DNP/PhD Study

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 19, 2014

One is geared to direct patient care practice, the application of knowledge to healthcare, and maybe the generation of practice-based knowledge. The other is geared to an academic career and the generation of nursing knowledge of all types. If you want a career that includes both things (e.g. to teach in a DNP program and/or do academic research while providing patient care at a doctoral level), you get both.

resilientnurse · Mar 19, 2014

I understand the difference between the two. I would like to know of one's personal motivation if they are willing to share.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 20, 2014

I think that's what llg's response meant...one's personal motivation would have to be the ability to venture into either or both career trajectories as doctorally-prepared nurse. I've looked into it more so because I am on the fence as far as career options as a DNP nurse. I already work as an NP and a DNP would not change my current role but I think the PhD would offer more doors of opportunity for me as an advanced practice nurse. But still, having that DNP at the same time allays fears of a future when most NP's like myself have DNP's, if that makes sense.

ETA: I've only seen one such program...Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. Barnes-Jewish has a great reputation as a hospital and affiliate of Washington University but I have no information regarding the school of nursing.

BCRNA · Apr 14, 2014

There are not many dual doctoral programs like that. I did the DNP because I was not completely sure I would like research. I did, and am doing a Phd. I would think that it is a path suited to a minority of students. DNP skills are a subset of what is needed for the phd. Some would see it as redundant to have both. I believe it would be good for someone who wants to do clinically based research. I don't think it was a waste of time, my project taught me a lot. It also helped form my Phd dissertation. If you do it right you can build one off the other and have a stronger clinical impact. It would help start a strong research career. Hopefully will produce two publications to show your expertise. I think it would be good to combine if you want to have a strong clinical aspect to your research. Many nurse scientists are doing great research, but are so far removed from patient care that their impact on nursing itself is very indirect--although still significant. It just depends on exactly what you want to research. i think as programs embrace the DNP for all APNs, soon all APNs who get phds will also have DNPs. If your relatively young then doing it will maintain your marketability for changes in the next 10-20 years.

Sunshinepeds · Aug 14, 2014

Case Western Reserve's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing does also offer the dual track. I am switching to the DNP from the PhD program this fall in the education track. Can't imagine doing the dual at this point of my life!

Sunshinepeds · Aug 19, 2014

Lol! I wanted to to ammend my response as I now did switch to the dual program!

resilientnurse · Aug 19, 2014

Hi Sunshinepeds,

Now, I have never heard of it that route before. What made you switch to the DNP track?

ShayRN0217 · Feb 23, 2018

It's been years since you've posted this BCRNA. I am curious to know how things turned out for you? I would like to do both PhD and DNP. I would love to hear your most current feedback.

TrueStarNP · Feb 23, 2018

Johns Hopkins just started the DNP & PhD with great schol options.

MilesRN, BSN, MSN, DNP · Mar 11, 2018

The best advice is selecting the right program for you. The DNP is a viable option to the extensive time commitment of a Ph.D. Additionally, if looking for a doctorate degree one must consider the end goal. Are you interested in a research career? Then, the PhD is a good choice. If you are more inclined to clinical or an applied approach, then select the DNP. Either will serve you well as both are terminal degrees. I would recommend if selecting a DNP, find one that offers a specialization such as leadership, administration, or a clinical track for APRNs. Do not believe the DNP is an inferior degree. I challenge anyone to dispute the rigors of doctoral study unless they have finished a degree program. Doctoral study requires an extensive time commitment, tenacity, and perseverance. Keep in mind only approximately 1.5 percent of the entire population has a doctorate for a reason, it's very challenging. Remember, many faculties hold clinical doctorates to include JD, MD, PsyD, PharmD, and the like. Persons with the DNP are now obtaining tenure and even administrative positions such as Deans at universities across the U.S. I would recommend searching the job board and reviewing educational requirements for Faculty. You will find the DNP is now accepted as a viable doctoral degree and may be preferred over the EdD. If one is interested in obtaining a PhD after finishing a DNP, then, you might consider Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They offer a DNP to Phd requiring 33 hours to complete. The program is distance mediated and requires attending on ground classes twice per semester. Good luck in your search for the right program