What Is a DNP Degree? Overview and FAQ
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A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree represents the highest level of practical training in the field of nursing. Designed for nurses who want to achieve the top level of clinical expertise, take on leadership roles, and make a real impact on healthcare systems, this degree prepares graduates not only to deliver care but also to redesign how care is delivered — from bedside to boardroom.
What is a DNP degree and its requirements? If you’re ready to join the ranks of over 73,000 DNP-trained nurses who are shaping the future of healthcare, this article takes a deep dive into what this degree is all about, how to earn it, and the exciting opportunities it can unlock.
At a Glance: What Is a DNP Degree?
- DNP meaning: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Degree type: Terminal practice-focused degree in nursing
- Length of training: About 2–4 years
- Admission requirements: A BSN or MSN degree, active RN license, strong GPA, clinical experience, educational transcripts, nursing resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement (specific requirements vary by program)
- Clinical requirements: Approximately 1,000 clinical practice hours under the supervision of a clinical preceptor
- Examples of coursework: Around 30–40 credit hours in total, including courses such as health informatics, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and more
- Examples of career opportunities: Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, nurse administrators, and healthcare executives
What Is a DNP Degree All About?
A DNP is a terminal degree in nursing, meaning it’s the highest level of education available for clinical nursing practice. It’s designed for nurses who want to become expert clinicians and influential leaders who can turn evidence-based knowledge into action, lead care teams, and make real changes in how care is delivered.
The career opportunities that are available with this degree are expansive. Depending on your specialty and interests, you can work in direct patient care, leadership, education, or healthcare systems improvement. Here are a few common career paths for DNP graduates:
| Career Path | Role Description |
|---|---|
| Nurse practitioner (NP) | NPs often serve as primary care providers, with responsibilities that include diagnosing, treating patients, and prescribing medications. They can specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, adult-gerontology, or psychiatric mental health. |
| Clinical nurse specialist (CNS) | CNSs are advanced practice nurses who provide expert guidance to nursing staff, lead quality-improvement initiatives, and often serve as a bridge between clinical teams and hospital leadership. |
| Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) | CRNAs specialize in managing all aspects of anesthesia delivery, from preoperative assessment to postoperative recovery. |
| Nurse administrator or executive | These professionals handle high-level administrative duties, from staffing and budgeting to policy development and compliance — playing a critical role in the success of healthcare operations. Typical roles include chief nursing officer (CNO) and director of nursing (DON). |
| Nursing educator or faculty | Nursing educators teach and mentor future nurses in academic or clinical settings. They design curriculum, deliver lectures, supervise clinical training, and may conduct research to advance nursing practice. |
| Healthcare policy advisor or consultant | These professionals use their clinical expertise to shape healthcare policy, advise organizations on regulatory issues, and recommend strategies to improve health systems. They often work with government agencies or healthcare organizations to ensure regulatory compliance. |
How to Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree: 6 Steps
Ready to take your nursing career all the way to the top? Becoming a DNP is a big commitment, requiring years of study, extensive clinical training, and passing licensure and certification exams. Let’s dive into what it takes to earn this credential.
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” and in this case, the first step is becoming a registered nurse (RN). You can do this through either a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While the BSN degree takes longer to earn, it’s often required to get admitted to advanced nursing programs, such as DNP.
Tip: Are you an ADN-trained nurse who wants to earn a DNP? Consider bridge programs — either ADN-to-DNP (rare, but available) or ADN-to-BSN, which can open the door to more DNP program opportunities.
2. Obtain a Nursing Licensure
The next essential step on your journey to becoming a DNP is earning a nursing license. This is done by submitting an application to your state board of nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN — a national licensure exam.
The NCLEX is designed to test whether you’re ready to begin practicing safely as an RN. It covers everything from clinical decision-making to patient care management. Once you pass and receive your license, you’re officially an RN — and one step closer to your DNP goals.
