Hello, my name is Trinity. Welcome to my site about continuing education. When I took continuing education classes with my mom, I was geared up to learn new crafting skills and techniques. We took a series of classes exploring each type of craft material and skillset. I learned how to work with textiles, glass, metal and clay during our time in the classes. I also went back to learn practice skills about cooking and finances. I will use this site to help you understand how to select and attend continuing education courses. By doing so, hopefully you can satisfy your curiosity and desire to keep learning.
Advanced nursing degrees are an opportunity for registered nurses to find career advancement as well as increased responsibility and the resulting increased salaries within their chosen career. Until fairly recently, the only option available for degree advancement to Master Prepared nurses was a PhD in nursing, which typically also requires an advanced certificate. However, there are now two options: a PhD and a doctor of nursing practice or DNP degree. So what's the difference between the two?
Application
Both the PhD and the DNP are terminal degrees. Neither degree is more advanced than the other. Additionally, both degree holders are allowed to work as nurse practitioners. The biggest difference between the two equally advanced degrees is how they will be applied in the workplace. Typically, those who choose to earn a PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy) tend to focus on research-based careers, those that offer the chance to focus on the science or study of nursing. Graduates of these programs might choose to engage in scholarly work like conducting independent research to further the field.
Those who choose to earn a Doctorate of Nursing or DNP degree tend to place their focus on the practice of nursing as well as administrative work. They focus on improving patient outcomes through implementation of research in the field. It can be thought of in terms of translating the research as opposed to conducting the research.
Education
The process of earning these two degrees also differs. A DNP curriculum focuses on translating research into the practice, as mentioned above, but it also addresses issues like healthcare policy, effective leadership, administration, and transforming healthcare systems. A PhD curriculum focuses on research methodologies, the philosophy of science and theory, data analysis, and systems of care. Additionally, the DNP always requires clinical hours while the PhD program may require none.
Employment Options
The employment options also differ between the two degrees. Someone who earns a DNP degree would be eligible for positions of leadership in nursing, such as management or healthcare administration. Government positions might also be an option for a DNP earner. The AACN, or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, reports that there is increasing demand for advanced practice registered nurses or APRNs and an increasing need for regulation of the standardization of education. The DNP is serving in that role. On the other hand, someone with a nursing PhD would typically find employment as a nursing researcher in academia, in health policy positions, and in nurse faculty positions.
Share21 October 2019
