MSN vs. DNP

Published

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! It's a very tough decision

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion