If you are exploring doctoral nursing education, two of the most common options are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. Both are terminal nursing degrees, but they are designed for different goals. In simple terms, a DNP is a practice-focused doctorate, while a PhD in Nursing is a research-focused doctorate.
Key Takeaways
- A DNP is a doctoral degree in nursing focused on advanced practice, leadership, systems improvement, and applying evidence in clinical or organizational settings.
- A PhD in Nursing is a doctoral degree focused on original research, scholarship, theory development, and advancing nursing science.
- Both the DNP and PhD are terminal nursing degrees, but they prepare graduates for different types of work.
- DNP programs are typically shorter than PhD in Nursing programs, while PhD programs usually require dissertation research and tend to take longer to complete.
What Is a DNP?
DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. It is a doctoral-level nursing degree focused on advanced clinical practice, leadership, evidence translation, and healthcare improvement. If you are wondering “What Is a DNP?” or “What does DNP mean in nursing?,” the simplest answer is that it is the practice doctorate in nursing.
A DNP is a doctorate degree, but it is not the same as a PhD. DNP programs are generally designed for nurses who want to remain closely connected to practice, improve care delivery, lead change, strengthen systems, and apply research findings in real-world healthcare settings.
What Is a PhD in Nursing?
A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused doctoral degree that prepares nurses and nurse scholars to generate new knowledge, conduct original research, contribute to policy, and often teach in academic settings. If you are asking “What is a PhD degree in nursing?” or “Is there a PhD in nursing?,” the answer is yes: the degree exists and is designed for those who want to advance nursing science and scholarship.
PhD-prepared nurses often pursue roles related to research, academia, scholarship, and health policy. While some remain connected to clinical issues, the degree itself is centered more on research than on direct advanced practice preparation.
| Category | DNP | PhD in Nursing |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Doctor of Nursing Practice | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing |
| Degree type | Practice doctorate | Research doctorate |
| Primary focus | Advanced practice, leadership, systems improvement | Research, scholarship, theory, knowledge generation |
| Typical final requirement | Scholarly or practice-focused project | Dissertation |
| Clinical hours | Often included, depending on pathway | Typically not required |
| Common outcomes | Practice leadership, quality improvement, advanced clinical and systems roles | Nurse scientist, faculty, research, academic leadership |
| Typical timeline | Often shorter | Often longer |
| Best fit for | Nurses wanting to improve care through practice and leadership | Nurses wanting to advance nursing through research |
DNP vs. PhD in Nursing: Main Differences
Although a DNP and a PhD degree are both advanced nursing degrees, the curricula and career outcomes differ considerably. These degree programs also have other notable differences worth exploring before determining which one is right for you.
1. Purpose of the degree
The DNP is a practice doctorate. The PhD is a research doctorate. That is the most important distinction between the two.
2. Type of work the degree prepares you for
A DNP often prepares nurses for advanced practice, leadership, quality improvement, systems change, and translating evidence into care delivery. A PhD in Nursing prepares graduates to conduct research, generate knowledge, publish scholarship, teach, and help shape the future of the profession.
3. Curriculum focus
DNP coursework is often oriented around evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare systems, and improving outcomes. PhD coursework typically focuses more on research methods, theory, data analysis, and original scholarly inquiry.
4. Final project requirements
PhD programs usually require students to complete original research and defend a dissertation. DNP programs generally do not require a dissertation, but they often include a scholarly or practice-focused project.
5. Clinical hours
PhD in Nursing programs typically do not include clinical practice hours as a graduation requirement. DNP programs may include clinical or practice hours depending on the pathway and program structure.
What Can You Do With a DNP or PhD in Nursing?
If your goal is to improve patient care from within clinical practice, healthcare operations, or nursing leadership, a DNP may be a better fit. DNP-prepared nurses may work in advanced practice, executive leadership, quality improvement, informatics, education, or systems-focused roles depending on their specialization.
If your goal is to conduct research, become faculty, contribute to nursing science, or influence policy through scholarship, a PhD in Nursing may be a better fit. PhD-prepared nurses often pursue nurse scientist, faculty, research, and academic leadership roles.
How Long Does a Doctorate in Nursing Take?
The answer depends on the degree type, entry pathway, and individual pacing. For example, at Post University, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program often takes about 2 to 4 years to complete, while PhD in Nursing programs typically take longer due to the time required for dissertation research.
Several factors can influence overall program length for both degrees. Your starting point matters, such as whether you are entering with a BSN or MSN, as well as whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Program structure, including course sequencing and clinical or project requirements, may also affect timing. For PhD programs, the scope and progression of dissertation research can extend completion timelines, while DNP programs may vary based on the pace of completing clinical hours or a final scholarly project.
Because of these variables, prospective students should review program details carefully to understand expected timelines and plan accordingly.
Do Nurse Practitioners Have a Doctorate?
Not always. A nurse practitioner is a professional role, not a degree. Some nurse practitioners hold an MSN, while others hold a DNP. That means a nurse practitioner does not automatically have a doctorate, and an NP does not automatically have a PhD.
Likewise, if you are asking “What do you call a nurse practitioner with a doctorate?,” the answer depends on the degree earned. An NP with a DNP holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. An NP with a PhD would hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, though the PhD is not the standard clinical practice doctorate. This is an inference based on how the roles and degrees are defined.
How to Choose Between a DNP and a PhD
A DNP may be the better fit if you want to stay closer to practice, lead change in healthcare organizations, improve systems, or build advanced clinical and leadership expertise. A PhD may be the better fit if you want to conduct research, teach in academia, develop theory, and generate new nursing knowledge.
You may prefer a DNP if you are drawn to:
- advanced nursing practice
- evidence-based improvement
- clinical leadership
- healthcare systems and quality
- translating research into practice
You may prefer a PhD in Nursing if you are drawn to:
- research design and data analysis
- academic careers
- nursing science
- policy influence through scholarship
- developing new knowledge for the profession
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a PhD in nursing?
Yes. A PhD in Nursing is an established doctoral degree focused on research, scholarship, and advancing nursing science.
Is a DNP a doctoral degree?
Yes. The DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, is a doctoral degree in nursing.
What does DNP stand for?
DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Is a DNP a PhD?
No. Both are doctoral degrees, but a DNP is a practice doctorate and a PhD is a research doctorate.
Choosing the Right Nursing Doctorate
Earning a DNP or PhD can be a meaningful way to advance in nursing, but the right choice depends on what kind of impact you want to make. If you want to improve care through leadership, practice, and systems change, the DNP may be the better fit. If you want to improve care by generating new knowledge through research and scholarship, the PhD in Nursing may be the better path.
For many users, the best way to decide is to start with career identity rather than degree prestige: do you want to lead from practice, or lead through research? This is an inference based on the role distinctions described by the sources above.
Learn More About Post University’s Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
If you are considering advancing your nursing practice, leadership, or systems-level impact, exploring a Doctor of Nursing Practice program may be a meaningful next step. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Post University is designed for working nurses who want to deepen their knowledge, apply evidence in practice settings, and contribute to healthcare improvement. Reviewing program details, curriculum structure, and specialization options can help you determine whether this path aligns with your professional goals.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.