Getting Your DNP in 2025: Is it Worth it for Nurse Practitioners?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Is it worth it to get a DNP as a nurse practitioner in the U.S.?

Whether it is worth it to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as a nurse practitioner in the U.S. largely depends on your career goals, financial situation, and long-term aspirations. For many NPs, the DNP provides a competitive edge by opening pathways into leadership, academia, policy, and advanced practice roles that may not be as accessible with only a master’s degree.

It also reflects a growing trend in the profession, as more healthcare systems and academic institutions seek DNP-prepared clinicians who can integrate evidence-based practice and lead improvements in patient care.

On the other hand, pursuing a DNP requires a significant investment of time, often 2 to 5 years, and tuition costs that can add up quickly. While not every position mandates a doctoral degree, the credential can provide career stability and growth in the long term, especially as the nursing profession moves toward higher educational standards.

Some students seek out easy DNP programs that offer flexible schedules or streamlined coursework, but it’s important to note that all accredited programs maintain rigorous standards to ensure quality preparation.

What’s the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing?

When considering doctoral-level nursing education, many nurse practitioners weigh the differences between a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. While both are prestigious degrees, they serve very different purposes in advancing nursing careers.

Here are the key distinctions:

• Focus of Study: A DNP is a practice-focused degree that emphasizes advanced clinical skills, leadership, and healthcare systems improvement, while a PhD is research-focused, preparing nurses to conduct original studies and generate new knowledge in the field.
• Career Outcomes: DNP graduates typically work in advanced practice, leadership, or administrative roles, whereas PhD-prepared nurses often pursue careers in academia, research, or policy development.
• Program Length: DNP programs usually take 2 to 5 years, depending on entry point (BSN or MSN), while PhD programs may take 4 to 6 years due to the research and dissertation requirements.
• Capstone vs. Dissertation: DNP students complete a practice-based project aimed at solving real-world healthcare problems, whereas PhD students produce a dissertation that contributes original research to the nursing body of knowledge.
• Impact on Practice: A DNP directly enhances patient care and healthcare delivery systems, while a PhD influences nursing practice indirectly by advancing the science and evidence base that underpins clinical care.

For some nurses, the decision also depends on comparing pathways outside of nursing. Professionals considering alternative routes to get a master's in education face similar questions about practice-focused versus research-focused programs, showing how degree type shapes both career direction and long-term goals.

How long does it usually take to earn a DNP?

The time required to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree varies depending on a nurse’s educational background. Nurses entering with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can typically complete a BSN-to-DNP program in about 3 to 4 years, while those who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can often finish in a shorter timeframe of 2 to 3 years.

This is because MSN-prepared nurses have already completed graduate-level coursework and clinical experiences, allowing them to focus directly on advanced practice, leadership, and systems-level training within the DNP curriculum.

For nurses who are RNs without a BSN, the journey to a DNP is longer, usually taking between 3.5 and 5.5 years. These students must first bridge the educational gap by completing BSN-equivalent coursework before progressing into DNP-level studies.

The exact duration for all pathways can also vary based on whether students pursue their program full-time or part-time, as well as the program’s structure and clinical hour requirements. For those seeking a faster path, accelerated DNP programs are also available, condensing coursework and clinical requirements into a more intensive but shorter timeline.

How does a DNP degree improve NP clinical practice?

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree provides nurse practitioners with advanced skills that directly enhance the quality, scope, and impact of their clinical practice. Below are key ways a DNP degree improves NP effectiveness in patient care and healthcare systems:

• Evidence-Based Care: DNP-prepared NPs are trained to translate the latest research into clinical practice, ensuring patient care is guided by the most current and effective evidence. This reduces variability in care and improves health outcomes across diverse populations.
• Advanced Clinical Decision-Making: The DNP curriculum deepens diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning skills, enabling NPs to manage complex cases with greater accuracy. This enhances their ability to provide safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care.
• Quality Improvement: DNP programs emphasize systems-level thinking and quality improvement methods, allowing NPs to identify gaps in care and implement solutions. These projects often lead to more efficient workflows and better patient satisfaction.
• Leadership in Practice: With advanced training, DNP-prepared NPs are equipped to lead interdisciplinary teams and influence clinical practice standards. Their leadership fosters collaboration and strengthens outcomes across healthcare settings.
• Population Health Impact: DNP education expands the NP’s ability to design and evaluate interventions that address population-level health issues. This broadens their role from individual patient care to improving community and public health.

