Consider pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP degree) if you aspire to leadership roles in nursing, whether clinical or administrative. This is the highest level of education for advanced practice nursing.
When weighing the pros and cons of earning a DNP degree, return on investment is paramount. Payscale.comaverage salaries tend to be a healthy jump up from bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.
If you are considering pursuing a DNP, read on for a snapshot of this degree program requirements, program types, costs, and overall value.
Specialty of Dai Nippon Printing
If you are entering at the BSN level, choose a specialization that aligns with your career goals when you apply for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. (Her DNP students in MSN Entry have already completed their specialization during their master’s degree studies.) You may also have the option of choosing a traditionally paced or accelerated program. Depending on the university, you can choose to either:
#1 One of the four Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles:1
- certified nurse
- clinical nursing specialist
- Certified nurse/midwife
- Certified Nurse Anesthesiologist
#2 Clinical specialization in one or more patient populations:
- Lifelong family/individual
- adult gerontology
- psychiatric mental health
- women’s health
- newborn
- Pediatrics
#3 Non-clinical research areas such as management and organizational leadership:
- nurse executive
- nurse manager
- Nursing informatics
- nursing education
- medical policy
The phrase “Practice Nursing” in the degree name does not imply that the student will become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), although this is usually one of multiple options. It is also possible to become an NP with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
what do you study?
Beyond the foundation course, a DNP student’s coursework depends on their specialization and program track. Curriculum may include:1,2
- Advanced evidence-based nursing practice
- Nursing Informatics (Data and Technology)
- Epidemiology and clinical infection prevention
- Improving the quality of nursing care and interprofessional collaboration
- Nursing curriculum development
- ethics
However, all DNP programs must include the eight course requirements set by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).3
- Scientific Basis for Practice
- Organizational and system leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking
- Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice
- Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for Healthcare Improvement and Transformation
- Healthcare Policy for Advocacy in Healthcare
- Interprofessional collaboration to improve patient and population health outcomes
- Clinical prevention and population health to improve public health
- advanced nursing practice
When will I receive my DNP?
DNP is the last step in a degree-granting practical nursing education. It fits into the traditional nursing education hierarchy as follows:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Nursing (MSN)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Note that it is not necessary (or customary) to get all four of these degrees. Typically, one needs either an ADN or BSN to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and either an MSN or DNP to become a Licensed Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Nurse Executive. Some offer RN to MSN bridge programs instead of ADN.
A PhD is also an option for those who want to devote themselves to research or work as academic faculty and administrators at the highest level.
What are the main differences between the MSN and the DNP? NPs holding a DNP may have career advantages over NPs holding an MSN because the DNP is the premier nursing practice degree program. there is.
How much does a DNP degree cost?
Costs vary widely based on:
- Selected school tuition
- Program specialization
- Whether to start from MSN, BSN, or RN
- financial aid, tuition reimbursement, or scholarship grants
What are the entry requirements for the DNP degree?
Nursing practice program requirements vary greatly depending on previous education. They can be very flexible and students can start from any of the following starting points:
- MSN Degree
- BSN degree
- ADN Degree + RN License (this option includes Catchup BSN prerequisite coursework)
In addition to the official transcript of your current nursing degree, you will most likely need:Five
- Active and Undisturbed RN License
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous degrees
- GRE test score
- personal statement
- Resume
- contact information or a letter of recommendation
Is a DNP degree worth it?
Holding a DNP can open up new possibilities for both professional and economic growth.6 In addition, DNP graduates can influence organizational policy, train and lead teams, It connects research and practice and may even play a leading role in the future nursing profession. .
The return on investment of time, expertise and opportunity is Exactly Once you’ve done the math, let’s compare the salary of a Doctor of Nursing Practice to other nursing income.
If you are a nurse practitioner, a DNP degree can increase your average salary.6
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses is $77,600.7 Meanwhile, the median annual wage for nursing jobs requiring higher education, such as anesthesia nurses, midwives, and medical practitioners, is $123,780.8
DNP elevates your qualifications, opens more career doors and offers higher salary potential. Countless graduates find DNP valuable.
USAHS Nursing Program
The University of St. Augustine Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, Graduate School of Nursing certificate Designed for working nurses. Our nursing degrees are delivered online and have a hands-on component commensurate with the specialization of the program and role. MSN offers several options to help you get your degree faster. Earn an advanced nursing degree while maintaining a work-life balance.
Visit us online to learn more about our program, request information, or start your application.
sauce:
- Anna Giorgi, ‘Explore Doctors with Nursing Practice Degree’ all nursing schools,
- Nurse Journal Staff, “Outline of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree,” nurse journal, Last updated September 2022,
- “Points of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice” American Association of Nursing Collegeslast updated October 2006,
- “What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?” American Nurses Association,
- “DNP Degree Overview” nurse journal, Last updated November 2022,
- “Physician of Nursing Practice (DNP) Salaries in 2022” Nursingprocess.org,
- “Registered Nurse” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
- “Anesthesia Nurse, Midwife, Practitioner” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
