[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree can help nurses increase their salary potential, while also opening up career opportunities only available to those with advanced training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing endorsed shifting the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/DNP/Position-Statement” target=”_blank”]minimum education level[/hen-ui-link] for advanced nursing practice from a master of science in nursing (MSN) to a DNP. As more nurses pursue DNPs than ever before, the rise in the number of DNP-holders has made doctorate-level education necessary to compete in the job market.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of DNP programs has also grown. Nursing schools in all 50 states offer DNPs, and as of 2020, 13 states, including California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas, boast over 10 programs. Find out in this guide the advantages of earning a DNP, along with salary data and career path advice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] is a terminal nursing degree, the highest level of education available in the field. It is important to distinguish the DNP from other terminal degrees available to nursing professionals, including the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing, the doctor of nursing science (DNSc), and the nurse doctorate (ND). The DNP delivers practice-based training, while other terminal degrees focus on research skills, scholarly inquiry, or high-level specialty skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some schools accept DNP students with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, most require applicants to hold a master’s degree, since doctoral programs build on MSN curricula. Most doctor of nursing practice programs emphasize areas that support nursing leadership, such as systems management, quality improvement, and data-driven decision-making.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students already possessing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) typically complete a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP program[/hen-ui-link] in 3-6 years, depending on the program and the student’s enrollment status. Students with MSNs can complete their DNPs in as little as 18 months to two years in an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]MSN-to-DNP program[/hen-ui-link]. Curriculum content is largely focused on statistics and data analysis, leadership skills, advanced clinical skills, and nursing philosophy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Advantages to Getting a DNP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the U.S. healthcare system evolves, DNPs in clinical practice are expected to take on larger roles in problem solving and advocacy, acting as liaisons with other healthcare professionals. This heightened responsibility comes with higher pay rates and opportunities for advancement, especially as current DNP-holders start to retire.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse leaders must be familiar with a constantly growing base of medical knowledge, and they must stay current on evolving best practices. Patient care is complex, and industry-wide developments are shifting more responsibility to nurses. Anticipated shortages in physician staff and nursing faculty also place challenging intellectual demands on nurse leaders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Expectations for nurse leaders are lofty, and a doctor of nursing practice program offers excellent preparation for advanced clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is the Difference Between a DNP and a Nursing Ph.D.?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both a DNP and a nursing Ph.D. are terminal degrees, but they require different academic focuses and lead to different career opportunities. To understand the difference between a DNP and a Ph.D. in nursing, consider the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Comparison of DNP and Nursing Ph.D.[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]DNP[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]NURSING PH.D.[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]The DNP emphasizes higher-level skills in nursing practice. DNPs strive to improve patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NURSING PH.D.”]The Ph.D. in nursing focuses on scholarly inquiry and research. A nurse with a Ph.D. seeks to enlarge and further the body of nursing knowledge.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]A DNP curriculum centers on leadership in healthcare, evidence-based practice, and advanced practice nursing. Coursework covers statistics, clinical diagnosis, disease management, budget planning and administration, healthcare policy, and the transformation of our healthcare system.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NURSING PH.D.”]Nursing Ph.D. candidates study illness trajectories and the care systems we use to treat them. Ph.D. coursework includes advanced theory, research methodology, data analysis, chronic illness issues, and care systems.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]While teaching is optional for DNP students, candidates must complete up to 1,000 clinical hours of practical experience requirements.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NURSING PH.D.”]Teaching is required for a nursing Ph.D., but there is [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//healthcare-degrees-without-clinical-components/”]no clinical component to this healthcare degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]DNP candidates must complete a capstone project. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-online-dnp-programs/”]DNP programs are available online[/hen-ui-link], and they can often be completed by working nurses.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NURSING PH.D.”]Ph.D. candidates are expected to write a senior thesis. Ph.D. in nursing programs are generally based in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms and are not geared toward working students.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]DNP-holders often take leadership positions in large healthcare organizations or facilities. Some work as expert clinicians or secure academic positions that emphasize clinical practice and education.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NURSING PH.D.”]Individuals with a Ph.D. in nursing tend to land academic tenure-track positions or serve in management roles at research organizations.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Can You Earn With a DNP?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//average-salary-with-a-dnp-degree/”]DNP-holders enjoy higher salaries[/hen-ui-link] than nurses with BSNs and MSNs, making it well worth it for practitioners with nursing bachelor’s and master’s degrees to earn advanced education. According to Payscale in February 2023, MSN-holders earn an average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$100,000 annually[/hen-ui-link], and DNP-holders earn an average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$110,000 annually[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some DNP positions pay significantly more. Chief nursing officers earn an annual average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$138,130[/hen-ui-link] and certified registered nurse anesthetists earn an average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Anesthetist_(CRNA)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$172,670[/hen-ui-link] annually, as of February 2023 on Payscale.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Careers for DNP Graduates[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNP graduates take on many different roles. Some become advanced clinicians, working with specific patient populations. Others work as high-level nursing administrators and focus on decision-making, policy, and education in areas like clinical training, executive leadership, and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-informatics/”]nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The career options listed below rank as a few of the most popular [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-paying-dnp-jobs/”]jobs among DNP graduates[/hen-ui-link]. In addition to a doctorate, the first three positions require nurse practitioner (NP) certification in the applicable specialization area, whether family nurse practice, adult care, or psychiatric nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]University nursing professors usually need a Ph.D.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nearly 70% of NPs surveyed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in 2020 held certification in family nurse practice. These professionals typically work alongside physicians as primary care providers, seeing patients of all ages for annual checkups and addressing illnesses or injuries. Family nurse practitioners also advise on wellness issues like diet and exercise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $110,000 median annual base salary (Source: AANP report)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Adult Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The second most popular NP focus area accounted for about 11% of NPs surveyed by the AANP in 2020. Practitioners with adult nurse certification provide acute and chronic adult primary care in collaboration or consultation with physicians. They conduct exams and assessments, order tests, and formulate treatment and health maintenance plans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $120,000 median annual base salary (Source: AANP report)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While just 4.7% of NPs surveyed by the AANP in 2020 were certified in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/psychiatric-nurse/” target=”_blank”]psychiatric nurse[/hen-ui-link] practice, it remains one of the highest-paying clinical focus areas. Practitioners help patients suffering from such conditions as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, behavioral and mood disorders, and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/addiction-nursing/how-to-become/”]substance misuse[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $129,000 median annual base salary (Source: AANP report)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]University Nursing Professor[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]University nursing professors usually hold a Ph.D. They educate future nurses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, develop nursing science innovations, and publish their research. Nursing professors typically specialize in an area of clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $77,440 median annual base salary (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed February 24, 2023[/hen-ui-text]