Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Worth it?

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Are you interested in entering the healthcare field as a nurse? Perhaps you are already a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and you are considering how best to further your education and fast-track your career. Either way, you will surely be investigating the ins and outs of obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or a DNP.

Due to the dedication required to complete this level of education, you might be wondering if this is indeed the right path for you, or if you should be putting your efforts into a different degree, such as a Master of Science in nursing (MSN). Here are the facts that you need to know to make an informed decision.

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal degree. In short, it is the highest level of education that a nurse can receive. The other terminal degree within this field is a Ph.D. in nursing. The main difference between the two is that a Doctor of Nursing Practice relates to nursing practice and directly caring for patients while, at the same time, fulfilling various leadership roles, while a Ph.D. in nursing relates to research and innovation within the field.

It usually takes around three to four years to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and most colleges will insist that you enroll full time. The good news is that it is possible to complete your credit hours online as opposed to in-person at a specific campus. This means that you might still be able to work a limited number of shifts while you study.

On a side note, be sure to keep an eye out for those unique colleges that do make it possible for you to obtain your DNP on a part-time basis, as these are few and far between! Marymount University nursing college is a wonderful example of one these institutions.

Once you have finished your credit hours, you will be required to complete a certain number of clinical hours, usually over 1,000 in total depending on the college at which you are studying.

What are the benefits of a DNP?

A DNP-qualified nurse is sure to enjoy a variety of benefits after receiving his or her degree. Here is a breakdown:

• More employment opportunities: It goes without saying that a DNP degree is certain to look impressive on your resume. The more years of experience that you have under your belt in combination with this high level of education is practically guaranteed to open up more windows of opportunity for career growth, both in your current place of work and at numerous other healthcare institutions. You could even get involved in the world of telemedicine within the digital health space!
• Higher salaries: While MSN-qualified nurses tend to earn similar salaries to DNP-qualified nurses, DNP-qualified nurses will begin to earn more as their careers progress, and they take on additional responsibilities. For example, a DNP-qualified nurse who specializes in critical care will likely spend time seeing to the needs of patients, but also managing the entire critical care nursing team, their responsibilities, shifts, etc.
• A chance to fill a leadership position: As mentioned above, most nurses in possession of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will assume positions of leadership once they start to rack up years of work experience. This is excellent news for nurses who are blessed with natural leadership skills and want to put them to good use.
• Higher levels of respect: When you hold a terminal degree, such as a DNP, you will automatically find that your colleagues and superiors have more respect for you, your ambitions, and your abilities. This can work in your favor when it comes to fast-tracking your career advancement.
• The opportunity to specialize: Nurses who have unique strengths or who are passionate about a specific area of nursing, such as critical care or pediatrics, will be able to pursue this area of interest by studying a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

What are the DNP requirements?

The admission requirements to study a DNP will vary from college to college, so be sure to look very carefully at the requirements for each of the institutions in which you are interested. Ensure that you do so well in advance of the application submission deadline as some of the requirements may take time to complete or source.

Here is a list of the most common requirements to study a Doctor of Nursing degree:

• A BSN degree: to apply to study a DNP, you will already need to have obtained your Bachelor of Science in nursing. The good news is that most nursing colleges do not require you to obtain your Master of Science in nursing ahead of commencing your studies for your Doctor of Nursing degree.
• An above-average GPA: most colleges will insist that you have a certain GPA in order to be eligible to study towards your DNP. Usually, it will be expected that your GPA is around the 3.0 mark, although some institutions may require it to be slightly higher.
• RN license: you will need to have an unencumbered RN license which enables you to practice nursing free from any restrictions.  
• Nursing experience: it is always a good idea to get some work experience under your belt following the completion of your Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. In almost all cases, proven experience is a must before you will be able to register to study towards a DNP. Nursing colleges usually insist on a minimum of two years’ worth of nursing experience, although it can prove beneficial to have a bit more.  
• Letters of recommendation: Your letters of recommendation will play a big role in tipping the scales in your favor when applying to study a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. As such, ensure that you obtain these letters from at least two individuals who are respected within the healthcare field.
• Entrance essay: More often than not, you will be asked to submit an essay with your application. The topic of this essay will vary dramatically from institution to institution, although many request that you write about your career ambitions and why you want to advance your education with a DNP.
• Resume: Your resume will provide the college with details regarding your previous education and work experience. 

Can you study a DNP online?

Yes, you can. There are a few colleges and universities that offer online DNP courses in which you can complete the credit hours, usually amounting to approximately 70 in total, from the comfort of your home. There is no need to attend lectures on campus, although you will have to meet various deadlines for assignments and tests.

There are many benefits associated with studying a DNP online. The primary benefit is the fact that you will enjoy a greater level of flexibility when it comes to your schedule. This flexibility is wonderful news for employed nurses who wish to continue working a few shifts while they study. It is also advantageous for nurses who have children or independents to care for, as well as for nurses who reside in rural areas.

Keep in mind that while your credit hours can all be completed online; you will need to complete your clinical hours in a healthcare facility setting under the watchful eye of experienced superiors. All good quality nursing colleges will assist you with the clinical placement procedure and help you to find a suitable clinic or hospital at which to carry out the rest of your training. Most colleges will allow you to put in a special request if there is a specific healthcare facility at which you would like to be placed. Many employed nurses request that they remain at their current place of work, for obvious reasons.

How can I ensure that I choose the right college?

Obviously, it is vital that you select a respected college that can accommodate your needs. A good place to start is to double check that the DNP program in question is CCNE Accredited. You should also investigate the pass rate of previous learners to get a general idea of what to expect.

The financial aspect is another important factor to consider when choosing the right college. There is no escaping the fact that furthering your studies is a costly undertaking regardless of where you decide to do it. Having said that, you shouldn’t look at any colleges that charge more than $1,500 per credit hour. Do also keep in mind that there are often additional fees associated with your clinical hours and labs outside of the per-credit-hour expenses. That is to be expected — just be sure that you budget accordingly. So, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree worth it? Most definitely. From an increase in earning potential to better and more diverse employment opportunities, a DNP is sure to provide you with the ‘edge’ within the nursing field. Best of luck as you begin the next chapter of your career!