Can one teach at the university level with a DNP?

[Sunflower3]

Hello all,

The University of South Alabama offers a DNP with an education focus, in addition to the NP-focused DNP. My question is: can I teach with this degree at the university level? I realize this degree is a relatively new concept, and especially for educators. Many universities that I have checked with that have faculty openings state that one must have a 'doctoral degree', so I'm assuming that this degree would meet that requirement. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Sunflower3

[marachne]

from what i hear from faculty at my program, schools that offer the DNP are tripping over themselves to hire DNP faculty members (at least out in the west - i can't speak for schools back east). M

That is the experience at my university. The first DNP cohort started last year, and that was only for individuals already holding a masters-level NP. The thought for the first cohort (and possibly the first few) is to "grow our own," in terms of faculty: while there have been Master's prepared faculty particularly in the NP program, it doesn't make sense to have master's prepared faculty teaching DNP students -- so bringing NPs up to DNP gives them a pool of potential faculty (if/when this hiring freeze ends).

One anticdotal comment about needing to do research to achieve tenure: while every institution, not to mention tenure committee is different, my dissertation chair just recently received tenure, and while she has been involved with research, she has very little where she was the PI (and therefore the source of that extra revenue). She has, however done a lot of other work: teaching, writing, committee work, development of larger education initiatives, etc. So while she was on a research track her lack of NIH awards did not stop her from getting tenure.

[Sunflower3]

Newsflash: Today, I'm made aware that the CCNE does not allow any university offering the DNP degree to offer it to nurse educators, only nurse administrators, NP's, or CNS's. So just wanted to update anyone considering the DNP that they need to be an NP or CNS in order to qualify for admission for the degree. You can obtain the DNP with an education focus if you fall into one of those categories, but cannot enter the program as an MSN-Ed.

So, I'm going to consider a PhD or EdD for me............

Sunflower3

[cruisin_woodward]

I was told by my school that I would have all of same teaching etc privedges as a PhD. I plan to teach when I graduate.