[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]If you already have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, you may be ready to take the next step in your career and start an online DNP program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, you can work as a nurse practitioner (NP). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for NPs to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-1″]grow by an astounding 40%[/hen-ui-link] from 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs typically work with a high degree of independence to provide primary and specialty care to patients. They receive compensation commensurate with their expertise and experience, earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5/”]median annual salary of $129,480[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Doctorate in Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The DNP is a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing/”]post-master’s graduate degree[/hen-ui-link] designed for experienced registered nurses (RNs) who wish to develop more specialized skills. DNP graduates can work in direct patient care as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), manage healthcare delivery settings, improve health policy, and contribute to clinical scholarship. DNPs often work in hospitals, health clinics, or their own practices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online DNP programs typically require 30-90 credits. The total number of credits for this degree depends on your previous education credentials and work experience. Additionally, each prospective DNP must complete 1,000 clinical hours for graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical hours take place in-person at approved clinical sites, even if your program offers all other DNP requirements remotely. Required classes may include evidenced-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]Online colleges and universities[/hen-ui-link] with doctor of nurse practice programs may offer several concentrations to help you tailor your degree. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/best-nursing-careers-specialties/”]Popular specialization areas[/hen-ui-link] for learners in doctorate in nursing practice programs include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse anesthesia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]DNP vs. DNS[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctor of nursing science (DNS) focuses more heavily on medical research in nursing practice than a DNP. DNPs work with the scientific data and research that DNSs produce to help improve nursing practice and decision-making in the field. Unlike DNPs, DNS graduates usually do not work directly with patients. Instead, they often find careers with research institutions and universities. DNS degree-seekers typically need to complete dissertations for graduation, while DNPs do not.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both a DNP and Ph.D. in nursing prepare degree-holders for high-level positions, but their intended career path and training differ substantially. DNP students prepare for direct patient care and leadership or administrative roles in healthcare delivery settings. Ph.D. programs in nursing, on the other hand, prepare learners for research positions and teaching at institutions of higher education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike DNPs, students enrolled in Ph.D. in nursing studies programs do not need to complete clinicals. Additionally, Ph.D. nursing students write traditional dissertations for graduation rather than evidence-based final projects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”why-dnp”]Why Get a DNP Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The DNP allows enrollees to develop valuable skills and stand out from other nursing professionals. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/Nursing-Education-Programs/DNP-Education/”]American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-link], the DNP may soon replace the MSN as the standard for preparing students for APRN roles such as NP, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse anesthetist (CNA), and certified nurse midwife (CNM).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNP degree-holders who pursue APRN careers also earn healthy salaries. According to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/nursing-salary-report-2018″]Wolters Kluwer study from 2018[/hen-ui-link], professionals with DNPs make an average of $7,000 more per year than nurses with only master’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”admission”]DNP Degree Program Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants for doctorate of nursing practice programs [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-nurse-practitioner/”]must hold MSNs[/hen-ui-link] to apply. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-nursing/”]Individuals with BSNs[/hen-ui-link] and master’s degrees from outside fields may also qualify. Schools require incoming students to possess RN licenses and some work experience in the field. Additional requirements often include GRE scores, a 3.0 or higher GPA, and official transcripts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”how-long”]How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Nurse Practitioner Doctorate?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On average, students can expect their online NP doctorate programs to last 3-6 years. The amount of time required to earn an online nurse practitioner doctorate depends on several factors, including part-time or full-time enrollment, course availability, whether courses are individually paced or cohort-based. Enrolling in BSN-to-DNP programs or MSN-to-DNP programs will also affect the time of study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some DNP programs require students to go through the program in a cohort of fellow students who all take the same courses together. With this type of program, students have their entire program planned out with a set graduation date. However, sometimes the cohort learning approach takes longer since students can’t set their own pace.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online DNP Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students searching for DNP degrees should consider both the academic and financial components of their education. DNP learners who qualify for in-state tuition rates can usually save money in the long run.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]self-paced, asynchronous program[/hen-ui-link] can also help you finish your program more quickly and reduce expenses. Additionally, online DNP programs require in-person clinicals, [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/online-colleges/”]so location can also[/hen-ui-link] influence the overall cost of your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree-seekers should also look into programs that offer online DNP concentrations in their areas of interest. Since DNP students work closely with faculty members, they can benefit from attending programs where their research interests align with the teachers in their department.