DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the Difference?

Delve into the contrasts between attaining a DNP and a Ph.D. in nursing, encompassing their responsibilities, salaries, and career prospects. As nurses who have already attained a master’s degree contemplate advancing their education, two paths emerge: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.
Both degrees offer nurses diverse avenues for professional growth, enabling them to apply their expertise to elevate the nursing domain. This handbook elucidates the divergences in pursuing a DNP versus a Ph.D. in nursing, while also outlining the prospects awaiting graduates of either program. By grasping the roles and obligations associated with each degree, nurses can ascertain the ideal trajectory for their aspirations.

Parallel Grounds and Distinctive Traits of DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing

A DNP and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees, signifying their status as the pinnacle of nursing education. Irrespective of the selected program, aspiring nurses require a Bachelor of Science (BSN) in nursing, an active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and hands-on clinical experience prior to gaining entry into either doctoral program.

While DNP and Ph.D. degrees are both advanced credentials, they equip nurses for distinct roles within the nursing realm. DNP programs concentrate on educating nurses aspiring to assume leadership positions within clinical environments. On the other hand, Ph.D. programs furnish nurses with an education tailored for pursuits in academia or research-oriented positions.

What is a DNP?

A DNP embodies an advanced credential tailored for nurses seeking to cultivate expertise in clinical nursing. This degree offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs and equips nurses with competencies and training to operate at an elevated tier within the nursing domain.

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

The attainment of a Ph.D. in nursing empowers graduates to embark on careers within academia or research arenas. Graduates often gravitate toward faculty roles in academic institutions or endeavors entailing research within medical laboratories.

Major Comparisons

Points to Consider	DNP	Ph.D in Nursing
Length of Programs	2-4 years	4-6 years
Certification Options	Pediatrics, Neonatal, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Clinical Nurse Midwife, Women’s Health	Education, Public Health Policy, Healthcare Innovation
Core Competencies	Scientific Underpinnings for Practice, Organization and Systems Leadership, Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care, Healthcare Policy, Interprofessional Collaboration, Clinical Prevention, Population Health, Advanced Nursing Practice	Development of Research, Critique of Theories and Literature, Designing Research, Research Ethics, Measurement and Sources of Error, Analytical Approaches, Secondary Data and Informatics, Grant and Proposal Writing, Scientific Communication, Diversity and Equity, Cross-Disciplinary Teamwork, Leadership Roles
Average Annual Salary	$107,000	$99,000

Source: Payscale

Roles and Responsibilities of DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing

The roles undertaken by nurses with a DNP versus those with a Ph.D. in nursing are inherently distinct. The former centers around clinical work, while the latter is primarily focused on research and education.

Their responsibilities are rooted in these two major domains. DNPs are more inclined to engage with patients, whereas Ph.D. graduates emphasize educating nurses and analyzing medical practices.

Possibilities with a DNP:

Nurses equipped with a DNP are regarded as expert clinicians poised for the highest echelons of nursing practice.

Following the degree attainment, nurses can opt to specialize in leadership and administrative roles (public health, healthcare policy, informatics, etc.) or clinical care (clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, etc.).

Upon securing a DNP, nurses’ responsibilities might encompass:

• Diagnosing and treating patients
• Prescribing medications
• Ordering diagnostic tests
• Addressing patient concerns
• Offering consultation on intricate cases
• Implementing policy changes

It’s noteworthy that some DNP programs cater to roles (clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator) that may not authorize certain responsibilities mentioned above.

Opportunities with a Ph.D. in Nursing:

Nurses holding a Ph.D. frequently gravitate towards education and research realms. They might design studies and conduct research on clinical practices, nursing education, health systems, and public policy.

