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Take your nursing career further with the best dual DNP/PhD programs of 2026. This track is for nurse leaders who want strong clinical skills and deep research training. Care teams still face gaps between what studies show and what happens at the bedside. A dual DNP/PhD pairs practice-focused leadership with original research, so you can build evidence and put it into real protocols that staff can follow. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that demand for doctoral-prepared nurses, including faculty and clinical investigators, continues to exceed supply. If you want to improve health systems as a practicing nurse or pursue tenure as an educator, this guide covers leading programs, key admissions details, and salary expectations for the 2026 academic year. Quick Glance: Top Dual DNP/PhD Programs (2026)Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD): Onsite dual DNP/PhD, strong fit for research innovation. University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA): Onsite/Hybrid option, good for BSN-to-doctoral progression. Arizona State University (Phoenix, AZ): Hybrid format, best for a gerontology focus. Case Western Reserve (Cleveland, OH): Hybrid format, best for leadership development. UTHSC (Memphis, TN): Hybrid format, strong for clinical science. University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ): Hybrid format, best for rural health focus. University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT): Hybrid format, best for informatics and policy. -
Nurses exploring career advancement will encounter many options when researching degrees and programs. One key decision is choosing between a PhD in nursing vs DNP. Both degrees open doors to careers in leadership, advanced clinical practice, research, and beyond. However, selecting the right path requires thoughtful consideration and thorough research to ensure it aligns with your long-term professional goals. For instance, a nurse with years of bedside experience may be torn between pursuing research to influence healthcare policy or stepping into a leadership role to improve patient care systems. Deciding between a DNP and PhD in nursing often depends on whether the ultimate goal is academic inquiry or advanced clinical practice. This article highlights everything you need to know about both degrees in 2025 to help you make an informed, future-focused decision. DNP Explained A DNP is an educational degree that helps prepare nurses for positions in advanced clinical practice and leadership roles beyond the bedside within hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Coursework in a DNP program focuses on advanced clinical practice skills, health policy, administration, leadership, and more. DNP-prepared nurses work at the highest level of nursing practice, and a DNP is an alternative to other research-focused doctoral programs. -
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) First, we will start with the Master of Science in Nursing degree. Students who want to start their graduate studies in an MSN role will choose to specialize in a field of nursing or another educational type of track, typically after earning a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Many MSN students go on to become certified nurse practitioners, specialize in information systems or instruct in a classroom or clinical setting. Some MSN prepared nurses lead their department as a nurse director or become part of the nursing faculty at a University. MSN nurses who specialize in patient care usually go to a primary practice setting, using their knowledge to help in treatment regimens for patients, under the direction of a physician. For example, Family Nurse Practitioners focus on caring for patients of diverse ages via a clinical setting. There are MSN tracks for virtually every specialty in nursing, from midwifery to an informatics specialist. The length of time to complete: After completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, an MSN degree is around 2 years. Though, there are a variety of programs that offer a BSN degree track straight to a DNP, which may shorten the duration of the program. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Next, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP degree is a terminal degree for clinical nursing education as well as the graduate degree for advanced nursing practice preparation, as envisioned by r the AACN. The DNP nursing degree focuses more on the practice competencies versus the PhD which is focused on academic research. The DNP degree prepares nurses who perfect the skills, based on evidence-based practice to improve the health outcomes of patients. If more nurses obtain a DNP, there will be more nursing faculty to help prepare nursing students of all levels. A DNP is a degree which has responsibilities beyond an MSN role. DNP graduates have clinical responsibilities, but also have roles within the administrative and leadership areas of nursing, such as education, public health, public policy, informatics or administration. Many DNPs work within universities or scientific areas conducting research. In most cases, to obtain a DNP, you must obtain a Master of Science In Nursing, though, there are programs that are a BSN-DNP, skipping an MSN degree. If you desire to have a terminal degree in the advanced practice role, have clinical responsibilities as well as administrative duties, focused