It’s currently possible to become an NP with either a master’s degree or a doctorate degree, along with advanced clinical training, APRN board certification and an APRN license.
It can be tempting to choose a master’s degree program because it requires fewer credits. However, think carefully before you opt for a master’s over a DNP. There are many compelling reasons to choose a doctorate instead, not the least of which is the potential that credentialing requirements may change, rendering a master’s degree insufficient.4
A task force with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) invested nearly four years of research into investigating the issue of whether APRNs should be required to earn a doctorate. That culminated with a vote by the AACN’s member-affiliated schools, which endorsed the move toward a doctorate requirement.5
Currently, a DNP is not yet a requirement. However, it may become a requirement at some point in the future, possibly before aspiring NPs have even completed their master’s degree and obtained certification as an APRN.4
In addition to these reasons, it’s worth noting that MSN-prepared NPs are also trained in leadership, research and systems-level change. While DNP programs provide further focus on these areas, MSN-prepared NPs may benefit from expanding their knowledge in the specific content areas of a DNP program.
Key reasons to pursue a doctorate in nursing include:
- Quality patient outcomes: DNP programs enhance clinical skills, helping nurses deliver quality care, leading to favorable patient outcomes.5
- Nursing leadership: Nurses with an MSN focus on clinical specialties, while DNP-prepared nurses often take on leadership roles alongside patient care.3
- Furthering knowledge in the field: Terminal degree holders may initiate research to expand field of nursing.
- Academic roles: DNP-prepared nurses can transition into teaching, contributing to the education of future healthcare professionals.3
While MSN-prepared NPs are well-trained for direct patient care, pursuing a DNP can help deepen your expertise in leadership and systems change, helping to address modern healthcare challenges. It’s worth noting that it’s not necessary to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prior to pursuing a doctorate. However, some nurses do indeed decide to earn an MSN first, particularly if they have been out of academia for a while.
