DNP vs. NP What is the Difference?
The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of nursing education while a nurse practitioner (NP) is a job title or a professional role bestowed upon nurses with a master of science in nursing (MSN) and evidence of the completion of additional clinical training as a qualification for certification in different specialties beyond the requirement of excelling in National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are among the roles of advanced practice registered nurses. Other roles for advanced practice registered nurses include:
- Certified nurse midwives.
- Clinical nurse specialists.
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists.
After earning a master's degree and acquiring the relevant training, NPs can choose to major in different practice areas and certifications such as family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, adult gerontology, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health among others.
The DNP degree prepares nurses for specialized roles in clinical practice and healthcare organizations. A DNP-prepared nurse is equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide direct patient care, clinical training for NP students, healthcare administration, and other advanced roles in both non-clinical and clinical settings.
A nurse practitioner certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife or clinical nurse specialist wishing to engage in advanced nursing practice can earn the DNP degree to qualify for other roles beyond the clinical practice such as healthcare administrators and executives, advanced nurse educators, chief nursing officers, and public health policymakers among others.
Major differences between nurse practitioners and doctor of nursing practice degree holders
The main differences between the advanced practice nurses; both DNP and MSN degree holders are apparent in the level of education, the different roles they play, and their income as discussed below.
- DNP graduates are holders of a terminal degree in clinical nursing education while NPs have an MSN degree as their highest academic attainment.
- NP careers focus on a particular aspect of patient care directed to specific patient populations such as pediatrics and family practice while DNP degrees expose graduates to advanced roles and executive positions to shape service delivery and systems of care in a clinical or non-clinical setting.
- The median annual salary for NPs with only a master's degree was estimated to be $98,000 compared to the $107,000 earned by those with doctorate degrees, according to PayScale data, 2022. However, the pay may vary with the years of experience, location, or country among other factors.
- Nurse practitioners work autonomously and in collaboration with other healthcare and medical professionals with the aim of improving patient outcomes while DNP graduates provide nursing leadership such as chief nursing officers with clinical expertise and excellence.
- The DNP curriculum involves advanced nursing practice, evidence, and research-based practice approaches, including writing of a DNP capstone project while NP is focused on direct patient care, advocacy, and clinical practice.
Registered nurses can pursue career advancement by choosing the NP or DNP paths after excelling in their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam. Additionally, both MSN and DNP programs require fulfillment of specified clinical hours along with practical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about DNP vs NP
Some of the frequently asked questions about DNP vs NP include:
(a). What is the role of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)?
Nurse practitioners are among the APRNs who provide care to a variety of patients in a clinical setting. Some of their roles include:
- Diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic conditions.
- Prescribing medications
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
(b). What are the responsibilities of DNP program graduates?
After earning the doctorate degree, the nursing professional gains full practice authority and works to generate new clinical and scientific knowledge for use in healthcare and nursing practice. DNP graduates work in both clinical and non-clinical settings and also engage in scientific and academic research to improve practice in their specialty areas.
(c). Is the DNP degree a mandatory requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner?
One can work as a nurse practitioner after completing the MSN program and excelling in the NP board exams without earning the DNP degree. Understanding the difference between DNP and NP is essential for registered nurses seeking advanced training to follow the right career path to achieve their professional and personal fulfillment ambitions.
