MSN vs DNP Degree (2024)

FAQs

MSN vs DNP Degree? ›

An MSN is a master's degree, while a DNP is a doctorate. This means that a DNP program provides more advanced education and prepares graduates for leadership positions in healthcare. While both degrees prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, a DNP degree is the terminal degree in the nursing field.

The major difference between the MSN and the DNP is that the DNP is a terminal degree in the nursing field, and it helps to prepare nurses at the highest level of their practice–especially those planning to go into leadership positions.

To enroll in a DNP program, you must have completed a BSN or MSN degree. If you don't have a BSN degree, you can't take a direct path from RN to DNP. However, unlike many other advanced degrees, Franklin's BSN to DNP program allows those holding a BSN to advance directly to a DNP without completing a master's degree.

DNPs are doctors, but are usually not called that in clinical settings to prevent confusion with MDs (medical doctors). It may be more common for DNPs, or nurse PhDs, who teach in academia to be referred to as doctors, in the same way that non-medical professors can be called doctors of their field.

Nurses who've earned their MSN can take an even more direct route to their DNP degree, which is called a Post-MS to DNP track. This more direct pathway to a DNP degree takes only two years to complete for multiple reasons. For one, nurses at the master's-level typically have years of experience in the field.

A DNP nurse can influence healthcare policies, take on administrative roles and provide clinical education for nursing programs. An NP without a DNP degree has not reached a terminal educational level that might be required for some roles.

Nurses with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree navigate healthcare complexities with an advanced level of knowledge and leadership skills beyond what is obtained with a master's degree in nursing (MSN). For these reasons, the DNP degree is becoming the requirement for entry-level advanced nursing practice.

Furthermore, a DNP might be the key to unlocking lucrative and influential leadership positions in the nursing profession. A DNP degree can open the doors to positions like a chief nursing officer or a nurse administrator that would not be available to NPs with only an MSN degree.

So how long does it take to become a DNP? Obtaining your degree is usually done over the course of two to four years, depending on your entry point (BSN or MSN) and area of specialization. On average, BSN-DNP programs typically take three to four years when studied full time.

Job security and independence: Becoming a DNP makes you a better qualified nurse in many respects, which means that you might become even more important for your employer. At the same time, having a doctoral degree might help you become more independent in your career.

What is the DNP controversy? ›

Charges Against the DNP

Ms E was charged with violating California's Business & Professions Code because of unfair business practices and false advertising. The complaint alleged that she described herself as Dr Sarah with third-party digital health care platforms such as Healthgrades and Sharecare.

Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are two post-graduate degree options for medical professionals. While an MD is suited for students who want to start their careers as doctors, a DNP is designed for registered nurses looking to advance in their careers.

Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That's in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions.

Doctoral-trained nurses earn higher salaries and enjoy more opportunities for advancement; assuring that academic achievement and specialized expertise align with better pay. Salaries for DNP nurses continue to outpace MSN nurse salaries, which motivates many nurses to earn the DNP.

According to Payscale, nurses with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree earned an average base salary of $112K as of November 2023. Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, on the other hand, earned an average salary of $102k, $10k less per year than the DNP degree.

More than 64% of today's nursing workforce is prepared at the baccalaureate and higher-degree level, but only 1.2% have a DNP degree and 0.6% a PhD, according to American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) statistics.

Nursing and medicine are distinct health disciplines that prepare clinicians to assume different roles and meet different practice expectations. DNP programs will prepare nurses for the highest level of nursing practice.

While nurse practitioners are intelligent, capable, and contribute much to our healthcare system, they are not physicians and lack the same training and knowledge base. They should not identify themselves as “doctors” despite having a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.

You could choose to return to pursue a nursing PhD, but a PhD is the same degree level as a DNP degree. Unlike a PhD which focuses on research, students pursuing a DNP degree receive additional education in evidence-based practice methods, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other areas.

One of the most common graduate degrees pursued by aspiring nurse practitioners is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which is really going to be the lowest level of education you can complete and work as an NP.