A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is a terminal, practice-focused doctoral degree in nursing designed to prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, leadership, and application of research to improve patient care and healthcare systems. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare leadership rather than academic research, which is the focus of a PhD in Nursing
. Key aspects of a DNP degree include:
- It builds on prior nursing education, typically requiring a master's degree in nursing for admission, though some programs offer combined BSN-to-DNP tracks
- The curriculum includes advanced clinical training, leadership development, health policy, and systems improvement, often culminating in a practice-change project rather than a traditional research dissertation
- The DNP prepares nurses for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives, as well as leadership roles in healthcare organizations
- The degree aims to equip nurses to implement evidence-based solutions that enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery
- The DNP is increasingly becoming the required credential for advanced practice nursing roles, with some specialties mandating it for entry-level practice by the mid-2020s
In summary, a DNP is the highest clinical nursing degree focused on translating research into practice, leading healthcare teams, and improving patient care quality and safety
