Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Degree Description, Salary Expectations, and Steps to Earning One

The field of nursing is dynamic and ever-evolving, with nurses playing a pivotal role in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. To meet the demands of this rapidly changing landscape and advance their careers, many nurses are turning to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

In consideration of this, we've provided a comprehensive overview of what a DNP program entails, its key components, and the various types available to nurses. We dive into the reasons why nurses choose to pursue a DNP, including career advancement, enhanced clinical skills, and the potential for higher earning potential. Additionally, we provide insights into the different DNP specialties, the clinical experience required, and the importance of program accreditation.

Whether you are a registered nurse (RN) considering your educational path, an experienced nurse looking to elevate your career, or simply curious about the world of DNP programs, we've put together all of the valuable information to help you make informed decisions about your nursing journey.

What Is a DNP?

A DNP program is a doctoral-level education program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare management, research, and policy development. The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing, and it represents the highest level of education for clinical nursing practice.

Here are some key characteristics and components of a DNP program:

• Advanced Practice Focus: DNP programs are often intended for experienced nurses who want to further their education and clinical skills. While the specific focus can vary, DNP programs commonly emphasize advanced nursing practice, including nurse practitioner roles, clinical nurse specialist roles, nurse anesthetist roles, and nurse-midwifery roles.
• Duration: DNP programs can vary in length, but they typically require a minimum of three years of full-time study beyond a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or one to two years beyond a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree for those entering with an advanced nursing degree.
• Curriculum: The curriculum of a DNP program includes a blend of advanced clinical courses, research and evidence-based practice courses, healthcare policy and leadership courses, and often a clinical residency or practicum. Students gain expertise in areas such as healthcare delivery systems, health policy, informatics, and population health.
• Doctoral Project or Dissertation: DNP programs typically require students to complete a doctoral project or a practice-oriented dissertation as a culminating experience. This project often addresses a real-world healthcare issue and contributes to evidence-based practice in nursing.
• Clinical Hours: DNP programs usually require a significant number of clinical hours to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for advanced clinical practice roles. The number of clinical hours can vary depending on the specialty and program requirements.
• Certification: Graduates of DNP programs may be eligible for national certification in their chosen advanced practice nursing specialty, such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification.
• Leadership and Advocacy: DNP programs also emphasize leadership skills, preparing nurses to take on influential roles in healthcare organizations, contribute to healthcare policy development, and advocate for improvements in patient care.

The DNP degree is becoming increasingly common as the preferred educational preparation for advanced practice nursing roles. It provides nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in clinical practice, healthcare leadership, research, and healthcare policy.

Why Earn a DNP?

Earning a DNP degree can be a valuable and strategic choice for nurses who aspire to advance their careers in the field of nursing. Here are several reasons why individuals might choose to pursue a DNP:

• Enhanced Clinical Skills: DNP programs offer advanced education and training, allowing nurses to refine their clinical skills and stay current with the latest evidence-based practices in healthcare. This leads to improved patient care and outcomes.
• Career Advancement: A DNP degree can open doors to leadership positions within healthcare organizations. Nurses with DNPs are well-prepared to take on roles such as nurse manager, clinical director, or chief nursing officer.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: DNPs are prepared to collaborate with professionals from various healthcare disciplines. This collaborative approach can lead to more comprehensive and patient-centered care.
• Teaching and Education: Some DNPs go on to become educators in nursing schools and universities, helping to train the next generation of nurses. DNP-prepared educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing.
• Meeting Industry Demands: Many healthcare institutions and professional organizations are advocating for advanced nursing practice at the doctoral level. Earning a DNP can align with industry trends and position nurses for success in a changing healthcare landscape.
• Personal Fulfillment: For some nurses, pursuing a DNP is a personal goal that brings a sense of achievement and fulfillment. It allows them to reach the highest level of education in their field.

Types of DNP Degrees

• BSN to DNP: These programs are designed for individuals who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and wish to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing. These programs typically include both the Master's and DNP components, allowing students to earn a DNP without first completing a separate master's degree.
• MSN to DNP: These programs are intended for nurses who already have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and want to further their education to the doctoral level. These programs focus primarily on the DNP curriculum and typically do not re-cover content from the master's level.
• Online DNP: These programs are offered through distance education, allowing nurses to complete their DNP studies online. These programs are often designed to be flexible and accommodate the schedules of working professionals, making it easier for nurses to continue working while pursuing their DNP.
• Direct Entry DNP: These programs are designed for individuals who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree but wish to become advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists. These programs typically provide the nursing education and clinical training necessary to become a registered nurse (RN) and then progress directly into the DNP portion of the program to achieve advanced practice.

DNP Specialties

DNP specialties vary depending on what you want to do with your career but largely focus on preparing you to be a leader in your field. There are additional specialties beyond the ones mentioned here, we're just covering the most popular.

Certified Nurse Midwife

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed specialized education and training in midwifery. CNMs provide a wide range of healthcare services to women, including prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care. They also offer gynecological care, family planning services, and menopausal care.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an APRN who administers anesthesia and other medications. They also take care of and monitor people who receive or are recovering from anesthesia.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an APRN who can provide advice related to specific conditions or treatment pathways. They are clinical experts in evidence-based nursing practice within a specialty area, treating and managing the health concerns of patients and populations.

