salary for phd in nursing

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary – 2024

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree (Ph.D. in nursing) is a terminal degree chiefly pursued by nurses who are interested either in teaching or in participating in evidence-based research that advances the practice of nursing. The average Ph.D. in nursing salary is $99,000 a year. Until relatively recently, the Ph.D. in nursing was the only option for nurses interested in doctoral-level studies. In 2006, however, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) issued established parameters for an additional terminal nursing degree called the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). A useful way of distinguishing between the nursing profession’s two terminal degrees is that Ph.Ds. discover the evidence while DNPs translate that evidence into clinical practice. Fewer than 1 percent of the nation’s 3.8 million registered nurses hold a doctoral degree, and DNPs far outnumber PhDs. in nursing. How much do Ph.D. in nursing graduates make? This article will present you with a comprehensive analysis of the salary for Ph.D. nursing graduates in 2024.

Is There A High Demand For Ph.D. in Nursing Graduates?

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Earn Your Ph.D. in Nursing

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

The Ph.D. in nursing produces high-caliber nurse researchers and scientists who contribute cutting-edge discoveries to inform best practices in care delivery, administration, and nursing education nationwide. It is the peak academic credential for those pursuing a career in nurse academia or scientific investigation within healthcare.

Definition of a Ph.D. in Nursing

• A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing is the highest academic degree awarded in the field of nursing
• It is a research-focused doctoral program that prepares nurses to be scientists, scholars, and leaders in the discipline

The Significance of a Ph.D. in Nursing

• Advances nursing science and evidence-based practice through rigorous research
• Helps address pressing healthcare problems and improve patient outcomes
• Prepares nurse experts to serve in advanced specialty, research, faculty, and leadership roles
• Drives innovation in nursing education curriculum, policy development, and clinical systems
• Elevates the scholarly standing and strength of the nursing profession across clinical and academic environments

Ph.D. in Nursing vs. a DNP Degree

The Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Nursing and the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice ) are two distinct terminal degrees in the field of nursing, each catering to different career aspirations and areas of focus within the profession. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two and the career paths typically associated with each.

Key Differences Between a Ph.D. in Nursing and a DNP

Focus and Objective:

• Ph.D. in Nursing:  Primarily research-oriented, focusing on generating new knowledge and theories in nursing and healthcare. It prepares graduates to conduct independent research, analyze policy, and contribute to the academic foundation of nursing science.
• DNP:  Practice-oriented, focusing on applying research to clinical practice. It prepares nurses to implement the science developed by nurse researchers in clinical settings, improve systems of care, and measure patient outcomes.

Curriculum:

• Ph.D. in Nursing:  Emphasizes research methodologies, statistical analysis, and theoretical foundations. Students engage in dissertation work to contribute original research to the field.
• DNP:  Centers on clinical practice, leadership, policy, and quality improvement. DNP projects often focus on translating research into practice, evaluating interventions, or improving outcomes within specific patient populations or systems.

Duration and Coursework:

• Ph.D. in Nursing:  Typically requires more time than a DNP due to the extensive research and dissertation component. Programs can range from 4 to 6 years, depending on full-time or part-time study.
• DNP:  Programs can be completed in 1 to 3 years, depending on the candidate’s background and the program’s structure, with some requiring clinical hours for those not already holding an advanced practice nursing degree.

Ph.D. in Nursing

Career Paths

Ph.D. in Nursing:

• Academia:  Teaching at the university level, often in nursing programs, and conducting research.
• Research:  Leading research projects, working in research institutions, or for healthcare policy think tanks.
• Leadership:  High-level positions in nursing research organizations, governmental agencies, or nonprofit health organizations, focusing on policy development and implementation.
• Advanced Clinical Practice:  Serving in roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Anesthetists, or Nurse Midwives, with a focus on applying evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.
• Healthcare Leadership and Administration:  Managing nursing departments, leading quality improvement initiatives, or holding executive positions in healthcare organizations.
• Policy and Advocacy:  Working with governmental agencies or non-profit organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate health policies affecting patient care and nursing practice.

Ultimately, the choice between a Ph.D. in Nursing and a DNP depends on your career goals, whether you are more inclined towards academic research and teaching (Ph.D.) or applying research to improve clinical practice, lead healthcare teams, and influence health policy (DNP).

Becoming a Ph.D. in Nursing

Becoming a Ph.D. in Nursing is a rigorous academic journey that prepares nurses for careers in research, academia, and leadership, focusing on the advancement of nursing science and healthcare. The path from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to a Ph.D. in Nursing involves several steps, each with its own set of prerequisites and decisions regarding enrollment status.

BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: The Academic Journey

1. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree:

• The journey begins with obtaining a BSN. This foundational step provides the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for advanced study in nursing.

2. Gaining Clinical Experience (Optional but Recommended):

• While not always a requirement for Ph.D. programs, gaining practical nursing experience can enhance understanding of the healthcare system and inform future research interests.

3. Research Experience:

• Engaging in research activities during or after the BSN program can be beneficial. This experience can include working on research projects, attending workshops, and getting involved in academic publications.

4. Selecting a Program:

• Choose a Ph.D. program that aligns with your research interests and career goals. Consider faculty expertise, program curriculum, and available resources.

5. Master’s Degree (Optional):

• Some students may pursue a Master’s degree in nursing or a related field before entering a Ph.D. program, although many Ph.D. programs accept students directly from a BSN background and may offer a combined MSN-Ph.D. track.

Prerequisites for a Ph.D. in Nursing

1. Educational Background:

• A BSN or, in some cases, a Master’s degree in nursing or related field. Some programs allow direct entry from a BSN, while others require an MSN .

2. Academic Achievement:

• High undergraduate GPA, usually a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completion of graduate-level statistics course is often required.
• Experience with research methodologies, data analysis, or involvement in research projects is highly recommended.

4. Letters of Recommendation:

• Letters from academic and professional references attesting to the applicant’s potential for doctoral study and research.

5. Statement of Purpose:

• A detailed essay outlining research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing.

6. GRE Scores:

• Some programs require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, although this requirement is increasingly being waived.

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment Options

Full-time Enrollment:

• Typically requires a commitment of 3-5 years.
• More intensive, allowing for quicker progression through the program.
• May offer more opportunities for funding, such as scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

Part-time Enrollment:

• Extends the duration of the program, often taking 5-7 years or more.
• Offers flexibility for students who need to work or fulfill other obligations.
• May limit access to certain funding opportunities.

Both full-time and part-time enrollment have their advantages and challenges. The choice depends on personal circumstances, financial considerations, and career objectives. Some students prefer the immersive experience and faster completion of full-time study, while others require the flexibility of part-time enrollment to balance academic, professional, and personal responsibilities.

PhD in Nursing Programs

When considering the best Ph.D. in Nursing programs globally, it’s essential to look at several factors, including the quality of research, faculty expertise, available resources, and the program’s reputation. While specific rankings can vary by publication and criteria, institutions known for their nursing and healthcare programs often stand out due to their contributions to research, policy, and practice in nursing.

Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs Globally

Some of the top institutions known for their nursing Ph.D. programs include:

• Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing  (USA): Known for its research contributions and leadership in healthcare, offering a curriculum that emphasizes innovative research methodologies, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy.
• University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing  (USA): Offers a research-intensive Ph.D. program focusing on improving healthcare across the lifespan, with faculty members leading in various fields of nursing science.
• University of Toronto Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing  (Canada): Recognized for its strong research programs, diverse specializations , and contributions to healthcare policy and practice.

These programs are renowned for their rigorous curriculum, research opportunities, and the ability to produce graduates who go on to become leaders in nursing research, education, and policy.

