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Discussion

University Options

Hello,

I have an entry level master's in nursing (MSN), and would like to be an NP. There are so many schools, yet despite spending months searching, I can't find exactly what i'm looking for.

1. I would like to complete it in 1 year, or 4 semesters max

2. I would rather not complete a 2nd master's degree, as those cost quite a bit more. However, it seems as if most of the post-master's certificates take nearly as long a Master's.

3. Would prefer it to be predominately online, some campus visits are ok!

I was looking at the University of Indiana, but even though their post-master's certificate is not that many credits, they spread it out over 2 years, so you literally take 1 class per semester. I could almost have a DNP in that time.

I'm also considering Vanderbilt's MSN, but it is expensive. Plus

I've tried reaching out to their admissions department and they are incompetent. For such an expensive school I expected a more knowledgable admissions department.

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    • Featured Replies

    Unless your entry level program included advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment, I highly doubt you will find a post-master's certificate program that you can complete in less than 2 years (6 semesters). As most, if not all, programs require completion of these courses prior to beginning the core practitioner course work, this is likely the reason that the University of Indiana schedules their program over 2 years.

    Best wishes in finding a program that fits your needs.

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    • Experts

    University of South Alabama has a post-master's certificate program which is 6 semesters. However, it means you have to take Pathophysiology and Pharmacology in the same semester. Both are tough courses. I'm putting the link for the FNP program, but they have different specialties (ACNP, dual track, PMHNP, NNP, etc.). You do have to travel to campus once you finish the 3 P's before you start clinicals.

    If you've already completed the 3 P's in your prior MSN program, then it would only be 4 semesters to finish.

    Post MSN Certificate: Post-Graduate Certificate

    Curriculum Plan: http://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/con/resources/postgradcert/postgraduatecertificate_nfnp_spring_6_semesters.pdf

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    • Author

    Thank you for the link SopranoKris! I did take the 3Ps in my Master's program, but they are only one credit each so it looks like i'll have to take them again. What a bummer! At that rate, I don't see the value of the post-master's certificate, because I can get a DNP in 6 semesters too. The nursing world is sure strange.

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    • Author

    Chare- My degree does include the advanced 3Ps but only one credit of each. There are several schools where I could get a DNP in 6 or 7 semesters. Is their any advantage of the post-master's certificate vs DNP if they take the same amount of time?

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    Chare- My degree does include the advanced 3Ps but only one credit of each. There are several schools where I could get a DNP in 6 or 7 semesters. Is their any advantage of the post-master's certificate vs DNP if they take the same amount of time?

    Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is that the post masters certificate would be necessary in order for you to become an NP. Then if you wanted to get your DNP it would be another 6 or 7 semesters for the DNP courses. If you went straight for your DNP now I think you'd have to enroll in the BSN to DNP programs as your masters is an entry level masters. DNP level courses won't make you an NP. A DNP is a generic doctorate level degree that any nurse from any specialty can take. Not just for NPs. It's the masters level work in an NP program that prepares them to be an NP and then the DNP prepares master's educated nurses from all backgrounds like NP, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager, etc. for advanced leadership skills above and beyond the masters level regardless of your nursing certification. I guess what I'm saying is the DNP isn't NP specific.

  • Quote
    Chare- My degree does include the advanced 3Ps but only one credit of each. There are several schools where I could get a DNP in 6 or 7 semesters. Is their any advantage of the post-master's certificate vs DNP if they take the same amount of time?

    Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding is that the post masters certificate would be necessary in order for you to become an NP. Then if you wanted to get your DNP it would be another 6 or 7 semesters for the DNP courses. If you went straight for your DNP now I think you'd have to enroll in the BSN to DNP programs as your masters is an entry level masters. DNP level courses won't make you an NP. A DNP is a generic doctorate level degree that any nurse from any specialty can take. Not just for NPs. It's the masters level work in an NP program that prepares them to be an NP and then the DNP prepares master's educated nurses from all backgrounds like NP, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager, etc. for advanced leadership skills above and beyond the masters level regardless of your nursing certification. I guess what I'm saying is the DNP isn't NP specific.

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    Your timeline doesn't seem realistic especially when your 3 P's aren't full credit courses. Even if such program exists, have you thought about the fact that you will most likely need to secure your own preceptors for each semester? Most people find that the most challenging.

    If you can complete a DNP program (make sure it grants a degree that will allow you to practice as an NP) for exactly the same number of semesters as a post-master cert, it's better to get the DNP because it is a terminal degree. But it will probably be more expensive.

    Another option is to work as a RN and get the NP part-time. It takes longer but you can build more experience and probably more financially sound.

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    • Experts
    Thank you for the link SopranoKris! I did take the 3Ps in my Master's program, but they are only one credit each so it looks like i'll have to take them again. What a bummer! At that rate, I don't see the value of the post-master's certificate, because I can get a DNP in 6 semesters too. The nursing world is sure strange.

    The DNP in 6 semesters does not make you a practicing NP. They are two different things. To be an NP, you have to complete clinicals and pass boards. Anyone with an MSN can go on to do the DNP (doctorate of nursing practice is NOT a nurse practitioner). I think you are completely confusing these two roles.

    Trying to find the "fastest" route does not necessarily mean you will receive a proper knowledge foundation to be a practicing NP. You need to develop clinical knowledge, how to diagnose, assess, treat, prescribe, etc. A generic DNP does not provide this. There's no "fast track" to becoming an NP. You have to put in the time it takes to actually do it. This means completing the 3 P's and then doing your didactics and practicums.

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