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DNP vs. NP: Quick Summary
A DNP is a terminal degree representing the highest level of nursing education. The curriculum is focused on the advanced knowledge and skills training aligned with leadership roles in healthcare systems and policy. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are specialized clinicians who, at minimum, require an MSN degree to seek state licensure and certification.
- Chamberlain graduates more DNP and MSN students than any other university in the U.S.*, offering 100% doctorally prepared doctoral and master’s faculty and dedicated Practicum Commitment® support.
- Nurse practitioners deliver direct patient care with authority to diagnose, treat, and prescribe—depending on individual state regulations. DNP students who choose executive leadership and administrative specializations graduate with the advanced skills related to leading organizational change.
- Degree completion times vary: MSN-NP programs can range from as few as 2.5 years to as few as three years (depending on clinical specialization). Time to completion for a DNP program can be as few as two years for those who hold an MSN degree.
- Both offer flexible online formats plus practicum components: Chamberlain’s MSN program includes immersion events and clinical practicums; the DNP program features a five-part project and practicum.
- Career paths differ: DNP students who focus on executive leadership develop skills related to organizational and systems level practice, while NPs focus on providing direct patient care.
* based on total MSN and DNP degrees awarded in 2023-24.
| Criteria | Chamberlain DNP | Chamberlain MSN - Nurse Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Type | Terminal doctoral degree (highest nursing education level) | Master’s degree with NP specialization |
| Time to Completion | As few as two years (post-MSN) | Varies by specialization: Clinical NP tracks typically as few as 2.5 to three years |
| Total Credit Hours | 32–40 (depending on completion path) | 45–48 (depending on NP specialization; transfer credits may reduce requirements) |
| Course Format | 100% online coursework with practicum component | 100% online coursework with required in-person immersion events (two-day sessions) plus clinical practicum |
| Specialization Options | Three leadership focus areas: • Healthcare Systems Leadership • Educational Leadership • Advanced Practice Leadership | Four nurse practitioner specializations: • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) |
| Practicum Experience | Five-part practice-change project and practicum at location of choice; focus on organizational needs and quality improvement | Extensive clinical practicum hours with hands-on experience in patient care; includes two-day immersion event for skill development and two-day intensive board prep |
| Board Certification | Not required (academic degree focused) | Required national board certification exam in chosen specialty to practice as NP |
| Primary Focus | Leadership, healthcare system improvement, policy advocacy, organizational transformation, and scholarly practice | Direct patient care, clinical diagnosis and treatment, medication prescribing, health promotion, depending on individual state regulations |
| Transfer Credits | No transfer credits accepted for didactic courses; may transfer practicum hours from MSN | Maximum 6 semester credits accepted; core courses within seven years, specialty courses within five years; grade B or higher required |
| Start Dates | New cohorts every eight weeks | New cohorts every eight weeks |
| Tuition Savings* *for eligible students. All grants and scholarships are limited based on availability of funding. Chamberlain University reserves the right to change offerings at any time. | • Commitment to Completion Grant™ (up to $11,000) • DAISY Honoree Scholarship (5%) • Alumni rates (20% savings) • Partner discounts | • Commitment to Completion Grant™ (up to $9,200) • DAISY Honoree Scholarship (5%) • Alumni rates (20% savings) • Partner discounts |
As the nursing profession continues to grow and evolve, understanding the distinction between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a nurse practitioner (NP) is essential for anybody wishing to further their education or pursue a high-level role in healthcare.
In this article, we’ll highlight the key features of a DNP and an NP so you can make informed decisions about your nursing career. To begin, here’s a quick overview:
- A DNP is an academic degree—the highest level of nursing education—preparing nurses with advanced skills and knowledge in executive leadership.
- Nurse practitioner (NP) is a job title for an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides direct, hands-on care to patients. A DNP degree is not required
Let’s dive in and learn more.
What Is a DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice, like a PhD in Nursing, is a terminal degree. However, a DNP focuses on practical application of skills in the workplace rather than academic research to create new knowledge in the field. DNP programs are designed for registered nurses (RNs) who already have a master’s degree in nursing or a related field. Earning a DNP degree online typically takes two years, although it depends on the program.
Why Should I Earn My DNP?
To Gain Advanced Skills in Healthcare Leadership – As a terminal degree in nursing, the DNP provides you with training that could be applicable to healthcare systems in areas like policy development, organizational leadership, and evidence-based practice implementation.
To Prepare to Pursue Executive and Academic Career Opportunities – DNP graduates complete advanced academic study that supports organizational, administrative, and educational practice in nursing —areas that can help shape the future of nursing and healthcare delivery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 23% job growth for medical and health services managers.1
To Build on Your Advanced Practice Experience – If you're already an NP or have your MSN, the DNP allows you to expand your impact beyond the bedside while maintaining clinical credentials, combining direct care expertise with systems-level leadership in as few as two additional years.
What Will I Learn in a DNP Degree Program?
DNP curriculum is designed to expand understanding of subjects such as practice change, quality improvement and leadership—all critical components for improving patient safety and healthcare efficiency. The best nursing schools also provide relevant specializations or focus areas that align with current healthcare needs.
