Mine got both of her degrees from OU. Of course, in Oklahoma an APRN has to work under a doctor, but that isn't the case in many states. In those states a Nurse Practitioner can open his/her own practice. But if a PHD is now required, I agree - there's no point in not going MD/DO.A lot of the nurse practitioner schools (like NNP) are requiring a PHD now instead of a Masters. I never saw the point, going with a NP or PA is supposed to save money compared to an MD. If you make the requirements similar (excluding residency) there is no point, just get an MD/DO. Degree creep is a pet soap box of mine.