What are the most popular DNP specialties for nurse practitioners?

When considering a DNP, many nurse practitioners choose to specialize in areas that align with their career goals and patient care interests. Below are some of the most popular DNP specialties, each offering unique opportunities for practice and leadership in healthcare.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

This is the most popular DNP specialty, focusing on providing primary care across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. DNP-prepared FNPs often work in clinics, private practices, or community health settings where they lead in preventative care and health promotion.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

This specialty centers on mental health care, including diagnosing and treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. With a DNP, PMHNPs can influence policy, improve access to mental health services, and integrate behavioral health into primary care.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

AGNPs are experts in managing the health of adults and older populations, including those with chronic illnesses and complex needs. A DNP provides the advanced leadership and evidence-based training necessary to improve geriatric outcomes and coordinate specialized care, while also preparing practitioners for expanded DNP job duties such as leading interdisciplinary teams and shaping healthcare policy.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

This track emphasizes the health and wellness of infants, children, and adolescents, addressing both preventive and acute care needs. DNP-prepared PNPs are leaders in pediatric advocacy, family education, and designing care models tailored to younger patients.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)

ACNPs focus on caring for patients with critical, unstable, or complex health conditions, often in hospital or trauma settings. Earning a DNP equips them with advanced skills in clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary leadership, and quality improvement in high-stakes environments.

In 2024, the number of Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates in the United States reached 12,336, reflecting the growing demand for doctoral-level nursing education. This steady increase highlights how more nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses are pursuing the DNP to strengthen their clinical expertise, expand leadership opportunities, and meet evolving healthcare system needs.

The figure also underscores a national trend toward advanced preparation, as healthcare organizations increasingly value DNP-prepared nurses for their ability to integrate evidence-based practice, lead interdisciplinary teams, and drive improvements in patient outcomes.

What are the key advantages of getting a DNP as a nurse practitioner?

Pursuing a DNP offers nurse practitioners a wide range of benefits that extend beyond traditional clinical practice. From advancing patient care to opening doors in leadership and education, the DNP equips NPs with the skills and authority to make a greater impact in healthcare.

Here are the key advantages of earning a DNP:

• Enhanced Clinical Expertise: A DNP program provides advanced training in clinical decision-making, diagnostics, and treatment strategies. This allows NPs to manage complex patient cases with greater confidence and precision.
• Leadership Opportunities: DNP-prepared NPs are qualified for leadership roles in healthcare systems, such as director, chief nursing officer, or policy advisor. These positions allow them to shape care delivery at an organizational or national level.
• Evidence-Based Practice: DNP programs emphasize applying research to real-world settings, enabling NPs to implement the most current evidence in clinical care. This improves patient outcomes and drives innovation in practice.
• Expanded Career Options: With a DNP, NPs can pursue roles in academia, administration, advanced clinical specialties, or healthcare policy. This flexibility makes the degree valuable across multiple career pathways.
• Influence on Policy: DNP-prepared nurses are equipped to advocate for healthcare policy changes that impact patient care, nursing practice, and population health. Their advanced knowledge allows them to be strong voices in legislative and regulatory discussions.
• Improved Patient Outcomes: By focusing on systems-level change and quality improvement, DNP-prepared NPs can directly influence the effectiveness and safety of patient care. This translates into better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Many nurses considering advanced practice often ask, “Do you need a DNP to be an NP?” The answer is no, currently, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) remains the minimum requirement to become a licensed nurse practitioner in the U.S.

However, the DNP is increasingly encouraged as the profession shifts toward higher educational standards to meet growing healthcare complexities. While not mandatory, earning a DNP can provide long-term advantages, including stronger leadership opportunities, expanded clinical expertise, and future-proofing your career if requirements change.

Can a DNP lead to better NP salary growth?

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree can often contribute to better salary growth for nurse practitioners over the course of their careers. While entry-level nurse practitioners with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and those with a DNP may start with similar salaries in some settings, the long-term potential for DNP-prepared NPs is generally higher.

This is because the DNP equips nurses with advanced clinical, leadership, and systems-based skills that position them for higher-paying roles in management, education, policy, and specialized practice areas.

According to recent data, the average salary for DNP-prepared nurse practitioners is $129,643, which reflects their enhanced qualifications and the value healthcare systems place on advanced training.

