DNP or PhD??

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Dear All,

I am currently a 4th year college student in the process of applying to accelerated BSN programs in Florida. I am highly interested in going on to graduate studies in hopes of attaining a DNP or PhD so I can teach at the University level. Is anyone aware if one degree is really better than the other when seeking positions as professor at teaching hospitals? Thanks very much for the info.

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Both degree programs share demanding expectations, a scholarly approach, and a commitment to the advancement of nursing. Beyond that there are distinct differences:

DNP:

  • Prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing practice who will lead in applying and translating research into practice


  • Knowledge and skills in applying and translating research into practice; leads dissemination and integration of new knowledge in health care organizations


  • Program outcome is practice leaders such as an advanced practice nurse caring for individuals; or other practice leadership positions such as in nursing and health care administration


PhD:

  • Prepares nurse scholars to conduct research that advances the theoretical foundations of nursing and health care globally
  • Knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytic approaches to the discovery and application of knowledge in nursing and health care
  • Program outcome is a nurse scientists prepared for a career in research in academia or other research-intensive environments

If you want to teach then the DNP probably is not for you. In my state you only need a masters to teach nursing.

Dear All,

I am currently a 4th year college student in the process of applying to accelerated BSN programs in Florida. I am highly interested in going on to graduate studies in hopes of attaining a DNP or PhD so I can teach at the University level. Is anyone aware if one degree is really better than the other when seeking positions as professor at teaching hospitals? Thanks very much for the info.

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Specializes in CRNA.
Dear All,

I am currently a 4th year college student in the process of applying to accelerated BSN programs in Florida. I am highly interested in going on to graduate studies in hopes of attaining a DNP or PhD so I can teach at the University level. Is anyone aware if one degree is really better than the other when seeking positions as professor at teaching hospitals? Thanks very much for the info.

Here is how it breaks down. A DNP is a clinical doctorate and a PhD is a research doctorate. You can teach with either however, many universities currently do not recognize the DNP as a means to reach tenure and full professorship. If that is your goal you might want to look into a PhD or EdD track. Basically it comes down to what you are interested in.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

Agreed with the above...

As for the teaching role of the DNP, we just won't know until more DNPs are actually teaching. It was designed to have more of a clinical focus than the ND and DNsc. but many APNs are dubious of it's future. IT DOES however open you up to lots of clinical practice, so either way, if you're unsure of wanting to teach, DNP might be the way to go. Best of Luck!

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