What Can You Do With Doctorate In Nursing

A doctorate in nursing, also known as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, is the highest achievement in nursing education. DNP programs represent advanced practice education and are designed to prepare nurses to improve health system performance at the local, state and national levels. A DNP will allow you to become a nurse leader that is able to achieve new levels of understanding, expertise, and recognition. Whether you want to work as a Nurse Practitioner, become a clinical leader or affect change in an administrative capacity, a DNP will put you on the path to career advancement.

Introduction to Doctorate in Nursing

The practice of nursing has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Nurses must now take on an expanded scope of practice that includes serving as educators, researchers, and leaders within their organizations. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are designed to prepare nurses to improve health system performance at the local, state and national levels. A DNP degree will allow nurses to advance their education and practice, as well as expand their career opportunities in clinical, academic, research, and leadership roles.

Advancing Nursing Education and Practice

A doctorate in nursing, or a DNP degree, equips nurses with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s complex healthcare landscape. DNP programs focus on preparing nurses to become expert clinicians, educators, and leaders who can drive innovation and improve patient outcomes. By earning a DNP, nurses can deepen their clinical expertise, enhance their teaching abilities, and take on more advanced responsibilities within their organizations.

Expanding Career Opportunities

With a DNP degree, nurses can explore a wide range of career paths beyond traditional bedside nursing roles. DNP graduates are equipped to work as nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, nurse informaticists, nurse educators, and clinical researchers, among other positions. The versatility of a doctorate in nursing allows professionals to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact on the healthcare system.

Clinical Career Options with a Doctorate in Nursing

Many nurses choose to pursue a career in nursing because they want to provide direct patient care. For those who find a clinical career path rewarding, there are many opportunities in advanced practice roles for nurses who earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Certified Nurse Practitioners help with all aspects of patient care— including diagnosis, treatments and consultations. With a projected job growth of 43.4% by 2031 and an average salary of $111,675, the certified nurse practitioner role is a highly sought-after clinical career option for DNP-prepared nurses.

Certified Nurse-Midwife

Certified Nurse-Midwives specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. These advanced practice nurses earn an average salary of $111,134 and can expect a job growth of 11.2% by 2031, making it an attractive clinical career path for DNP graduates.

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse Anesthetists are responsible for providing pain medication (anesthesia) for patients before, during, and after surgery. With an average salary of $183,581 and a projected job growth of 13.2% by 2031, this clinical role is in high demand for DNP-prepared nurses, especially as all Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) degree programs must now include a doctoral degree.

Clinical Nurse Leader

Clinical Nurse Leaders are responsible for developing, administering and evaluating patient care at the clinical level. With an average salary of $91,715, this clinical leadership role provides an opportunity for DNP-prepared nurses to make a direct impact on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Non-Clinical Career Paths for Doctorate in Nursing

Although nursing is a career where many job opportunities are in the clinical setting, there are numerous non-clinical options available to nurses with a doctorate in nursing degree. Nurses with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can explore diverse career paths that extend beyond direct patient care, allowing them to make an impact through leadership, policy, and innovative roles.

Chief Nursing Officer

A Chief Nursing Officer is responsible for managing the overall operation of all aspects of a healthcare facility. These executive-level nurses with a DNP are key decision-makers who oversee nursing staff, develop strategic plans, and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Nursing Informatics Manager

Nursing Informatics Managers work in the interdisciplinary area of healthcare information technology, focusing on using technology to improve healthcare delivery. DNP-prepared nurses in this role leverage their clinical expertise and advanced data analysis skills to enhance patient outcomes and optimize nursing workflows.

Medical Policy Manager

Medical Policy Managers are responsible for formulating and implementing policies that meet the goals of health system administrators. Nurses with a DNP can leverage their clinical knowledge and leadership skills to shape healthcare policies, drive organizational change, and advocate for patient-centered initiatives.

