What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced education degree awarded to nurses who have completed an academic and experiential program of study that combines scientific knowledge, evidence-based practice, and advanced clinical and systems leadership. The DNP is the highest practice-focused degree in nursing, providing a terminal degree for nurses who want to take their practice to the highest level possible.

The Core Components of a DNP Program

The core components of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program typically include a combination of theoretical coursework in population health and health systems leadership, field-based experiential learning, and applied research. DNP programs often allow students to customize their program of study based on their interests and career goals, incorporating specialty certifications and/or other certificates into their program. Typically, core curriculum includes, but is not limited to:

-Community and Public Health Nursing
-Health Systems Leadership and Management
-Healthcare Informatics and Communication
-Healthcare Policy
-Evidence-based Practice
-Nursing Research
-Advanced Concepts in Clinical Specialty Areas

Benefits of a DNP

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses to take on advanced roles in healthcare settings. Graduates of DNP programs are better equipped to assume leadership roles on organizational, systemic, and policy levels of health. Their advanced skills can provide more specialized care, more cost-effective care, better health outcomes, and more patient-centered care. A DNP also provides nurses with greater job security and opportunities for career advancement, increased autonomy, increased salary, and increased access to resources.

Conclusion

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced education degree in nursing designed to equip nurses with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to assume positions of increased responsibility, autonomy, and leadership within their organizations. The DNP provides nurses with the opportunity to apply scientific knowledge, evidence-based practice, and advanced clinical and systems leadership in order to create better health outcomes, optimize healthcare delivery, and provide cost-effective, patient-centered care.