Question

Compare and contrast these two nursing roles. There are similarities in both education and practice of the DNP and the PhD prepared nurse, but there are also differences. I believe continuing education of any kind is valuable, but the guided focus of a doctoral program is an exceptional way to build on experience and education and leads to respected credentials

Answer 1

Both a PhD and DNP are considered terminal degrees for nurses, and both degrees demonstrate that the nurse is a clinical expert in his or her field. However, there are differences between the two.

The main difference is that a DNP is focused more on clinical practice, while a PhD is research-focused. Choosing which degree path to take is based on the career goals of the nurse.
Those who wish to expand their knowledge base and achieve a terminal degree to enhance their practice would benefit from choosing the DNP path.

Conversely, those who hope to get into education, research, and leadership would benefit from the PhD path. Nurses with a PhD use evidence-based research to develop policies and procedures and implement workflows that align with standards of care. They are especially involved with improving patient care outcomes based on research findings.

As with the differing roles of the DNP and PhD nurses, the educational curriculum differs as well. DNP students must complete a capstone project that involves identifying an issue in healthcare and proposing evidenced-based solutions. While this sounds more aligned with a PhD program, the project should pertain to their specific clinical area. Additionally, the DNP program has an immersive clinical practicum which is required to graduate.

• It takes about twice as long to earn a Ph.D. DNPs can be earned in as little as one year or full-time study while a Ph.D. takes a minimum of three years.
• DNP’s must renew their certification every five years either through examination or practice hours and continuing education hours. Ph.D. prepared nurses do not have a certification to renew other than their advanced practice degree.

Work Environments

• Ph.D. Degree:
  • Colleges & Universities
  • Research facility
  • Hospital
  • Medical laboratory
  • Government agency
• DNP Degree:
  • Universities
  • Public Health Offices
  • Hospitals
  • Specialty Practices
  • Autonomous Practices
  • Health Care Administration Settings
  • Health Care Policy Advocacy Organizations

Career Options after Graduation

• Ph.D. Degree:
  • Nursing researcher
  • Health policy positions
  • Nursing faculty positions
• DNP Degree:
  • Leadership in nursing practice
  • Management positions
  • Healthcare policy, administration, or government positions
  • Academia in practice-based nursing programs