Ph.D. holders in nursing often find employment within academic, corporate, or governmental settings. In general, nurses with a Ph.D. can:

• Devise, execute, and publish research
• Pioneering new nursing knowledge and methodologies
• Utilize research findings to enhance nursing outcomes
• Draft proposals and seek grants for research funding
• Mentor and provide guidance to students
• Develop curricula for nursing courses

Education Prerequisites

When contemplating the pursuit of either a DNP or Ph.D., most programs necessitate similar prerequisites. Institutions typically seek applicants who hold an undergraduate degree, possess an active nursing practice capability, and meet certain academic criteria.

Earning a DNP:

To apply for a DNP program, candidates should hold a BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and possess an active nursing license.

Upon enrollment, students can opt for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role such as Clinical Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

CNPs and CNSs subsequently select a population focus (e.g., neonatal, pediatrics, women’s health, psychiatric-mental health). DNP candidates often dedicate their entire program to a research or capstone project.

The program duration varies from 2 to 4 years, with full-time students potentially earning their degree quicker than part-time counterparts. Courses encompass informatics, health policy, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based practice, and project management.

Learners must also fulfill a total of 1,000 clinical hours, of which 500 can be credited from a prior master’s program resulting in national certification. This is becoming more common as some programs, like CRNA, transition from MSN to DNP-only.

Earning a Ph.D. in Nursing:

Admission to a Ph.D. program necessitates a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a minimum GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5, and an active nursing license. Applicants must also provide a CV or resume, professional references, and a personal statement.

Comparing Nurse Practitioner Degrees: MSN, DNP, and BSN

The program duration varies from 4 to 6 years, contingent on student status (full-time vs. part-time). The curriculum revolves around theory, analysis, and statistics, encompassing courses in grant writing, research design, and research methods. Given that their work is centered on education and research, Ph.D. candidates are not mandated to complete clinical hours.

Salary and Career Outlook

Upon program completion, both DNP and Ph.D. graduates may reap the benefits of enhanced earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a consistent demand over the next decade for nurses equipped with advanced training.

Ultimately, the type of degree, specialization, and population focus shape the average annual salary and the nature of the demand that nurses can expect.

$107,000
Average Annual DNP Salary

$99,000
Average Annual Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

DNP in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook:

While the average salary for nurses with DNPs approximates $107,000, the chosen specialization influences earning potential and demand. DNP-holders engaged as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn an average of $164,340 annually, according to July 2022 Payscale data. Conversely, those specializing in pediatrics earn around $92,030.

CRNAs not only command the highest average salary but also occupy one of the most sought-after specializations, with a projected job growth rate of 45%, significantly surpassing the 9% average across other professions.

Moreover, the duration of experience substantially impacts DNP earning potential. Novices garner an average annual salary of about $87,000, as per July 2022 Payscale data, while those with over two decades of experience can earn upwards of $187,000 contingent on their specialization.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook:

Parallel to nurses with a DNP, the salary of individuals with a Ph.D. varies according to specialization. According to the BLS, nurse educators with a Ph.D. can earn over $125,930 annually.

While nurses with advanced degrees continue to be in demand, Ph.D. graduates opting to become educators can particularly profit from this need. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that nursing schools rejected over 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019 due to the dearth of educators.

Numerous states are implementing incentives for nurses to embrace teaching roles, thereby enhancing the appeal of selecting this path.

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: Navigating the Right Choice

Determining the most suitable degree hinges on a nurse’s personal and professional aspirations. The degrees usher nurses into two distinctive trajectories—one grounded in clinical practice and the other propelled by research orientation.

DNP and Ph.D. graduates are both in high demand, boasting above-average earning potential. Nevertheless, the degrees diverge in terms of time commitment and responsibilities.

Nurses who prefer a clinical role, directly engaging with patients or leading in nursing, should opt for a DNP. Graduates often find themselves in a spectrum of clinical settings, encompassing hospitals, specialized practices, and public health institutions.

Conversely, those more inclined towards nurturing future nurses or spearheading research endeavors conducive to the development of innovative and effective nursing approaches should set their sights on a Ph.D. Nurse Ph.D. graduates frequently channel their expertise in settings like colleges, research facilities, medical laboratories, and governmental agencies.