Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

MSN vs. DNP

I am graduating from an accelerated nursing program this coming may, and have been accepted to Daemen's NP (MSN) Program and University at Buffalo's DNP program. I've done a LOT of research and have talked to numerous people, but the consensus is split, and I am still deciding. Some people say that the DNP will be better, and some say the programs don't prepare you better clinically. The DNP will take twice as long to compete. I plan on working during the program (at least the first part) and being an NP has been my career goal for a long time; I was hoping for opinions/information/advice about MSN vs DNP or these specific programs if anyone has experience. Thanks in advance.

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    I've had a number of conversations on this topic with nurses who hold PhDs, MSNs and DNPs.

    My opinion is that the DNP, in the distant future, may become valuable and result in some scope of practice/autonomy benefits. There seems to be a push to put the DNP APRN on equal footing with the MD. If this ever happens, it won't be in our lifetimes.

    As it currently stands a DNP compared to an MSN results in no monetary or scope of practice benefits. It is, however, time consuming and very expensive. From what I've seen, DNPs tend to be shockingly expensive. I've had the reasoning for this explained to me for my university, but cannot speak to why the prices are high else where.

    A DNP is, however, the terminal practical degree for APRNs. As I said above, this is in title only, but you get to be called "Dr. Nurse," which is fun.

    If you do pursue the DNP I would urge you to get a dual APRN certification so that your extra time in school will have some scope of practice increase and make you more marketable as a clinician, rather than spending tens to hundreds of thousands of extra dollars and two extra years of your life earning a fun title.

    Congratulations on being accepted to both programs! It always nice to have choices, even when they're tough ones.

  • Quote

    my program is currently MSN and my school offers the option of a 2 semester DNP finish afterwards...I too have been talking A LOT to advanced practitioners and MSNs. From what I can gather, it seems that right now, the DNP is not really offering much difference in actual practice, but is offering more doors for teaching and instructing. Down the road, it could very well change, but until states cement down their DNP requirements, right now it's just another degree option. I may very well consider it down the road

  • Quote
    • Author

    Thank you! It's a very tough decision

  • Quote

    What school is offering the 2 semester finish option? sounds great!

  • Quote
    • Guides

    Pick the best quality program you can get into and don't worry (for now) about the DNP vs MSN as both will grant you the same practice without any evidence suggesting one is better than the other.

    Sent from my iPhone.

  • Quote

    I agree that right now there is probably no benefit to getting the DNP. In the future there will be, but I think getting solid experience as an NP is more valuable right now. You can always bridge to the DNP later on a part time basis. Some of the most competitive schools in California (where I live) don't even offer the DNP yet (UCLA/UCSF/UCDavis).

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.