Educating the Next Generation of Nurses

Nurse educators play a vital role in shaping the future of the nursing profession. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, nurses can take on essential roles in educating the next generation of healthcare providers. A DNP program provides the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to develop effective teaching strategies and curricula that prepare students for successful nursing careers.

Nursing Educator Roles

Nurse educators with a DNP degree can take on a wide range of responsibilities, including designing, implementing, and evaluating teaching methods to help nursing students develop the competencies needed in various healthcare settings. DNP-prepared nurse educators may serve as professors in nursing schools, clinical instructors, or leaders in nursing education programs. By combining their clinical expertise with advanced pedagogical training, these professionals can ensure that nursing students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

Curriculum Development and Instruction

A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree equips nurses with the expertise to play a pivotal role in nursing curriculum development and instruction. DNP-educated nurse educators can leverage their advanced knowledge to create innovative curricula that align with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. From developing evidence-based teaching methods to incorporating emerging technologies, these professionals can enhance the learning experience and prepare the next generation of nurse educators, nursing professors, and nurse educators with a DNP. By focusing on nursing curriculum development, DNP-prepared nurses can make a lasting impact on the future of the nursing profession.

Conducting Groundbreaking Research

A DNP degree also makes it possible for nurses to research new ways of treating patients and optimizing outcomes for both patients and caregivers. Clinical research nurse practitioners often partner up with other medical or academic professionals to coordinate and implement clinical studies, design research programs, choose investigation methodologies, take care of study participants, and draw valid conclusions based on empirical evidence.

Clinical Research Nurse Practitioner

Clinical research nurse practitioners play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. They work alongside physicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals to design and execute clinical research studies that explore novel treatments, therapies, and interventions. By leveraging their expertise in nursing and their advanced training from a DNP program, these professionals can make significant contributions to the field of clinical research.

Specializing in Various Medical Fields

DNP-prepared nurses can specialize in a wide range of medical fields, from oncology to infertility treatment research and new pharmacological product examination. This specialized expertise allows them to provide valuable insights and drive innovation in their chosen areas of focus. Whether they are investigating groundbreaking cancer therapies or exploring new methods for assisted reproductive technologies, these nurses play a crucial role in advancing the frontiers of medical knowledge.

what can you do with doctorate in nursing

With a doctorate in nursing, professionals can practice as psychiatric mental health nurses, family nurse practitioners, adult gerontology nurse practitioners, neonatal nurses, or psychiatric nurse practitioners, as long as they become a licensed nurse practitioner. Advanced practice nurses benefit from a higher level of autonomy when caring for patients because of their specialized skills and academic preparation.

Serving Patients at an Advanced Level

These nurses can open their own clinics and are entitled to practice without a doctor’s supervision in 23 states. The average salary for a Certified Nurse Practitioner is $111,675, and jobs for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 43.4% by 2031. Similarly, Certified Nurse-Midwives earn an average of $111,134, with job growth projected at 11.2% by 2031.

Independent Practice Opportunities

Nurse Anesthetists, who administer anesthesia to patients, earn an average salary of $183,581, with job growth expected to reach 13.2% by 2031. These advanced practice nursing roles with a DNP provide opportunities for independent practice and a higher level of autonomy in patient care.

Leading Healthcare Transformation

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree gives nurses the perspective, background, and context to push for change in the healthcare field. Many healthcare innovators with a doctorate in nursing degree have been at the forefront of driving innovation and impacting healthcare policy. DNP graduates can take on influential healthcare leadership roles, such as Chief Nursing Officer, or leverage their expertise to shape healthcare policy and innovation at the organizational, state, and national levels.

Healthcare Innovation and Policy Impact

Nurses with a DNP are uniquely positioned to identify areas for improvement and implement innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the healthcare system. Their advanced training and hands-on experience enable them to develop new models of care, spearhead the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and champion evidence-based practices that enhance patient outcomes and promote nursing innovation.

