Seeking BSN to DNP program

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by StevenKing, Sep 29, 2022.

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  1. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Hello,
    Just starting my research for a potential nurse practitioner program (DNP). I am aware of Liberty's psychiatric FNP program for vets.

    Has anyone ran across an affordable BSN to DNP that isn't psych? For comparison, Regis has one that is around $100K.
     
  2. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    Sadly, I just read this on the Liberty website:
    "The Post-BSN DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-MSN DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner are excluded from the discounted military rate."

    I definitely recommend the FNP through the lifespan. Don't forget, there are still BSN to MSN FNP programs as well. I'm guessing you are looking for a "Hybrid" program? I say hybrid because most distance learning programs require some campus visits but the clinical rotations can be done where you reside. The DNP adds an extra year with some much-needed extra clinical hours and the capstone project. With that said, my particular MSN/FNP was 3 years long (6 to 8 credits a semester) 3 semesters a year but there weren't any DNP programs twenty years ago.

    I have heard some good things about the University of Southern Indiana although not sure how much of the program is online:
    Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) - University of Southern Indiana - Acalog ACMS™ (usi.edu)
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  3. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    The 81-credit Hybrid BSN to DNP at Johns Hopkins would be my number one choice but at $1901 a credit, unless you have some GI bill that would help cover it, it is very pricey! Nursing | Johns Hopkins Medicine Careers

    I believe JHU offers some paid fellowships for new grad NPs as well. Obtaining a one to two-year fellowship to solidify your skills is a huge benefit that gives the newly minted NP a confidence boost for solo practice. It's like a medical residency and is much needed in my opinion. There are many NP fellowships emerging across the country as hospitals recognize the need for additional training after graduation.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  4. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    Caution! There are many sub-standard online NP programs today which I think is a travesty. My suggestion is to look for state universities or schools that have university hospitals. These types of schools understand the intricacies of educating competent healthcare providers and have highly qualified faculty with years of experience. If you are doing this for the money, forget about it! There are RNs making the same or more money with much less liability.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  5. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  6. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    With all this said, your credentials don't show a BSN degree. Is your BA from Bethany in nursing? If you only hold an associate in nursing you may be able to find a "bridge program."
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  7. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Alpine,
    Thank you for the series of comprehensive posts. I am presently enrolled in a BSN program (American College of Education: CCNE accredited) and look to have my BSN conferred in July '23. Otherwise, I live in Florida and I seek a program that terminates in a doctorate (DNP).
     
  8. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Thank you. I also note this:
    • Qualifying military students who confer a master’s degree, executive certificate, postgraduate degree, or doctorate from Liberty University and pursue a doctoral program with Liberty within 2 years of their degree conferral date are eligible for the $300/credit hour doctoral military tuition discount. Please see additional benefits for more details on exceptions.
    Since my MDiv was conferred in 2021 and I'll be looking in 2023, I think I could get the discount.
     
  9. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    If you earn a DNP in Psych NP, you are able to apply for a post-graduate certificate program in FNP. Does Liberty offer a BSN to DNP in Family practice or only psych?
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  10. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    It appears Liberty only offers BSN to DNP for psych.
     
    Alpine likes this.
  11. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    I know there are a number of States that allow nurse practitioners to practice autonomously. However, there may be other restrictions depending on the specialty. Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority: A State-by-State Guide | NurseJournal.org

    Some States require the Psychiatric NP to have 3000 to 4000 hours of supervised experience post-graduation before being able to practice autonomously. So check the requirements of the State you want to practice in and whether or not the school meets those requirements.

    For example, Utah requires 3000 supervised post-graduate hours for the psych NP. csw_supervision_for_post-graduate_mental_health_practice_hours.pdf (utah.gov)
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2022
  12. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

  13. Alpine

    Alpine Active Member

    I checked out the RN to BSN at the American College of Education and find this program to be outstanding! Online RN to BSN Program - Become a BSN | ACE
    1. The tuition is phenomenal at $7950.
    2. The program includes Health Assessment which is a very common course requirement for entry into an NP program.
    3. However, the program does not have a stand-alone Statistics course which is typically a requirement for entry into an NP program. With that said, NURS 5023 integrates statistics into the course which may or may not qualify depending on the graduate school you apply to.
    4. CCNE accredited.
    5. 100 percent online.

    I love it! Tell us what you think.
     
  14. Rachel83az

    Rachel83az Well-Known Member

    If you need Stats, there are a number of ways to get it. Probably the easiest for this would be to add STAT4013 - Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice to your course list before you graduate, even if it's not strictly required for the degree itself. I would probably also supplement that course with ALEKS Stats, though I doubt it's necessary.
     
    Alpine likes this.
  15. Xspect

    Xspect Active Member

    Steven, the biggest hurdle is finding your preceptor and clinical site for any NP program - more so with Psych NP's
     
  16. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

     
  17. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    I don’t believe I ever responded. I did enroll in this program and have found it a delight so far. This week marks completion of 2/10 courses toward a BSN (love, love, love 5-week semesters…).

    I’m really wanting to land the plane with a utilitarian doctorate that will be good for education and/or healthcare administration. I am currently a practicing clinician; however, I have just accepted a healthcare administration role.

    I can feed business, education, or even ministry-related doctorates. If a good BSN to DNP in healthcare admin exists, I might consider ultimately that pathway.
     

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