What Is A DNP Degree?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused terminal degree. Nurses with these degrees contribute to improving the profession (and, by extension, patient outcomes) by focusing on leadership and evidence-based practice. A DNP prepares nurses for roles in nursing administration, policy design, and the highest levels of clinical practice. While salaries vary by location and specialization, nurses with a DNP generally earn between $92,000 and $126,000 per year. 

What Is a DNP?

A DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed to prepare nurses for the highest levels of nursing practice. Unlike a PhD in nursing, which focuses more on academic research, a DNP emphasizes the practical application of evidence-based knowledge to improve policy, patient care, and the healthcare system as a whole. A DNP prepares nurses for the highest levels of leadership and clinical practice, where they implement, evaluate, and improve nursing care in real-world settings.

DNP vs Other Nursing Degrees

• DNP vs MSN
  • A master’s in nursing (MSN) prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles. It focuses on direct patient care and departmental leadership, preparing nurses for careers such as nurse practitioner, nursing education, or clinical leader. 
  • A DNP prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership. While MSN-prepared nurses may assume leadership roles at the departmental level, those with DNPs take on roles that impact entire healthcare systems and local, state, and federal policy. 
• DNP vs PhD in Nursing
  • DNPs focus on improving healthcare outcomes and learning initiatives to change nursing practice. They take research and translate it into real-world applications, focusing on leadership, quality improvement, and patient care.
  • A PhD in nursing focuses on generating new knowledge in the field of nursing and patient care that is based on research and systematic investigation. In addition to becoming researchers, professionals with this degree can also take on roles as nurse scientists or university faculty. 
• Other nursing/healthcare doctorate degrees
  • Other doctoral degrees that someone in the field of nursing may pursue include the Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), which are more focused on specific areas of nursing.

Although there are a number of other doctoral-level options available, nurses who are interested in improving nursing practice through leadership and policy are likely to find that a DNP gets them closer to their goals.

Core DNP Program Components & What to Expect

The exact components will vary per program, but DNP students may include the following:

• Curriculum overview
  • Topics typically include advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare policy, quality improvement, informatics, ethics, and evidence-based practice.
• Clinical/practicum hours
  • DNP programs require 1,000 clinical post-bachelor’s clinical hours, meaning hours accumulated in MSN programs count toward this total. In post-MSN DNP programs, most clinical hours are completed through an extensive DNP project.
• Capstone or scholarly project
  • Capstone or scholarly projects focus on improving patient care or health systems by implementing evidence-based interventions rather than engaging in new research. Some examples include monitoring outcomes after implementing a new screening tool or comparing medication adherence among people who see their doctors in person versus virtually.
• Format options
  • DNP programs are typically designed to be flexible and cater to nurses who plan to continue working while completing their programs. Many options are available, including full-time, part-time, online, hybrid, and on‐campus options.
• Admission prerequisites
  • Admission prerequisites vary by program, depending on the entry point. All programs require applicants to have a valid RN licensure. Applicants may also need to have a BSN or MSN, as well as experience working as an RN.
• Typical time to complete.
  • Completion time depends on the entry point. Most MSN-to-DNP programs take about 1.5 to 2 years to complete, while BSN-to-DNP programs can take 3 to 4 years.
• Accreditation & standards:
  • Before applying to a DNP program, ensure it is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This helps to ensure that the degree is recognized and accepted when applying for state licensure.

Why Earn a DNP? (Benefits)

There are several benefits to earning a DNP, such as:

• Advanced clinical skills and competency in complex patient care. A DNP prepares nurses to translate research into practice, which can have a significant impact on nursing practice.
  
• Leadership and influence opportunities that elicit real change. DNP-prepared nurses can influence healthcare systems, policies, and quality outcomes.
  
• This advanced degree enables nurses to have a tangible impact on patient care and communities. DNPs help shape practice, reduce errors, and improve outcomes.
  
• A DNP offers career mobility and higher earning potential, opening many doors for nurses who are looking to advance their careers.
  
