DNP programs you could complete after a WGU MSN that would enable you to become an NP?

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Do you at least have your RN? That will be the deciding factor.

If you don't have the RN, then you'll have to go through a direct-entry program to get the RN first. If you do have your RN, then you basically do an RN-to-DNP program and see if any of your masters credits are applicable to the program. Check out University of South Alabama's program. They offer the RN-to-DNP. They do have an accelerated program for those with a masters in another field, but it's geared towards those who do not have the RN yet.

Assume a BSN and a non-NP MSN. I'm trying to find schools that will let you become an NP at the DNP level with a non-NP MSN.

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
Assume a BSN and a non-NP MSN. I'm trying to find schools that will let you become an NP at the DNP level with a non-NP MSN.

Yes, if you have a BSN, there are many RN-to-DNP programs where you earn your NP in the program. Just search for RN-to-DNP programs. Do you know what specialty you want? (e.g. FNP, ACNP, PMHNP, NNNP, PNP, PANP, WHNP, etc.)

Yes, if you have a BSN, there are many RN-to-DNP programs where you earn your NP in the program. Just search for RN-to-DNP programs. Do you know what specialty you want? (e.g. FNP, ACNP, PMHNP, NNNP, PNP, PANP, WHNP, etc.)

I'm not looking for RN to DNP. I am looking for MSN to DNP, where the MSN was not an NP program. Most DNP programs expect you to be an NP already. I'm looking for those that do not require APRN status for admission, but you will be an APRN upon completion of the DNP.

I'm not looking for RN to DNP. I am looking for MSN to DNP, where the MSN was not an NP program. Most DNP programs expect you to be an NP already. I'm looking for those that do not require APRN status for admission, but you will be an APRN upon completion of the DNP.

While one might exist, every post-master's to DNP program I am aware of requires certification as an APRN prior to admission. Have you discussed your situation with an admissions counselor at any of the BSN to DNP programs? Some of the might accept enough of your MSN courses to make it comparable. If none are willing, another option would be completing a post-master's certificate to obtain an APRN certification, and then applying to the DNP program.

Best wishes.

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
I'm not looking for RN to DNP. I am looking for MSN to DNP, where the MSN was not an NP program. Most DNP programs expect you to be an NP already. I'm looking for those that do not require APRN status for admission, but you will be an APRN upon completion of the DNP.

University of South Alabama has an MSN-to-DNP Adding New Certification degree that might be what you want. It's dependent upon what your MSN concentration is. Here's the link: MSN to DNP Pathway

I just re-read your original post. I'm not sure about credits transferring because they only grade on pass/fail. When that converts to a GPA, it can make your GPA too low for admission to some programs. You'll have to contact the schools you're interested in to see if the WGU credits transfer towards your NP.

Not completely sure, but UCI just opened up their DNP program. Look into it! Applications close May 20th, I THINK**

I'm not looking for RN to DNP. I am looking for MSN to DNP, where the MSN was not an NP program. Most DNP programs expect you to be an NP already. I'm looking for those that do not require APRN status for admission, but you will be an APRN upon completion of the DNP.

There are several students that hold an MSN in education attending the DNP-FNP track at the program I am attending..

There are several students that hold an MSN in education attending the DNP-FNP track at the program I am attending..

What school is that?

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