What Is a DNP Degree?
DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice — the terminal practice degree in nursing. This guide covers what a DNP is, what careers it leads to, how long programs take, what they cost, and how the DNP compares to other advanced nursing credentials.
TL;DR — 3 key facts
- ✓ A DNP is the highest-level clinical nursing degree — a practice doctorate, not a research doctorate
- ✓ Common careers: FNP, PMHNP, CRNA, CNM, CNO, nursing faculty, health systems leadership
- ✓ Takes 18–24 months (post-MSN) or 36–48 months (BSN-to-DNP). Costs $18K–$80K+ depending on program
What Does DNP Stand For?
DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. It is the terminal degree for the clinical nursing profession — meaning it is the highest credential a clinically-oriented nurse can earn. The DNP is a practice doctorate, which distinguishes it from the PhD in nursing, a research doctorate focused on generating original scientific knowledge.
The DNP was formally recommended as the standard for advanced nursing practice entry by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) starting in 2004. Since then, the number of DNP programs in the US has grown from fewer than 20 to over 400, and the number of DNP-prepared nurses has exceeded 50,000.
DNP vs MSN: Key Differences
| Factor | MSN | DNP |
|---|---|---|
| Degree level | Master's | Doctoral |
| Credential | MSN + NP certification | DNP + NP certification |
| Duration from BSN | 24–36 months | 36–48 months |
| Clinical practice | Yes — entry to NP practice | Yes — highest level |
| Research | Applied focus | Evidence translation focus |
| Faculty qualification | Community colleges, some universities | Preferred at research universities |
| Leadership roles | Department, unit-level | Health system, executive, CNO |
| Required for NP? | Yes (in most states) | No (but increasingly preferred) |
What Can You Do With a DNP?
DNP-prepared nurses work across clinical practice, systems leadership, health policy, and academia. The most common roles include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) — primary care across the lifespan. Find FNP programs →
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP) — mental health assessment, therapy, psychopharmacology. Find PMHNP programs →
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) — anesthesia care, the highest-paid NP specialty. Find CRNA programs →
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) — women's health, pregnancy, and birth care.
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) — hospital and health system nursing leadership executive.
- Nursing Faculty — preferred at research universities and DNP-granting programs.
- Health Policy — roles at state health departments, federal agencies, and advocacy organizations.
How Long Does a DNP Take?
Program length depends on your entry point and enrollment pace:
- BSN-to-DNP (full-time): 36–48 months
- BSN-to-DNP (part-time): 4–6 years
- Post-master's DNP (full-time): 18–24 months
- Post-master's DNP (part-time): 2–3 years
Clinical immersion requirements and the scholarly capstone project often determine the minimum program length regardless of credit count. CRNA-track programs typically have the longest mandatory residency requirements.
Compare BSN-to-DNP programs → · Compare post-master's DNP programs →
How Much Does a DNP Cost?
DNP tuition ranges widely:
- Public university, in-state: $18,000–$35,000 total
- Public university, out-of-state: $30,000–$55,000 total
- Private university: $45,000–$80,000+ total
Financial aid options include federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, federal PLUS loans, HRSA nursing workforce scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement (common in hospital systems), and NHSC loan repayment for DNPs practicing in health shortage areas.
What Accreditation Should a DNP Program Have?
Always verify accreditation before enrolling. The two primary accreditors for DNP programs are:
- CCNE — Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/CCNE) — accredits baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
- ACEN — Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (acenursing.org) — accredits programs at all levels.
Accreditation determines your eligibility for national APRN certification exams. Non-accredited programs may not qualify graduates for licensure.
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What does DNP stand for?
Is a DNP a doctoral degree?
What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing?
What can you do with a DNP degree?
How long does a DNP program take?
How much does a DNP program cost?
Do you need a DNP to be a nurse practitioner?
What accreditation should a DNP program have?
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