What Can You Do with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice?

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko

Published: May 31, 2024

Key Takeaways

A position as a nurse widwife, clinical nurse specialist, or a nurse anesthetist are among the highest paying nursing jobs.
The key skills required for a DNP graduate include leadership, consultation, mentorship, and quality improvement.
There is a 45% increase in jobs for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) predicted by 2030.

Table of Contents

A doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree is an intensive program that requires significant time and financial commitment. So, what can you do with a doctorate of nursing practice? This blog will outline the careers you can pursue with this degree and highlight the best colleges for direct patient care, leadership, education, research, and more.

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What can you do with a Doctorate of Nursing practice?

DNP graduates are prepared for advanced roles in the healthcare sector. These jobs pay well and are key in shaping patient outcomes and healthcare policies. Here are some of the career possibilities for DNP graduates.

Career	Median Salary
Certified Nurse Practitioner	$111,680
Nurse Anesthetist	$212,650
Nurse-Midwife	$120,880
Clinical Nurse Specialist	$96,700
Chief Nursing Officer	$142,016
Nurse Informaticist	$91,288
Nurse Educators	$75,470

Nurse typing on a keyboard while talking to a doctor

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses with a broad scope of practice. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. NPs serve various patient populations, including children, adults, and the elderly. They work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community health centers.

The job growth for nurse practitioners is projected to be 38% from 2022 to 2032. This highlights a significant demand for their expertise and services.

Median salary: $111,680
Growth rate: 38% (from 2022 to 2032)

Nurse Anesthetists

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who specialize in providing anesthesia and pain management. They administer anesthesia during surgeries, ensuring patients do not feel pain during surgical procedures. CRNAs work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and dental offices.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for CRNAs was $212,650 in 2023. Starting in 2025, new CRNAs will need a doctoral degree to enter the field. This change aims to make sure nurse anesthetists have top-tier training for safe and effective care.

Median salary: $212,650
Growth rate: 40% (from 2022 to 2032)

Nurse-Midwife

Nurse-midwives offer women a full range of primary healthcare services, including gynecological exams, family planning services, prenatal care, delivering babies, and postpartum care. They play a critical role in women’s health and can provide care in hospitals, birthing centers, and at home.

Nurse-midwives earn a median annual salary of $120,880.

Median salary: $120,880
Growth rate: 6.4% (from 2022 to 2032)

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) enhance patient outcomes in healthcare settings. They provide direct patient care, offering specialized expertise in cardiology, oncology, or pediatrics. They also guide complex patient cases and drive system changes using evidence-based practices to improve safety and healthcare quality.

The median annual salary for a clinical nurse specialist is approximately $96,700. This reflects the value and expertise they bring to healthcare teams.

Median salary: $96,700
Growth rate: 6% (from 2022 to 2032)

Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) are key executives within healthcare organizations. They lead and manage the nursing staff and assure compliance with regulations. They also work to improve the quality of care while reducing costs.

CNOs need strong leadership skills to guide and motivate their teams effectively. Communication skills are vital for collaborating with other healthcare professionals and ensuring smooth operations. The average salary for CNOs, including those with DNPs, is $142,016 annually.

Median salary: $142,016
Growth rate: 28% (from 2022 to 2032)

Nurse Informaticist

Informatics specialists play a vital role in merging nursing with technology in healthcare. They manage and optimize systems like electronic health records (EHR) to enhance patient care. Additionally, they train staff on new technologies and assure compliance with privacy regulations.

Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) professionals leverage data to enhance patient outcomes. They analyze trends and patterns in patient data to identify areas for improvement. Nurse informaticists earn a median annual salary of $91,288. This reflects the growing demand for their expertise in healthcare settings.

Median salary: $91,288
Growth rate: 17% (from 2022 to 2032)

Woman wearing blue nursing scrubs, happily opening a glass door

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators have pivotal roles in shaping the future of healthcare. They teach and mentor aspiring nurses, preparing them for the profession’s challenges. Nurse educators work in universities, colleges, and healthcare facilities.

Nurse educators with a DNP degree can command lucrative salaries. The median annual salary for nurse educators is approximately $75,470. With an increasing demand for qualified educators, job security and career prospects in this field are promising. These professionals are important for meeting the continuous demand for skilled healthcare workers.

Median salary: $75,470
Growth rate: 22% (from 2022 to 2032)

What is a DNP?

DNP is a high-level degree for nurses focusing on hands-on nursing skills instead of research. Completion usually takes three to four years after a master’s degree in nursing. The program teaches students to become top-level nurses through classes, real-life practice, and a final project.

The DNP curriculum is comprehensive, encompassing several core areas.

DNP Foundations

This area encompasses advanced nursing practice and theoretical foundations for practice. It aims to improve nursing’s knowledge base to enhance practice outcomes.

Evidence-Based Practice

Research to improve practice, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes is a major focus. Emphasis is placed on designing and evaluating interventions based on scientific data.

Clinical Prevention and Healthcare Outcomes

Students learn to evaluate health risks and advocate for preventive health measures. They also analyze the impact of healthcare practices on patient outcomes.

