What is a DNP Degree?

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree? 

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is an advanced degree that prepares nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policymaking. Nursing is a vital part of healthcare, and advanced practice degrees like the DNP are designed to expand a nurse’s expertise beyond bedside care, focusing on improving patient outcomes, healthcare quality, and system-wide efficiencies. The DNP emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, and healthcare innovation, making it a useful basis for anyone looking to take their career in a direction that includes advanced clinical roles, healthcare management, or academic settings. 

Table of Contents

• Understanding the DNP Degree
• Core Components of a DNP Program
• Why Earn a DNP Degree?
• Career Opportunities for DNP Graduates
• How to Choose a DNP Program
• Can I Call Myself a Doctor with a DNP?
• Elevate Your Nursing Career with a DNP Degree

A DNP degree offers a chance to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry and take on higher responsibility levels in your nursing career. Let’s explore the academic program and its long-term opportunities in greater detail.

Understanding the DNP Degree 

As a terminal degree, the DNP represents the highest educational level in nursing practice. Unlike research-based doctoral programs, such as a Ph.D. in Nursing, the DNP emphasizes the practical application of clinical research as opposed to conducting academic research. A DNP degree prepares you for leadership roles in various healthcare settings, focusing on implementing evidence-based care and leading system-level changes to improve patient outcomes. 

Nurses seeking to make a bigger impact in direct patient care, advance their clinical expertise, take on executive healthcare roles, or influence healthcare policy at local or national levels may find that the DNP path allows them to pursue their interests and aspirations more closely than other advanced nursing degrees.

DNP vs. MSN

While both the DNP and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees prepare nurses for advanced roles, they differ in scope, focus, and career pathways. An MSN provides training for specialized roles, while a DNP builds on that foundation with a focus on leadership, healthcare systems, and expertise in clinical practice. Here are a few ways that these degrees differ from each other:

• Education Level: The MSN is a graduate degree, while the DNP is a terminal degree, meaning graduates have achieved the highest level of academic advancement in their field.
• Focus: An MSN degree emphasizes specialization and prepares nurses for work in clinical practice, academia, or research. Conversely, the DNP curriculum provides a more comprehensive education in nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives. 
• Career Outcomes: MSN graduates typically pursue clinical roles, while DNP graduates are equipped for clinical work but often move into executive leadership positions, healthcare administration, or policymaking roles.

DNP vs. PhD

A DNP and a PhD in Nursing both represent terminal degrees but differ in their focus and career outcomes. The DNP is practice-oriented, emphasizing advanced clinical practice and leadership, while the PhD is research-oriented, focusing on generating new knowledge and conducting scholarly research. Here are a few additional contrasts:

• Purpose: A DNP prepares nurses for leadership in clinical practice, whereas a PhD focuses on developing nursing science through research.
• Career Paths: DNP graduates typically pursue advanced clinical, administration, or healthcare policy roles, while PhD graduates often work in academic settings or research institutions.

Core Components of a DNP Program

A DNP program prepares nurses to take on advanced roles at the highest levels of the profession. These programs are carefully structured to provide the skills and knowledge needed for leadership in areas such as administration, policymaking, and improving patient care outcomes. By completing a DNP, nurses can position themselves for career advancement and greater impact in the healthcare field.

Curriculum Overview

DNP programs cover a broad range of topics designed to prepare nurses for leadership in clinical practice and healthcare systems. The core curriculum includes advanced clinical practice, where students learn how to assess, diagnose, and manage complex health conditions. Policy courses teach nurses how to analyze and influence initiatives that shape healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Leadership courses, on the other hand, equip nurses to guide interdisciplinary teams and implement improvements across healthcare systems.

Another key component of the DNP curriculum is evidence-based practice, where students learn to apply the latest research to clinical decision-making and drive healthcare improvements. Many DNP programs also offer specialized tracks such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Nurse Anesthetist, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest while gaining expertise in advanced nursing roles. 

Clinical Practice Hours

Most DNP programs require students to complete a significant number of clinical practice hours as part of their degree requirements. These hours prepare nurses for advanced clinical roles by providing hands-on experience managing complex patient cases, implementing healthcare strategies, and leading in clinical environments. The 1,000 clinical hours required for NU’s DNP degree bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed as both executive and clinical experts in diverse healthcare settings.

