Is a DNP Degree Right for Me?
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs can lead to many careers but also be a big commitment to take on. There are a few ways you can determine if a DNP is right for you.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs are for nurses who want to advance their scope of practice. It can lead to multiple career paths, including as a nurse practitioner, nursing leader, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist.
Doctoral programs are a big commitment, and it can be hard to know if advancing to a DNP is worthwhile. Keep reading to learn more about DNP degrees and determine if a DNP degree is right for you.
What Is a DNP Degree?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a doctorate degree in nursing. DNP programs offer pathways to becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), also called nurse practitioners, or other types of nursing leaders.
DNP degrees are terminal degrees, meaning it's the highest-level degree you can earn. These nursing programs use evidence-based practice to train nurses to care for patients in a way that goes beyond what registered nurses can do.
There are generally two pathways to a DNP. The first is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP bridge program. This program is for registered nurses with BSN degrees who want to pursue a DNP.
The second common pathway is a post-master's program for APRNs who already have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. MSN to DNP programs are often shorter than BSN to DNP programs.
DNP programs usually take three to four years of full-time study depending on the program and if you already have your master's degree. Part-time programs can take up to seven years to complete.
Some nursing schools offer online DNP programs, which can allow you to earn your degree while working as a nurse. Others recommend not working during your DNP program.
A DNP degree is different from a PhD in nursing. DNP programs prepare students to be clinical nurses or nurse leaders, while PhD programs are usually for those interested in roles in research or academia.
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What Does a Nursing Practice Major Study?
Nursing practice majors study an advanced nursing curriculum that covers many facets of healthcare. A typical DNP degree program will cover:
- evidence-based practice
- healthcare and patient outcomes
- healthcare policy
- healthcare systems
- nursing leadership
- quality improvement
- patient care
Additional coursework required by your school of nursing will depend on your specialization or concentration. Common specializations for DNP students include:
- anesthesiology
- nursing leadership
- midwifery
- primary care
DNP programs often require clinical practice. This brings a hands-on element to your nursing education.
Why You Should Consider a Doctoral Degree in Nursing Practice
Most students go into nursing because they have an interest in the medical field and want to help people. However, it can be hard to decide if pursuing a doctoral degree is worth the time and money.
There are several reasons why earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice is good for your nursing profession. Below, we've listed a few reasons you should consider a doctoral degree in nursing practice.
Expand Your Clinical Practice
While exact clinical privileges vary by state, nurse practitioners are allowed to do many things that regular registered nurses cannot. These include:
- act as a primary care provider
- diagnose patients and develop treatment plans
- order medical tests and evaluating results
- prescribe medications
- write referrals to specialists
These added duties allow you to provide more comprehensive care to your patients and expand your clinical practice.
Variety of Career Opportunities
With a DNP degree, you'll be able to pursue a career path as a nurse practitioner, nursing leader, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetists. These nursing professionals can work in a variety of clinical settings like hospitals, doctors' offices, birthing centers, and outpatient surgery centers.
Additionally, there are many specializations within nursing practice and nursing leadership. Many nursing schools also offer short programs if you want to switch your specialty after graduation. This means you have a multitude of career options once you have your DNP degree.
May Be Required for Nurse Practitioners Soon
Currently, nurse practitioners can practice with either an MSN in nursing practice or a DNP degree. However, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is pushing to raise these standards.
They argue that because nurse practitioners provide high-level, advanced medical care, they should be required to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. DNP programs are often more rigorous and cover more competencies than MSN programs.
It should be noted that recently the change was made to only accredit DNP programs for nurse anesthetists. This means that while you can continue to practice with an MSN in most states if you're a nurse anesthetists, current and future students will need a DNP.
High Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for advanced practice nurses is set to skyrocket. They predict the employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will grow by 38% by 2032.
While this isn't specifically for DNP graduates, many healthcare systems prefer to hire DNPs. And with the push for DNP training to become the norm, it's safe to say that much of the future demand will likely be for DNPs.
Higher Salary Than RNs
Some RNs earn a very nice salary, especially travel nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an RN is in the high five figures.
While your specific salary will depend on many factors, such as specialization, location, employer, and experience, most advanced nurses earn over six figures. Nurse anesthetists earn the most, nearly $100,000 more per year than nurse practitioners or nurse midwives.
Job Opportunities for DNP Degree Majors
With a DNP degree, graduates can find roles in nursing leadership and nursing practice. They can also pursue careers as nurse midwives or nurse anesthetists.
Common leadership positions for DNPs are in healthcare administration, health informatics, and public administration. Common specializations for nurse practitioners include:
- adult-gerontology acute care or primary care
- family practice
- pediatric acute care or primary care
- psychiatric mental health
- women's health or gender-affirming care
DNP Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself
If you're still on the fence about becoming a DNP, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide. These include:
- Will a DNP help me reach my career goals?
- Are DNPs in demand in my area?
- Am I able to devote time to completing a doctoral program?
- Can I afford or find financial aid to help me afford a DNP program?
