Healthcare is growing and changing by the day. As the industry evolves, nurses play a critical role in advancing the quality and safety of patient care. Healthcare needs more nurses to be leaders who can spur positive transformation in their organizations and communities.
Demand for advanced nursing roles like Nurse Practitioners is rapidly accelerating, expected to grow by 45% by 2029. Demand is also high for Medical and Health Services Managers, with growth expected at 32% by 2029. Both of these roles present clinical and leadership opportunities for qualified nurses looking to advance their careers.
One way to advance to these leadership roles is to earn a DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, degree. We’re here to help provide an overview of this degree and the benefits of earning a DNP.
Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree opens up exciting opportunities for nurses looking to advance their careers. As one of the highest terminal degrees in the field the DNP equips nurses with advanced clinical skills leadership capabilities, and the expertise to translate research into practice.
But how exactly do you get a DNP degree? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know,
What is a DNP Degree?
A DNP degree is a doctoral level degree for nurses who want to gain additional skills in one of two areas
- Advanced clinical practice
- Leadership/administration
Nurses who earn their DNP can work as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) providing direct patient care, such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives.
Others focus on leadership positions in healthcare organizations, policy, informatics, or academia. Either pathway allows nurses to have an even greater impact on patient outcomes and shaping the future of healthcare.
DNP vs PhD in Nursing
It’s important not to confuse the DNP with the PhD in Nursing. While both are doctoral level degrees, they have different aims:
- DNP: Advanced clinical skills and leadership for evidence-based practice
- PhD: Research-focused for academic career
Both degrees require extensive research and completion of a dissertation. However, the DNP emphasizes translating research into clinical practice rather than generating new research.
Who Should Get a DNP Degree?
Pursuing a DNP is a big commitment, so making sure it’s the right fit is essential. Nurses who will benefit most from a DNP include:
- RNs looking to advance into APRN roles like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthetist
- APRNs seeking to expand their scope of practice and expertise
- Nurse leaders and executives seeking to move into higher level roles
- Nurse educators who need a doctorate for university teaching positions
- Any nurse interested in having a bigger impact through research translation
Already having an MSN is not a prerequisite to start many DNP programs. Nurses can pursue a BSN-to-DNP directly.
DNP Admission Requirements
Because DNP programs are rigorous, meeting all admission requirements is crucial. Typical requirements include:
- BSN or MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active and unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
- GRE test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Essay or personal statement
- Relevant work experience (1-2 years)
Clinical hours and an undergraduate statistics course are often required too. Each school has its own specific prerequisites, so check carefully.
Types of DNP Programs and Curriculum
There are a few different paths to earning your DNP:
BSN-to-DNP
Earn your DNP in 3-4 years going straight from your BSN. This pathway includes both Master’s and Doctoral level coursework. At the end, you’re eligible for APRN certification.
MSN-to-DNP
Already have your Master’s? An MSN-to-DNP takes around 2 years and broadens your advanced clinical knowledge. Often no additional clinical hours required.
DNP for Nurse Executives
For nurses in leadership roles looking to advance their career through a Doctorate. Less focused on clinical skills.
DNP Specialties
Most DNP programs offer specialization tracks such as:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Midwifery
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Typical courses include advanced assessment, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, statistics, leadership, budgeting and more.
Clinical rotations or residency requirements give hands-on experience. The culmination is completing and defending a DNP dissertation focused on translating research into practice.
How Long Does it Take to Get a DNP Degree?
Most DNP programs take 2-4 years to complete depending on your prior experience:
- BSN-to-DNP: Around 3-4 years
- MSN-to-DNP: Roughly 2 years
- DNP Executive Tracks: 2-3 years
Part-time options allow working nurses to continue gaining experience while earning their DNP. Taking longer to complete the rigorous curriculum can also help balance work-life demands.
How Much Does a DNP Program Cost?
The total cost for a DNP program ranges widely, but averages around $30,000-$75,000. Expenses include:
- Tuition and fees: $700-$1500+ per credit
- Textbooks and supplies: $1000+
- Licensure and certification: $300-$1000
Many grads take out student loans to cover DNP program costs. But scholarships, tuition reimbursement from employers, and loan repayment programs can help reduce the financial burden.
What Can You Do With a DNP Degree?
There are abundant opportunities open to nurses who earn their DNP. Common DNP career paths include:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Provide specialized direct patient care in a clinical setting:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nursing Executive and Administrator
Take on leadership roles managing nursing practice:
- Nurse Manager
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Vice President of Patient Care Services
Nursing Faculty
Teach the next generation of nurses:
- Professor
- Instructor
- Assistant Professor
- Adjunct Faculty
Healthcare Consultant
Advise healthcare organizations on best practices and strategies:
- Quality Improvement Consultant
- Informatics Consultant
- Program Development Consultant
With a DNP degree, nurses have the advanced expertise to be change agents improving health outcomes across the healthcare system.
Is Getting a DNP Worth It?