Online Ph.D. Programs in Nursing and Their Credibility

Online Ph.D. programs in Nursing have become increasingly popular, offering flexibility for working professionals. The credibility of these programs depends on their accreditation, faculty qualifications, and the institution’s reputation. Accredited online Ph.D. programs in Nursing provide education and research opportunities comparable to their on-campus counterparts. Key factors to consider include:

• Accreditation:  Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in the United States.
• Faculty Expertise:  Look for programs with experienced faculty involved in active research and with strong professional backgrounds in nursing.
• Resources and Support:  High-quality online programs offer access to digital libraries, research databases, and strong support systems for online students.

Specializations within Nursing Ph.D. Programs

Ph.D. in Nursing programs often offer specializations that allow students to focus on areas of interest within the field. These specializations can include:

• Nursing Informatics :  Focuses on the integration of nursing science with information management and analytical sciences to improve health outcomes.
• Psychiatric Nursing :  Concentrates on the care of patients with mental health issues, including research into psychiatric treatments and interventions.
• Anesthesia Nursing:  Although more commonly associated with Nurse Anesthesia programs (DNAP), some Ph.D. programs might focus on research in anesthesia practices and outcomes.
• Mental Health Nursing :  Involves research aimed at improving the mental health care system and outcomes for patients with mental health conditions.

Choosing a specialization depends on your career goals, research interests, and the healthcare needs you are most passionate about addressing. Each specialization offers a path to contribute significantly to the nursing profession and healthcare at large, whether through advancing clinical practice, shaping health policy, or improving educational methodologies.

Application Process

Applying for a Ph.D. in Nursing involves a detailed and often competitive process. Here’s a general guide on how to apply and fulfill the entrance requirements for these programs:

1. Research and Select Programs

• Identify Programs:  Begin by researching programs that align with your career goals and research interests. Consider factors such as faculty expertise, research facilities, funding opportunities, and program format (on-campus vs. online).
• Check Accreditation:  Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body for nursing education, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in the U.S.

2. Fulfill Prerequisites

• Educational Background:  Most programs require applicants to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Some programs offer BSN-to-Ph.D. tracks.
• Academic Records:  You’ll need to provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. A high GPA, usually above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, is often required.
• Research Experience:  Engage in research activities, which can include working on research projects, publishing papers, or attending research workshops, to strengthen your application.
• Professional Experience:  While not always mandatory, relevant nursing or healthcare experience can enhance your application.

3. Prepare Application Materials

• Letters of Recommendation:  Obtain letters from academic and professional references who can attest to your potential for doctoral study and research.
• Statement of Purpose:  Write a compelling essay outlining your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D. in Nursing, and why you’re applying to specific programs.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV):  Include your educational background, research experience, publications, professional experience, and any honors or awards.
• GRE Scores:  Some programs may require GRE scores, though this requirement is increasingly being waived. Check the specific requirements of each program.

4. Complete Application Forms

• Fill Out Applications:  Complete the application forms for each program you’re applying to. Pay attention to each program’s specific requirements and deadlines.
• Application Fee:  Be prepared to pay an application fee for each program.

5. Submit Applications

• Review Your Application:  Before submitting, double-check your application for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit Before Deadlines:  Ensure all parts of your application, including letters of recommendation and test scores (if required), are submitted before the program’s deadline.

6. Prepare for Interviews

• Some programs may invite applicants for interviews as part of the selection process. These interviews can be in-person or virtual. Prepare to discuss your research interests, professional goals, and how the program fits your career aspirations.

7. Follow Up

• After submitting your application, monitor your email and application portal for updates or requests for additional information.

Fulfilling Entrance Requirements

To fulfill the entrance requirements:

• Advance Planning:  Begin planning your application well in advance of deadlines. This includes researching programs, understanding prerequisites, and preparing application materials.
• Strengthen Your Profile:  Engage in activities that will strengthen your application, such as gaining research experience, publishing work, and participating in professional development opportunities.
• Seek Guidance:  Consider seeking advice from mentors, faculty members, or professionals in the field who can provide insights into the application process and how to strengthen your application.

Applying for a Ph.D. in Nursing is a significant step towards advancing your career in nursing science and leadership. By carefully preparing your application and aligning your goals with the strengths of the programs you choose, you can increase your chances of admission to a program that will help you achieve your professional aspirations.

Online Nursing Degree

Online Ph.D. in Nursing programs provide a flexible pathway for nurses to pursue the highest level of nursing education without the need to attend traditional on-campus classes. These programs are designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, offering a blend of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (pre-recorded lectures and materials) coursework, virtual interactions with faculty and peers, and digital access to library resources and research materials.

Overview of Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Online Ph.D. programs in Nursing focus on preparing nurses for roles in research, academia, leadership, and policy. The curriculum typically includes advanced courses in research methods, statistics, nursing theory, healthcare policy, and ethics, alongside specialized courses that align with the student’s research interests and career goals. Students also undertake a dissertation project, which involves original research contributing to nursing science.

Key components of online Ph.D. in Nursing programs include:

• Virtual Classroom Sessions:  For lectures, discussions, and presentations.
• Digital Access to Research Resources:  Including online journals, databases, and libraries.
• Online Collaboration Tools:  For group projects and peer interaction.
• Virtual Advising and Mentoring:  For research guidance and academic support.
• Dissertation Defense:  Often conducted virtually or may require a campus visit.

Advantages and Considerations of Online Learning for a Ph.D.

Advantages:

• Flexibility:  Allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.
• Accessibility:  Enables students from anywhere in the world to access top-quality programs without the need for relocation.
• Technology Skills:  Enhances digital literacy and familiarity with online research tools and collaboration platforms.

Considerations:

• Self-Discipline and Motivation:  Success in an online program requires a high degree of self-discipline and the ability to work independently.
• Limited In-Person Interaction:  Although technology facilitates interaction, the lack of face-to-face contact may be a drawback for some students.
• Technology Requirements:  Students must have access to reliable internet and the necessary hardware and software to participate in online coursework.

Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs in Nursing

When considering an online Ph.D. in Nursing program, accreditation is crucial to ensure the program meets high standards of quality and rigor. Accredited programs are recognized for their excellence in education, faculty qualifications, and student support services, making them more respected by employers and other institutions.

Some accredited online Ph.D. in Nursing programs include:

• Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing:  Offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) that prepares nurse scientists to use evidence-based practice in teaching and research.
• University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing:  Provides a Ph.D. in Nursing program focused on research that improves nursing education, practice, and policy.
• Duke University School of Nursing:  Offers a Ph.D. program designed to develop nursing scholars capable of advancing health care through research.

It’s essential to verify the accreditation status of any program you consider by checking with recognized accrediting agencies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in the United States.

Choosing an online Ph.D. in Nursing program requires careful consideration of your career goals, learning style, and the specific features and accreditation of the programs you’re considering. With the right preparation and commitment, an online Ph.D. in Nursing can provide a flexible and rigorous path to advance your nursing career to the highest level.

Coursework and Research

A Ph.D. in Nursing is designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles in research, academia, leadership, and policy development. The program typically combines coursework, research, and a dissertation to provide a comprehensive understanding of nursing science and research methodologies. Below is an overview of the typical curriculum, research expectations, and dissertation requirements for a Ph.D. in Nursing.

Typical Curriculum and Coursework

The curriculum for a Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on developing advanced research skills, theoretical knowledge, and a deep understanding of issues affecting healthcare and nursing practice. While specific courses may vary by program, the following are commonly included:

• Advanced Research Methods:  Courses covering qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and research design.
• Statistics:  Instruction in advanced statistical methods for analyzing research data.
• Nursing Theory:  Exploration of theoretical frameworks in nursing and their application to research and practice.
• Healthcare Policy:  Examination of policy-making processes, health care systems, and the impact of policy on patient care and nursing practice.
• Ethics in Research and Healthcare:  Discussion of ethical considerations in nursing research and clinical practice.
• Specialized Electives:  Courses tailored to students’ research interests, such as informatics, gerontology, public health, or education.