on leadership at the business, educational, or government levels, then a DNP degree is the right choice. The length of time to complete: In most nursing programs, after obtaining an MSN degree, a DNP degree takes three to four years to complete, although, some programs have tracks that lead to a DNP faster by selecting a BSN-DNP track Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The third level of an advanced degree program for nurses is a PhD. A PhD focuses solely on research. Many PhD graduates are researchers, nurse scientists or scholars. MSN prepared nurses and DNP prepared nurses work alongside physicians within their specialty field. PhD prepared nurses work with physicians as well, but on a research level, almost always in clinical studies rather than providing patient care. The length of time to complete: In most cases, after obtaining an MSN degree, a PhD program is four to six years. Most do not complete it as a full-time student because many nurses work in the hospital, classroom, or clinic. There are also programs available that are BSN-PhD, without earning an MSN degree. How to choose? Overall, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs collectively have an increasing demand for advanced practice nurses who wish to go on with their education. So, whichever you choose, you are going to aid in decreasing the shortage. When deciding which degree is right for you, it is best to think about your goals for the future. Another factor to consider is time. It can take up to six years to complete a PhD in Nursing. If you are willing to dedicate that amount a time is up to you. The programs are intense in research and require hours of study time. MSN prepared nurses are eligible to sit for their national certification exam for their specialty to become certified to practice. If you are able to obtain your certificate and would like your terminal APRN degree, a DNP is a great choice for your next step. Universities offer a variety of specializations from Midwifery, Neonatology, Family Nurse Practitioner, leadership tracks, informatics or education. A DNP works within patient care settings, but can also have an administrative role, directing leadership from a director's standpoint, as well as hands-on patient care. If your goal is to lead your healthcare organization, then this may be the path for you. If you like to research, enjoy the scientific side of nursing and want to be part of upcoming clinical trials or academic research, a PhD might be the best choice for you.
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It wasn't long ago thoughts of Doctor Nurse were ludicrous MDs didn't appreciate the few brave souls that dared venture into that territory! Patients were confused and hospital administration wasn't willing to cough up more pay. The average DNP in practice made about $50/hr. Depending on location, that amount could be earned three 12-hour shifts a week as a generalist nurse. Enter the 21st century: New era, new roles, and with-it new norms More letters behind your name, the greater your status. Now don't get excited. Nursing faculty work hard to achieve these certifications, etc. and proudly display them. And, they should! Though I also know those who behind their names have more letters than the Oxford English Dictionary and are not capable faculty or nurses. It is your decision to pursue your post-graduate education It isn't always the case, though. Colleges and Universities have determined nursing education has to maintain comparable professionality standards as other professions and therefore a greater number of terminal degreed individuals. Do you need a doctorate to teach? Yes and no On a tenure track - yes Teaching at a Community College - no Teaching in an ADN program - no Teaching in a BSN program – contingent on the institution - yes If the thought of pursuing yet another degree gives you hives, don't panic. Switch to clinical teaching If your institution won't budge, consider switching to a clinical teaching position. Job placement sites like Indeed.com, list dozens of available clinical teaching positions throughout the country. These require a master's degree and some nursing experience. Contract work Another option is contract work. Colleges and Universities save money by hiring adjunct faculty term by term. An advantage is longer breaks between semesters. However, often these jobs don't include benefits. If this option is desirable to seek a traveling nurse agency that specializes in education positions. Teaching Assistant If you can take or leave being head honcho, consider a graduate teaching assistant (TA) position. These faculty are responsible for performing teaching or teaching-related duties. They assist faculty members, professors, department heads. proctor exams, grade, and record tests and homework. The TA can fill in for a lecture and moderate classroom activities. (America's Job Exchange, 2020). Positions in the lab or simulation department institution contingent may be associated with teaching. If you enjoy working with technology and creating interesting and effective hands-on learning, this could be the place for you. Some additional training may be needed. (LaFond & Blood, 2016) Consider going for that degree if You have ten years or more till retirement – worth your time You have available State or Federal Nursing Faculty loan repayment programs Your institution offers full or partial tuition reimbursement – take advantage of it Your