Input on DNP vs MSN

[Ashtimus Prime]

Is it really worth it to pay 70k for a master and then 70k for a DNP? I know I will probably see the repose some programs are cheaper, but it appears the more expensive colleges provide a better education. is it really worth it to pay 70k for a DNP and still make about the same amount of money you made when you had your masters. This is just a pure knowledge question. I assume you would earn about 45$ to 50$ with a masters in a practitioner role, but as a DNP I can only assume you would make 55$ at most and that might really be pushing it.

[Jules A, MSN]

In my experience a more expensive school does not in any way ensure a better education. At least in my area/specialty DNPs working as NPs don't make 1 penny more than NPs with their MSN.

FWIW I wouldn't pay that much for either. Are you a RN yet? Your posts seem oddly concrete, imo.

[llg, PhD, RN]

To evaluate the financial impact of the DNP, you have to look at more than the salary immediately after graduation. You also have to consider the long term and whether or not the DNP will have more job opportunities in the future -- some of which might be more attractive for a lot of reasons.

It's the same analysis that entry-level nurses must do. A new grad ADN and a new grad BSN will be paid the same salary (in most work settings). But long term, the BSN will probably have more options to choose from and opportunities for advancement. Those additional options/opportunities might be attractive.

I spent a lot of money on my PhD years ago. I have worked in a job that only requires and MSN and I make the same salary as my colleagues who have only an MSN. But my job duties are slightly different and I have a few extra perks -- all of which make my work life more pleasant. So I don't regret spending all that money + 5 years of my life getting that PhD.

Don't just focus on hourly pay immediately after graduation. Look at the long-term career benefits of the DNP before making your decision. (and the risks of not having the higher level of education)

I also agree with Jules A who wrote that more expensive does not necessarily mean better. A good state supported college can be a good value -- with reasonable quality at an "in-state" price.

[Ashtimus Prime]

Am not a Rn yet. I am only posting to get opinions from individuals who might have the same question or have more knowledge then I do. I don't want to do something retarded later down the road. I actually should of been working on my RN this semester, but my financial aid didn't process fast enough, so I pulled out and took micro biology. I will most likely be an RN student next semester in the evening program since I have almost everything wiped out.

[Jules A, MSN]

Got it, thanks for responding. Although I'm a fan of planning you are putting the cart way before the horse. Trust me the information you might get now will not be relevant in the time it takes you to do your pre-reqs, become a RN and start shopping for a NP program. For example in my area in the past 5 years psych NP wages have dropped approximately $20 an hour which I believe is due to increased supply and well circulated reports of new grad NPs without the skill set needed to practice independently upon graduation. The profession is changing and not in our favor wage wise, imo.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Am not a Rn yet. I am only posting to get opinions from individuals who might have the same question or have more knowledge then I do. I don't want to do something retarded later down the road. I actually should of been working on my RN this semester, but my financial aid didn't process fast enough, so I pulled out and took micro biology. I will most likely be an RN student next semester in the evening program since I have almost everything wiped out.

Buddy - the 'R' word is no bueno. Seriously.You should know that, nurse or not.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the Post Graduate Student forum for more replies.