NP vs. DNP: An Overview
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who typically operates independently to manage patient care and prevent illnesses. To work as an NP, one must earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Nurse Practitioners perform many tasks similar to those of physicians, including:
- Prescribing medications
- Diagnosing health conditions
- Developing treatment strategies
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
- Documenting patient information
- Conducting patient evaluations
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Advising patients on healthy practices
What Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is an advanced credential in the nursing profession, representing one of the highest attainable degrees. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the DNP caters to nurses who prefer a practice-focused alternative to research-oriented doctoral programs.
The DNP is a degree aimed at practitioners. Nurses holding a DNP often advance into administrative or leadership roles in the healthcare sector. Although the DNP is a doctoral qualification, nurse practitioners with this credential do not gain the same level of authority as physicians.
Generally, the DNP gives nurse practitioners a competitive edge over their peers holding only master’s degrees. In the future, a DNP may become necessary for nurse practitioners to practice in the profession.
Similarities Between DNP and NP
Both NPs and DNPs are considered advanced positions, requiring a graduate degree. Additionally, both roles provide similar job opportunities. Nurses who obtain their graduate degree can pursue various advanced practice roles, such as:
- Nurse Educators
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Nurse-Midwives
These roles are specialized, and it is advisable for nurses to gain experience as registered nurses before choosing a specialization.
Differences Between DNP and NP
The main distinction between a DNP and an NP lies in their educational background; a DNP has a more advanced educational level than an NP with only a master’s degree. A DNP also opens doors to nursing leadership or educational roles in addition to advanced clinical positions. Conversely, nurse practitioners are required to specialize in specific patient care areas, such as pediatrics or women’s health.
Another difference is the required clinical hours for both positions; nurse practitioners need a minimum of 500 hours, while DNP candidates must complete at least 1,000 hours.
Salary Insights
As of 2025, the median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in the United States is approximately $126,260. This figure reflects the growing demand and recognition for NPs in the healthcare system. Source: U.S. News & World Report
For those with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, salaries can be higher, depending on the role and location. For instance, DNPs specializing as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) can earn an average annual salary of $197,760. Source: NursingProcess.org
Choosing between becoming a Nurse Practitioner and pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree depends on individual career goals, interests, and the desired scope of practice. Both paths offer rewarding opportunities to make significant impacts in patient care and the broader healthcare landscape.
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