Comparing the PhD & DNP
PhD or DNP?
Comparison of the Nursing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs and degrees
|
Doctor of Nursing Practice |
PhD in Nursing |
Degree |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), major in Nursing |
Program objective |
Prepares nurse specialists at the highest level of advanced nursing practice |
Prepares researchers to build the science and knowledge base for nursing practice |
Focus of graduate |
Engages in advanced nursing practice; |
Advances the body of nursing knowledge through conducting and disseminating research; |
Curricular focus |
Advanced clinical/specialty practice; |
Methods and theories to guide research;
|
Competencies |
See AACN Essentials of the DNP (2006) |
See Indicators of Quality in Research-focused Doctoral Programs in Nursing (2001) |
Program faculty |
Practice doctorate and/or expertise in specialty area; |
Research doctorate in nursing or related field; |
Program requirements |
Graduate level coursework; clinical/specialty competencies in advanced nursing practice; writing scholarly project (~35-45 credits with MS degree; ~55-90 with BSN or equivalent).1000 clinical hour requirement (included in credits) |
Graduate level coursework, preliminary exams, writing dissertation (~60-70 credits including ~20 dissertation credits). No clinical hour requirements. |
Major scholarly project product |
Development and implementation of evidence-based project to advance organizational or systems level change |
Original research project (dissertation) that makes a significant contribution to the science of nursing. |
Types of positions after graduation |
Advanced practice nurse in a variety of health care settings; |
Research scientist in a variety of settings; |