• A DNP degree can help nurses meet the increasing demands of healthcare. For example, they can do their part to address the nursing shortage by educating the next generation of nurses or changing policy to help improve nursing retention.
  
• Because a DNP is one of the terminal degrees in the profession, it offers credibility and preparation for the highest level of nursing practice, with opportunities to impact various aspects of the profession.

Career Paths & Opportunities With a DNP

Nurses who complete a DNP have multiple career options to choose from, including:

• Clinical advanced practice roles. DNP-prepared nurses can work in many clinical roles, including as nurse practitioners (NPs) or clinical nurse specialists. A DNP is not yet required to practice as an NP, but there is a strong push to make it the degree needed for this position. According to the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), as of July 2025, all Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) must complete a DNP to practice.
  
• Leadership and administration. While MSN-prepared nurses are prepared to take on leadership roles at the departmental level, DNP-prepared nurses are prepared for institutional-level roles, such as Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing, or Healthcare Administrator.
  
• Education and academia. DNPs who wish to focus on education can work as university faculty, curriculum developers, deans of nursing, or clinical educators. These roles can be essential in addressing the nursing shortage.
  
• Policy and advocacy. These roles are also suitable for DNPs, who can take on active roles influencing healthcare policy, serving in public health leadership roles, and providing consulting to elicit changes that can impact the nursing profession, patient care, and the healthcare system.
  
• Entrepreneurship. In some states, DNPs can open private practices and start their own businesses offering consultancy services in quality or health systems improvement.
  
• According to a 2019 survey by Medscape, the average annual income of APRNs with a DNP was 5% more than that of those with an MSN. APRNs with an MSN make about $116,000 a year; those with a DNP make about $122,000.

Cost, Return on Investment (ROI) & Considerations

Tuition rates vary per program depending on entry point, location, whether the school is public or private, and whether the program is online, hybrid, or on campus. There are other costs, too, like books, fees, and travel expenses. 

Overall, DNP students can expect to pay between $30,000 and $100,000. Scholarships, grants, and loan-repayment programs can help cover these expenses. 

It’s difficult to say how long it would take to recoup the costs of getting a DNP. If we consider the above data and assume that DNP grads earn about $6,000 more per year than MSN-prepared nurses, it would take DNP grads between 5 and 17 years to recoup those costs. 

That said, this is highly dependent on many personal factors, such as geographical location, loan forgiveness, and place of employment. Demand for APRNs matters, too. DNPs who are willing to work in areas with significant need may qualify for increased loan forgiveness and secure higher salaries.

When deciding on whether pursuing a DNP is right for you, consider the job market in your area or the areas where you are willing to relocate. Look into what local DNP salaries are, and figure out whether investing your time into a DNP program, maintaining a work/life balance, and maintaining clinical hours make it worth it to you in the long run.

How to Choose a DNP Program

1. Ensure that the program is accredited.

Only consider programs that the CCNE or ACEN accredits to ensure that you don’t have problems when trying to obtain a state license. 

2. Decide how much you want to be on campus.

Would an online program be best for you? Do you learn better in person? Or do you prefer a hybrid approach? There are online, hybrid, and on-campus options available. Choose a program that best suits your needs.

3. Consider the quality of the program.

Some programs have clinical partnerships with large hospital systems or are tied to major universities. If you’re pursuing a BSN to DNP track, a large portion of your required minimum 1,000 clinical hours will be in direct patient care. Considering the quality of the clinical placements can ensure you get more meaningful experiences. It’s also worth looking into faculty credentials, practice backgrounds, and research to ensure the program aligns with your goals.

4. Choose a program that aligns with your career goals

Make sure that the school that you’re considering offers a program in the specialty that you’re interested in pursuing, particularly if you’re choosing an NP specialty like FNP, AG-ACNP, PMHNP, etc.

5. Keep cost in mind

Take your time and figure out the program’s real cost. Some schools are more transparent than others, so this can take some time. Don’t forget to factor in financial aid, scholarships, and check with your employer to see if they offer any tuition assistance.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)