Nurse Practitioner

• Family NP: An FNP is an APRN who provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare for the individual and family across all ages, genders, diseases, and body systems in a primary care setting.
• Adult-Gerontology NP: An AGNP is a nurse practitioner who specializes in continuing and comprehensive healthcare for adults across the lifespan from adolescence to old age. AGNPs can specialize by practicing in acute or primary care settings.
• Pediatric NP: A PNP is an APRN who specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. PNPs are experts in diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries in kids, as well as managing chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
• Neonatal NP: An NNP is an APRN with at least 2 years experience as a bedside registered nurse in a Level III NICU, who is prepared to practice across the continuum, providing primary, acute, chronic, and critical care to neonates, infants, and toddlers through age 2.
• Psychiatric-Metnal Health NP: A PMHNP is an APRN who helps care for patients with behavioral and cognitive conditions. They work collaboratively to develop and initiate a care plan for each patient and support family members and caregivers.
• Women's Health NP (WHNP): A WHNP is an APRN who diagnoses and treats common and more complex medical conditions with a focus on female patients. They provide care for women throughout their lifetime, including providing reproductive, gynecological, and obstetric care.

DNP Salary Expectations

According to PayScale, the average salary of a DNP-prepared nurse is $130,000 annually. However, several factors like location and experience can impact salaries.

DNP nurse salaries also vary according to industry specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these APRN specialties earn the following salaries:

• FNP: $124,680
• CRNA:  $205,770
• Nurse Educator: $84,180
• CNM: $122,450

Is a DNP Worth It?

Whether earning a DNP is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• Career Goals: Evaluate your long-term career goals. If you aspire to work in advanced practice nursing roles, nursing leadership, healthcare policy, research, or nursing education, a DNP can provide the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in these areas.
• Specialty: Consider your nursing specialty and whether a DNP is the standard or preferred credential for advancement in that area. In some specialties, such as nurse practitioner roles, a DNP is increasingly becoming the preferred degree.
• Earning Potential: In many cases, earning a DNP can lead to higher earning potential. Advanced practice nurses with DNPs often command higher salaries than those with master's degrees.
• Job Market: Research the job market and demand for DNP-prepared nurses in your area or the region where you plan to work. Assess whether the DNP degree is valued by employers in your desired field.
• Professional Fulfillment: Consider your personal and professional fulfillment. If pursuing a DNP aligns with your passion for nursing and your desire to make a significant impact on patient care, it may be worth it for the sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
• Educational Commitment: Keep in mind that DNP programs can be demanding in terms of time, effort, and financial resources. Assess whether you are prepared for the commitment required to complete a doctoral program.
• Career Mobility: A DNP can enhance your career mobility and open doors to a wider range of job opportunities. It can also provide you with the flexibility to move between clinical practice, leadership, education, and research roles.
• Credentialing and Certification: Depending on your chosen specialty, a DNP may be required for national certification. Ensure that your educational path aligns with the certification requirements for your desired nursing role.
• Industry Trends: Stay informed about industry trends and any changes in nursing education requirements. The nursing profession is evolving, and a DNP may become increasingly important in the future.
• Personal Satisfaction: Consider how achieving a DNP may bring personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Some nurses find great fulfillment in reaching the highest level of education in their field.

Ultimately, whether a DNP is worth it depends on your unique circumstances and goals. It's advisable to research DNP programs, speak with mentors and colleagues in your field, and carefully assess how pursuing a DNP aligns with your career aspirations and values. Additionally, consider the return on investment in terms of the increased earning potential and career opportunities that may come with this advanced degree.

Steps to Earning a DNP

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree involves a series of steps, which can vary slightly depending on the specific program and individual circumstances. Here are five general steps to earning a DNP:

Educational Preparation

• Step 1: Obtain a BSN degree or its equivalent. This is typically the first educational step in becoming an RN.
• Step 2: Gain nursing experience as an RN. Most DNP programs require applicants to have a certain amount of clinical nursing experience, often ranging from 1 to 2 years or more, depending on the program's requirements.

Choose Your DNP Program

• Step 3: Research and select a DNP program that aligns with your career goals and interests. Consider factors such as program specialization, location, format (online, on-campus, hybrid), accreditation, and admission requirements.

Admission and Enrollment

• Step 4: Apply for admission to your chosen DNP program. Admission requirements typically include submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), a personal statement, and sometimes Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
• Step 5: Upon acceptance, enroll in your DNP program. Develop a plan of study in consultation with your academic advisor to ensure you meet all program requirements.

Complete DNP Coursework and Clinical Hours

• Step 6: Engage in DNP coursework, which includes advanced clinical courses, research and evidence-based practice courses, healthcare policy and leadership courses, and sometimes specialized courses depending on your chosen DNP specialty.
• Step 7: Fulfill the clinical hours requirement. DNP programs typically require a significant number of clinical hours, which can vary depending on your chosen specialty and program. During these hours, you will gain practical experience in your field of study.

Culminating Experience and Graduation

• Step 8: Complete a culminating experience, such as a DNP project or a practice-oriented dissertation. This is a significant research or practice-based project that demonstrates your expertise and contributes to evidence-based nursing practice.
• Step 9: Prepare and defend your DNP project or dissertation, if required by your program.
• Step 10: Meet all program requirements, including the completion of coursework, clinical hours, and the culminating experience.
• Step 11: Apply for graduation and receive your DNP degree upon successful completion of the program.

It's important to note that DNP programs can vary in duration and specific requirements, so it's crucial to carefully review the admission criteria and curriculum of the program you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I choose the right DNP specialty?

As the highest level of nursing practice education, choosing your DNP specialty should be a careful decision made through a combination of examining your professional background and aspirations as well as talking with individual schools about their programs.

What kind of clinical experience is needed for a DNP?

All DNP specialties will require that you have at least a BSN degree. You also will need to have a certain GPA depending on your program and may require completion of prerequisite exams before applying.

With your DNP you can train as an APRN or as an educator, administrator, executive, and more. For all DNP-APRN specialties, you will be required to complete 1000 hours of supervised hands-on clinical experience during your education.

Do DNP programs need to be accredited?

Yes, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs should be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which are the two major accrediting bodies for DNP programs in the U.S. and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.