Want to take your nursing career to the next level? An online DNP program could help you do just that.
With an upcoming shortfall in doctors— the American Medical Colleges predicts a deficit of approximately 46,000 to 90,000 doctors—advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) will be in high demand.[footnote]http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/dnp[/footnote] From primary care to the many possible specializations, as a DNP credentialed nurse you will never be out of work.
And if you're already an Advanced Practice Nurse with an MSN degree, you're probably aware that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has recommended that the DNP degree become the minimum credential for APRN practice.
If you have a BSN and are thinking of becoming an APRN, it just makes good financial sense to go straight into a DNP degree program.
What kind of DNP degree should you get?
With the influx of nurses seeking DNP degrees, schools have been getting in gear to provide quality programs both online and on campus. Both modes of delivery have their advantages, but online programs have come a long way in recent years.
Online programs provide students the opportunity to study without leaving their jobs or other commitments. You can expect the same degree as an on-campus student, sometimes at a lower tuition. For more information, check out our list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
All good DNP programs, whether online or on campus, will provide education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership, among other key areas. Make sure to look into practicum possibilities (i.e. can you complete it at your place of work?) and any campus visit requirements before you commit.
How much money do people make with a DNP degree?
Becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the current healthcare environment pretty much guarantees steady employment for as far as statisticians can see.The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 31% job growth rate through 2024 – that's much faster than average growth.
And APRNs can expect not just steady employment, but the potential for pretty lucrative pay. The BLS puts the 2016 median pay for APRNs at $107,460 per year.
What can you do with a DNP degree?
The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing practice that offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. There are so many different kinds of DNP programs, with so many specialties, that the options are almost limitless. No matter what your particular interest, there is probably a niche with your name on it.
Depending on your chosen focus area, a DNP degree can prepare you to work as a:
Healthcare Administrator
Clinical Nurse Leader
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anaesthetist
Nurse Midwife
What are the requirements for a DNP degree?
DNP programs vary widely, but all programs on our ranking will equip you with both the best research and real-world experiences. Unlike the research-intensive DNS degree, the DNP is a practice-focused doctoral program that stresses the application of research findings. That means that a practicum or capstone project is an important part of DNP programs.
There are many pathways to the DNP degree, with some schools offering a BSN-DNP or an MSN-DNP program. All programs will require that you have a BSN degree at a minimum, as well as an up-to-date RN licensure. Some schools require a year or more of practice in your field.
What are the best DNP degrees?
Because of the demand for DNP credentialed APRNs, there are a lot of programs out there. We've found the top 25, and laid them out for you in an easily digestible format. Our research methodology takes into consideration institutional reputation, return on investment, and student satisfaction.
We weigh criteria like reputation scores, tuition costs, early career earnings, and peer assessments from a variety of sources to come up with a composite score that reflects academic excellence and the probable return on your tuition dollar.
We hope this College Choice ranking helps you in your search for the best DNP Program!
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
