A doctoral degree in nursing, often referred to as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), is the highest academic achievement in nursing. If you aspire to become an expert clinician, a leader of people, a nursing educator, or a researcher in the healthcare field, a DNP should be part of your career path.
The nursing field, on average, has predicted job growth of 6%. But, when you have advanced your career with a graduate-level degree or a DNP, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 38% growth in those fields along with a salary that’s more than $125,000.
Aside from the career path and salary opportunities associated with a DNP, having this higher level of education allows you to impact more than just your patients. You’ll also have the opportunity to impact the nurses who look to you for leadership, the healthcare industry with potential policy changes, and the push for innovation through research.
With a DNP, you can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in nursing and healthcare. Some potential roles for DNP-prepared nurses include:
To earn a doctorate degree in nursing, you must enroll in a DNP program offered by an accredited college or university. Admission requirements typically include:
DNP programs come in various formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional on-campus programs. The curriculum of a DNP program typically includes coursework in advanced nursing practice, healthcare leadership, research methods, healthcare policy, and quality improvement.
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Answer a few quick questions about your background and career goals — this should only take about 5 minutes.
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"For those pursuing advanced nursing degrees, their dedication and passion for caring for others and commitment to excellence in their field is truly inspiring."
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While a doctoral degree is not currently required for nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice, there is a growing trend toward adopting the DNP as the entry-level degree for NPs.
Many healthcare organizations and professional associations advocate for the DNP as the standard for advanced practice nursing, citing the need for increased clinical expertise, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice in today's complex healthcare environment.
The duration of a DNP program can vary depending on factors such as program format, enrollment status, and individual progress. Full-time students may complete a DNP program in a timeframe between 20 months and three years, while part-time students may take longer to finish their studies.
Some DNP programs offer accelerated options or pathways for students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to earn their DNP in a shorter timeframe.
The official title for a nurse with a doctoral degree is Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D. in Nursing), depending on the doctoral degree conferred. When speaking to them, address them as "Doctor" followed by their name, in the same way you would address other healthcare professionals with doctoral-level training.