The Research Component: Expectations and Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the Ph.D. in Nursing, with students expected to contribute original knowledge to the field. Expectations and opportunities include:

• Research Mentorship:  Students work closely with faculty mentors who provide guidance on research projects, methodology, and dissertation development.
• Research Projects:  Participation in ongoing research projects, often as part of a team, to gain practical experience and contribute to scholarly work.
• Conferences and Publications:  Opportunities to present research findings at conferences and publish in academic journals, which are crucial for professional development and visibility in the field.

Dissertation Requirements and the Process of Completion

The dissertation is a significant component of the Ph.D. program, demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct independent research and contribute to nursing science. The process typically involves:

• Proposal Development:  Students develop a research proposal, including a literature review, research question, methodology, and proposed analysis. This proposal is presented to a faculty committee for approval.
• Conducting the Research:  After receiving approval, students conduct their research, collect data, and analyze results under the guidance of their advisor and committee.
• Writing the Dissertation:  The findings are written up in a dissertation, which includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Defense:  The completed dissertation is presented and defended before a committee of faculty members. The defense includes a presentation of the research findings followed by questions from the committee.

Completion of the dissertation process requires meticulous planning, research, and writing skills. It can take several years, depending on the complexity of the research, the student’s pace of work, and other commitments. Successful defense of the dissertation is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of the Ph.D. journey and the student’s readiness to contribute to the nursing profession as a researcher and academic leader.

Duration and Commitment

A PhD in nursing demands nearly full-time effort, though some maintain nursing instructor roles or carefully-balanced side-jobs during non-intensive coursework terms. Planning ahead financially allows immersive focus for the 1-2 years spent progressing through the doctoral dissertation research phase, widely considered the most demanding but rewarding undertaking of PhD training.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Nursing

• Full-time enrollment: Around 4-6 years
• Part-time enrollment: 5-8 years on average
• 2 years coursework
• Candidacy exam
• 1-2 years for dissertation research
• Some accelerated 3-year PhD options through full-time accelerated study

Balancing Work and Study: Is This Feasible?

• Extremely challenging to balance full-time work and PhD studies
• Research and dissertation writing are rigorous full-time endeavors
• Most PhD nursing programs strongly recommend not working more than part-time during studies
• Can maintain part-time clinical work such as teaching to promote career development
• Finances need to be considered to enable focusing completely on PhD research requirements

Financial Aspects

Careful financial planning and taking advantage of available nursing PhD funding sources helps balance the high costs of advanced nursing education – costs that pay dividends over the course of an accomplished research and/or academic career.

PhD in Nursing Salary Expectations and Influencing Factors

• Average salary: $100,000+
• Years of experience
• Faculty rank
• Type of university
• Geographic location
• Significant earning potential over MSN or DNP alone

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities for PhD Students

• Research or teaching assistantships
• Private foundations, professional associations
• NRSA Grants from National Institutes of Health
• U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration
• Military nursing scholarships

Cost of PhD Programs and Return on Investment

• Tuition ranges from $20,000 – $50,000+ total
• Additional costs like books, travel, living expenses
• High ROI – earning potential far exceeds investment
• Many utilize student loans, grants, scholarships
• Graduates see salary bump of 25-50%

Career Opportunities and Outcomes

A PhD in nursing prepares graduates to significantly expand nursing’s impact – whether leading transformative research, training future generations of nurses, implementing improvements across healthcare organizations, or informing policy through expansive perspectives on urgent challenges for practice and patient populations.

Jobs Available for Those with a PhD in Nursing

• Nurse scientist roles
• Professorships at universities
• Program research directors
• Executive nursing administrators
• Consultant positions
• Grant writing specialists
• Editors of academic journals

How a PhD in Nursing Can Enhance Your Career

• Opens access to top academic and healthcare leadership roles
• Enables spearheading innovative nursing research at prestigious institutions
• Qualifies graduates to teach in bachelor’s and graduate nursing programs
• High demand for PhDs to fill new faculty job openings
• Greater career satisfaction and sense of purpose

Leadership Roles in Nursing and Contributions

• Develop evidence-based policies, programs, best practices
• Consulting governments, healthcare systems, private sector organizations
• Ensuring nurse education curriculum reflects latest advances
• Evaluating effectiveness of nursing care approaches
• Publishing pioneering studies and theories in nursing journals
• Elevating quality standards across academia and practice

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Ph.D. Nurse?

Nurses who earn a Ph.D. are prepared for a variety of roles within academia, research, leadership, and healthcare policy. Their duties can vary significantly depending on their specific job title and the setting in which they work. Here’s a look at the roles and typical duties of Ph.D. nurses in three key areas: research, education, and leadership/administration.

Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers with a Ph.D. are vital in advancing nursing science, improving patient care, and influencing health policy. Their typical duties include:

• Conducting Original Research:  Designing and implementing studies to generate new knowledge relevant to nursing practice, patient outcomes, and healthcare systems.
• Securing Funding:  Writing grant proposals to obtain funding from governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and private entities to support research projects.
• Data Analysis:  Employing statistical techniques to analyze research data and interpret findings.
• Publishing Findings:  Writing articles for publication in scholarly journals, presenting research at conferences, and disseminating results to the healthcare community and the public.
• Collaborating:  Working with other healthcare professionals, researchers, and stakeholders to conduct interdisciplinary research and implement findings in clinical practice.

Ph.D. Nurse Educator

Ph.D. nurse educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing through teaching, curriculum development, and mentorship. Their duties include:

• Teaching:  Delivering lectures, seminars, and workshops to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing students.
• Curriculum Development:  Designing, evaluating, and updating nursing education programs and courses to reflect current research, best practices, and regulatory standards.
• Mentoring:  Guiding students through their academic journey, providing research opportunities, and advising on career paths.
• Scholarly Activities:  Engaging in research, publishing articles, and presenting at academic conferences to contribute to the nursing body of knowledge.
• Academic Leadership:  Participating in faculty governance, accreditation processes, and program evaluation to ensure the quality and integrity of nursing education.

Department Chair or Administration

Nurses with a Ph.D. who move into department chair or administrative roles take on additional responsibilities related to the management and strategic direction of nursing programs or healthcare organizations. Their duties may include:

• Strategic Planning:  Developing long-term goals and strategies for the nursing department or educational program.
• Budget Management:  Overseeing the budget, allocating resources efficiently, and securing funding for departmental needs.
• Faculty Management:  Hiring, evaluating, and mentoring faculty members, and fostering a supportive and productive work environment.
• Program Development:  Leading the development and accreditation of new programs or specializations to meet emerging healthcare needs.
• Policy Implementation:  Establishing policies and procedures to enhance the educational quality, research output, and clinical practices within the organization.
• Stakeholder Engagement:  Representing the nursing department in discussions with university administration, healthcare partners, and external stakeholders to advocate for nursing education and practice.

Ph.D. nurses, regardless of their specific role, contribute significantly to the nursing profession through leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes. Their work not only impacts the immediate settings in which they operate but also influences the broader scope of healthcare policy, nursing practice, and patient care globally.

FAQ on DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing

Q1: What are the main differences between a DNP and a Ph.D. in Nursing? A1: The main difference lies in the focus and outcome of each program. A DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) is practice-oriented, focusing on applying research to clinical practice, improving healthcare systems, and enhancing patient outcomes. A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Nursing is research-oriented, aiming to generate new knowledge in nursing and health through original research. Ph.D. programs often emphasize theoretical foundations of nursing, research methodologies, and teaching nursing, while DNP programs concentrate on clinical practice, leadership, and health care administration.

Q2: What is a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) and how does it compare to a DNP or Ph.D.? A2: A Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) is another doctoral degree focused on the advanced study of nursing, often with a strong emphasis on research and the theoretical foundations of nursing, similar to a Ph.D. The DNSc might be more research-oriented than a DNP but more applied than a Ph.D., depending on the program. However, DNP programs have become more prevalent in preparing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and leaders in clinical settings.

