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If you are a nurse who loves hands-on patient care and is curious about integrating the latest research into your work, you might be asking, “What is a DNP degree?” A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is an advanced degree designed to help you expand your clinical skills and explore new leadership opportunities, all while staying connected to the practical side of nursing. It supports you in making a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare systems as a whole.

What Is a DNP Degree? Definition and Scope of a Doctor of Nursing Practice

The doctor of nursing practice degree is commonly referred to as the DNP degree. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines this as a graduate degree program designed to provide nurses with the advanced skills needed to enhance their nursing practice. By comparison, the doctor of philosophy in nursing, or PhD in nursing, is designed to provide nurses with the training they need to complete medical research and publish results. Graduates with a PhD in nursing may step back from their clinical positions to pursue research-focused roles.

The DNP degree primarily focuses on clinical practice, leadership, and innovation in healthcare — a fitting route for nurses who aim to work in specialty areas. Online programs provide nurses with the flexibility and versatility to continue their education while managing their professional responsibilities, and DNP programs with specialization options allow nurses to select a track that aligns with their personal interests and professional goals.

The Evolution of the DNP in Nursing Education

In recent years, the healthcare system has carried a heavy burden. Not only are the needs of patients becoming more complex, but the number of nurses has also started to dwindle. Nurses are facing extreme burnout, causing many to leave the profession and, in turn, underscoring the need for effective and intuitive nurse leaders.

As the nursing shortage crisis continues to loom, healthcare administrators and nurse managers have emphasized the importance of advancing education in nursing and pursuing professional development. In response, DNP programs have grown and evolved to focus on the needs of the modern healthcare system.

When selecting a DNP program, students should prioritize accredited programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is a well-recognized accrediting body in nursing education. Selecting a DNP degree program that is ACEN-accredited allows you to feel confident in your investment in your education, knowing you are enrolling in a program that offers relevant, industry-specific coursework.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a DNP

What is a doctor of nursing practice’s role in the field? DNP-prepared nurses may be in high demand throughout hospitals and physician’s offices, as they have an advanced understanding of the complex needs of the modern healthcare system.

Below are the key responsibilities of a nurse with a DNP degree:

Clinical Leadership and Advanced Practice Nursing

DNP-prepared nurses are capable of taking on leadership positions in nursing, requiring them to provide registered nurses (RNs) with guidance and insight as they work with their patients each day. Thanks to their understanding of the most recent medical research, DNP nurses also often work to implement evidence-based care strategies that are based on the best available findings, ultimately improving patient outcomes throughout the healthcare system.

According to the AACN, DNP-prepared nurses may be equipped with the necessary skills to pursue advanced practice roles, provided they have completed the appropriate curriculum, such as:

  • Nurse practitioners
  • Clinical nurse specialists
  • Certified nurse-midwives
  • Certified registered nurse anesthetists

In addition to focusing on the skills needed for advanced practice roles, students in a DNP degree program have the opportunity to pursue specializations that equip them with niche skills. Some examples of specialization options available within a DNP degree program include executive leadership, informatics leadership, educational leadership, and professional leadership.

Policy Advocacy and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

DNP programs are designed to expand the expertise of nurses in both clinical and leadership roles, broadening the scope of nursing practice to encompass healthcare policy, systems management, and advocacy. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, DNP-prepared nurses can more effectively advocate for improved healthcare policies that enhance patient outcomes and improve operational efficiency within healthcare systems.

A professional leadership specialization, for example, uniquely prepares nurses to advocate for improved healthcare policies through its focus on core competencies that include business intelligence, finance, and health policy.

Innovations in Patient Care and Healthcare Outcomes

The Johns Hopkins Nursing Center for Nursing Inquiry defines evidence-based practice as a systematic process in which nurses and healthcare providers review, analyze, and translate the most recent available medical research and findings in order to improve practices in the healthcare setting. Evidence-based practice has been proven time and again as the most effective way to improve patient outcomes and boost patient satisfaction ratings, making it critical in today’s complex healthcare landscape.

All DNP graduates are prepared to implement evidence-based care practices in healthcare settings, but specializations like executive leadership or educational leadership provide a deeper focus on competencies in leadership and management. These advanced areas of study help nurses refine their ability to integrate research findings into systemic improvements in healthcare operations and policy implementation.

Pathways to Becoming a DNP

Earning a doctor of nursing practice degree can prove particularly rewarding. As you consider a DNP program, you should first develop an in-depth understanding of the pathways to becoming a DNP.

Educational Requirements and Prerequisites

According to the ANA, most nurses interested in pursuing a DNP degree have to first earn their master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. However, some universities offer streamlined degree programs designed for nurses who aspire to accelerate their nursing education. This includes BSN to DNP degree programs: For BSN holders, certain colleges may offer a joint master’s and DNP degree program as an accelerated educational pathway, allowing bachelor’s-prepared nurses to enroll in a degree program that builds upon their existing foundation while focusing on advanced skill development.

From BSN to DNP: Mapping Your Nursing Journey

A BSN to DNP degree program is a unique doctoral degree program that allows a nurse to build upon their foundation as a BSN-prepared nurse while advancing their education. This degree program would likely cover advanced coursework comparable to that of an MSN program, along with specialization options that cater to the different career goals of DNP-prepared nurses. The ANA notes that this type of program is offered by select universities and is not as common as other DNP programs.

