DNP Programs
My Degree and What It’s Good For
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a professional degree that is specifically geared toward studying the clinical aspects of nursing, and similarly to family nurse practitioners earning their master’s degree, it prepares nurses to practice independently as primary care providers. Over the years there have been many changes in healthcare and healthcare delivery. In response, nurses are needed in more advanced positions in order to provide the type of leadership and care that is demanded. Currently the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is working to transition advanced practice registered nursing programs from the graduate level (MSN) to the doctoral level (DNP).
Though nurses with their DNP and primary care physicians practice in similar roles, the certification and licensing of the two professions is very different. In the healthcare field, there are fewer and fewer physicians going into general practice and opting to specialize instead. This is leaving the field with a shortage of primary care providers. By offering DNP programs, nurse practitioners are able to practice independently and fill that void. This program typically takes about two years to complete. The major specialties of nursing practice are:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
My Earning Potential
The salary of a nurse with a DNP can vary depending on many different factors: area of specialty, locations, years of experience, type of practice, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average annual salary for registered nurses was $69,110 in 2011. This data does not factor in nurses who hold a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Advanced practice nurses can expect to bring in higher salaries with a post-graduate degree.
Online Doctorate of Nurse Practitioning Degrees
Top Online Family Nurse Practitioner Degrees
Family nurse practitioners are advanced practiced registered nurses (RN) who work closely with pediatricians and other healthcare specialists to provide care for families. Typically, an FNP will have knowledge of pediatrics and neonatal nursing. To become an FNP, a master's degree in nursing is required. The following schools all offer Master of Science in nursing degrees through online accredited programs.
![]() MSN: Family Nursing |
Georgetown University . Georgetown University's online MSN: family nurse practitioner program propels licensed registered nurses (with a BSN) to their graduate degrees in 17-24 months. Students study through a combination of live online seminars and hands-on clinical opportunities (coordinated near students' homes), also gaining all the benefits of being a Georgetown student, including access to the university's prestigious alumni network. |
![]() MSN: Nurse Administration MSN: Nurse Education |
Kaplan University . The MSN program at Kaplan University is designed for family nurses seeking to grow their leadership skills within the healthcare field. Once a candidate has completed the program, he or she will be prepared to pursue positions in administration, faculty, or staff development. Students will be challenged in this program with courses ranging from organizational theory, health care finance, human resources, amongst others that them to meet the demands of healthcare management. |
![]() MSN: Women's Nursing MSN: Nurse Midwifery |
University of Cincinnati . The Adult Nursing, Nurse Midwifery, Nurse Administration, and Women's Health Nursing programs offered by the University of Cincinnati are excellent programs for an RN seeking to expand his or her career opportunities. These programs are designed to provide and challenging and stimulating classroom environment preparing students for a wide range of careers ranging from family nursing, adult care, and prominent leadership roles. |
![]() MSN: Nurse Education RN-MSN: Nurse Education |
Capella University . The MSN in Nurse Education from Capella University prepares family nurses to educate future generations of nurses in methods that have been proven highly successful. As the demand for nurses continues to grow, the demand for instructors to teach them will also grow. The MSN in Nurse Education Bridge program allows nurses with a Bachelor degree in a field other than nursing to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing. |
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![]() MS in Midwifery |
Philadelphia University . The MS program in Midwifery is a two-year distance education program designed for registered nurses (RN) and CM Pathway applicants. This program integrates components of theory and practices and includes four terms of clinical experience and two on-campus sessions. Following completion of the program, graduates can successfully take the American Midwifery Certification Board exam to earn the credential CNM or CM. |
![]() MSN: Adult Acute Care MSN: Clinical Nursing MSN: Nurse Leadership |
Drexel University . An MSN in Adult Acute Care at Drexel University helps prepare family nurse practitioners to manage patient populations in medical, surgical, and critical care. The |
![]() MSN: Nurse Education MSN: Nurse Leadership MSN/MBA: Nurse Leadership |
Grand Canyon University . A MSN in Nurse Education from Grand Canyon University prepares family nurses that want to teach the upcoming nurses to become highly effective educators. The school also offers a MSN in Nurse Leadership. This program teaches the fundamentals of how to work in hospital administration. The MSN/MBA in Leadership prepares family nurses to take their career to the next level and land more advanced positions in the healthcare environment. |
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