At Chamberlain University, which has the largest DNP program in the United States, doctoral candidates choose elective courses in one of three focus areas:
- Healthcare Systems Leadership: DNP candidates in this elective area focus on identifying problems, proposing solutions, and implementing change for healthcare systems as a whole.
- Educational Leadership This specialty’s coursework helps prepare students to improve nursing practice and patient care in various settings by designing, implementing, and evaluating educational initiatives.
- Advanced Practice Leadership: DNP candidates focus on building leadership skills and applying translational science in the direct care of various populations.
DNP programs also include a practicum component where students complete a practice-change project in partnership with their organization’s practicum location to meet its organizational needs. DNP candidates may choose a process improvement, quality improvement, or other area that positively impacts patient care.
What Can I Do With a DNP Degree?
DNP programs help prepare nurses with the skills to have a greater impact on healthcare through careers in fields such as nursing leadership, healthcare system improvement, and policy advocacy. Job roles may include:
- Chief nursing officer (CNO)
- Healthcare administrator
- Nursing school faculty or dean
- Healthcare policy expert or consultant
What Is an NP?
An NP is an APRN with specialized training, typically acquired through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a nurse practitioner specialization. Nurse practitioners specialize in specific patient populations or healthcare needs, such as family medicine, adult gerontology and psychiatric mental health. Nurse practitioners are trained and certified to provide direct patient care. They can diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medication. Depending on state laws and licensing requirements, NPs can work independently or with a physician.
Why Would I Become a Nurse Practitioner?
- To Gain Clinical Autonomy and Advanced Practice Authority – Depending on the state in which they practice, NPs can independently diagnose illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive patient care across the lifespan.
- To Enter One of the Fastest-Growing Healthcare Professions – With an exceptional 40% job growth projection through 2034, according to the BLS, nurse practitioners are in high demand to address critical healthcare access needs, especially in underserved communities.2
- To Specialize in Your Passion Area While Maintaining Flexibility – Choose from four specializations (Family, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, or Psychiatric-Mental Health) to align with your clinical interests.
How Do I Become a Nurse Practitioner?
You can take the first step toward becoming an NP by enrolling in a CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that offers nurse practitioner specializations. Admission requirements typically include having a current, active and unrestricted RN license; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or higher; and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Chamberlain’s MSN program — the No. 1 largest MSN program in the U.S. — offers four NP specializations, each designed to prepare students for specific advanced practice roles:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Focuses on comprehensive healthcare for families across the life span
- Includes 100% online coursework, in-person immersions and an on-site practicum experience
- Prepares students with the academic background for the national board certification exam to become certified as a family nurse practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Acute Care
- Focuses on caring for people with acute, chronic and clinical illnesses
- Includes clinical practicum hours
- Prepares students with the academic background for the national board certification exam to become certified as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Primary Care
- Focuses on working with patients long term to promote healthy living and manage disease
- Includes clinical practicum hours
- Prepares students with the academic background for the national board certification exam to become certified as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Prepares students to manage the mental health needs of patients across the life span
- Fully online program with on-site immersions and practicum
- Covers advanced pharmacology, psychiatric assessment, and management of psychiatric conditions
- Prepares students with the academic background for the national board certification exam to become certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
Nurses who earn an MSN in another specialization, like informatics, can also become NPs by earning a nurse practitioner graduate certificate and becoming board certified. A nurse with a DNP can also work as an NP if they have received the appropriate training in an NP specialization. Nurse practitioners must pass a national board certification exam and fulfill licensure requirements, which vary by state.
Where Can I Work as a Nurse Practitioner?
NPs are essential healthcare professionals who expand access to care, particularly in underserved communities. You’ll find NPs in settings that include:
- Family practice clinics
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Specialty practices
- Outpatient care centers
- Urgent care or retail health clinics
Build Your Future With a Chamberlain Nursing Degree
Whether you’re passionate about leading change with a DNP or providing much-needed patient care as a NP, advancing your education can help prepare you to pursue new opportunities.
Chamberlain offers a wide range of online nursing degree programs that offer knowledge and skills you can apply to your goals as a nursing professional. Chamberlain is committed to academic excellence, student success, and lifelong learning.
There are many reasons for earning a Chamberlain DNP or MSN degree online. These include:
- Rigorous curriculum
- Online coursework available 24/7, plus in-person practicum
- Flexibility to balance school with personal and professional activities
- Engaged, responsive faculty
- Financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, for those who apply and qualify.
- Dedicated advising support
- Robust network of peers and resources
Chamberlain’s DNP and MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high standards of education and professional preparation. The online DNP degree program is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
You can learn more about online nurse practitioner and DNP degree programs by calling 877.751.5783 or requesting information online. Start your online journey to earn your DNP to lead change in healthcare or become an NP to deliver compassionate, hands-on care.
Chamberlain University, an accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.
Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation provides assurance to the public and to prospective students that standards of quality have been met. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, www.ccneaccreditation.org.
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1Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Medical and Health Services Manager (job titles) | Nurse Educator (job titles)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook
By Cindy Blye
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