There is always a scope for improvement in terms of education when you are trying to excel in your career. Nursing is one such field where your learning curve is always moving forward. As doctoral degrees become more and more common for nurses across the country, there is some confusion because of the different paths you can take to receive your doctorate in the field of nursing. The two most popular options among nursing students are a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or a PhD in nursing.
With more and more people find themselves entangled in the PhD vs DNP debate in terms of higher education, it is impossible to make a decision without acquainting yourself with the key features of both the degrees.
If you are looking to gain a better understanding of a PhD vs DNP degree in nursing, this brief primer can be very helpful in guiding you through the basics.
PhD in Nursing
The other path that you can adapt to upgrade your knowledge in the nursing field is a doctorate (PhD) in nursing. This route is vastly different from a DNP, as a PhD is much more research oriented. This is tailored for nurse scientists and not just practicing nurses. The emphasis is on developing new knowledge that will help others in the scientific and practical aspects of nursing. On finishing your PhD in nursing, you are more likely to lead research teams in the field and carry out in-depth research and analysis of the different aspects of nursing. This can include the trajectory of some particular illnesses or the development of specific care systems that are an improvement on the existing ones.
Average Time It Takes to Complete
The composition of a PhD program in the field of nursing is vastly different from the composition of a DNP program, which also means that the time required to complete a PhD is different. As this is more research heavy, an average person takes between four to six years to earn a doctorate in nursing. You cannot complete all the elements of a PhD in two years, which is a possibility with the DNP degree.
Requirements to Enroll
The requirements for enrollment in a PhD program are also different. If you have finished your master’s degree, the path may be more straightforward. However, if you are applying directly after your bachelor’s degree in nursing, you may need to fulfill all the requirements of a master’s degree during the course of the program, which can make it longer. A PhD in nursing does not require any dedicated clinical hours.
Average Cost
It is difficult to ascertain an average cost for completing a PhD in nursing as the tuition fee differs from institution to institution. It will also depend on the amount of time you need to complete the degree. The tuition cost can stand between $30,000 and $80,000, but many universities and colleges may choose to waive some part of the tuition fee and also provide stipends for positions on campus to their PhD students.
Average Salaries
The average salary for a student with a PhD in nursing is about $100,000, but it may differ on the basis of profile and years of experience.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The main aim of a DNP degree is to create more efficient leaders in the field of nursing and interdisciplinary healthcare. This is done by giving students access to all the tools that they need to excel in the realm and aid them as they develop the right skills to translate research findings into practical application. This degree is aimed at equipping students to improve the overall system of healthcare by putting together better practices and influencing the narrative across the profession. As a DNP has a broader practical aspect, you will be required to finish a set number of clinical hours, which differ from program to program and institution to institution.
Average Time It Takes to Complete
As you may need anywhere between 60 to 95 credits to successfully complete a DNP program, in addition to the clinical work that can sometimes go up to 1000 hours, a DNP can take between two to four years to complete. A lot of this depends on the program that you choose and whether it is full-time or part-time. In case of full-time DNP programs, students can complete the degree in less than two years in some cases. Part time programs may take much longer.
Requirements to Enroll
The requirements for a DNP degree vary on the basis of the program, the institution and the level of education that you have achieved. If you are applying after the completion of your bachelor’s degree – which is only acceptable at some institutions – your requirements will be different from a student with a master’s degree. Some amount of work experience may be required, along with a good GPA and academic record.
Average Cost
The cost of completing a DNP program – in terms of the tuition fee and not living expenses – differs on the basis of the institution that you choose to attend. While some programs may have a tuition fee closer to the $15,000 mark, the average is usually around $30,000, going up even further in private institutions.
Average Salaries
While a nurse may be to draw a salary between $60,000 and $70,000, you stand to earn exponentially more after the completion of your DNP degree. According to PayScale, a DNP graduate earns and average of over $100,000 every year, with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) earning the most. The salary may increase more with years of experience, but the positions will be in the realm of practice and not always academia, where a PhD can guarantee better salaries.
Conclusion
If you still find yourself dealing with the PhD vs DNP dilemma, there is one question that may help you reach the best decision – do you want to be more involved in research or practical application? If research is your pick, a PhD will be more suitable, while a DNP is a better option for nurses who want to continue practicing in the field.