DNP Nursing Education

Specialties Educators

Published

Hi. I am an FNP with an MSN. I work full time in nursing instruction and administration at a nursing school. I would like to obtain a doctoral degree and my preference is an Ed.D in Nursing Education. However, I am finding few schools that offer this degree. The ones that do are either not online and/or too expensive. The DNP seems more cost-effective, but many programs emphasize it is a CLINICAL degree. My goal with a DNP would be to continue in nursing education. I would like to do my doctoral project in something education-related. Other than the limitation of not being eligible for tenure at a research university, is there any reason not to go the DNP route if I want to stay in nursing ed?

Thanks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Have you looked into DNS degrees? They may offer less of a clinical perspective. I can't remember what schools I was looking into (putting doctorate plans on hold for the time being) but there were a few that offered a DNS with a focus on education.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

The DNP program at Touro University Nevada is designed specifically for academic education focus. You might look into it- it would seem to suit your need.

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The DNP will probably be the most expeditious route to a doctorate if that is a needed credential for your academic advancement. This may also be a less expensive option as there are online schools that offer in-state tuition even for out-of-state residents. However, have you looked into The University of West Georgia as they have an online EdD. Not sure of the cost. Here is the link Nursing | Doctoral in Nursing Education (Ed.D.)

What type of program do you teach?

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Specializes in ER.

One of my colleagues is getting working on a DNP in Educational Leadership. It is an online program, with two 5-day residencies. She is loving it, and feels like it is extremely relevant to what we do. Maybe this is the type of thing you are looking for?

Online DNP Program in Nursing Education | American Sentinel

Also, know someone now working on dissertation for Ed.D at Nova Southeastern. It is available online:

http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/doctoral/doctor-of-education

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

First before you decide DNP vd PhD, make sure you know what your end goals are. The DNP is new enough that the whole tenure things hasn't been worked out well in some schools. If your looking for just the knowledge then it prob doesn't matter. They key being the work you put into it no matter what the actual letters you end up with after your name.

The other factor to consider is what your school will pay for.

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Specializes in Education, Skills & Simulation, Med/Surg, Pharm.

Walden and Capella have CCNE accredited DNP programs and will allow you to focus on education. I am getting my MSN at Capella currently and it has been an amazing experience thus far (halfway there). I'm considering doing the DNP there as well and focusing in education. I have no interest in a research degree. I don't want to live off grants. I want to teach and translate research into being a better educator for my students.

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