[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Program Length[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]3-4 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Credits Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]30-90 credits[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$107,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) offers the highest level of clinical nursing education and can create many new job opportunities for nurses. It takes 3-4 years to complete a DNP and an additional 30-90 credits (based on the program requirements and degree level you’ve achieved).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who pursue a DNP could earn an annual salary of $107,000 or more, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] data from July 2022. DNP specialties include nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Opportunities With an DNP[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a DNP offers many benefits for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Marketability[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those with a DNP can assume roles previously held by physicians, as our healthcare system changes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Higher Pay[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNPs in clinical practice often come with [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-paying-dnp-jobs/”]higher pay rates[/hen-ui-link] and paths for advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Leadership[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A DNP is generally employed in a leadership role within large healthcare organizations or healthcare facilities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advanced Skill Sets[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNPs will learn skills for top leadership/organizational roles in nursing. The DNP curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, improvement of outcomes, and systems leadership.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured DNP Specialties[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the highest level of clinical nursing education, DNP degrees prepare registered nurses (RNs) [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]to pursue licensure and careers as APRNs[/hen-ui-link]. Students pursuing a DNP degree can choose from [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//best-paying-dnp-jobs/”]many lucrative career options[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following section explores some of the top-paying APRN clinical practice and research paths.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse anesthetists, also called certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), administer anesthesia and ensure patient safety before and during surgery. This includes local anesthesia and general anesthesia.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$202,470[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]13% increase from 2020-2030[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]Learn More About Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These nurse practitioners work with psychiatrists in hospitals, mental health facilities, and in private practice to diagnose and treat patients suffering from mental illness and addiction.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$120,000[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]52% increase from 2020-2030[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]Learn More About Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certified Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNMs see patients and provide medical care through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum in hospitals and birthing centers. They also assist physicians with Cesarean births.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$112,830[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]11% increase from 2020-2030[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/how-to-become-a-nurse-midwife/”]Learn More About Certified Nurse Midwives[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These APRNs select a specialization in which to diagnose and treat patients, including geriatrics, critical care, oncology, and rehabilitation. They also help with preventing and managing conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$94,660[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]45% increase from 2020-2030[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]Learn More About Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Educator[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse educator instructs and mentors students pursuing degrees at all levels of nursing education. They teach students the skills required to provide safe, effective nursing care both in the classroom and in clinical practice settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$82,040[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]22% increase from 2020-2030[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]Learn More About Clinical Nurse Educators[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Will I Make With a DNP?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to Payscale, the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//average-salary-with-a-dnp-degree/”]average annual salary for DNPs[/hen-ui-link] is $107,000, a monthly salary of $8,917 or an average hourly earning rate of $52.25 per hour. The average annual [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) salary is $89,000, and the average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) yearly salary is $98,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A DNP’s salary depends on factors, such as the area of practice, certification, experience level, and geographic location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$107,000[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Monthly Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$8,917[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Hourly Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$52.25[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link], July 2022[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Earn a DNP[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn a DNP, begin by deciding which type of program best fits your personal and financial needs. Review various schools and programs and identify those that meet your personal and professional goals. Look for accredited programs that offer your specialty focus and meet your other needs, such as length and cost.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After identifying potential programs, be sure you qualify by meeting prerequisites (e.g., school transcripts and minimum GPA, RN licensure, GRE test scores, letters of recommendation and other requirements). Most programs offer an online application process.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once you are accepted into a program, secure financing by exploring options for grants, financial aid, scholarships, or loans. Finally, complete all course requirements. Note that coursework can be done online, but clinical practicum hours must be obtained in person.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of DNP Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several types of DNP programs. Selecting the best program for you depends on your personal circumstances, such as time restraints, financial budget, and current level of education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-rn-to-dnp-programs/” target=”_blank”]RN-to-DNP Programs[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]Allow nurses who do not yet have a master’s degree to earn a 65-95 credit-hour DNP in 4-6 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/” target=”_blank”]BSN-to-DNP Programs[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]Bridge programs that allow BSN graduates to receive their DNP in 3-4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-msn-to-dnp-programs/” target=”_blank”]MSN-to-DNP Programs[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]33-43 credit hour programs with at least 500 clinical practice hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/” target=”_blank”]Online DNP Programs[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]Hybrid programs that allow nurses to complete coursework online and fulfill clinical practicum requirements in person[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Admission Requirements for a DNP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNP students should expect to spend 3-4 years of full-time study. Part-time learners may take longer, but most programs allow 6-7 years for completion.