PhD vs. DNP – Choose the Best Final Nursing Degree for You
For registered nurses, continuing education offers many career benefits. Enhancing your skill set, improving patient care practices and opening doors to advanced roles with more lucrative pay are all reasons to pursue a doctorate-level nursing degree.
But with many options available, the degree and program you choose will depend on your professional interests and preferred nursing career path. Other factors might include how long it typically takes to earn the degree and whether courses are offered online. Ohio University offers two online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program options, a BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP, but does not currently offer a PhD in Nursing.
We've outlined the differences between PhD vs. DNP nursing degrees to help you navigate this choice and find the program that's right for you.
Understanding the Difference Between a PhD vs. DNP
There are several similarities between a PhD in Nursing and a DNP, as well as key differences to keep in mind. Both are terminal degrees, making them the highest achievable degrees in the nursing field. No matter which you choose, it will likely be the final nursing degree you earn. Advanced expertise and scholarship are essential components of both options, but the differences lie in how these skills are applied.
PhD in Nursing Overview
A PhD in Nursing is a research doctoral degree designed to prepare students for careers related to scientific research in the nursing and medical fields. Some nurses with PhDs choose to pursue roles in academia, becoming members of nursing school faculty.1
Coursework in PhD programs might cover topics like the philosophy of nursing, current issues in the nursing field, data management and research methods. PhD programs require students to complete individual research and defend dissertations, but clinical hours are not included in the curriculum. A master's degree in nursing is generally required to apply to PhD programs in nursing. On average, PhD programs take four to six years to complete.
DNP Overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a degree grounded in preparation for nursing leadership, administration and advanced practice clinical roles. DNP programs allow nurses to become specialized experts in evidence-based nursing practice. While research is an important component of DNP programs, the focus is on how new findings can be applied to deliver improved patient outcomes in clinical contexts.
Coursework often includes topics like quality improvement and systems leadership that are specifically relevant to nurse administrators.2 The curriculum includes clinical hours to provide experiential learning opportunities. In many cases, DNP students complete a final project aimed at solving real-world problems in the nursing field.
While a master's degree may be required for admission to DNP programs, some institutions offer programs that allow applicants to earn a master's nursing degree while fulfilling DNP requirements. DNP programs take around two to three years to complete a post-master's degree but can take longer if they are combined with other credentials like an MSN.3
PhD vs. DNP Outcomes: What to Expect
Aside from differences in typical DNP and PhD program structure and curriculum content, there are also distinct nursing career paths after graduation, depending on which degree you choose. We've already covered that PhD programs are research-driven while DNP programs are focused on clinical practice. This contrast is also seen in the professional outcomes you can expect after earning either degree.
For PhD graduates, possible careers include:
- Nursing faculty member
- Academic administrator
- Clinical research manager3
The average salary for PhD in Nursing degree holders is $108,000 per year.4
DNP graduates pursue careers like:
- Nurse administrator
- Nurse practitioner
- Nurse educator
The average salary for DNP holders is similar to that of nurses with PhDs but slightly higher, at $112,000 per year.5
Advance in your nursing career
How to Choose the Right Doctor of Nursing Degree
Because both the PhD in Nursing and DNP offer a range of benefits regarding career growth and skill development, choosing between them can be a complex decision. The most important factor to consider is whether you are more interested in uncovering new findings in the field through research or applying those findings in healthcare organizations through nursing practice.2
There are some general questions you'll want to ask yourself regardless of which type of nursing degree you choose, such as:
- Are you looking for an online program, in-person courses or a combination?
- Do you want to earn your degree on a full- or part-time schedule?
- What is your preferred timeframe for earning your degree?
- What student resources do you need from a university to be successful?
Once you've answered the above, it's time to address questions that help you choose between the PhD vs. DNP and find your program. Consider:
- Do you want to pursue a program that offers specializations in specific practice areas, such as nurse practitioner, nurse educator or nurse leadership?
- Does the program qualify you for licensure in your preferred state(s)?
- What prerequisite courses or degrees does the program require, and do you meet these requirements?
- Does the curriculum align with your professional goals and/or research interests?
- Do you need a program that offers pathways to earn multiple nursing degrees, such as a BSN-DNP?
These answers can help you define your professional interests and practice goals, allowing you to choose the degree and program that align best with your future nursing career. You'll be making an informed decision that can open doors to your future as a leader and expert in the nursing field.
Move Forward in Your Nursing Career with Ohio University
If you choose the DNP as your terminal nursing degree, Ohio University offers online programs ideal for nurses who are ready to advance. The BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) program was created for registered nurses who hold a BSN degree and want to earn an MSN and DNP within the same program, while the MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP) program is designed for nursing professionals with master's degrees who want to pursue advanced practice, education and leadership roles.
Both online nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), feature a combination of online courses and on-campus experiences and allow you to transfer up to nine credits toward degree completion. You can also specialize in direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse (family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioner) or indirect practice as a nurse educator or nurse leader.
No matter which program you choose, you'll gain the advanced nursing skill set you need for the next phase of your career. When you learn with Ohio University Online, you can graduate with a DNP and a graduate certificate in your specialty focus for eligibility to complete a national certification examination.
Learn more about our DNP programs to find the right option for you.
Sources
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Nursing Education Pathways. PhD Education. Retrieved June 2024 from https://www.aacnnursing.org/students/nursing-education-pathways/phd-education (opens in a new window).
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing. AACN Fact Sheet: DNP. Retrieved June 2024 from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/dnp-fact-sheet (opens in a new window).
- American Nurses Association. American Nurse Journal.PhD or DNP? Defining the path to your career destination. Retrieved June 2024 from https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ant2-Focus-on-Education-121.pdf (opens in a new window).
- Payscale.com. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Nursing Degree. Retrieved June 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Philosophy_(PhD)%2C_Nursing/Salary (opens in a new window).
- Payscale.com. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree. Retrieved June 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary (opens in a new window).
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