As a nurse looking to advance your career, you may consider a doctoral degree. But what exactly is a doctorate in nursing, and how do you know if it’s the right path for you? 

There are two main types of nursing doctorates: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). While both are prestigious, they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one depends on your career goals and interests. This guide will help you understand the differences and decide which path best suits you.

What Is a Doctorate in Nursing?

A doctorate in nursing is an advanced degree designed for nurses who want to advance their careers. Whether interested in improving patient outcomes, leading health care organizations, or conducting groundbreaking research, earning a doctorate can open doors to new opportunities.

Many nurses pursue a doctoral degree to expand their expertise, increase their earning potential, or contribute to the nursing profession in a meaningful way. However, not all nursing doctorates are the same. Some, like the DNP, focus on applying research to practice, while others, like the PhD, focus on generating new knowledge through research. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when choosing the best path for your future.

Types of Nursing Doctorates: DNP vs. PhD

Both DNP and PhD help prepare nurses for more advanced roles and can be a significant next step in your nursing career. The two programs differ significantly in focus and career outcomes, so it's essential to understand which degree best aligns with your goals.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focuses on clinical practice, leadership, and health care improvement. This degree suits nurses who want to work in clinical settings, lead teams, and implement research-based practices to enhance patient care. Common careers for DNP graduates include Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Health Care Administrators, and Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs). 

The curriculum typically includes courses in evidence-based practice, leadership, quality improvement, and health care policy. Instead of a dissertation, DNP students usually complete a capstone project that applies research to solve real-world clinical challenges. Most programs take about 2-4 years to complete.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is research-focused. It is designed for nurses interested in conducting studies, teaching at the university level, and shaping health care policy through research and scholarship. PhD graduates often pursue careers as nursing professors, medical researchers, policy advisors, or consultants. 

The curriculum is heavily focused on research methodologies, statistics, and theory development. Unlike the DNP, PhD students must complete a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the nursing field. The program length varies but typically takes 3-5 years to complete.

Who Should Choose a DNP?

A DNP is the best choice if you want to work in clinical settings while taking on leadership roles and improving health care systems. This degree equips you with advanced skills for applying research findings to real-world practice, enhancing patient care, and driving innovation in nursing. 

A friend of mine who completed a DNP commented that it has not only improved her salary but also her job satisfaction. Many nurses with a DNP enjoy taking on the extra responsibility, recognition, and increase in pay. 

Common reasons to choose a DNP include:

  • You want to continue working directly with patients while influencing care at a higher level.
  • You are interested in implementing evidence-based practices to improve health care outcomes.
  • You see yourself in leadership roles within hospitals, clinics, or health care organizations.
  • You want to advocate for policy changes that benefit patient care.

Popular career paths for DNP graduates include:

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP): Providing direct patient care at an advanced level.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Acting as an expert in a specialized area of nursing like anesthesia.
  • Health Care Administrator: Leading health care teams and improving organizational efficiency.
  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): Managing nursing departments and shaping hospital policies.

Who Should Choose a PhD in Nursing?

A PhD in Nursing is ideal for those who want to focus on research, education, and policy development. This degree prepares you to generate new knowledge, contribute to academic scholarship, and shape the future of nursing through teaching and research.

Common reasons to choose a PhD include:

  • You enjoy researching and want to contribute new insights to the nursing field.
  • You aspire to teach and mentor the next generation of nurses.
  • You are interested in influencing health care policy through evidence-based recommendations.
  • You want to publish scholarly articles, write textbooks, or serve as a consultant in the field of nursing.

Career opportunities for PhD graduates include:

  • Nursing Professor: Teaching at universities and shaping the curriculum for future nurses.
  • Medical Researcher: Conducting studies that advance nursing science and health care practices.
  • Health Care Policy Advisor: Developing policies that improve health care systems.
  • Consultant or Author: Write about best practices in nursing and influence the field through publications.

Let Your Passion and Goals Help You Decide

Both the DNP and PhD in Nursing offer rewarding opportunities for career growth, but the right choice depends on your personal and professional goals. A DNP is the way to go if you want to apply research to improve patient care and take on leadership roles in clinical settings. If you are passionate about research, education, and advancing the field through knowledge creation, a PhD will better suit your aspirations.

Is a Doctorate Degree in Nursing Your Next Step?

As a nurse, you have a wide variety of graduate degree and specialization options to choose from. Deciding how to progress in your career requires careful thought and planning. Still unsure which path to take? Try our health care career quiz to help determine what the next step in your nursing career might be.