area of expertise is in demand (mental health, maternal/infant) Your employer will offer you time off to take classes You find a program that offers part-time classes if that's what is holding you back On-site classes are available if you don't like online ones – if brick and mortar is your cup of tea Your kids are out of the house and you have more personal time – do it for you A terminal degree path may not be for you if You have a ton of family responsibilities – post-graduate degrees take up a lot of time You still work full or part-time as well as teach – ditto above comment The cost will put you over the edge – it's never a good idea to stretch yourself financially Your job description does not require it – unless you want it for yourself You can achieve your personal career goals without it Getting that terminal degree isn't easy or there wouldn't be a nursing faculty shortage. Remember why you became a nursing instructor in the first place. It's all the rage, for now, to have behind your name, prestigious degrees. Ask yourself, truly, is this for you? If it isn't, find ways to continue your love for teaching with the degree you now have. Who knows, shaking it up a bit might just get rid of the symptoms of burnout you've been feeling lately. References America's Job Exchange (2020), Graduate teaching assistant. Retrieved from https://www.americasjobexchange.com/graduate-teaching-assistant-job-description Indeed.com https://www.indeed.com/q-Nursing-Clinical-Instructor-jobs.html LaFond, C. and Blood, A. (2016). Targeted simulation instructor course for nursing professional development specialists. Journal Nurses Professional Development, 32(6), 284-293. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5123766/
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Nurses wanting to explore career advancements will face many choices when researching degrees and programs they can pursue. Among the options are a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing. These degrees offer career advancement opportunities into various roles, such as leadership, advanced patient care, research, and beyond. But choosing the correct education path is a challenging process that requires extensive research before making a final decision. Table of Contents DNP Explained Ph.D. Explained Which Degree Is Best? FAQ DNP Explained A DNP is an educational degree that helps prepare nurses for positions in advanced clinical practice and leadership roles beyond the bedside within hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Coursework in a DNP program focuses on advanced clinical practice skills, health policy, administration, leadership, and more. DNP-prepared nurses work at the highest level of nursing practice, and a DNP is an alternative to other research-focused doctoral programs. Related: Best DNP Programs in 2023 DNP Scope of Practice A DNP can open the door to many exciting career opportunities, from bedside patient care to government jobs. DNP programs may offer different focuses depending on your career interests and aspirations. Below you will find some of the various career paths you may take. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): CNMs care for women during pregnancy, birth, and afterward. These specialized advanced nurses gain valuable knowledge in decision-making and nursing practice while enrolled in a DNP program focusing on midwifery. Advanced Practice Nurse: Advanced practice nurses center patient care. With a DNP, you can learn skills that allow you to focus on a specific specialty, such as neonatal, pediatrics, psychiatric, or family care. Some states allow advanced practice nurses to run independent clinics. Clinical Researcher: Clinical researchers work with other medical researchers to develop and conduct research to advance the medical field. Whether studying a disease process or the effectiveness of a drug, clinical researchers help to improve patient outcomes. Healthcare Lobbyist: A healthcare lobbyist can work for a healthcare organization, insurance company, or government agency. They stay current on healthcare news and trends and represent organizations and their interests to legislators. DNP Salary Expectations Salary expectations for a DNP will vary based on the field of work one enters, personal work history, and more. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common work fields and subsequent salary expectations: Nurse practitioner (NP): $124,680 CNM: $122,450 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $205,770 It's best to explore different career options and the salary expectations for those fields before choosing a DNP pathway. How Long Are DNP Programs? DNP programs will vary based on factors, including full-time vs. part-time status and whether you are completing your degree as part of a bridge program. Some schools offer bridge programs that allow students in specific fields of study, such as BSN students, to bridge to their DNP. In these cases, students can apply some coursework to the DNP, reducing the time it takes to complete the program. Although length will vary, most programs take two to five years to complete. The length of a DNP program will also vary based on the chosen discipline or study path. For instance, the pediatric NP pathway at Maryville University consists of 15 additional credit hours, while the psychiatric mental health NP pathway consists of 21 additional credit hours. The track you choose will dictate much of the DNP