Q3: How long does it typically take to complete a DNP or Ph.D. in Nursing? A3: The duration can vary based on the program and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time. DNP programs can typically be completed in three to five years of full-time study, while Ph.D. programs may take longer, often requiring five years of full-time study due to the research and dissertation component.

Q4: Are online nursing programs credible for pursuing a DNP or Ph.D. in Nursing? A4: Yes, many credible and accredited online nursing programs are available for both DNP and Ph.D. degrees. These programs offer flexibility for working professionals but require the same level of rigor and coursework as traditional on-campus programs. Accreditation by reputable organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), is key to ensuring the program’s credibility.

Q5: What kind of nursing courses can I expect in a DNP degree program? A5: DNP degree programs generally include courses in advanced clinical practice, leadership and management, health policy, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. The exact curriculum can vary from school to school, but all aim to prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical nursing practice.

Q6: What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a DNP or Ph.D. in Nursing program? A6: Prerequisites can vary, but typically, applicants to DNP programs must hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related field, have a valid RN license, and some programs may require a certain number of clinical practice hours. For Ph.D. programs, requirements often include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, academic transcripts demonstrating a strong academic record, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Some Ph.D. programs may also require GRE scores.

Q7: Can students choose specializations within DNP or Ph.D. in Nursing programs? A7: Yes, students can choose from various specializations depending on the program’s offerings. These can include areas like family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nursing informatics, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and health care administration for DNP programs. Ph.D. programs may offer specializations in areas such as nursing education, health policy, or specific research methodologies.

Q8: What are the career prospects for nurses with a DNP or Ph.D.? A8: Nurses with a DNP are prepared for clinical leadership roles, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse executives, and roles in health care administration. Nurses with a Ph.D. often pursue careers in academic teaching, research, and scholarly writing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for advanced practice registered nurses is projected to grow, indicating strong prospects for DNP graduates. Ph.D. graduates contribute to the nursing profession’s body of knowledge and help educate the next generation of nurses.

Q9: Is earning a DNP or Ph.D. necessary for advancement in the nursing profession? A9: While not necessary for all advancement opportunities, earning a DNP or Ph.D. can significantly enhance a nurse’s career prospects, allowing for roles in advanced clinical practice, academia, research, and leadership that are not accessible with lower levels of education. These degrees prepare nurses for the highest degree of professional practice and contribution to healthcare improvements and nursing knowledge.

• Sigma Theta Tau International: https://www.sigmanursing.org/
• National Student Nurses Association: https://www.nsna.org/
• National League for Nursing: http://www.nln.org/
• The American Board of Nursing Specialties: http://www.nursingcertification.org/
• Emergency Nurses Association: https://www.ena.org/
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DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the Difference?

• DNP vs. PH.D. Nursing Compared

Duties and Responsibilities

• Education and Certification

Salary and Career Outlook

• Which Is Best?

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Nurses who have already earned a masters degree and are looking to pursue the next step in their education have two options: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.

Both degrees offer nurses a variety of professional opportunities, allowing them to utilize their expertise to benefit the field of nursing.

This guide outlines the differences in earning a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing, and what opportunities lay ahead for graduates of either program. In understanding the roles and responsibilities of each, nurses can determine which degree is right for them.

DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing Key Similarities and Differences

A DNP and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest degree a nurse can earn. Regardless of their choice of program, interested nurses need a bachelor of science (BSN) degree in nursing, an active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and clinical experience before gaining admittance to either doctorate program.

While a DNP and Ph.D. are both advanced degrees, they prepare nurses for different roles within the nursing field. DNP programs focus on educating nurses who want to pursue leadership roles in a clinical setting. Ph.D. programs provide nurses with an education to pursue academic or research-based positions.

What is a DNP?

A DNP is an advanced degree for nurses who want to become experts in clinical nursing. The degree is an alternative to research-centric doctoral programs, and provides nurses with skills and training to work at an advanced level in the nursing field.

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Earning a Ph.D. in nursing prepares graduates for work either in academia or research settings. Graduates often pursue faculty positions with academic institutions or in a career that involves performing research in a medical laboratory.

Source: Payscale

Popular DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The roles of a nurse with a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing are fundamentally different. The former focuses on clinical work, whereas the latter is geared more toward research and education.

Their duties revolve around those two major areas. As such, DNPs are more likely to work with patients, while Ph.D graduates focus on educating nurses and analyzing medical practices.

What Can You Do With a DNP?

Nurses with a DNP are considered expert clinicians who are prepared for the highest level of nursing practice.

Upon earning the degree, nurses can choose to focus on leadership and administrative roles (e.g., nurse administrator, public health, healthcare policy, informatics) nursing education (e.g.,clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator), or clinical care (e.g.,certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner).

After earning a DNP, nurses’ responsibilities may include:

• Diagnose and treat patients
• Prescribe medications
• Order various diagnostic tests
• Handle patient complains
• Consult on complex cases
• Implement policy changes

Keep in mind that some DNP programs are for roles (clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator) that will not have authorization to perform some of the above responsibilities.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Nurses with a Ph.D. often focus on the areas of education and research. They may design studies and conduct research on clinical practices, nursing education, health systems, and public policy.

People with a Ph.D. in nursing often find employment in academic, business, or governmental settings. Overall, nurses with a Ph.D.can:

• Design, conduct, and publish research
• Develop new nursing knowledge and methods
• Utilize research results to improve nursing outcomes
• Write proposals and apply for grants to fund research
• Mentor and advise students
• Compose curriculum for nursing courses

Education Prerequisites

When looking to earn either a DNP or Ph.D., most programs require applicants to have similar prerequisites. Institutions often look for candidates who have attained an undergraduate degree, are actively able to practice nursing, and can meet certain academic requirements.

How to Earn a DNP

To apply for a DNP degree program, candidates need a BSN or master of science in nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution, a GPA of at least 3.0, and an active nursing license.

Once enrolled, students can choose an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role such as clinical nurse practitioner (CNP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

CNPs and CNSs then choose a population focus (i.e., neonatal, pediatrics, womens health, psychiatric-mental health). DNP candidates often focus on a research or capstone project throughout their entire program.

The program can last 2-4 years, and full-time students are able to earn their degree faster than their part-time counterparts. Students participate in courses on informatics, health policy, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based practice, and project management.

Learners must also complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours, 500 of which can stem from a previous masters program that resulted in national certification. Learners with previous hours may become more common as some programs, like CRNA, transition from MSN to DNP-only.

How to Earn a Ph.D. in Nursing

To get accepted to a Ph.D. program, candidates need a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 to 3.5 minimum GPA, and an active nursing license. Applicants must also provide a CV or resume, professional references, and a personal statement.

The length of a Ph.D. program ranges from 4-6 years depending on the status of the student (full-time vs. part-time). The curriculum revolves around theory, analysis, and statistics, with students taking classes in grant writing, research design, and research methods. Since their work takes place within education and research, Ph.D. candidates are not required to complete clinical hours.

Upon program completion, DNP and Ph.D. graduates may benefit from a higher earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady need over the next decade for nurses with advanced training.

Ultimately, degree type, specialization, and population focus dictate the average annual salary and the type of demand nurses should anticipate.

$107,000 Average Annual DNP Salary

$99,000 Average Annual Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

DNP in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

While the average salary of nurses with DNPs is approximately $107,000, their chosen specialization impacts their earning potential and demand. DNP-holders working a CRNAs average $164,340 per year, according to July 2022 Payscale data, while those who work in pediatrics earn $92,030 .

Not only do CRNAs earn the highest average salary, but they are also one of the most in-demand specializations; the BLS projects a job growth rate of 45%, significantly higher than the 9% average for all other professions.