In addition to higher earning potential, DNP-prepared NPs may also see more consistent salary growth as they advance into leadership or administrative positions that require a doctoral degree. Ultimately, while salary depends on several variables, earning a DNP can open doors to roles with both higher compensation and greater career stability.

Some of the factors that also affect the salary for NPs are:

• Geographic Location: Salaries vary widely depending on state and region, with urban areas and states with higher costs of living often offering higher pay. Rural areas may pay less but can provide other benefits, such as loan forgiveness or incentives.
• Specialty Area: NPs in high-demand specialties such as psychiatry, acute care, or geriatrics often command higher salaries compared to general practice roles. Specialty expertise gained through a DNP can increase earning potential further.
• Years of Experience: Salary growth tends to rise with experience, and DNP-prepared NPs may see faster advancement into senior or leadership roles. Experience also enhances bargaining power when negotiating pay.
• Employment Setting: Hospitals, academic medical centers, and leadership positions often offer higher compensation than outpatient clinics or community health organizations. The DNP can help NPs qualify for these higher-paying environments.
• Leadership and Administrative Roles: A DNP makes NPs more competitive for executive or policy-related positions, which typically come with significantly higher salaries. These opportunities extend beyond traditional clinical practice.

To give perspective, healthcare pay structures can be compared to other management tracks—for instance, the average salary for customer experience manager roles is around $97,000, which shows how clinical doctorates in nursing can push compensation significantly higher than many non-clinical leadership positions.

What are the pros and cons of online versus on-campus DNP programs?

When deciding between an online or on-campus Doctor of Nursing Practice program, nurse practitioners should consider how each format aligns with their lifestyle, learning preferences, and career goals. Both pathways lead to the same degree, but the student experience and flexibility can differ significantly.

For nurses starting their graduate journey, some begin with direct entry MSN programs online, which can later serve as a stepping stone toward completing a DNP.  Here are the main pros and cons of each option:

• Flexibility and Convenience (Online): Online programs allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, making them ideal for working NPs or those with family responsibilities. This format minimizes commuting and often offers part-time options for added balance.
• Structured Learning Environment (On-Campus): On-campus programs provide set class times and face-to-face instruction, which can benefit students who thrive on routine and direct interaction with faculty. However, the fixed schedule may be less adaptable for working professionals.
• Networking Opportunities (On-Campus): Being physically present on campus fosters strong connections with professors, peers, and healthcare leaders. These in-person networks can translate into mentorship and job opportunities after graduation.
• Accessibility and Reach (Online): Online DNP programs allow students to enroll in top schools without relocating, broadening access to education regardless of geographic location. This makes them particularly appealing for nurses in rural or underserved areas.
• Clinical Placement Support (On-Campus): Traditional programs often provide more direct assistance in securing clinical placements through established partnerships. Online students may need to be more proactive in arranging local placements, though many schools now offer virtual support.
• Technology and Self-Motivation (Online): Online students must be comfortable with digital platforms and possess strong time-management skills to stay on track. The self-directed nature of online learning can be challenging for those who prefer face-to-face accountability.
• Campus Resources (On-Campus): In-person students benefit from on-campus resources such as libraries, labs, and academic support services. These resources can enrich the learning experience but require time spent on-site.

What are common funding and scholarship options for DNP programs?

Financing a DNP program can feel overwhelming, but there are multiple funding and scholarship options available to help reduce the financial burden. These opportunities come from universities, government programs, healthcare employers, and professional organizations, giving nurse practitioners several avenues to make their education more affordable.

Here are some of the most common options:

• Federal Student Loans: Many DNP students use federal loans such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Grad PLUS Loans to cover tuition and living expenses. These loans often offer income-driven repayment plans after graduation.
• Professional Nursing Organizations: Groups such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offer competitive scholarships and fellowships. These awards support DNP students who demonstrate leadership and commitment to advancing nursing practice.
• University Scholarships and Grants: Nursing schools frequently offer merit-based or need-based scholarships specifically for DNP students. These awards can significantly offset tuition costs and do not require repayment.
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP): This federal program provides funding for DNP students who plan to become nurse educators. In exchange for teaching after graduation, a portion of the loan can be forgiven.
• State and Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs: Programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and state-based loan repayment initiatives can reduce student debt. These are often available to NPs who work in underserved communities or nonprofit healthcare settings.