3. Gain Experience
Before diving into a DNP program, some schools may want to see that you’ve spent time working as a nurse. Requirements vary, but having one to two years of hands-on clinical experience — especially in the area you want to specialize in — can strengthen your application and help you bring practical insights into your future coursework.
Here are some examples of RN specialties that can help boost your clinical skills and strengthen your DNP application:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Neurology care
- Oncology nursing
- Progressive care
- Psychiatric nursing
- Rehabilitative care
4. Enroll in a Graduate Program
Now it’s time to take the big step: applying to DNP degree programs. You want to see which options are the best fit. Take the time to research each program thoroughly. Consider factors like program length, accreditation, curriculum focus, and clinical placement opportunities, and create a list of programs that match your needs.
Understanding DNP degree requirements is key to setting yourself up for a successful application. While the admission criteria vary widely by program, here’s a list of what most programs expect:
- A BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
- An RN license
- Academic transcripts
- Clinical experience
- A nursing resume
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal philosophy of nursing or motivational letter
5. Complete DNP Coursework and Clinical Hours
Once accepted, you’ll begin a rigorous but rewarding academic journey. DNP studies go beyond bedside care, with coursework covering everything from leadership and systems thinking to policy, research, and informatics.
DNP programs tend to require 30–40 credit hours of study in subjects like:
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for advanced practice
- Quality, safety, and informatics
- Leadership skills for interprofessional collaborative practice
- Project management for systems innovation
- Healthcare financial management
- Health policy development
As a part of your educational journey, you’ll also complete about 1,000 clinical hours, giving you deep, hands-on experience in your chosen area of practice. Many programs include a final DNP project, where you design and implement a real-world solution to address an existing healthcare challenge.
Tip: Are you an MSN-trained nurse wanting to upgrade to a DNP? Many schools offer MSN-to-DNP bridge programs that allow you to build on your existing knowledge and clinical experience. Learn about the difference between MSN vs. DNP programs.
6. Get Certified (If Required for Your Role)
If your DNP path includes becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) — like an NP or CNS — you’ll need national certification in your specialty area. This usually involves passing a certification exam and maintaining your credentials through ongoing education.
Here are some examples of professional certifications you might be interested in exploring:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)
- Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CCNS)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC)
What Is a Typical DNP Salary?
One of the many reasons nurses pursue a DNP degree is the potential for significantly higher earnings. While salaries can vary based on specialty, experience, and location, DNP training gives you access to some of the highest-paying nursing positions.
Below are a few common roles held by DNP-prepared nurses — along with what they typically earn per year:
- Nurse practitioner salary: $132,000
- Nurse anesthetist salary: $231,700
- Certified nurse midwife salary: $128,110
- Medical and health services manager salary: $137,730
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program FAQ
How many years does it typically take to become a DNP?
It typically takes two to four years, depending on whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time and the type of nursing degree you already have.
Can I earn a DNP degree online?
While some DNP programs offer online coursework, students are still required to complete in-person clinical hours at designated healthcare sites.
PhD vs. DNP: What’s the difference?
The main difference between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a DNP is their focus. A PhD is research-based and prepares nurses for academic and research roles, while a DNP is practice-focused and designed for nurses who want to put that science to use in healthcare settings.
Is a DNP the same thing as a doctor?
When you hear the term “doctor” in healthcare, it can refer to a DNP degree, meaning, the nurse has completed doctoral-level education. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the title is used across many fields and isn’t exclusive to one healthcare profession. Many advanced practice nurses who hold doctoral degrees are addressed as doctors, just like clinical psychologists, dentists, and podiatrists. However, a DNP is not a medical doctor (MD).
Start Advancing Your Nursing Career Today
What is a DNP degree going to do for you? It’s just one way to take your career to new heights, but there are other ways to grow. IntelyCare specializes in connecting nurses with the best-matching nursing roles based on their unique goals and needs. Unlock new possibilities today.