Another main factor that influences DNP earning potential is years of experience. Entry-level nurses earn an average annual salary of approximately $87,000 , according to July 2022 Payscale data. Whereas those with more than 20 years of experience can earn upwards of $187,000 depending upon the specialization.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

Much like nurses with a DNP, the salary of one with a Ph.D. varies based on focus. According to the BLS , nurse educators with a Ph.D. can receive upwards of $125,930 annually.

While all nurses with advanced degrees continue to be in demand, Ph.D. graduates who choose to become educators can especially benefit from this need. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , nursing schools had to turn away over 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019 due to the shortage of educators.

Many states are looking to provide incentives to nurses who choose to become educators, thereby increasing the benefit of selecting this role.

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: Which Degree is Right For Me?

Deciding which degree works best depends upon a nurse’s personal and professional goals. The degrees lead nurses down two fairly distinct paths – one clinical and one research-oriented.

DNP and Ph.D. graduates are both in high demand and have above-average earning potential. The degrees differ in time commitment and responsibilities.

Nurses who prefer to work in a clinical capacity either directly with patients or in a nursing leadership role should pursue a DNP. Graduates often find themselves in a variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, specialty practices, or public health offices.

Learners more interested in preparing future nurses or conducting research that aids in the development of new and effective nursing methods should pursue a Ph.D. Nurse Ph.D. graduates often use their expertise in settings such as colleges and universities, research facilities, medical laboratories, and government agencies.

Related Pages

Why Get a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP)?

Graduating with a doctoral degree in nursing can advance careers, increase salaries, and lead to rewarding jobs. Learn why and how to become a DNP.

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Explore the top online DNP programs. Learn about on-campus requirements, accreditation, cost, and program length while choosing your next career step.

Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels

Learn about the types of nursing degrees available and how to launch your career in this field. Explore in-demand job opportunities and earning potential.

Page last reviewed: May 6, 2022

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Outlook for PhD in Nursing Salary

Research has shown that less than 1% of all nurses in this country hold a doctorate degree, whether that is a Ph.D. or the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). However, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has released The Future of Nursing Report, together with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in which they have set the goal of having twice as many doctoral nurses in the workforce by 2020. To achieve this, they are pushing to have 10% of all newly qualified bachelor’s degree (BSN) registered nurses (RNs) into a master’s degree (MSN) and then Ph.D. or DNP within no more than five years after they graduate.

There is a huge demand for nurses with a doctorate degree, not in the least because there is such a shortage of nurse educators. If the stock of nurse educators is not replenished, there will be no way to educate tomorrow’s nursing workforce either. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) have therefore put out a call to all nurses to commit to furthering their education.

The outlook for Ph.D. in Nursing graduates is incredibly strong. Exactly how strong, however, will vary depending on what they plan to do after graduation. Different positions are available to them, each of which attracts a different salary. As such:

• Nurse Researchers can expect to earn around $95,000 per year. They can also increase this by speaking at events and conferences, consulting, teaching, and writing books.
• Nurse Practitioners, who continue to work directly with patients in a clinical role, can expect to earn around $98,826 per year. They may also be able to prescribe medication.
• Clinical Nurse Specialists, who mainly work in an advisory role for various conditions, can earn as much as $120,000 per year.
• Nurse Anesthetists, working alongside the anesthesiologist in surgeries, can expect to earn around $81,162 per year.
• Nurse Midwives, who help in antenatal and postnatal care, as well as during deliveries, can earn as much as $102,670 per year.
• Nurse Educators, who train tomorrow’s nursing workforce, earn in excess of $111,870 per year.

There are various other factors, besides exact role, that affect the expected salary of a Ph.D. in Nursing graduate, however.

#1 Your Job Location

Once you have completed your DNP or Ph.D., you will be responsible for problem solving in your workplace, as well as educating the rest of the workforce. You can do this in:

• Surgical and general medical hospitals, where you can influence the treatment plans of patients. At the same time, you are likely to conduct research and drive policy so that health care outcomes are improved.
• Public health offices, where you will be responsible for influencing national and local health officials and policy makers, ensuring that they find solutions to health problems that are smart and based on research.
• Research facilities, which are particularly suitable for those with a Ph.D.. In this role, you will generally research the various health and medical issues that today’s people face. You may also try to uncover new solutions and cures for these health problems.
• Independent practice, whereby you will have the flexibility of determining when you work and who you work with. Furthermore, you are the end responsible for the treatment you feel is appropriate for your patients.
• Physicians’ offices, where you can manage other nursing staff and essentially work independently, but without the stresses of starting your own practice.
• Universities, whereby you can teach the next generation of nurses.

Each of these types of jobs attracts different levels of pay. However, it is not uncommon for Ph.D. in Nursing graduates to earn a six figure income, regardless of where they work.

#2 Geographical Location

The geographical location of your work also has a significant impact on how much you can earn. Generally speaking, larger metropolitan areas attract far higher salaries than rural areas. Certain states also traditionally pay more than other states. However, in general, the areas that attract higher salaries also often have a higher cost of living. Hence, you do need to work out whether you will actually be earning more in terms of your disposable income.

Statistics on Doctorate Educated Nurses

A number of pieces of research have been completed on the salaries of nurses, particularly in comparing doctorate degree nurses to MSN nurses. The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) 2013 Salary and Compensation Study for Nurse Leaders found that:

• Executive leadership nurses can earn between $120,000 and $300,000 per year.
• DNP nurses earn an average of $7,689 per year more than MSN degree holders.

The outlook for Ph.D. in Nursing graduates is incredibly positive, as you can see, so much so in fact, that employers are fighting over each other to attract any nurses who hold this advanced degree because there are so few of them. This puts you in a unique position of being able to negotiate not just on your annual salary, but also your other benefits. These include things such as retirement plans, medical and life insurance, childcare support, paid vacation, bonuses, commissions, and more. While it is certainly true that obtaining a Ph.D. in Nursing takes a significant investment of both time and money, most would agree that it is an investment worth making.

• Nursing Faculty Shortage. (2015, Mar. 16) Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-faculty-shortage
• The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://nursinglink.monster.com/benefits/articles/126-the-future-of-nursing-leading-change-advancing-health
• What Is the Average Salary with a DNP Degree? (n.d.) Retrieved from http://nursejournal.org/dnp-programs/what-is-the-average-salary-with-a-dnp-degree/
• The Voice of Nursing Leadership – Salary and Compensation Study for Nurse Leaders – 2013 Edition.(n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.aone.org/resources/nurse-leaders-compensation-summary.pdf
• Career Outlook: DNP. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.stfrancis.edu/academics/college-of-nursing/dnp/career-outlook/
• DNP Fact Sheet. (2016, Apr.) Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/dnp
• IOM Future of Nursing Report. (2010, Oct.) Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/dnp

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Home / BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Is a bsn to ph.d. in nursing program right for me, are online bsn to ph.d. programs in nursing available, what is the bsn to ph.d. curriculum like, how much will i make with a ph.d. in nursing.

Registered nurses who know they want to enter high-level academic or research careers in nursing can opt for a more streamlined pathway to a Ph.D. in Nursing degree - the BSN to Ph.D. bridge program. These programs are specially designed for BSN-educated nurses to earn Ph.D. in Nursing degrees in a concise and efficient manner, often allowing them to specialize in the area they wish to pursue. Read on to find out more about this pathway to find out if it's the right fit for your circumstances and aspirations.

BSN to Ph.D. bridge programs are tailored for nurses aspiring to pursue a career in nursing research and academia. These programs offer a strong foundation in nursing practice and nursing theory, emphasizing the development of research skills.

Day-to-day responsibilities for a nurse prepared with a Ph.D. in nursing can vary widely based on their chosen field of expertise. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing programs are increasingly accessible, with many institutions now offering integrated BSN to Ph.D. programs, allowing graduates to attain both degrees upon completion.

Numerous BSN to Ph.D. bridge programs are available, and some institutions even provide dual-degree options to prepare students for various research and educational roles within the nursing field. These programs can enhance your prospects in academic and research positions, equipping you for roles such as nurse educator, nurse researcher, or nursing faculty member.

OTHER NURSING PH.D. BRIDGE PROGRAMS:

• MSN to Ph.D.
• DNP to Ph.D.

Varieties of BSN to Ph.D. Bridge Programs Available

Given the diverse array of specialized nursing fields, registered nurses aspiring to advance their careers should explore the most suitable pathway, as many BSN to Ph.D. bridge programs require applicants to choose a specialization at the outset. Below are some of the primary types of BSN to Ph.D. bridge programs offered, along with the numerous specialization categories encompassed within them:

Nursing Research and Education

• Nursing Science
• Nursing Education

Health Systems and Policy

• Nursing Research

Clinical Research

• Translational Research
• Health Policy Research

Nurse Educator

• Curriculum Development for Nurse Educators
• Educational Leadership
• Instructional Design

Nurse Executive/Leadership

• Healthcare Administration
• Leadership in Nursing Organizations
• Healthcare Quality and Safety

Public Health Nursing

• Community Health
• Epidemiology
• Global Health

What Are the Prerequisites for a BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Bridge Program?

Nurses who have gained experience in the field and are determined to advance their careers in specialized nursing areas can consider enrolling in a BSN to Ph.D. bridge program. Not all institutions offer every specialization, so registered nurses must thoroughly research their chosen school to ensure their desired program is available. Below are the general prerequisites applicable to most BSN to Ph.D. bridge programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university
• A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a similar standardized test, if required by the program
• Current, unencumbered nursing license or eligibility for nursing licensure in the state where the program is located
• In-person interview: Some programs may require applicants to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process
• Personal essay: Many programs request a personal statement or essay outlining the applicant’s career goals, motivations, and reasons for pursuing a BSN to Ph.D. bridge program

Are Clinical Hours Required for the BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing Program?

Clinical hours are typically not required for the BSN to Ph.D. program itself. Unlike BSN to DNP programs , which often involve clinical hours to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, BSN to Ph.D. programs are focused on research, scholarship, and academic pursuits.

BSN to Ph.D. programs are designed to prepare nurses for careers in nursing research, education, leadership, and academia. These programs emphasize coursework in research methodologies, nursing theory, and advanced nursing concepts. Instead of clinical hours, students in BSN to Ph.D. programs typically engage in research projects, seminars, and teaching experiences.

The primary goal of a BSN to Ph.D. program is to develop nurses into experts in their chosen field of research or specialization, and it does not involve the same level of clinical practice as BSN to DNP programs. However, students may be able to participate in research studies or projects that align with their academic and research interests.

Many universities and nursing schools offer online BSN to Ph.D. programs to accommodate the needs of working nurses and individuals who prefer the flexibility of online education.

These online BSN to Ph.D. programs typically allow students to complete coursework, engage in research, and collaborate with faculty and peers through virtual platforms. While the didactic portion of the program can often be completed online, some programs may require occasional on-campus visits for specific activities, such as seminars, presentations, or comprehensive exams.

When considering an online BSN to Ph.D. program, it’s essential to research each program’s specific requirements, including any on-campus or in-person components, and ensure that relevant nursing and education accreditation bodies accredit the program. Additionally, check for the availability of support services and resources for online students, such as virtual libraries, research facilities, and academic advising.

How Long Do BSN to Ph.D. Programs Take to Complete?

The total length of a BSN to Ph.D. degree program depends on the state, school, and, most importantly, the specialty chosen. With online, in-classroom, full-time, and part-time options, students can choose the program style that best suits their schedule. General length estimates of popular BSN to Ph.D. programs include:

• Length of Program: A BSN to Ph.D. program in Nursing Research and Education typically takes 4 to 5 years to complete. This includes coursework, research, and dissertation preparation.
• Clinical Requirements: Clinical hours are usually not a significant component of this program since the focus is on research and education.
• Length of Program: A BSN to Ph.D. program in Health Systems and Policy typically lasts 4 to 6 years, including coursework, research, and dissertation.
• Clinical Requirements: Limited clinical hours may be required to provide insight into healthcare systems and policies, but they are not a significant focus.
• Length of Program: BSN to Ph.D. programs in Clinical Research generally take about 4 to 5 years, focusing extensively on research methodology and conducting clinical studies.
• Clinical Requirements: Clinical research programs involve significant hands-on research work, but traditional clinical practice hours are not typically emphasized.
• Length of Program: BSN to Ph.D. programs in Nurse Education generally last 4 to 5 years, incorporating coursework, teaching practicums, and dissertation research.
• Clinical Requirements: Clinical experiences may be included to enhance teaching skills, but they are typically not as extensive as practice-focused programs.
• Length of Program: BSN to Ph.D. programs in Nurse Executive/Leadership generally last 4 to 5 years, including coursework, leadership development, and research.
• Clinical Requirements: Limited clinical experiences may be integrated to provide leadership perspectives, but they are not the primary focus.

How Much Will Tuition Cost for a BSN to Ph.D. Program?

Similar to obtaining a baccalaureate degree, BSN to Ph.D. programs require students to cover various expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees, and course materials like textbooks. Online programs offer the advantage of not incurring student travel or parking costs. Tuition fees are typically determined based on the number of credit hours and the student’s residency status, with costs varying significantly between schools and states.

As of 2023, here are some examples of tuition and fees for BSN to Ph.D. programs:

University of Central Florida

• Tuition: $212.28 per credit hour
• Program Duration: 72 credit hours

University of San Diego

• Tuition: $1,738 per credit hour
• Program Duration: 80 credit hours

Like other bridge programs, your educational experience will vary depending on the program. Not all programs are the same, but they will typically have components in common.

The curriculum for a BSN to Ph.D. program in nursing is designed to provide registered nurses with a strong foundation in nursing research, theory, and scholarship. The curriculum is rigorous and research-intensive, preparing students for careers in academia, research, leadership, and policy development within the nursing field. While specific courses and requirements can vary between institutions and programs, here is a general overview of what you might find in a BSN to Ph.D. curriculum:

• Core Nursing Courses : These courses provide advanced knowledge in nursing theory, research methods, and evidence-based practice. The topics covered may include nursing philosophy, advanced nursing practice, and ethics.
• Research Methodology : Students learn various research methods and techniques, including quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and research design. These courses provide the skills needed to conduct original nursing research.
• Statistics : Courses in statistics help students understand how to analyze research data and interpret findings. Knowledge of statistical methods is crucial for conducting and evaluating research studies.
• Nursing Theory : Students explore nursing theories and their application to research and practice. This coursework helps students understand the theoretical underpinnings of nursing and its relevance to their research.
• Specialization Courses : Depending on their chosen area of specialization, students take courses related to their research interests. Specializations may include clinical research, health policy, nursing education, public health nursing, or another area of focus.

Are Any Ph.D. Exams Required Before I Start My Career?

Exams required to obtain a Ph.D. in Nursing can vary depending on the institution and the program’s specific requirements. Here are some examples of particular exams and assessments, along with the organizations that facilitate them:

Qualifying Examinations

Qualifying exams assess your readiness for the dissertation phase. These exams may cover your research proposal and research methods. The university or program often determines the format and requirements for these exams.

Nursing Certification Exams

Some Ph.D. in Nursing programs offer or require advanced nursing certification in specialties such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). These certifications typically involve national board exams administered by organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) , the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) , or the National League for Nursing (NLN) .