courses. Still, regardless of the route, each DNP program includes a sequence of coursework that covers the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 8 DNP Essentials. These eight competencies include courses in the following subjects: Scientific underpinnings of practice Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare Healthcare policy for advocacy in healthcare Interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health Advanced nursing practice The extent to which students study each core competency will depend on the DNP track. While students will learn each subject, the depth of knowledge and time spent on the competency will vary. Pros of a DNP Below are some of the benefits of choosing this educational pathway: Increase in pay Marketability More career opportunities, especially in leadership roles Increased independence, including the possibility of independent practice Still, nursing students should not take the choice to pursue a DNP degree lightly, as it is a long-term commitment. Cons of a DNP While there are many pros to obtaining a DNP, there can also be cons. These may include the following: The cost of a DNP program and possibly incurring debt Giving up free time to complete your studies Not gaining any new hands-on nursing skills Increased stress while completing the program and possibly after completion It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before choosing a DNP program to ensure you make the best choice for your situation. Ph.D. in Nursing Explained A Ph.D. in nursing is a doctoral degree that prepares nurses to work in research or academic fields, focusing on research or education rather than leadership-type roles in a clinical setting. Ph.D. Scope of Practice A Ph.D. in nursing will open up many career opportunities. Graduates can expect to find jobs in nursing education, research, administration, and more, with the ability to specialize in their particular field. Some careers that a nurse pursuing a Ph.D. may focus on can include: Nurse researcher: In this role, nurses may help investigate and present the most up-to-date practices to healthcare facilities. This research will, in turn, help ensure organizations treat patients with the most cutting-edge treatments for their conditions. Nurse educator: Nurse educators can work in academic or hospital settings, helping to educate the next generations of nurses on best practices, the latest advancements, and more. It is essential to ensure that the school you are pursuing has the correct path for you to achieve your specific career goals. Related: 11 Best Ways to Pay for Nursing School Ph.D. Salary Expectations Much like jobs for DNP students, the salary expectations for a Ph.D. vary greatly depending on the career path one chooses. For example, a nursing instructor at a university in the United States may earn a median salary of $85,900. Alternative career paths for nurse researchers may yield higher or lower, but this will vary greatly depending on factors such as education and prior work experience. How Long Are Ph.D. Programs? Ph.D. programs tend to be longer than DNP programs, typically taking four to six years to complete. Unlike DNP programs, Ph.D. programs do not require clinical hours for completion. Coursework within the program will vary depending on your specialization, and specialization options will differ from school to school. Unlike DNPs, Ph.D. students must present and defend a dissertation at the completion of their program, and they may also have required mentored teaching hours. Pros of a Ph.D. The pros of a Ph.D. in nursing will differ from person to person, but some of the positive outcomes may include: Increase in salary Earn a prestigious degree and be regarded as an expert in your field Relief from 12 hour-shift commitments and/or weekend/holiday commitments (unlike many other nursing jobs) Cons of a Ph.D. The cons of a Ph.D. nursing program may sound very similar to those of a DNP. These may include: Cost of the program and subsequent debt incurred Time commitment Presenting and defending a dissertation How to Choose Between a Ph.D. and DNP Choosing between a Ph.D. and DNP is a decision that will require a great deal of research to understand the differences between the two and how they align with your ultimate career and life goals. In addition to looking at Ph.D. vs. DNP, it is important to research the different tracks one can take in either a Ph.D. or DNP program and choose the program that sounds most appealing to you. If you want to pursue a career as a pediatric NP, ensure that your school of choice offers a degree track in that specialty. It's important not to make the decision lightly or swiftly. Ensure that you collect all necessary information and compare multiple programs before making a final choice, and once you make your decision, feel confident that you have made the right choice for your future career aspirations. FAQ Q: Is a DNP or Ph.D. better for getting hired? A: Career opportunities will depend on the field of work one enters. But in general, there are more options for nurses with a DNP, as they can enter a variety of patient care roles in addition to leadership roles and beyond. Q: Is a DNP better than a Ph.D.? A: The comparison depends on your career aspirations. A Ph.D. is the best path if you are strictly interested in research or academia, not direct patient care. A DNP is the best choice if you are interested in patient care, leadership, or lobbying.
