Topic Question: Compare and contrast a DNP vs PhD degree attainment for APRNs.
There are two different types of doctorate degrees in nursing. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is more research-based, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is more practice-based (Slyer & Levin, 2012). According to Duke University (2022), a Ph.D. is more research-based and focused on preparing research, conducting independent research, and disseminating findings. In contrast, a DNP is a practice doctorate focusing on skillsets necessary to assess and implement the various studies, evaluate the impact of research, and make changes required to improve the overall quality of patient care (DNP-PhD Comparison, 2022). The DNP and Ph.D. in nursing are the highest you can go academically. Both degrees demonstrate a high level of expertise within the respective fields and are terminal degrees in nursing practice.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
There are currently 357 DNP programs nationwide, and an additional 106 new programs are currently in the planning stages (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). DNP programs are available in all 50 states, and the states with the most programs include Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York, (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). The number of students enrolled in DNP programs and DNP graduates increases each year (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). In 2004, AACN voted to endorse the Positive Statement of the Practice Doctorate in Nursing (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). This meant changing the current level of preparation needed for advanced nursing practice from a master’s degree to the doctorate level. According to the AACN (2022), DNP-prepared nurses are ready to implement the science developed by Ph.D. nurse researchers or other research-focused nursing doctorates. DNP curriculum is based on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership within healthcare (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). A DNP graduate can offer much valuable input as their clinician role provides a unique perspective on evidence-based practice because they deal directly with patients and give feedback and even ways to improve specific practices within the clinic setting.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Many nurses underestimate the value of research in practice (Slyer & Levin, 2012). The goal of a study is to improve the nursing profession at both the local and global levels. Many nurses with Ph.D. can conduct and even design their scientific research to advance the nursing profession. A Ph.D. prepared nurse can hold various jobs, such as a researcher or nurse educator. According to the RN Organization (2022), a Ph.D. prepared nurse can identify a research question, design, generate concepts, theories, and models to advance nursing science and practice, and conduct scientific research in collaboration with other researchers. They can also decipher scientific data and publish reports detailing significant findings and write grant proposals to fund various research (Registered Nursing Organization, 2022). Although Ph.D. in nursing is more research-based and less direct patient care, they can be a significant contributing factor to solutions for improving health outcomes and how nurses operate.
Health Policy and Roles of DNP and Ph.D. prepared Advanced Practice Nurses
There are numerous ways both a DNP and Ph.D. prepared APRN can influence healthcare policy agendas and take an essential role in transforming healthcare for the better. As doctorate-prepared APRNs, they are viewed as the subject matter experts and have a sense of credibility in the public eye. Doctorate-prepared APRNs are specially equipped to identify healthcare issues and bring those issues to the public and legislature. APRNs can partake in many roles in influencing healthcare policies, such as coalition building, policy interventions, and legislation evaluation (DNP Organization, 2016). APRNs must continue to take a role in policy as it affects how APRNs can operate within a clinical setting, which directly impacts overall patient care and satisfaction.
Questions for Peers
1. What was the deciding factor between choosing a master’s degree vs. a doctorate-level degree in advanced nurse practice?
2. Do you agree with the AACN endorsing a higher-level degree for advanced nurse practice?
