Will DNP be the requirement for NP's?

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I'm an RN, working on my BSN, and looking to go forward with my Master's after this. I had heard some time ago that it was going to be a requirement in 2015 for NP's to have a DNP degree instead of a Master's level degree.

Is this still true and should I start looking toward a DNP instead of Master's level NP?

[mzaur]

No that is not a requirement. It's a recommendation by academic nurses, but they have no real authority. It's up to each individual state to change those requirements, and that is not happening, at least anytime soon. Something similar happened in the 80s when they tried to recommend that the BSN be required to be an RN, and clearly that didn't happen. Don't worry about it. Get an MSN ASAP incase MSN programs start disappearing, since DNP programs will definitely cost more $ due to their length. But do not worry about not being able to practice as an NP with an MSN. If anything does change, you'll be grandfathered in.

This long thread might be helpful

https://allnurses.com/doctor-nursing-practice/2015-dnp-529004.html