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring DNP enrollees should only attend schools that possess [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regional accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Accreditation ensures that your college or university undergoes a rigorous evaluation by a third-party organization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs should also possess programmatic accreditation from the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE/”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] or the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.acenursing.org/”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] in addition to approval by their state’s board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”paying”]Paying for Your Online DNP Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the most overwhelming aspects of pursuing your online nurse practitioner doctorate can be the cost. Doctoral students can pursue several methods to pay for their education, including [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link], scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every NP student should complete the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid [/hen-ui-link](FAFSA). The FAFSA determines student eligibility for financial aid. Students who do not fill out the FAFSA cannot apply for federal student loans, grants, and many scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs work to improve the public good, which opens up [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]additional scholarships[/hen-ui-link], grants, and other [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link] opportunities. NP doctoral students may be particularly interested in student loan forgiveness programs that benefit individuals in public service careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs may qualify for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps/lrp/”]NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program[/hen-ui-link], the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service”]Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program[/hen-ui-link], and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/perkins”]Perkins Loan Cancellation Program[/hen-ui-link]. Additionally, some workplaces offer tuition reimbursement or will pay down student loan debts for employees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of NP doctoral programs typically work as APRNs in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. They coordinate patient care and provide primary and specialty care to patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The scope of practice available to NPs varies among states, but many enjoy independence in their day-to-day duties. Working as an NP can be both stressful and rewarding for individuals who want to make a career out of helping others.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Certified Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”]$212,650[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNAs administer anesthesia and other medications to patients before, during, and after medical procedures. They may focus on a broad range of patients or specialize in subfields such as neurosurgery, pediatrics, or obstetrics. CNAs work in medical settings such as surgical centers, physicians’ offices, and outpatient care centers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Certified Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-text]: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”]$126,260[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNPs are nurse practitioners with additional training in a specialty area such as family practice, gerontology, or pediatrics. They diagnose patients, order diagnostic tests, treat chronic and acute illnesses, and educate patients. CNPs commonly work in hospitals, college campus health centers, and urban community health centers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Certified Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-text]:[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”] $129,650[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNMs play an essential role in women’s health services, especially for pregnant patients. These healthcare professionals work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to provide counseling and care for expecting mothers, from pre-conception through postpartum. CNMs often work in hospitals, birth centers, private practices, and military hospitals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About DNP Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do DNPs Get Paid More Than NPs?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. DNPs traditionally earn higher annual salaries than NPs, who possess master’s degrees. Some APRNs who only possess master’s degrees may make more than DNPs, depending on the career and location.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can a DNP Do That an NP Cannot?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals with the terminal DNP degree qualify for top jobs in the field. DNP degree-holders also have more influence on healthcare policies and qualify for administrative or leadership roles before NPs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Get a DNP Without an MSN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. DNP degree-seekers who do not already possess MSNs earn their master’s degree en route to the DNP in BSN-to-DNP programs. Some programs also accept bachelor’s degree-holders who possess master’s degrees in other fields.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a DNP Be Called a Doctor?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Anyone with a doctoral degree may use the title, including professionals with a Ph.D. or DNP. The title serves as a recognition of the DNP’s skills and training. It also builds trust between patients and DNPs in clinical settings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Timon Kaple” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,h_300,w_300,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1550866850/GoGrad.org/authors/timon-kaple.jpg” img-alt=”Timon Kaple” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Timon Kaple is a writer and ethnographer specializing in the study of music, language, and American culture. His recent work explores how people understand their daily experiences and how those beliefs influence their actions, engagement with social media, language, work, and art. He conducts ethnographic fieldwork and teaches students of all ages about music and culture. Timon also holds the Ph.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: SeventyFour | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”346,9783,257″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]