Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is intended to signify the terminal level of preparation for nursing practice leadership. DNP programs vary considerably in structure and content. Here is the link to the American Association of College of Nursing, the professional organization advocating for the DNP. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm
Why has the DNP been created?
The DNP is conceived as the terminal degree for nurses who see their careers unfolding primarily in practice and teaching. The DNP is new and evolving with most programs building on master’s level preparation.
What is the difference between the MSN and the DNP?
The MSN is the minimum entry to practice for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The DNP is additional education, usually related to leadership, policy, and scholarship with some additional clinical content beyond the MSN requirements. The actual content of DNP programs varies greatly and you are encouraged to search other Schools of Nursing sites to get a fully rounded understanding.
Do you have a DNP program? If not, are you going to have one? When?
Not yet. We envision that we will have a post-master’s DNP program within the next 2-3 years. We do have a PhD program.
Will I still be able to practice with an MSN in 2015?
Yes. Once you are certified (by the certifying organization) and licensed (by the State), you will be able to continue to practice in your area of specialty. In the past when Advanced Practice education moved from the certificate level to the master’s level, those individuals without masters degrees were able to continue to practice. States control licensure of APRNs. While it is possible that some states will require doctoral education for advanced practice sooner than others, it is not anticipated in the near future.
Will I be able to find a job with an MSN or will employers only want the DNP?
We believe that employers will still highly value the MSN and the individual candidate’s depth of experience. It is unclear at this time what the practice distinction will be between an MSN licensed APRN and a DNP licensed APRN, since licensure is a State function. The DNP graduate will have had expanded education in such areas as evidence-based clinical practice, quality assurance, informatics, program development etc. and may be interested in positions that combine clinical practice and leadership/administration/policy. We envision a DNP that would include students with educational/clinical backgrounds in management as well as advanced practice.
Will I need to go back to school after 2015 to get the DNP?
No. At this time there is no reason to expect that you will be required to go back to school. It is very likely, once you are out and practicing for a few years, that you may want to go back to obtain a DNP or a PhD to enhance your practice or develop new skills.
Is it better to get the DNP versus the MSN & PhD?
Research- and practice-focused doctoral programs in nursing share rigorous and demanding expectations: a scholarly approach to the discipline, and a commitment to the advancement of the profession. Both are terminal degrees in the discipline, one in practice and one in research. The choice is a matter of individual preference and individual career and educational goals. There are strengths and challenges of all educational tracks for nursing and one is not necessarily better than the other. The PhD is the research degree and is generally necessary for teaching in research-intensive Universities and for obtaining research funding.
The DNP will let me practice and teach, correct?
This will depend on your employing institution. The DNP prepares nurses with the essential education and leadership skills to develop and use evidence-based practice in settings that have traditionally employed master’s prepared advanced practice nurses. This is not to say that students completing DNP degrees are not eligible for faculty positions, but not all educational institutions are prepared to place DNP-prepared faculty in tenure-track faculty positions. They may be clinical-track faculty. Students in BSN, MSN and DNP programs will need access to faculty who are expert clinicians in a variety of settings, which will increase the marketability of DNP graduates.
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