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While admission criteria vary by program, nursing schools typically require:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Prerequisite Credits: [/hen-ui-text]Each applicant must hold a bachelor of science in nursing with coursework in nursing research and statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Transcripts: [/hen-ui-text]Candidates submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Application Materials: [/hen-ui-text]Most programs require personal statements, resumes, and three letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensure: [/hen-ui-text]A DNP applicant must hold an active, unencumbered RN license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA: [/hen-ui-text]DNP programs commonly require a minimum 3.0 GPA.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Test Scores: [/hen-ui-text]Most nursing schools require GRE scores.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Core Concepts of a DNP Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Core concepts of DNP programs include evidence-based advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, ethics and advocacy, leadership/management, and quality improvement in nursing care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The DNP curricula may vary by school, concentration, and state licensure requirements. Examples of common DNP courses include nursing curriculum development; epidemiology and clinical prevention; and healthcare politics, ethics, and advocacy for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical and Lab Components in an DNP Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses gain opportunities to enhance professional role development in advanced nursing practice by participating in supervised clinical settings. DNP programs concentrate on the latest evidence-based best practices to improve outcomes and increase safety and quality of nursing care in the student’s particular area of nursing specialization. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-internships-and-practicums/#:~:text=Internships%20and%20practicums%20take%20place,for%20online%20learners%2C%20their%20homes.”]Clinical practicums[/hen-ui-link] can take place in a variety of settings, including community centers, health departments, clinics, and hospitals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In clinical settings, students learn to provide leadership for multidisciplinary teams, apply theoretical knowledge to nursing practice that improves outcomes, and develop and test new evidenced-based models of nursing care.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From an Online DNP Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online DNP degree programs often include asynchronous or synchronous coursework and on-site experiential learning. Asynchronous course delivery allows students to access their course materials and recorded lectures on their own schedules. Synchronous classes mimic the on-campus experience through live, interactive webcasts. Hybrid programs combine virtual class formats with on-campus instruction.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students can interact with their classmates and professors through discussion boards and synchronous sessions. On-campus orientations or immersions typically occur, particularly in cohort-based programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Distance learners can often complete their [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]on-site clinical hours[/hen-ui-link] at their current workplaces or healthcare facilities in their home communities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Should I Get a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Deciding whether or not you should get a DNP requires much consideration. Can you make a full-time commitment to your educational pursuits? If not, is there a part-time or online program that meets your needs?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a DNP is not the best choice for every nurse, as it takes considerable time and financial commitment. There are some career paths, such as certain nurse practitioner specialties, that may be equally suited to earning an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep in mind that the AACN proposes the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/DNP-Fact-Sheet” target=”_blank”]minimum education level[/hen-ui-link] for APRNs to be elevated from an MSN to a DNP. This could result in requirements changing in the future so that nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists must hold a DNP.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses should consider their specific career goals, time availability, and their personal and family obligations when considering pursuing a DNP.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What’s the Difference Between a DNP and a Nursing Ph.D.?[/hen-ui-heading]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]DNP and Nursing Ph.D. Comparisons[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Comparison[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]DNP[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nursing Ph.D.[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Overview[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]The DNP emphasizes higher-level skills in the practice of nursing. DNPs strive to improve patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]The Ph.D. in nursing is focused on scholarly inquiry and research. A Ph.D. seeks to enlarge and further the body of nursing knowledge.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Curriculum[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]The curriculum in a DNP program centers on leadership in healthcare, evidence-based practice decisions, and advanced specialty practice nursing. Coursework covers statistics, clinical diagnosis and disease management, budget planning and admin, healthcare policy, and the transformation of our healthcare system.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]Nursing Ph.D. students study illness trajectories and the care systems we use to treat them. Ph.D. in nursing coursework includes advanced theory, research methodology, data analysis, chronic illness issues, and care systems.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Teaching Requirements[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]Teaching is optional for DNP students. A DNP candidate, however, must complete up to 1,000 clinical hours of practical experience requirements.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]Teaching is required for a nursing Ph.D., but these students do not need to participate in clinical components.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Capstone/Thesis Requirements[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]The DNP requires students to complete capstone projects. Many schools offer DNP programs online, allowing working nurses to maintain their employment.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]Nursing Ph.D. candidates are expected to complete senior thesis projects. These programs generally take place in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms and typically do not suit working students.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Employment[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison”]DNP degree-holders generally find employment in leadership in large healthcare organizations or healthcare facilities. Other roles include expert clinicians or academic positions that emphasize clinical practice and education.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”DNP”]Ph.D. degree-holders most commonly move into academic, tenure-track positions or serve in management roles conducting research.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]