If you're exploring a career in advanced nursing, you've probably come across the terms Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). What is a DNP vs NP? Simply put, one is a job, and the other is a degree. 

That said, there's still a lot to understand about what an NP does and why a DNP degree might help you get a competitive advantage in the surging health care field.

What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

A Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who can perform many basic health care functions. NPs might be the first line of defense for standard illnesses or check-ups at the doctor's office. 

What specifically does a Nurse Practitioner do? Duties include diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and creating treatment plans. In some states, NPs can run their own practice. NPs can specialize in fields like family medicine, pediatrics, mental health, and acute care. 

If you're considering becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP), you're not alone—and I don't mean that as a cliche. This occupation has the highest anticipated growth rate in the health care sector over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 40% growth through 2033. 

To become an NP, the current minimum education requirements are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). However, a push has been underway to require a DNP for all NPs starting in 2025. 

Will Nurse Practitioners be Required to Get a DNP? 

The National Academy of Medicine (Institute of Medicine), the Joint Commission, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are pushing for the changes for some of the following reasons: 

  • Expanding Medical Knowledge: The amount of information nurses need to know keeps growing, requiring more advanced education. 
  • Complex Patient Care: Patients are living longer with chronic illnesses, making care more challenging.
  • Patient Safety Concerns: Improving care quality and reducing medical errors is a national priority.
  • Nursing Shortage: With fewer nurses available and a growing demand, the profession needs highly trained leaders who can oversee and improve patient care.  

"In the State of Doctor of Nursing Practice Education in 2022, NP graduates, health system administrators, and academic leaders recognize that the skillset of the DNP graduate supports the broad and multifaceted needs of the modern health care system."                                              - Reaffirming the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree: Entry to Nurse Practitioner Practice by 2025

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?

The DNP is what's called a terminal degree, meaning the highest level of clinical training possible. It also offers education in leadership and policy. Beyond the MSN, expect about 3-4 years of additional education. 

Those who pursue a DNP can range from NPs, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Midwives. Then, there's the potential for leadership in education, public health sectors, and public policy.

The DNP differs from the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). Those who get a PhD will focus on research and creating new concepts and treatments, while the DNP will implement new research and provide leadership in a clinical setting. 

What is the Difference Between a DNP and an MD?

You might wonder if a DNP can diagnose and treat patients, similar to a doctor, why not go for a Doctor of Medicine (MD)? 

Education Focus

An MD focuses on disease-centered care in medical school. Nurse Practitioners in a DNP program emphasize patient-centered care. 

Let's use a patient with chest pain as an example. The DNP assesses their lifestyle, diet, and stress levels, stabilizes their symptoms, and educates them on heart disease prevention while coordinating follow-up care. 

An MD focuses on immediate diagnosis and treatment, ordering tests like an EKG, prescribing medication, and determining if emergency intervention is needed.

Length of Training

While both an MD and a DNP require doctorate-level education, the MDs must do an additional three to seven years of residency. Those with a DNP can work as an NP while still earning a higher degree or go right to work after the degree is obtained.

Lower Cost of Education

DNP programs generally cost less than medical school and don’t require expensive residency years with lower-paying positions.

By comparison, tuition for a DNP will be in the ballpark of $40,000-$70,000. An MD student can expect to pay between $268,500 and $363,800 for medical school.

How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make? 

The BLS offers great insight into salary expectations for future Nurse Practitioners. In 2023, the median salary was $129,480. That's about $62.25 per hour.

California, Nevada, and Washington are the top-paying states for NPs, with an average salary between $145,400 and $161,540. The highest-paying metro areas are in California, in places like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Salinas. Earning potential there reaches $191,250.

The top five paying industries for NPs include:

  • Home Health Care
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Business, Professional, Labor, Political, or Other Organizations
  • Grantmaking and Giving Services
  • Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals

Which Path is Right for You?

Nurse Practitioners are in demand, and the DNP path offers great career options. If you want to jump into patient care quickly, an MSN is enough to get started for now. If you see yourself in leadership, teaching, or policy, a DNP could be worth the extra time and effort. Plus, it might be mandatory soon. 

Either way, you’re stepping into a career with strong growth, solid pay, and the chance to make a real difference in health care. 

The decision comes down to what excites you most about the future of nursing. Take our Health Care Career Quiz to see what side of the nursing field is ideal for your skills and goals.