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In 2018, 18% of nurses in the United States held a graduate degree and about 1% of nurses had a doctoral degree. Many of the classes taught in nursing school focus on nurses effectively managing problems that may require patients to be hospitalized; in fact, the NCLEX exam is mostly weighted on the management of care for patients, interventions (ie: pharmacological or parenteral therapies), and safety and infection control for the patient. Few classes will touch on managing others in the healthcare setting, providing care in clinics or on the street, and nursing research or teaching. Even less time is spent discussing advanced degrees for nurses. As the workforce continues to age, there is significant concern about the well-being of the nursing profession. Nursing education is more often taught emphasizing patient care, which is very important. However, there is a nurse faculty shortage, and many nurses don't realize that teaching is a viable option for those choosing to move from the bedside before reaching retirement. The DNP In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing decided it was time to make the DNP degree the standard for advanced practice nursing. The DNP is designed to be a practice doctorate, meaning the focus is on nursing practice. The primary focus of a DNP-prepared nurse is to work on interdisciplinary teams and provide nurses with skillsets that can be used to treat patients most effectively and safely. Evidence-based practice is often the focal point, which allows nurses to translate research findings into practice. The DNP program can take 2-3 years to complete, depending on degree requirements and whether attendance is full-time or part-time. Some DNP nurses will have advanced practice degree options included in the DNP coursework, such as a nurse practitioner track, but this is not required to be a DNP-prepared nurse. Nurses with DNPs can be found working primarily in hospital settings and teaching at universities and colleges. The PhD The PhD track has been around longer than the DNP track, and is considered the standard route for attaining tenure-track positions at academic institutions. The PhD prepares nurses to become nurse scientists, developing new and unfound knowledge in nursing and other disciplines, and expanding on evidence-based practice. PhD-prepared nurses often lead research teams and teach at academic institutions; some may still provide some direct patient care, but this is not common practice. The PhD program typically takes 4-5 years to complete, but can take more or less time, depending on the priorities of the student. Which degree may be right for me? If you're thinking about going back to school for either a DNP or a PhD, consider this: 1- What is your priority for obtaining the advanced degree? If your priority is to create new knowledge through research, the PhD may be for you. If your priority is to lead the implementation of the newest evidence-based practice in primary care settings, then the DNP option may be best. Keep in mind, DNP-prepared nurses can, and often do, conduct research. But this is typically not their primary focus. 2- How much time can you dedicate to completing the degree? Whether you find a two-year DNP program or a four-year PhD program, they will both require much of your time over that time period. Many nurses juggle time between work, family and friends. You must consider how long you are willing to put most other priorities to the side to obtain either degree. 3- Do you want to teach? Nurse faculty are in high demand, as there is a shortage of nurse instructors at all levels of nursing education. Both the DNP and PhD programs may be tailored to lead into a teaching position upon graduation. You can always negotiate how much time you spend teaching; however, each degree will prepare you to teach at least a course or two per year, as this is standard practice if pursuing a position in academia. For those who decide to work in a hospital or clinical setting less teaching may be required, but this depends on the institution. 4- Do you still want to touch patients? There will always be many opportunities to continue to provide direct patient care. Many nurses and advanced practice nurses still provide direct patient care after obtaining their doctoral degrees. Keep in mind, doctorate degrees are designed for less direct patient care and more management of research or clinical teams. It will be up to you to decide how much time you allocate to each responsibility. 5- Do you want to manage others? Oftentimes, those with doctoral degrees will spend a good deal of time managing a team of people. You'll likely be responsible for managing a department or team of people in a variety of settings. It's a good idea to determine how comfortable you are managing others and developing the skills to be an effective manager. 