Leadership, Policy and Interprofessional Collaboration

DNP degrees prepare for leadership roles in healthcare organizations and influence health policy. They also work with other professionals to advance health care.

DNP graduates possess advanced clinical skills. They have the leadership, health policy, and teamwork skills needed for the changing healthcare field.

What will a DNP degree prepare you for?

A DNP degree equips nurses with the highest expertise in the nursing field. Nurses with this degree are prepared to take on advanced roles in healthcare. They learn key skills for leading healthcare teams and improving patient outcomes.

Leadership: A DNP prepares nurses to assume leadership positions in healthcare organizations. They learn how to make decisions that affect patient care and can lead initiatives to improve healthcare quality.
Advanced practice nursing: DNP graduates can work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This includes nurse practitioners, anesthetists, midwives, and clinical nurse specialists.
Healthcare policy: DNPs are trained to influence healthcare policies. They advocate for policies to enhance patient care and drive change in the healthcare system.
Evidence-based practice: DNPs learn to apply research to their practice to ensure the best patient outcomes. They use the latest scientific findings to inform their work.
Education and mentorship: They may also educate and mentor the next generation of nurses, sharing their expertise with nursing students and less experienced nurses.
Quality improvement and analytics: The program hones quality improvement and data analytics skills, teaching nurses to use data to improve healthcare delivery.
Consultation: DNPs consult with healthcare teams. They utilize their advanced knowledge to enhance practice in various settings.

Doctors and nurses posing for a photo together

Admission Requirements for a DNP Program

Applicants aspiring to enroll in a DNP program need to meet the following entry criteria:

Bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) or MSN Degree from an accredited institution
Official Transcript
Letters of Recommendation (two to three, written by academic professionals or employers in the healthcare field)
Current Resume detailing professional experience, certifications, and achievements
Personal Statement outlining motivation for pursuing a DNP degree and career objectives

Essential Skills Required for a Successful Career in Nursing

A successful nursing career goes beyond possessing medical knowledge. It demands a diverse skill set vital for delivering exceptional care. Here’s a deeper look at the important skills every nurse should have:

Empathy and Compassion

Nurses serve as pillars of support for patients during vulnerable times. Demonstrate empathy and compassion to foster trust and comfort, which can significantly boost patient well-being.

Communication

Clear and effective communication is the cornerstone of nursing practice. Nurses must adeptly convey information to patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals. This assures seamless coordination and understanding between nurses and families.

Attention to Detail

In healthcare, even the minute details are significant. Nurses must meticulously attend to medication administration, patient documentation, and procedural protocols, safeguarding accuracy and patient safety.

Cultural Competence

Patients come from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with unique beliefs and practices. Cultivating cultural competence enables nurses to navigate these differences sensitively. They deliver personalized care with respect to individual needs and preferences.

Stress Management

Nursing can be emotionally and physically taxing. Effectively managing stress is paramount for nurses to sustain their well-being. This assures consistent delivery of high-quality care.

Best Institutions for DNP Programs

Selecting a distinguished DNP program is vital for advanced practice nurses aiming to ascend in their careers. The following institutions are known for their DNP programs:

Estimated cost per credit: $1,882
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Credits to graduate: 73

Emory University offers a comprehensive DNP program. It is designed for registered nurses looking to expand their clinical expertise. With a total of 73 credits required for graduation, students engage in a curriculum that includes courses in health policy, evidence-based practice, and advanced practice nursing. They further refine their skills through extensive clinical practice and a capstone project.

Emory graduates are prepared for clinical practice, health policy, and nurse education leadership roles. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. It assures that graduates are equipped to contribute to the advancement of healthcare.

Nurse pushing a glass carriage carrying a newborn while a co-worker walks beside her

#2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

Other Rankings

Career Outlook for Nursing degree at Columbia University

Cost of Degree: $56,279

Expenses: $20,542

Starting Salary: $240,591

Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

Paid back at 15% of annual salary

Estimated cost per credit: $1,995
Accreditation: CCNE
Credits to graduate: 58

Columbia University’s DNP program is known for its prestige. It has been ranked 23 in the QS World University Rankings. The program requires the completion of 58 credits. It covers advanced practice nursing, health systems leadership, and policy. Students learn to blend clinical expertise with organizational, financial, and leadership skills to impact healthcare outcomes.

The program trains nurse leaders skilled at enhancing healthcare delivery and patient care. Columbia University graduates are prepared to tackle complex health issues. They also take on influential roles in the healthcare industry.

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#14 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025

Estimated cost per credit: $690
Accreditation: ACEN
Credits to graduate: 31 minimum

Rasmussen University’s DNP program is for nurses seeking advancement. They aim for administrative or advanced clinical roles. The program requires a minimum of 31 credits focusing on innovative leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based decision-making. Students can expect coursework that empowers them to drive change and improve patient outcomes across healthcare systems.

The DNP at Rasmussen is crafted for working professionals, and compared to the other schools in this list, they offer the cheapest DNP tuition cost. It offers flexibility and emphasizes applying learned principles to real-world healthcare challenges. Graduates are trained to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings or to pursue academic careers.