For nurses who have already earned a master’s degree but are ready to take the next step in their career, there are two educational options: a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in nursing.
While both degrees are good for ambitious nurses and will open up various opportunities, some things set these two apart. This guide will outline the differences between a DNP and a PhD in nursing, including what career paths each degree aligns with, and how long obtaining these degrees may take.
What is a DNP and PhD in nursing?
A DNP and a PhD in nursing are both terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest university degree level that can be achieved within a specific academic discipline or professional field. These degrees can be completed in a few ways, including via on-campus or online DNP programs, or on-campus or online nursing PhD programs.
Whether a DNP or a PhD is selected, there are eligibility requirements for interested nurses. This includes a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree in nursing, an active and unencumbered registered nurse licence, and clinical experience.
While the level of education and the entry requirements for a DNP and PhD are almost the same, each prepares nurses for very different roles within the healthcare sector.
What can you do with a DNP?
A DNP is best suited for nurses who want to become experts in clinical nursing – those who provide direct patient care, often with advanced knowledge and training in specific areas. A DNP provides nurses with the skills and training to work at advanced levels in their field.
Once a DNP has been earned, a nurse can choose to focus on leadership and administrative roles, such as a nurse administrator, or jobs in the public health or healthcare policy sectors. They can also enter nursing education and become a clinical nurse specialist or nurse educator, or they can advance in clinical care in patient-facing roles as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse midwife, neonatal, or pediatric.
After earning a DNP, some day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Diagnose and treat patients
- Order diagnostic tests
- Prescribe medication
- Consult on difficult cases
- Handle patient or worker complaints
- Implement policy changes
- Implement community health education
As DNPs generally stay close to patients, they are more often found in settings like hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or rehabilitation facilities.
What can you do with a PhD?
While a DNP is the path to take for those who want to remain patient-facing, earning a PhD prepares nurses for work in academia or research settings. PhDs prepare nurses to design studies or to conduct research on clinical practices, work within health systems, on public policy, or in nursing education.
Faculty positions are popular for PhD graduates, as are roles that perform research in medical laboratories. Other places of employment may be at private businesses, in government, education, public health policy, or healthcare innovation sectors.
After earning a PhD, some day-to-day responsibilities may include:
- Research:
- Design, conduct, and then publish research
- Develop and coordinate new nursing knowledge and methodologies
- Research ways to improve nursing outcomes
- Write proposals and apply for research grants
- Faculty members
- Conduct lectures
- Grade exams and papers
- Mentor and advise students
- Generate a curriculum for nursing courses
Most PhD graduates tend to work in university settings, whether they are teaching or conducting research; however, they may also find work in hospitals, research organizations, government agencies, private medical labs, or pharmaceutical companies.
PhDs prepare nurses to work in research or educational settings.
How to earn a DNP or PhD in nursing
Securing a position to get either a DNP or PhD has some similar prerequisites, but there are also a few differences, including the length of time you will be studying.
Studying for a DNP
To apply for a DNP degree, nurses will need an accredited BSN or master of science in nursing (MSN), an active nursing license, and a GPA of at least 3.0.
Once successfully enrolled, students can choose from an advanced practice registered nurse role, including a clinical nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse-midwife, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Clinical nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists also chose a population focus, such as neonatal, women’s health, or pediatrics.
DNPs can last for 2-4 years, depending on whether part-time or full-time study is selected. Students must also complete a total of 1000 clinical hours – 500 of which can come from a previous master’s program – to graduate.
On average, DNPs earn $115,000 annually, however, factors like location, specialization field, experience, and demand can play a factor in this.
Studying for a PhD
To be accepted to PhD programs, nurses will need an accredited BSN or MSN, an active nursing license, a 3.0-3.5 GPA, a CV, professional references, and a personal statement.
Once accepted, students study theory, analysis, research design and methods, and statistics. As PhD candidates are not patient-facing, they are not required to complete clinical hours.
PhD programs can last 4-6 years, depending on whether it is studied part-time or full-time.
On average, PhDs earn $108,000 annually, however, factors like location, specialization field, experience, and demand can play a factor in this.