Capstone Project

The capstone project is a key part of many Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, showcasing what students have learned through their academic and clinical training. In this project, students tackle a real-world healthcare challenge by developing practical, research-based solutions and assessing the results. The aim is to apply research in a way that improves healthcare delivery, patient care, or clinical practices. This project also gives DNP students a chance to show their expertise, take the lead on meaningful changes, and make valuable contributions to the healthcare field.

Examples of DNP capstone projects include initiatives such as improving patient outcomes in specific populations, like reducing hospital readmission rates in elderly patients with heart failure, or implementing new healthcare practices, such as introducing a more effective pain management protocol in a surgical unit. Other projects might focus on healthcare system improvements, such as developing a process to reduce medication errors or creating educational programs to enhance patient self-care. These projects are designed not only to solve pressing healthcare issues but also to equip DNP graduates with the leadership skills to implement large-scale changes in clinical settings.

The capstone project process generally involves several stages: problem identification, literature review, project planning, implementation, and evaluation. Students work closely with faculty mentors and clinical site partners to ensure that the project addresses a relevant issue and leads to measurable improvements. By the end, students will understand how to lead meaningful and effective problem-solving efforts across a variety of healthcare organizations.

Why Earn a DNP Degree?

As a nurse, earning a DNP degree can help jumpstart your career advancement, especially if you are looking to transition to a leadership role. Beyond a more challenging role and higher earning potential, nurses who earn a DNP have the ability to influence the quality of healthcare patients receive and effect impactful policy changes on a broader scale. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the reasons why nurses pursue a DNP degree. 

Advanced Clinical Skills

In the course of earning a DNP, you’ll gain advanced clinical skills that will equip you to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. You’ll be able to handle complex health challenges and lead in clinical practice. When applied to patient management and administrative efforts, you’ll be able to use your skills to drive meaningful improvements in outcomes across a wide range of complex healthcare environments.

Leadership Opportunities

DNP programs prepare nurses to take on executive roles in healthcare organizations, academic settings, and within the realm of policy development. Coursework in healthcare systems, organizational leadership, and policy advocacy will give you the necessary skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, drive healthcare reforms, and influence decision-making at high levels.

Impact on Patient Care

As a DNP, you can lead transformative changes that benefit both individual patients and broader communities. Your assessment and recommendations will play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes by addressing complex health issues, managing chronic conditions, and optimizing care coordination across healthcare teams. 

Increased Earning Potential

Nurses with a DNP tend to enjoy higher salaries and greater career advancement opportunities compared to those with an MSN. With the advanced training and leadership skills that the DNP education provides, you’ll be eligible for higher-level positions such as clinical director, healthcare administrator, and policy expert, along with increased responsibility and pay. Additionally, DNPs often qualify for roles in healthcare management and executive positions, further boosting your earning potential and career trajectory. The demand for DNP-prepared nurses continues to rise, making it a valuable investment for long-term career success.

Career Opportunities for DNP Graduates

Clinical Roles

A DNP prepares you to succeed in advanced clinical roles, spanning a diverse range of healthcare settings and areas of clinical practice.

• Nurse Practitioner (NP): As an NP, you’ll provide primary and specialty care directly to patients, often working independently or alongside physicians to manage care plans.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Nurses with a CNS designation work to improve healthcare outcomes through expert clinical practice, research, and healthcare system optimization/ 
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): A highly-specialized nursing role, CRNAs administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical and medical procedures.
• Nurse Midwife: As a nurse midwife, you’ll provide comprehensive care to patients throughout pregnancy, including gynecological exams, prenatal care, and delivery assistance.

Leadership and Administrative Roles

Nurses with a DNP can pursue numerous opportunities in healthcare leadership and administration, where they can influence the direction of healthcare organizations and policy. Here are some of the possible career avenues open to you with a DNP that allow you to shape healthcare systems, advocate for policy changes, and improve overall patient care at organizational and national levels.

• Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): As a CNO, you’ll oversee nursing operations and strategy for healthcare organizations to ensure high standards of patient care and staff development.
• Healthcare Administrator: In an executive-level role, healthcare administrators manage hospital or clinic operations, focusing on healthcare delivery efficiency, quality, and financial management.
• Healthcare Policy and Advocacy: Nurses who have obtained a DNP can chart a path in policymaking, leading initiatives to influence healthcare laws, as well as working with government agencies or advocacy groups to promote healthcare reforms.

Academic and Educational Roles

DNP degrees can lead to exciting opportunities in nursing education, where you can shape the next generation of nurses and influence the future of the profession. You can hold leadership roles in academia, help develop curricula, and provide advanced clinical instruction to students. Here are just a few academic-based paths available to you with a DNP: 

• Faculty Positions: Teach in nursing schools, guiding students through advanced practice and leadership topics.
• Clinical Educators: Provide hands-on training to nursing students or staff, helping them gain practical skills in patient care.
• Curriculum Development: Design and update nursing programs to reflect the latest evidence-based practices and healthcare trends.

How to Choose a DNP Program

Earning your DNP can put you on a rewarding career path that can take you in a variety of directions in more advanced roles. But how do you narrow the field to find the right program to help you further your career in a way that aligns with your long-term career goals? Let’s explore some of the qualities to look for in a DNP program to help you make the right choice. 

Accreditation and Program Quality

Choosing an accredited DNP program is critical to ensuring the quality of your education and its recognition by employers. Accreditation by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) guarantees that a particular program meets high standards of academic excellence, clinical rigor, and faculty qualifications. These accreditations also ensure that your degree will be recognized for professional licensure and advanced practice certifications.

When evaluating a DNP program, consider several factors to determine its quality. Look for faculty members with extensive clinical and research experience in your area of interest and strong partnerships with healthcare facilities to ensure ample clinical opportunities. Additionally, review the student support services offered, such as mentorship, career counseling, and networking opportunities, which can greatly enhance your experience and success in the program. 

Program Format

DNP programs are offered in various formats to accommodate different student needs, such as full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, and hybrid options. Full-time programs allow students to complete their degrees faster but require a significant time commitment.  On the other hand, part-time options offer more flexibility, making them ideal for those balancing work or personal responsibilities. The choice between full-time and part-time often depends on your career goals and ability to dedicate time to your studies.

Online DNP programs are particularly appealing for working professionals, offering flexibility to study from anywhere while maintaining employment. To support our diverse student body, many programs at National University, including our DNP degree, are fully online. Hybrid options combine online coursework with in-person clinical experiences or residencies. On-campus programs tend to be less flexible, but they provide the face-to-face interaction that some learners find preferable. Evaluate your own personal and professional schedule as you decide which format best fits your needs.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of a DNP program varies depending on the institution, format, and residency requirements, with tuition typically ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000. Additional costs may include textbooks, clinical fees, and travel for clinical placements or residencies. While educational costs can be significant, many NU students qualify for financial aid, scholarships, or grants, helping to offset the expense.

DNP students may also explore loan repayment options, especially if they commit to working in underserved areas through programs like the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. Consult your institution’s financial aid offices and explore all funding opportunities to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Can I Call Myself a Doctor with a DNP?

With a DNP degree, you are entitled to use the “doctor” title in academic or educational settings, as earning the degree indicates doctoral-level achievement in clinical nursing studies. However, using the title “doctor” in clinical settings is generally discouraged—even considered unethical—as patients could assume medical doctor (MD) credentials​. It’s important to follow institutional policies and clarify your role to patients to maintain trust and ensure clear communication.

Elevate Your Nursing Career with a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is designed to elevate nursing professionals into advanced clinical, leadership, and policymaking roles. National University’s DNP program unlocks the path to compelling benefits, including expanded career opportunities in healthcare administration, greater earning potential, and more consequential effects on patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Check out the National University Podcast, “The Journey to a Doctorate in Nursing Practice,” to learn more about the benefits of a Doctoral degree in nursing.

If you are ready to take on a more impactful role in transforming the future of healthcare while furthering your own career interests, consider your educational potential with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, or explore the full range of healthcare and nursing opportunities at National University.