DNP degree programs prepare registered nurses (RNs) to pursue more specialized roles as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or careers in healthcare leadership. While these programs can vary based on your current educational background, earning a DNP degree allows you to gross a higher salary, gain access to new opportunities and spend your days doing the work you enjoy most.

A DNP degree is expected to become increasingly important in the future, with some professional organizations suggesting that it may become the standard requirement for entry into advanced practice nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has shown support for increasing the minimum education level for advanced nursing from an MSN to a DNP.

Understanding the potential opportunities available to DNP graduates, how long a program takes to complete and available course formats will help you find the best path forward.

Earning a DNP degree opens doors to new and exciting career possibilities in a variety of concentrations, such as family care, neonatal care, certified midwifery, psychiatric health, nursing informatics, and healthcare policy and administration. DNP degrees can also lead to higher salaries for those who hold them. For instance, a registered nurse earns a median salary of $73,000 annually, while nurse practitioners earn closer to $115,800.

Job security is another benefit of a DNP degree. The need for nurse practitioners, for example, is expected to grow by 45% between 2019 and 2029. A few potential career options include:

• Nurse practitioner (NP). Nurse practitioners are trained in preventive healthcare and diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. NPs work fully autonomously in some states, and they can prescribe medications in all 50 states.
• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS). As a CNS, your work can include direct patient care, patient and staff education, and leadership responsibilities. A CNS may also coordinate money-saving initiatives while providing their patients with optimal health outcomes.
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). CRNAs are trained to administer anesthesia safely to patients. They often work under the supervision of a board-certified anesthesiologist, although this varies by state. A CRNA typically conducts pre-procedure assessments, manages sedation and airway, and assists in immediate recovery of the patient following sedation.
• Certified nurse midwife (CNM). CNMs do more than manage childbirth. They also offer comprehensive women’s health, including annual women’s health exams, cancer screenings, prenatal care and family planning.
• Nurse faculty. Nurse faculty help nursing students advance their skills and reach their career goals. These types of nursing educators understand the unique challenges that registered nurses face and help students understand those challenges and meet their goals.

Typically, RNs with a BSN degree seeking a DNP can apply to a BSN-to-DNP program, which is designed to provide an in-depth foundation for advanced nursing practice. For those students who already hold an MSN or would simply like to continue their education while working, there are an array of only DNP programs available to be completed online.

• BSN-to-DNP programs. These “bridge programs” accelerate achievement of your goal by avoiding duplicate requirements to fast-track your education. Coursework varies based on the chosen concentration, and some programs allow students to earn an MSN and DNP at the same time. Study is available in a variety of formats, including full-time, part-time, in-person, online and hybrid options.
• Online DNP programs. Online programs empower nurses to complete their advanced education while managing existing responsibilities. Most programs do not have mandatory login times, which allows you to complete work when it fits with your schedule, however, that does not mean that these programs are necessarily self-paced. Online DNP programs usually help to arrange local advanced nursing practice hours to meet degree requirements. Some programs also require on-campus residencies that allow in-person instruction of technical skills, simulation and skills check-offs.

No matter where you are in your education, DNP students should expect to spend 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their program.

While admission criteria vary by program, prerequisites typically include:

• Bachelor of Science in nursing from an accredited university
• Unencumbered nursing license
• A score of at least 500 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Programs may also require an in-person or virtual interview or a personal essay focused on a specific topic.