PhD or DNP, which is true for you?

I’m very excited that I’m lower than two weeks away from starting the General Practitioner Program (DNP) at George Washington University. As I reflect on my decision to pursue a practice-focused degree, I assumed it could be helpful to share with you my journey through the decision-making process.

It has been 15 years since I accomplished my master’s degree and have become certified as an adult NP. When I began, I used to be sure that I’d proceed my studies to a PhD degree, but I had a dilemma about which field to decide on. I actually didn’t think I desired to be in an instructional role, nor did I believe I’d get essentially the most out of my years of research training, let alone the sweat and tears of a PhD. That’s why I never applied to any PhD studies. Until the recent advent of DNP programs, I had not found any PhD program to assist me in my practice and skilled development roles. “Finally… they created a Ph.D. for me!”

Boland and others within the April 2010 issue of the journal do a superb job of providing background on the history and strategy of developing DNP programs. In summary, the Physician of Nursing Practice goals to supply advanced education to clinical leaders and advanced practice nurses. Don’t worry if you happen to’re not a nurse. DNPs can fulfill a wide range of roles, including: nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse informatics. In contrast, a PhD prepares nurses for a research-focused role. In addition to clinical roles, the authors expect that DNPs may also be a necessary a part of the nursing workforce in BSN, master’s, and doctoral programs.

What worries some graduate-prepared NPs is whether or not they should return to high school. Given the expectation that latest NP graduates can have a DNP by 2015, this can be a job security issue. I remember after I began my master’s degree, there have been a couple of NPs and midwives who were certified, grandparented, and allowed to practice. However, the job market challenged them or put pressure on them to return to high school. So the logical conclusion could be if you could have 10 years or more left in your profession. Perhaps nursing has not come to terms with entering practice; nevertheless, it is obvious that our goal is to acquire a Ph.D.

Author: Karen Innocent, MS, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, CMSRN