Where Can I Work With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

A Ph.D. in Nursing opens up a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors of healthcare, education, research, and policy development. Here are some of the places where you can work with a Ph.D. in Nursing:

• Academic Institutions : Many Ph.D. prepared nurses pursue careers in academia. They can work as faculty members, teaching nursing students, conducting research, and contributing to developing nursing curricula and programs.
• Research Institutions : Ph.D. nurses often find roles in research institutions and centers. They may lead research projects, design studies, and publish findings that advance nursing science and healthcare practice.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Systems : Some Ph.D. nurses work in hospitals and healthcare systems in various capacities. They may serve as nurse researchers, nursing leaders, or educators for staff development programs.
• Government Agencies : Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels hire nurse researchers and experts to inform healthcare policies, public health initiatives, and health system improvements.
• Nonprofit Organizations : Nonprofit organizations focused on healthcare, public health, and nursing-related causes often employ nurses with Ph.D. degrees to drive research, advocacy, and program development.
• Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety : Nurses with Ph.D. degrees can contribute to improving healthcare quality and patient safety by working in roles that focus on quality improvement initiatives, patient outcomes, and evidence-based practice.
• Nursing Education and Continuing Education Providers : Beyond traditional academic institutions, nurses with Ph.D. degrees can work for organizations that offer continuing education, professional development, and nurse certification programs.
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies : Nurses with expertise in research methodologies and patient care may find opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contributing to clinical trials, medical affairs, or patient education.
• Global Health Organizations : Nurses with Ph.D. degrees may work with global health organizations, addressing international healthcare challenges, conducting research on global health issues, and promoting health equity.
• Nursing Associations and Professional Organizations : Nursing associations and organizations hire experts with Ph.D. nursing degrees to lead initiatives, research, and advocacy efforts that advance the nursing profession.
• Healthcare Policy Think Tanks : Some Ph.D. nurses work in healthcare policy think tanks, influencing policy decisions and contributing to healthcare reform efforts.

The career paths available to nurses with a Ph.D. in Nursing are diverse and can align with individual interests, expertise, and career goals. The choice of workplace often depends on the specific focus of your doctoral research and your passion for teaching, research, clinical practice, or policy development within the nursing profession.

The salary you can expect with a Ph.D. in Nursing can vary widely depending on several factors, including your specific job role, location, years of experience, and the type of employer. Here’s a general overview of potential earning ranges for nurses with a Ph.D. in Nursing in the United States:

• Nurse Educators : Nurse educators who work in academic institutions, teaching nursing students, can earn a median annual salary of $84,180, according to the BLS. Salaries can vary based on education, rank, and experience.
• Nurse Researchers : Nurses involved in research, whether in academic settings, healthcare institutions, or research organizations, can earn around $99,930 annually. Research leadership roles may command higher salaries.
• Nurse Executives and Administrators : According to the BLS, nurses in leadership roles within healthcare organizations, such as Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) or Nursing Directors, can earn median salaries of around $104,830 or more annually . Salaries vary based on the size and complexity of the healthcare system.
• Government and Public Health: Nurses employed by government agencies or in public health roles, such as epidemiologists, may earn $78,520 or more annually , depending on their position and agency.

Doctoral Degrees

Top Careers for RNs with a Doctorate in Nursing

Home » PhD and DNP Degrees » Top Careers for RNs with a Doctorate in Nursing

Nursing is a calling for most RNs , and many want to continue their education to further their careers and take an even greater leadership role in the field. A doctorate in nursing is the terminal degree for nurses who want to expand their current roles, move into management and leadership positions, conduct clinical research or pursue employment in higher education.

A number of career possibilities exist for nurses with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Here are some of the top jobs that are available for nurses with a doctorate in nursing.

Nurse faculty

A career in nursing education is a great option for nurses who want to prepare future nurses and are interested in nursing research. The shortage of qualified nursing faculty has been well documented by nursing organizations and in professional research.

A survey released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in October 2018 found a total of 1,715 vacant faculty positions at 872 nursing schools, with a national vacancy rate of 7.9%. More than 90% of those vacancies were for faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree, the survey found.

A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree and is generally the most common doctoral degree for nurse faculty, although some nurse educators hold a DNP in nursing. The average salary for nursing instructors and teachers in higher education was $81,300 in 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while those on the higher end of the pay scale can make $130,000 or more.

While salaries for nurse educators may not go as high as some occupations with advanced nursing degrees, faculty members typically work shorter hours and may face less stress than most practicing nurses.

Nurse anesthetist

One of the more lucrative career options for advanced practice registered nurses with a doctoral degree is that of nurse anesthetist. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia to patients for surgical and other medical procedures and are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals, according to the AACN.

The average annual salary for nurse anesthetists was nearly $175,000 in 2018. In several states, such as Montana, California, Iowa, Oregon and Wisconsin, average annual wages for CRNAs top $200,000, according to BLS.

The most common doctoral degrees for nurse anesthetists are the DNP or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). By 2025, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs , which accredits nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, will require all new CRNAs to have doctoral degrees.

Nurse practitioner

A doctorate in nursing also is very valuable to those who are looking to become nurse practitioners . NPs are “clinicians who assess, diagnose and treat acute chronic illnesses, as well as counsel, coordinate care and educate patients regarding their illnesses,” according to the website of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners .

NPs work in a variety of settings , including private practice, hospital outpatient clinics, inpatient hospital units, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Working as a nurse practitioner comes with many benefits. NPs have greater authority in diagnosing and treating patients and prescribing medications, and many states now allow nurse practitioners to practice independently without physician oversight.

Nurse practitioners also make significantly higher salaries than other nurses, with average annual earnings of about $110,000. While a doctorate in nursing is not required to become a nurse practitioner, the AACN supports moving the standard preparation level for advanced nursing practice from a master’s to a doctoral degree. A growing number of students that are considering careers as NPs are enrolling in DNP programs.

Nurse leader

Nurses who want to move into top management and leadership roles in hospitals, nursing homes and other health systems can benefit from a doctorate in nursing.

Some of those positions include CNO, chief nurse executive, director of nursing, nursing administrator, nurse manager and health system president or CEO. A 2019 survey of nurse leaders conducted by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership found that most nursing leaders’ annual salaries ranged from $90,000 to $169,000, with those at the top end of the pay scale earning more than $250,000 a year.

While a doctorate in nursing may not be required for all of these positions, it can certainly help improve a nurse’s chances of moving into leadership or management roles.

Nurse scientist/researcher

Nurse scientists or nurse researchers are dedicated to the study of nursing research. They conduct scientific studies, collect data and present their findings, often partnering with researchers from other fields, such as medicine, pharmacy and nutrition to address complex healthcare questions or problems, according to an article .

While nurse researchers often work as faculty at colleges and universities, they also can work at hospitals, research laboratories or other healthcare facilities. Many of these jobs require a PhD in Nursing or DNP degree. The average salary for a nurse scientist is about $95,000.

Nurse informatics

For nurses with an interest in information technology and analytics, a career in nurse informatics may be a good option. Nursing informatics is “a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice,” according to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society .

A doctorate in nursing is not required for all nurse informatics roles, but it could be beneficial when applying for higher-level positions such as chief nurse informatics officer. Salaries vary for nursing informatics roles depending upon skill level and geographic area, but the average salary for a chief nursing informatics officer is $109,072, with those in some areas of the country making upward of $200,000.

While these are some of the potential roles for nurses with doctoral degrees, many other career options are available. Some of the other roles that can benefit from an advanced nursing degree include clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife (CNM) and public health and public policy nurses.

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DNP vs PhD in Nursing - What is the Difference?

• What's the Difference Between a DNP vs a PhD?

DNP vs PhD Compared

Deep dive into dnp vs phd.

What's the Difference Between a DNP vs a PhD?

Nurses who have earned a master’s degree and are ready for the next step may be choosing between a DNP vs PhD. Both are considered terminal degrees for advanced practice nurses but are rooted in very different practices. In the most general terms, a  doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a clinical practice degree, while a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a research-focused degree. 

Nurse Practitioners have the option to earn either degree, but a DNP is preferred. Individuals with a Master’s degree in Nursing Education will generally earn their PhD.

