Is a DNP Required for Nurse Practitioners?

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), also called nurse practitioners, are nurses who have advanced training that allows them to offer healthcare services above what an RN can. To become a nurse practitioner, you need a graduate degree.

You can currently become a nurse practitioner with either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. However, in the future, all NPs may need a DNP. We break down what you need to know below.

Do You Need To Have a DNP To Be a Nurse Practitioner?

You do not need a DNP degree to become a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners can earn their APRN license and practice with a Master of Science in Nursing degree in nursing practice.

An MSN degree is also a graduate degree but requires fewer years of study to complete. While this is currently acceptable for nurse practitioners, there is currently a push to require nurse practitioners to earn a DNP instead.

When Will Nurse Practitioners Require a DNP To Practice?

While there is no set timeline on when nurse practitioners will need a DNP to practice, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) are pushing for this requirement to be in place by 2025.

The NONPF, an organization for nurse practitioners, are working to provide colleges and universities with tools to shift entry-level MSN programs to DNP programs and to establish Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP degree programs.

The one exception is for nurse anesthetists, as the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs is no longer accrediting new MSN programs and requires students to earn a DNP.

Why Is There a Push for Earning a DNP?

Nurse practitioners are able to do many things that doctors can do but standard registered nurses cannot, such as prescribe medication and act as primary care providers. As a result, many in healthcare feel that advanced education is required for this role.

Data seems to back this up. A report titled ''The Future of Nursing 2020-2030'' released by the National Academy of Medicine showed that DNP-prepared nurses had better patient outcomes than those with a master's degree.

What Is a DNP?

DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice, a doctoral degree for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses like nurse educators, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. This is a terminal degree, meaning there are no higher types of nursing degrees.

DNP programs can take anywhere from three to seven years to complete, depending on if you hold an MSN first. These programs require classroom study, clinical practice, and a capstone project.

Steps for Acquiring a DNP for Nurse Practitioners

To earn a DNP degree, you must first complete lower-level nursing programs and hold a valid RN license. We've broken down the steps to earning a DNP below.

Earn an RN License

Before you can become an APRN, you have to first be an RN. To earn your RN license, you'll need to complete an associate degree in nursing or bachelor's degree in nursing.

While state requirements vary slightly, in all states you'll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses in order to receive your license.

Obtain a BSN or MSN

To enter a DNP program, you'll need to hold either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in nursing. If you have an associate degree, you can return to school through an RN to BSN program, which allows you to quickly finish out your bachelor's degree. You can also consider ADN to MSN programs as well.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you will likely meet the education requirements for a BSN to DNP program. However, holding a master's degree may allow you to complete your doctoral program faster.

Meet DNP Program Requirements

In addition to holding an RN license and meeting the educational requirements, there are other requirements that DNP programs have. These can vary between programs and specializations.

Programs may require you to have a certain amount of experience as an RN before you can jump into a DNP program, and certain specializations may require you to have some nursing experience within that department.

Complete Doctoral Coursework and Final Project

Your doctoral degree will take several years to complete. You'll need to do the required coursework, which will likely include clinicals and a final project.

The specific requirements of your doctoral program will depend on your school and your speciality. While these programs are long, they prepare you to provide the best patient care possible.

Is a DNP the Same as an MSN?

A DNP is not the same as an MSN. A DNP degree is a doctoral degree, while an MSN is a master's-level program. Some students choose to earn an MSN before they earn a DNP.

Key Differences Between a DNP and an MSN

There are a few key differences between DNPs and MSNs, such as:

• MSNs take three to five years, while DNPs take three years if you already have an MSN but can take upwards of seven years without one.
• Tuition may be higher for a DNP degree depending on your school and your financial aid situation.
• Both degrees offer specializations for nurse practitioners, but DNP programs are more likely to offer specializations in nursing leadership or administration as well.
• Both degrees are currently accepted for licensure, but MSN degrees may not be accepted in the future.

FAQs About DNPs

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about DNP degrees.

How Long Does It Take To Earn a DNP?

If you already have an MSN, you may be able to finish your DNP in as few as three years. However, a DNP degree can take up to seven years to earn.

Is a DNP Worth It?

For many nursing students, a DNP is worth it as it increases their hiring opportunities and it means that if regulations do shift, they'll be prepared. Students can always pursue their master's first and then complete their DNP.

Should a Nurse with a Doctorate Be Called a Doctor?

While a nurse with a doctorate could technically be called a ''doctor,'' in a healthcare setting, this could get confusing. It's up to the nurse practitioner what they would like to be called.

Do DNP Programs Include an Internship?

DNP programs, as with most nursing programs, include internships. These are usually referred to as clinicals, and require the nurse to spend time working hands-on in a patient care setting.