Here are some of the top reasons why earning a DNP is worth the investment of time and money:
- Higher earning potential – On average, DNPs earn 20% more than MSNs
- Increased job opportunities – Options expand into leadership roles and private practice
- Advanced clinical skills – Gain a higher level of assessment, diagnosis, and practice
- Elevated credibility – The credentials distinguish your expertise
- Enhanced leadership abilities – Manage teams and initiatives more effectively
- Ability to shape policy – Influence health policy and regulation changes
- More impact – Improve care delivery through evidence-based practice
For nurses seeking to maximize their career opportunities, job flexibility, earning potential, and professional growth, a DNP degree offers an incredible advantage and value add.
How to Choose the Best DNP Program
With so many options, it’s essential to choose a DNP program that meets your needs and goals. Here’s how to pick the best one for you:
- Search for accredited programs that fit your specialty area
- Consider cost, location, delivery format, and timeline
- Look for small cohort sizes and mentoring opportunities
- Review clinical rotation sites and residency partnerships
- Evaluate job placement rates and career support resources
- Make sure faculty are experts with relevant backgrounds
- Read reviews and feedback from current students
Taking time to research programs thoroughly helps ensure it’s a worthwhile investment you’re excited about!
Getting Your DNP: Next Steps to Advance Your Nursing Career
Pursuing a DNP degree is no small feat, but the payoff is immense. As the healthcare field continues to change rapidly, becoming a doctorally prepared nurse leader will be more and more invaluable.
Hopefully this guide provided a helpful overview of how to get started earning your DNP. Take the first step by researching programs that offer the specialty focus aligned with your professional passions and goals.
With a clear vision of how a DNP can help you make an even greater impact in your nursing career, you’ll feel motivated and confident in taking on the challenge. Wishing you all the best as you continue growing professionally to transform patient care!
What Paths Can Nurses Take With A DNP Degree?
Depending on the university you choose, the DNP program may offer different concentrations or tracks of study.
At Franklin University, for example, you can choose between two different Doctor of Nursing Practice tracks—the Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration or the Leadership Concentration.
A DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration focuses on advancing the clinical care of patients in a primary care setting. This concentration may be right for you if:
- You’re passionate about using research to put evidence-based care into practice in a family medicine setting.
- You want to develop direct relationships with patients and maintain consistency of care.
- You want to run or be a partner in a primary care practice.
A DNP with a Leadership Concentration prepares for advanced roles in clinical or nonclinical healthcare management. In this concentration, you further specialize in one of three areas: healthcare administration, health informatics or public administration. This concentration may be right for you if:
- You aspire to work at executive leadership levels in a healthcare organization.
- You’re interested in the business-side of healthcare and how it impacts patient outcomes.
- You want to work in an indirect or non-clinical setting, like a government agency or nonprofit, and influence healthcare policies.
Whichever path you choose, you will be prepared with the knowledge and skills to be a leader and changemaker in improving quality and safety of patient care.
What Kind of Degree Is A DNP?
A DNP is a doctorate-level degree. The DNP is designed to help registered nurses who hold a Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) attain the highest level of education and advance their careers.
DNP curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice and quality improvement. By combining these two focuses, nurses who pursue their DNP are prepared to intentionally improve health and wellness outcomes for individuals, communities and entire populations.
The core curriculum in a DNP program includes:
- DNP Foundations: An introduction to the role of a DNP as a change agent in healthcare. Skills developed in this course include identification of a gap in practice, conducting a needs assessment and describing the scope and significance of the problem.
- Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement: This course of study focuses on advanced nursing practice as a form of inquiry, integration, and application of evidence into practice. You will learn to read and synthesize research—as well as use technology and information systems—to evaluate and implement evidence-based practice methods.
- Clinical Prevention and Healthcare Outcomes: This curriculum teaches you to assess, design and implement evidence-based quality healthcare practices. The goal of this course is to give you the tools to define desired outcomes and measure success using data.
- Leadership, Policy & Interprofessional Collaboration: You will learn principles of advanced leadership in the context of complex healthcare systems. Skills gained include change management, developing high-functioning teams and improving quality and safety of care.
To qualify for a DNP program, a nurse must have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Unlike many other advanced degrees, those holding a BSN may advance directly to a DNP without completing a master’s degree. If you have an RN, but neither of these degrees, you can pursue an RN to MSN program, then complete a DNP.
HOW TO BECOME A NURSE PRACTITIONER FAST ! | DNP | WAS IT WORTH IT ?
What degree do you need to become a DNP?
Entrance requirements may vary a little by university. In general, you can expect entrance requirements similar to what Duke University requires: Associates degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing: You will need an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and your RN or a bachelor’s degree in any field to apply to DNP programs.
How do I choose a DNP program?
A DNP program can be appropriate both for a nurse who has yet to enter graduate school or has already completed their MSN. If you choose a DNP program and have no prior graduate school experience, be sure that the program offers a BSN to DNP track option. Current, unencumbered RN license.
How long does it take to get a DNP?
Either concentration can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time coursework, depending on your needs and goals. We also offer synchronous online intensives twice a year and accept up to 42 credit hours from your MSN to help accelerate your DNP. Tuition & Fees Get Started! What Can You Do With a DNP?