MSN to DNP Transition: What to Expect

What is a DNP degree program’s pathway for those with their master’s in nursing? As the standard transition, nurses with an MSN degree already have an understanding of what it takes to pursue leadership positions in nursing, making them distinctly qualified for the DNP degree program. MSN-prepared nurses may find they are able to pursue their DNP degree in a shorter amount of time, with most of their coursework focusing on the specialty area of their choosing. Some specialties that may be available include educational leadership, executive leadership, informatics leadership, and professional leadership.

DNP Specializations and Career Opportunities

A distinguishing aspect of some DNP programs is the fact that students can select a specialization within the degree, allowing them to tailor their education to align with their personal interests and professional goals. Universities may offer different specialization options within the DNP program, so it is best to evaluate individual programs before enrolling to verify that the coursework meets your needs.

Specialties Within the DNP Program

Four specialties within DNP programs include:

  • Educational Leadership – An educational leadership specialization focuses primarily on the advanced leadership skills required of nurse educators. The coursework for this program covers a wide range of topics — including curriculum development, program development, and leadership strategies in nurse education.
  • Executive Leadership – An executive leadership specialization focuses on developing skills related to healthcare administration and management. Key areas of study often include leadership, business intelligence, finance, health policy, and health services research, which may help nurses pursue roles in administrative or executive positions within healthcare.
  • Informatics Leadership – An informatics leadership specialization emphasizes advanced technology skills relevant to today’s data-centric healthcare landscape. This specialization combines clinical care with data analysis, focusing on areas such as clinical informatics and healthcare technology, which may be beneficial for nurses interested in roles that bridge patient care and data management.
  • Professional Leadership – The professional leadership specialization is designed for nurses who want to improve patient care and streamline operations at healthcare facilities. It focuses on developing five key skills: leadership, business intelligence, finance, health policy, and health services research.

As you evaluate the specialty areas available, consider your clinical strengths, professional interests, and overall career goals. Career Paths: From Academia to Clinical Practice

Regardless of your chosen specialization, a DNP degree program focuses on skill development and clinical understanding that allows you to advance your nursing practice. DNP-prepared nurses are able to develop the skills required for a range of career opportunities, including those in clinical leadership, academia, healthcare systems, and organizational leadership.

The Impact of DNPs in the Healthcare System

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes that the DNP program is a terminal degree program designed to prepare nurse leaders with the skills necessary to improve patient outcomes and apply research findings to clinical settings. As a result, DNP-prepared nurses have an opportunity to make a significant impact on the healthcare system.

The DNP stands out because of its unique take on the doctoral degree program While many doctoral programs are designed to prepare students for research-based careers, often in academia, the DNP program focuses on equipping students with the skills to understand, evaluate, and apply research directly to clinical settings. It is ideal for nurses who wish to pursue leadership positions while continuing to work in clinical practice.

The AACN notes that the number of DNP programs — as well as the number of students enrolled in DNP programs — has been steadily on the rise. In 2022, there were approximately 41,000 students enrolled in DNP programs across the United States, and by 2023, this increased to about 41,800 students. For greater context, in 2007, the number of DNP programs offered hovered around 50. As of 2023, that number has exceeded 420 programs, thus highlighting the demand for these advanced degree programs in nursing.

Enhancing Patient Care Through Evidence-Based Practice

DNP-prepared nurses specialize in applying research findings in practical settings, making them adept at implementing evidence-based practice in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Therefore, DNP nurses have a direct impact on improving healthcare delivery within a facility and enhancing patient outcomes. Through specialized leadership roles, DNP nurses can focus on key areas of interest and measure their influence on their patients and colleagues.

Leadership in Healthcare: The Role of DNPs in Shaping Policies

Given their advanced understanding of the most recent medical research and the dynamic needs of patients in today’s complex healthcare landscape, DNP nurses are well-positioned to lead healthcare policy changes at various organizational levels. Nurses with a DNP are considered to be leaders in the healthcare field, and they often find themselves advocating for patients as they work to shape healthcare policies.

A Comparative Analysis of DNP vs. PhD in Nursing

In the field of nursing, there are two types of doctoral degree programs to pursue: the doctor of nursing practice degree and the doctor of philosophy in nursing degree. Understanding the differences between these programs may help you decide which terminal nursing degree is best for you.

The doctor of nursing practice, or DNP degree, is a terminal degree program designed for nurses who want to pursue leadership or specialized roles in healthcare settings. DNP students learn how to evaluate, analyze, and apply the most recent available research to shape evidence-based care practices in healthcare settings.

The doctor of philosophy in nursing, or PhD in nursing degree, is a terminal degree program that is designed for nurses who wish to move beyond direct patient care and focus primarily on conducting medical research. It is an ideal option for nurses who aspire to work in academia.

What Is a DNP in Nursing? Learn More at Post University

At Post University, the online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is designed with nurse leaders in mind, providing licensed nursing professionals with an opportunity to develop the advanced clinical skills needed to practice in specialized settings. Students who enroll in our DNP program are able to choose from four distinct specialization options in order to align their skills with their professional and personal interests. Post’s DNP is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for initial APRN licensure.

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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.