Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) vs. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

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 for leadership roles, healthcare system improvements and advanced clinical positions.
• An NP is a job title for an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides direct, hands-on care to patients.

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 clinical practice rather than research. 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.

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 outcomes 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 something else that positively impacts patient care outcomes.

What Can I Do With a DNP Degree?

DNP programs help prepare nurses 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.

How Do I Become a Nurse Practitioner?

You can take the first step toward becoming an NP by enrolling in an 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 — ranked No. 1 by enrollments 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 all ages, body systems and diseases
• Includes 100% online coursework, in-person weekends and an on-site practicum experience
• Prepares students 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 extensive clinical practicum hours and laboratory work
• Prepares students 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 extensive clinical practicum hours and laboratory work
• Prepares students 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 lifespan
• Fully online program with on-site lab and clinical hours
• Covers advanced pharmacology, psychiatric assessment and management of psychiatric conditions
• Prepares students 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 that specialty. 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
• 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.
• Personalized 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 130 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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By Cindy Blye