Some schools also participate in partnerships with specialized institutions, such as HBCU healthcare administration programs, which often bundle scholarship or fellowship opportunities with leadership training in healthcare delivery. These unique programs can be valuable resources for DNP students looking to fund their education while aligning with broader diversity and equity goals in nursing.

What job opportunities are available to nurse practitioners with a DNP?

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree expands the career opportunities available to nurse practitioners, positioning them for roles that go beyond traditional clinical practice. With advanced training in leadership, systems-based practice, and evidence-based care, DNP-prepared NPs can pursue specialized clinical tracks, administrative leadership, academic roles, and policy-focused careers.

Below are some of the most common job opportunities for NPs with a DNP, along with their scope of work.

• Family Nurse Practitioner ($127,665): FNPs provide primary care services such as diagnosing illnesses, managing chronic conditions, ordering tests, and prescribing medications. They work in settings like outpatient clinics, private practices, and federally qualified health centers.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ($141,112): PMHNPs focus on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan, including therapy and medication management. They often practice in hospitals, mental health clinics, and integrated behavioral health settings.
• Nursing Faculty/Professor ($114,489): DNP-prepared nurse practitioners can teach in nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. They may also conduct research and lead initiatives that improve nursing education and practice standards. Many find that the nurse educator salary reflects both their advanced credentials and the critical demand for qualified faculty in the field.
• Clinical Nurse Leader ($105,941): Clinical nurse leaders oversee patient care delivery within healthcare systems, ensuring quality and safety through evidence-based practices. With a DNP, they are equipped to lead interdisciplinary teams and implement system-wide improvements.
• Healthcare Executive/Administrator ($150,245): In this role, DNP-prepared NPs move into leadership positions such as chief nursing officer or director of clinical operations. They influence organizational strategy, manage large teams, and help shape healthcare policies and patient care models.

In conclusion, earning a DNP can significantly expand both the career opportunities and earning potential for nurse practitioners. Whether choosing to specialize in direct patient care, transition into academia, or advance into healthcare leadership, the DNP provides the skills and credentials to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare system.

The chart below shows how these roles differ in average salary, making it easier to visualize the diverse pathways available to DNP-prepared NPs. To highlight the scale of healthcare earnings, it’s useful to note comparisons such as what is the salary of an ER nurse, which averages around $82,000. This contrast shows how DNP-prepared NPs often command higher salaries thanks to advanced clinical and leadership training.

Here’s what graduates have to say about their DNP degrees:

Other things you should know about getting a DNP degree

How many years to break even on a DNP investment?

Breaking even on the cost of a DNP investment generally takes between 5 and 10 years, depending on tuition expenses, specialty choice, and geographic location. While not every nurse practitioner sees an immediate salary increase after earning a DNP, the degree often accelerates advancement into higher-paying leadership and specialized roles.

Factors like employer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs can shorten the break-even timeline. Ultimately, the financial payoff varies, but many NPs view the DNP as a long-term investment in career growth and stability.

How flexible are online DNP programs for NPs with families?

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are designed with flexibility in mind, making them a strong option for nurse practitioners balancing work and family responsibilities. Most programs allow students to complete coursework asynchronously, meaning lectures and assignments can be done at times that fit individual schedules.

While clinical hours still need to be arranged in person, schools often help students secure placements near their home communities. This flexibility makes it possible for many NPs to pursue doctoral studies without relocating or sacrificing family commitments.

Does earning a DNP increase leadership or management opportunities?

Yes, earning a DNP significantly increases leadership and management opportunities for nurse practitioners. The curriculum emphasizes systems-level thinking, healthcare policy, and organizational leadership, all of which prepare graduates to step into roles such as director of nursing, chief nursing officer, or academic program leader.

Employers often seek DNP-prepared NPs for positions that require advanced decision-making and the ability to oversee interdisciplinary teams. As a result, the DNP not only broadens career options but also enhances professional credibility in leadership settings.

Can you switch NP specialties during your DNP program?

Switching NP specialties during a DNP program is possible, but it often requires completing additional coursework and clinical hours. For example, an NP entering a DNP program as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who wants to move into a Psychiatric-Mental Health track would need to meet the certification requirements for that specialty.

Some schools offer post-master’s certificate options that allow NPs to change or add specialties while pursuing their DNP. However, this may extend the program timeline and increase overall costs, so careful planning is recommended before switching.