Additionally, DNP-prepared nurses can play a crucial role in influencing healthcare policy at the local, state, and national levels. Their deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and their ability to leverage data and research to drive decision-making make them invaluable assets in shaping policies that address pressing issues, such as healthcare equity, access to care, and the social determinants of health.

Salary and Job Outlook for DNP Careers

The career outlook for nurses in higher education is favorable for those with a DNP degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for post-secondary instructors will increase by 9% between 2019 and 2029. The BLS reports that nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn an average income of $117,670 per year, with job outlook expected to grow by 45% between 2019 and 2029. Additionally, medical or health services managers made a median annual salary of $104,280 in 2020 according to the BLS, with projected job growth of 32% between 2019 and 2029.

Choosing the Right DNP Program

If you’re looking to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, it’s important to carefully evaluate program offerings and choose the right fit for your career goals and learning preferences. The best DNP programs will provide the curriculum, accreditation, faculty expertise, clinical placement options, and learning format to support your professional development.

Evaluating Program Offerings

When considering online DNP programs or on-campus DNP programs, look for factors such as the program’s curriculum, accreditation, and the expertise of the faculty. Ensure the program aligns with your long-term goals, whether that’s advancing your clinical practice, transitioning into a leadership role, or pursuing research opportunities.

Online vs. On-Campus Learning

Online DNP programs can offer greater flexibility for working nurses, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. On-campus DNP programs, on the other hand, may provide more hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for in-person networking and collaboration. Consider your learning style and preferences when evaluating the best DNP programs for your needs.

Navigating the Admissions Process

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a significant investment, both financially and academically. The admissions process for a DNP program typically includes several key steps, from submitting a comprehensive application to securing financial aid and scholarships.

Application Requirements

Prospective DNP students must submit a thorough application package that often includes official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework, three professional references, a current resume or CV, a copy of their unencumbered RN license, documentation of master’s clinical hours completed, and a series of short essay questions.

The essays within the DNP application must address various topics related to the applicant’s career goals, personal and professional changes, past accomplishments, academic challenges, strengths, unique contributions, and past and present leadership roles. Applicants should ensure they thoroughly prepare these essays, as they play a crucial role in the admissions decision.

In addition, a 3-credit, graduate-level statistics course from an accredited university with a grade of B- or better is required for admission to most DNP programs. Transcripts from universities outside the applicant’s home system may need to be sent directly to the nursing school.

Funding and Financial Aid Options

Pursuing a DNP degree represents a significant financial investment, but there are several funding and financial aid options available to support students. Many nursing schools offer scholarships, grants, and loan opportunities specifically for those pursuing advanced nursing degrees.

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program, for example, can forgive up to 85% of the cost of tuition and fees when earning a DNP degree. Prospective DNP students should research all available financial aid options to ensure they can successfully complete their doctoral studies.

Conclusion

A doctorate in nursing, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, can open a wide range of career paths for nurses. Whether your aspirations lie in providing advanced clinical care, educating the next generation of nurses, conducting groundbreaking research, or leading healthcare transformation, a DNP degree can help you achieve your professional goals. By evaluating program offerings, navigating the admissions process, and understanding the salary and job outlook for DNP careers, nurses can take the next step in their career advancement and make a meaningful impact on the healthcare industry.

As the nursing profession continues to evolve, the DNP is poised to become the standard for advanced practice nursing degrees, replacing many other advanced degrees like the MSN and PhD. With DNP programs now readily available in all fifty states, the opportunities for nurses to acquire this degree have expanded significantly. By completing a research-intensive curriculum and a clinical practicum, DNP-prepared nurses are equipped to become expert leaders and mentors in their field, providing invaluable expertise and guidance to newer professionals.

Ultimately, pursuing a DNP degree signifies a commitment to advancing one’s career and taking on healthcare industry leadership roles to improve patient care. With the medical research profession expected to grow by 6% by 2029 and a projected increase in demand for nurse educators due to faculty retirements, the future looks bright for DNP graduates who are poised to make a lasting impact on the nursing profession and the healthcare industry as a whole.