The Doctoral Degree Timeline
Applying to Doctorate Programs
In order to apply to a DNP program, students must hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Schools who accept those with only a bachelor’s degree tailor the course load and degree requirements to fit the student’s previous educational attainment; students who hold a master’s can expect to begin more advanced coursework sooner in the program. Either way, most students will need the following information when applying to an online DNP degree program:
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Proof of registered nurse status.
All DNP programs require incoming students to provide proof of an RN license and APRN specialty certifications.
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Resume or curriculum vitae.
This complete educational and work history of the student gives the admissions committee a full picture of the student’s nursing background, especially prior clinical experience.
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GRE scores.
Although many doctoral programs in nursing do not require GRE scores, some do, so check the requirements well in advance.
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Academic transcripts.
These serve as an official record that the student has taken the necessary classes and received the prerequisite education. Most admissions offices will only accept transcripts directly from the host institutions, so applicants should check what the process entails.
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Personal statement.
Most schools have their own individualized essay prompts, but they all revolve around the student’s academic interests and why they want to get a DNP degree.
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Letters of recommendation.
Usually two or three are required, with letters from former professors or work colleagues showing the student is qualified to succeed in the DNP program.
Year 1
The first year of a DNP degree program consists primarily of foundational coursework, including classes that cover topics such as epidemiology, statistics and evidence-based practice. Depending on the program, students may also begin working on their clinical experience requirements and capstone projects.
Year 2
This will be the final year for students entering a DNP program with a master’s degree. A rigorous course load expands to include elective courses that are relevant to the student’s chosen concentration. Students will also work on their capstone project. For those entering a DNP program with a bachelor’s degree, there will be more core coursework, with only a few electives.
Years 3 and 4
These years only apply to students who began their DNP education with a bachelor’s degree. During the last two years, these students will complete their capstone projects, continue with clinical experience, and take the bulk of their electives.
Testing and Graduation Requirements
In addition to coursework, students in most DNP programs must complete a capstone project, as well as fulfill clinical experience requirements, before graduation.
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Capstone project.
Most DNP programs require students to undertake a scholarly project that demonstrates their understanding of concepts and experiences learned from clinical experience and program coursework. Work on the capstone project usually takes place over two years.
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Clinical experience.
DNP degree-granting institutions partner with local medical facilities to allow students to take information and theories learned in class and apply them in a clinical setting.
Routes to a Doctorate Degree
There are two primary routes to an online doctorate degree in nursing—the PhD and DNP—with each having unique characteristics. Students may review the focus and requirements of these distinct degrees to determine which is best-suited for entering a particular profession or nursing avenue.
PhD in NursingTheory is the underpinning of a PhD in nursing, and thus is ideal for those who would like to end up in an academic or research setting. For becoming a professor of nursing or conducting medical research, the PhD is probably the best choice.
Doctor of Nursing PracticeFor nurses who want the hands-on work of treating patients, the DNP is the appropriate route. With its focus on practical knowledge and skills, DNP graduates are qualified to work in clinical settings such as hospitals, rather than a classroom or lab.
For certain jobs, upon graduation of a DNP program students may need or want to obtain additional certifications showing they are proficient in a given specialty. For example, they may gain certification as an acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
The Impact of a PhD in Nursing on Salary & Career Potential
A DNP degree enhances a nurse’s career opportunities, job security, and earning potential. One of the ways the DNP does this is by allowing the nurse to specialize in a certain area on the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner. These are some of the most common concentrations for those in a DNP program.
ConcentrationsAllergy and Immunology
Allergies can be a nuisance and sometimes a life-threatening danger. Nurses who choose this concentration learn about the immunological bases of allergies and how they affect people. Certification in this field is offered by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
With their work ranging from preventive care to diagnosing chronic diseases, pediatric and child health NPs treat children from infancy through adolescence. Work settings include a variety of locations, such as doctors’ offices and hospitals.
Orthopedics
This concentration concerns the treatment of tendons, muscles and bones. Nurses who concentrate in this area will treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
As primary care providers to the elderly, much of the care provided by gerontology NPs concerns rehabilitation, hospice care and treating medical conditions predominant in the elderly, such as dementia.
Emergency
Trauma-induced injuries and emergency care are the focus of this concentration. Nurses who specialize in this field will study emergency room protocols, triage, and emergency treatment procedures.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
As primary care providers to the elderly, much of the care provided by gerontology NPs concerns rehabilitation, hospice care and treating medical conditions predominant in the elderly, such as dementia.
Whether in hospitals, private practice or substance abuse centers, psychiatric and mental health NPs provide intensive treatment, including counseling and medication administration, to patients suffering from mental illnesses or problems.
Cardiovascular
In a cardiovascular specialty, students learn about issues that affect the heart and lungs, and ways to treat those conditions. Topics of study include physiology, cardiovascular disease, and caring for recipients of heart transplants.
Women’s health NPs provide medical services to women through most stages of their lives, from the late teens to post-menopause. They may also further specialize in midwifery to provide obstetric and gynecological care.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Adult health NPs not only treat any illnesses their patients may suffer from, but also work to promote healthy lifestyles through education.
Family health NPs work with patients across the majority of their lifespan, providing preventive care, treatment of illnesses, and disease management.
Neurology
Neurology deals with the identification and treatment of illnesses as they relate to the nervous system. Nurses learn how to treat a wide variety of patients, including those suffering from the effects of strokes and brain disorders. Nurses in this field have two certifications available to them: Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) and Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN).
Women’s health NPs provide medical services to women through most stages of their lives, from the late teens to post-menopause. They may also further specialize in midwifery to provide obstetric and gynecological care.
Acute care NPs work wherever complex, intense and critical care is needed. They can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units and critical care facilities.
Getting a doctorate degree in nursing has great potential to vastly increase a nurse’s salary and earning potential. Many positions require an advanced nursing degree, and attaining either the DNP or PhD positions a nurse to expect better compensation. Following is salary information typical of various nursing specialties:
| Career | Lower 10% | Median Salary | Upper 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Professor | $39,830 | $66,100 | $107,080 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $68,830 | $95,350 | $131,050 |
| Nurse Midwife | $65,940 | $96,970 | $129,140 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $107,240 | $132,380 | $181,860 |
| Registered Nurse | $45,880 | $66,640 | $98,880 |
Additional Resources & Links
To find out more about the nursing profession, its various specialties, and career development, students may find the following resources helpful:
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AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
The AANP is one of the premier professional membership organizations for nurse practitioners. The website contains information about financial aid opportunities for nursing students.
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American Association of Colleges of Nursing
The AACN establishes standards for nursing education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
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American Nurses Association
The ANA is the exclusive professional membership organization for registered nurses.
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DiscoverNursing.com
This is a comprehensive source of information regarding the nursing profession in the United States. From financial aid to statistics to advice, this site has plenty of information for those interested in nursing.
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Doctors of Nursing Practice
Comprised of advanced practice nurses, the organization’s goal is to promote the DNP degree and the nursing profession in order to enhance the overall care of patients.
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HRSA: Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
This program is designed to encourage registered nurses to work at medical locations with nursing shortages. In return, nurses receive partial payment of their student loans.
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National Student Nurses’ Association
This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping nursing students at all levels achieve their professional goals.