Earning a DNP degree in the past meant that you could enjoy access to more career opportunities and higher compensation as an advanced practice nurse or in leadership and administration. While this is still true today, there is a transition happening, which means this degree may be mandatory in the future (see below).

Additionally, the demand for nurse practitioners is on the rise with an aging baby boomer population and an ongoing physician shortage. The National Center of Workforce Analysis predicts a shortfall of over 20,000 primary care physicians by 2025. As the health care landscape evolves, nurse practitioners (NPs) will be more heavily relied upon, especially in the areas of problem solving, advocacy and serving as health care liaisons. A few other benefits of a DNP include:

• Growth opportunities. The DNP is the highest level of nursing education available and expands your growth opportunities. DNP programs prepare nurses for leadership positions and more specialized areas of practice. For example, jobs in the areas associated with nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 45% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average.
• Career advancement. Earning your DNP will give you a competitive edge when applying to open positions, especially if you decide to go into the area of teaching. Over 1,700 faculty vacancies were reported in a survey that included 870 nursing schools. Approximately 91% of these positions preferred a doctoral degree.
• Higher Pay. The median pay for advanced practice nurses is $115,800 annually. This is a sizable increase compared to the median wage of a registered nurse, which is $73,300.
• Greater autonomy. NPs in many states have the ability to run their own practices or work under the supervision of a physician. NPs have more autonomy with patient interactions and can often work similarly to physicians. For example, an NP may serve as the primary care provider for families.

Nurse Executive Leadership: $131,000

DNP – Anesthesia: $144,000

DNP – FNP: $111,450

DNP – Mental Health: $131,500

DNP – Certified Nurse Midwife: $92,000

Previously, nurse practitioners only needed a master’s in nursing for many specialized nursing positions, but this may change in the future. During 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) announced that entry-level NPS education programs would transition from an MSN to a DNP by 2025.

Although DNP coursework is more rigorous and the degree takes longer to complete as compared to a master’s program, you’ll have access to a variety of advanced practice roles, such as the following:

• Nurse practitioner.
A nurse practitioner is trained to evaluate, diagnose and order medical tests. You may prescribe medications or create a course of treatment for patients. Your abilities will vary based on states, but many NPs have full autonomy and practices similar to that of a physician. If you’re interested in becoming an NP, explore these online NP programs and find out what it takes to become one.
• Clinical nurse specialist.
A clinical nurse specialist is an expert in his or her field and has specialized training. This may include serving in a specific area, such as women’s health or pediatrics, or it can mean serving in a type of setting, such as emergency room care or critical care.
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist.
A CRNA is a more advanced nursing practice that focuses on administering anesthesiology to patients. Work may include monitoring patients while receiving or recovering from anesthesia.
• Certified nurse midwife.
A certified nurse midwife is a specialist in reproductive health and child-bearing. Attending births, assisting with family planning and patient education are typical tasks of the CNM. A variety of work settings are possible, such as working in a hospital, private practice or clinical practice.

For current MSN NPs, a Doctorate in Nursing Practice will not be mandated; however, pursuing one would help to bridge their skills in systems, leadership and quality improvement.

The DNP program is an advanced degree that calls for intensive work and clinical experience. These programs typically include clinical work and incorporate specialty work and curriculum in specific areas. For example, a DNP student planning to work in the area of pediatrics would select a program that includes the ability to specialize and practice in this area.

Nurses earn a national NP certification but may also decide to select a certification that reflects their area of expertise, such as mental health or pediatrics. These certifications come from specific organizations. For example, certification for pediatrics comes from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Certification typically requires that you have completed the necessary clinical work, met academic requirements and passed an examination.

DNP programs may accept a student with a bachelor’s degree in nursing; however, most will require a master’s degree as part of the program requirements. Students possessing a BSN typically take three to six years to complete the course of study to earn a DNP.

Nurses who already hold an MSN may complete a program in as little as 18 months to 2 years. The curriculum is typically focused on leadership skills, advanced clinical skills, areas of specialty and nursing philosophy.