PhD vs. DNP

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Would greatly appreciate any comments, insight, thoughts on a PhD in nursing vs. a DNP. I realize that the DNP is a practice doctorate with less emphasis on research than the PhD. I have applied to a PhD program but won't know if I am admitted for several months. There's a DNP program that is closer and the dean tells me that a DNP would be good preparation for nursing education.

Hmmmmm. I thought the DNP was for nurse practitioners and clinical experts. I've taught clinicals, enjoyed teaching clinicals, but I don't necessarily see myself teaching clinicals the rest of my career.

I also am not sure I want to spend the rest of my career doing research rather than teaching. Although---I do have certain areas of interest and could get into research, especially regarding end of life care, spirituality and gerontology.

My passion is teaching. I think it's important to teach nurses to think as well as to do. I see myself teaching at the BSN level, won't rule out graduate level. I see myself teaching nursing theory, ethics, policy and finance---even pharmacology or physiology.

Any thoughts? TIA!

Cross-posted on the graduate student board as well.

Another aspect to consider for DNP programs is that this programs are currently US based. For instance, there are no such programs in Canada or Australia. If you have a DNP in Canada, you will be seen as equivalent to a NP. In many countries, PhD is still the gold standard for people seeking positions in graduate education and research. None of the reputable universities in Canada have a DNP on their board. Especially in a globalized society inwhich faculty members need to build their reputation nationally and internationally, a DNP degree will limit their ability to collaborate internationally as many do not understand this degree on a international scale. Also, the rigour of the DNP nursing program versus PhD program paints a picture of a lesser status than a PhD program. This is just the reality out their in an international and interdisciplinary scene as many research intensive universities are pushing for this agenda.

Moogie,

It sounds like we havea a lot of similarities. I'm about to be 50 & have fibromyalgia, too, as well as a few other problems. I also enjoy education & have taught in volunteer capacities a lot. I'm not in practice right now due to my physical problems, but I think teaching will be within my capabilities. I had a great discussion with my educational counselor at school & I believe she gave me some great advise for my situation. It sounds like you alreeady have a masters degree? I am finishing my BSN right now & hoping to get into a master's program this Jan. I was planning to go for a masters in education, but I was advised to get a masters in a different subspecialty (I'm choosing community health) and get a certificate in nursing education (12 credits). School will want to see what specific courses I would be prepared to teach. If you already have a masters, you may already be able to get a teaching job & work on your doctoral degree at the same time. I wish you the best & hope you get into the program you applied for.

One more big consideration. To be a PI (principle investigator) anf get the big bucks in research grants from NIH, Walker-Woods Johnson Foundation, etc, you need to be PhD, DrPH, EdD. Clinical doctorate is NOT acceptable, whether MD, DNP. That's why MD's who are highly into research also have PhD. in accidemia, the realy great sallaries are ONLY for those who can bring in the huge grants that pay them a big salary as the PI

Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

This is a timely thread for me as I am thinking about my options in this area. I have an MSN in nursing education and am teaching full time in a tenure-track position at a community college in CA. We are placed on a salary schedule based on years of experience and amount of education. My salary would go up about $12,000 a year with an earned doctorate, DNP included. This would be for doing the same job I already do which I dearly love and I have no real desire to do anything else.

I have looked at several EdD and PhD programs and haven't found a good fit for me. I would have to move far away (not an option) or maybe their research areas are of no interest to me or they are just way out of my price range. A co-worker has let me know about loan forgiveness programs for nursing faculty which will open up the door. There is a DNP program by me that is mostly on-line and is two years as opposed to 4-5 years. Part of my decision process is how long it would take. Going to school is exhausting on top of working full time and I don't think I want to do 4-5 years of it. I don't need the research aspect for my job.

I'm going to wait another year due to personal reasons, but I am interested to hear about others' experiences.

I am also considering the option of DNP vs PhD. JaneyW what online program did you look into?

I love teaching. I hate research. So for me DNP sounds more enjoyable. Does anyone know of online PhD programs that are less research oriented?

What would be the best way to see what is required to be faculty in my area? How to find out what would make me more marketable and get more money?

Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

The DNP program I am looking at is at Western Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. Being the teacher that I am, I want to ask you to try to answer your own question about where to find the expected qualifications. The best place would be at the source--the faculty where you might want to teach. Reach out and contact people. Start your networking. See if you can get yourself in teaching clinical or part time. If you already have your MSN, you may already have a lot of options. Clinical instruction positions are often not posted. Contact the director of the program with your CV and your desire to teach for them. Look around on different websites of schools to see if there are openings and what the qualifications are. Good luck! I love teaching and am very glad I went down this road. :nurse:

Specializes in ER, Critical Care, Paramedicine.

I've been putting a lot of thought into this as well. My future is in teaching, but right now I'm working as an acute care nurse practitioner. So, either I go and get my DNP and hope for tenure someday, or I just get the PhD as it's what will suit me best when I move away from bedside. It's not an easy choice, but I can't imagine DNP's getting tenure as easy as the PhD student.

I am the spouse of a nurse who is working to complete her DNP at the University of San Diego. Where she is just finishing up her degree. . . hopefully. We are in the process of job hunting.

My wife is an extraordinary instructor and teaches at a local community college. She is rather idealistic and wanted to obtain the DNP designation from the perspective of improving her clinical skills and salary position. At every turn her instructors desired to pigeon hole her into a PhD mode. Even her project (dissertation, if you will) requires all the rigors of a research based degree. The Dean of the program even made the comment to her, and others present, that she was sick and tired of students vying for the DNP because they did not want to take statistics. Other comments have tended to indicate that there is a strong bias towards the PhD venue and that DNPs do not, and will not, have the same level of respect. This is most unfortunate. Most of her PhD instructors have PhDs with only a few years, at most, actual clinical experience. As an outsider, it is my opinion that academia is vastly out of touch with the requirements of the real world.

From snippets of information I have read I get the impression that the AACN is aware that there are problems and the DNP is not being executed as they envisioned. Change is slow and attitudes are difficult to alter.

Bottom line: Do not vie for the DNP designation! It will not significantly enhance your knowledge base (as those teaching the courses do not have the information to impart, and will therefore teach you and set up requirements based on their realm of experience . . . research), and it will not enhance your marketability so as to assist you in obtaining better compensation.

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