Stop the complaining. The fact is that the regulations have changed and schools will have 4 years to switch over from MSNA or MSN to a DNP in 2015. So if you want to get just a MSNA, then get a move on it. Pharmacy schools are already making their students get a Doctorate, when in the past, they just had to get a Masters. But let me tell you this. If you get your MSNA and then all the others come out with a DNP, then when it comes down to getting a job, the boss might just choose the DNP over you.
Look at the facts: most schools can cost around 70,000-100,000 for a MSNA. It’s 26-28 months. But if you look at the school offering a DNP it roughly around the same price, but the time in school is longer. And seeing as other professions that take the same amount of time can cost up to 250,000. Don’t complain. If it’s a money issue, start saving. There is really no excuse. There are ways to pay for school, you will just have to work harder or be willing to move to go to the cheaper schools. Also, remember that you will be making more money then most MD’s coming out.
Seeing as Associate degrees are going away and more people are getting BSN. This shouldn’t really be a surprise. Next, you know they will be making BSN’s get a Masters to work.
As for the whole “call me Doctor”. Yes technically you have a Doctorate. That means you can do reach and teach. But you are not an MD. You can not write meds. Think about all the Pharmacy students coming out with their PharmD. Are you going to call them Doctor so-and-so? If you do, good for you, but really, it is all about ego. Just be glad if someone recognizes you for your degree and if they don’t, move on. There are worse things they can call you. And if you don’t like it, then go teach.
It all really doesn’t matter, because if you love this profession then you will do what ever you have to do to get it. It’s not just a pay-check.