6- Are you prepared to move? PhD-prepared nurses, and anyone choosing to enter academia as a profession, must consider whether moving for the right opportunity is an option. Mentors and job opportunities may not be in the city you currently live in. Additionally, faculty at academic institutions do not always retire at the same institution at which they took their first job. These terminal degrees complement each other and allow nurses to impact public health and nursing practice in many ways. But each degree requires a great deal of time. Before making a choice, consider talking to nurses who have obtained either of these degrees and ask them for insight into life as a PhD- or DNP-prepared nurse. Whatever you choose, make sure the decision makes the most sense for you. References Difficult Professional Choices: Deciding Between the PhD and the DNP in Nursing Test Plan for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Advancing Scholarship through Translational Research: The Role of PhD and DNP Prepared Nurses
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The PhD is a research-oriented degree, whereas the DNP is a practice-oriented or clinical doctorate. How do these degrees differ and are they equal in status? Doctor of PhilosophyThe Doctor of Philosophy in nursing is a research-based degree that prepares learners for both research and teaching positions (AACN, 2001). The typical program is science-intensive and requires four to five years for completion (Worldwidelearn, 2010). It is designed to prepare nurse scholars, educators, and researchers for a lifetime of scholarly inquiry to build up the body of nursing knowledge (AACN, 2001). The degree is also valuable for obtaining senior management positions, publishing in professional journals, influencing public policy decisions, and advocating for positions through research (Worldwidelearn, 2010). The PhD is considered the top-of-the line degree for academic work. It places great emphasis on theory construction and research methods: specifically, the development of expert knowledge within the scholar's special area of interest (AACN, 2001; Blais, Hayes, Kozier, & Erb, 2006; Finn, 2005; McEwen & Bechtel, 2000). The PhD in nursing, as a terminal degree, has a core of theory, science, and research that provides the prerequisite knowledge and expertise for the development, evaluation, and testing of theories in nursing (AACN, 2001). Doctor of Nursing PracticeThe Doctor of Nursing Practice, by way of contrast, is a practice-focused doctoral nursing degree. It prepares graduates for clinical practice, administration, or public-policy roles, but the degree concentration is not research-focused (AACN, 2001; Blais et al., 2006; Edwardson, 2004). It was formally created by the AACN in 2004 to replace masters in nursing programs in preparing advanced practice nurses. This type of nursing doctoral program emphasizes advanced practice nursing roles, leadership, and application of clinical research for better patient outcomes. It produces expert nurse clinicians who provide primary patient care and direct clinical policies (AACN, 2004). The nursing practice doctorate is similar to other discipline-specific practice degrees, such as the MD, DDS, JD, EdD, or PharmD. The practice doctorate is the highest-ranking professional practice degree, but requires less academic preparation than research-priority doctorates (Edwardson, 2004). Since the nursing practice doctorate is a relatively new degree program, there is growing controversy within nursing academia concerning the deep, uncharted waters created by the DNP. The DNP does not require the same level of academic rigor as the PhD. Does the practice-oriented degree command equal standing with the PhD, even though the PhD requires considerably more time and effort for completion? Will DNP-prepared faculty be marginalized within nursing academia? A particularly thorny area of dispute is whether an educator with a DNP is eligible for tenure status within the university system. A possible solution is the creation of two separate tenure tracks in nursing education: one for academia (didactic faculty with a PhD in nursing) and one for practice (clinical faculty with a DNP). What do you think? References American association of colleges of nursing (AACN). (2001). Indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs in nursing. Retrieved from American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) > Home American association of colleges of nursing (AACN). (2004). AACN position statement on the practice doctorate in nursing. Retrieved from American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) > Home Blais, K. K., Hayes, J. S., Kozier, B., & Erb, G. (2006). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Edwardson, S. R. (2004). Meeting Standards and Needs in Doctoral Education in Nursing. Journal of Professional Nursing, 20(1), 40-46. Finn, J. A. (2005). Getting a PhD: An Action Plan to Help Manage Your Research, Your Supervisor, and Your Project. New York: Routledge. Mcewen, M., & Bechtel, G. A. (2000). Characteristics of Nursing Doctoral Programs in the United States. Journal of Professional Nursing, 16(5), 282-292. Worldwidelearn. (2010). How to Get a DNP, DNS, or PhD in Nursing.