Program Length

• BSN to PhD: 5-10 years
• MSN to PhD: 3-7 years
• ADN-to-DNP: 5-6 years
• BSN-to-DNP: 3-4 years
• MSN-to-DNP: 2 years

Average Salary

• PhD nurse educators had a median annual wage of $78,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018.
• According to Payscale,  nurse researchers earned an average salary of $81,500.
• Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.

Job Opportunities

• The greatest need for PhD prepared nurses is in academia. According to 2018, Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions 1,715 faculty vacancies was identified. There is also a need for 138 additional positions to fit the current demand. 
• According to the AACN, the biggest opportunity for DNP individuals is also in academia. The data show a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 7.9%. Most of the vacancies (90.7%) were faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree.

Certification

• Renewal: None
• Renewal: 5 years. Retake the exam or provide proof of at least 1,000 clinical practice hours and 75 CE unit

Work Environments

• Colleges & Universities
• Research facility
• Medical laboratory
• Government agency
• Universities
• Public Health Offices
• Specialty Practices
• Autonomous Practices
• Health Care Administration Settings
• Health Care Policy Advocacy Organizations

Career Options after Graduation

• Nursing researcher
• Health policy positions
• Nursing faculty positions
• Leadership in nursing practice
• Management positions
• Healthcare policy, administration, or government positions
• Academia in practice-based nursing programs

What is a DNP?

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) deliver high-quality advanced nursing care in a clinical setting, similarly to an NP; however, these individuals have taken their careers a step further.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) states that transitioning from advanced practice NP degrees to the doctoral level is a “…response to changes in health care delivery and emerging healthcare needs, and additional knowledge or content areas have been identified by practicing nurses. In addition, the knowledge required to provide leadership in the discipline of nursing is so complex and rapidly changing that additional or doctoral level education is needed.”

Essentially, DNP graduates are leaders in advanced nursing practice who bring evidence-based knowledge into the clinical setting to help improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen the leadership role of nurses in both clinical and academic settings. 

Want to know more? Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about the DNP meaning .

The benefits of a DNP program, according to the AACN, are:

• enhanced knowledge to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes
• enhanced leadership skills 
• increased supply of faculty for clinical instruction
• development of needed advanced competencies for increasingly complex clinical, faculty, and leadership role

>> Show Me DNP Programs

DNP Scope of Practice

An individual with a DNP can function in a provider capacity but most also work to generate new scientific and clinical knowledge in nursing and healthcare. A nurse practitioner with a doctorate does not change the scope of practice. DNPs that work in the clinical setting can, 

• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
• Record and examine medical history, diagnoses, and symptoms
• Prescribe medications
• Manage patients’ overall care
• Counsel patients and their families
• Educate patients and families on disease prevention and plan of care
• Monitor and operate medical equipment
• Perform physical examinations and patient observations
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
• Detect changes in a patient’s health and change the treatment plan if necessary

DNPs that work solely in the clinical setting will rarely conduct scientific research or teach. For this reason, most DNPs also work in academia, as administrators, and/or researchers. 

The duties of a nurse with a DNP, outside of the clinical setting, can include the following:

• Use informatics to lead improvements in healthcare outcomes.
• Develop or update policies and procedures.
• Educate patients and public about healthcare.
• Innovate new healthcare strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

In 23 states, DNPs have “full practice authority” which means they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor. Full practice states include,

• North Dakota

In states with reduced practice (Alabama, Wisconsin, and New York) and restricted practice (Virgina, Massachusetts, and California), DNPs must have a medical doctor sign certain medical patient care decisions. DNPs have prescriptive privileges in all 50 states and can administer controlled substances in 49 states.

BLS's May 2022 data shows NPs made an annual median salary of $121,6100; interestingly, there is minimal concrete data on the average annual salary of a DNP.   Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500 to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has very limited data on DNP salaries, but the reported average is $135,830. This average is based on only a small number of reported salaries. The key determining factor for DNP salary is the career nurses pursue after obtaining an advanced degree. A Chief Nursing Officer will earn more than a Nursing Professor. Ultimately, additional advanced education is reflective of higher annual salary earnings.

It is impossible to determine which DNP specialty has the highest salary but hospital administrators, DNP-prepared certified nurse midwives, and DNP-prepared certified nurse anesthetists are at the top. 

According to the 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified midwive s can earn on average $191,470 in the San Francisco, California.

DNP Programs, Length of Time, & Classes

According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report , the top five DNP programs in the country are,   

• Johns Hopkins University
• Columbia University, Duke University and Rush University, and University of Washington (TIE)

Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Rush have consistently been in the top 5 DNP schools the last several years. Rush University has the largest DNP program with over 765 enrolled students, while Johns Hopkins has 624 students enrolled, and Duke has 337 DNP students.

DNP programs can be completed both online and in class. To pursue a DNP, individuals already would have completed a traditional or accelerated BSN program and have an MSN. There are only a handful of programs that accept students into the DNP program without an MSN. 

A DNP program completion can take roughly one to four years. This will depend on the program and whether it is being completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Programs are typically between 30-40 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. A percentage of clinical hours earned during an MSN program can transfer in some programs. 

Individuals should expect to take the following classes:

• Advance Leadership
• Advance Healthcare Policy
• Clinical Information Systems
• Evidence Appraisal
• Project Development
• Clinical Reasoning
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement
• Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan
• Epidemiology
• Ethics for advanced nursing practice

DNP Admission Requirements

Requirements for DNP programs will vary but most will require the following:

• MSN degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a nationally accredited school of nursing
• GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in the Master’s program
• Current, unencumbered nursing license
• RN experience 
• Letters of Recommendation (both academic and professional references)
• Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
• Current Resume/CV
• Goal statement
• Personal essay
• Advanced Practice Registered Nursing license
• Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if applicable 
• Application fee

What is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing), is a research-focused doctorate in which students conduct research to advance the science and practice of nursing. PhDs are considered the gold standard for terminal degrees in nursing and at one time was the only doctorate option. 

Individuals must have a strong desire to conduct research or teach students as this is generally what this degree is used for. 

PhD Scope of Practice 

The scope of practice for a nurse with a PhD is tricky. Individuals can work as a bedside nurse, but unless they are a CRNP, they do not have any advance responsibilities or roles beyond a normal bedside nurse. 

Nurses who earn a PhD typically fall into two employment categories: nurse researcher and nurse educator. 

For a nurse researcher, typical duties may include:

• Identify research questions, and design and conduct scientific research
• Collect and analyze scientific data and publish reports detailing findings
• Write proposals and apply for grants to help fund their research
• Establish and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure the validity of their data findings
• Writing articles and research reports in nursing or medical professional journals or other publications
• Presenting findings at conferences, meetings, and other professional speaking engagements
• Train and supervise laboratory staff and other nurses or scientists

For a nurse educator who has chosen to pursue a faculty position at a university or college, typical duties may include:

• Plan, prepare and revise curriculum and study materials for nursing courses
• Deliver lectures to undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students
• Design curricula and develop programs of study
• Evaluate program outcomes
• Research and publication of scholarly work
• Participating in professional associations
• Speaking engagements at a nursing conference
• Writing grant proposals
• Writing or reviewing textbooks and other educational material
• Seek continuous improvement in the nurse educator role
• Advise students and perform many of the tasks associated with academic careers
• Grade students’ classwork, laboratory and clinical performance
• Mentor and advise students’ regarding their future work in the nursing industry

PhD Programs, Length of Time, & Classes

A PhD program takes a minimum of three years if taking classes full time. Most individuals complete the programs in five to seven years. The curriculum is between 45 and 70 credit hours. There is no direct patient care practicum but there is a dissertation. 

A dissertation is a requirement of all PhD programs, and individuals must defend their manuscript during a presentation at the end of their program. The dissertation is a technical paper that is intended to show the growth of the student throughout the program. It includes theory, research, and experimentation.

>> Related: What Are the Best Nursing Research Topics?

• Philosophical Perspectives in Health
• Scientific Perspectives
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Qualitative Research Design and Methods
• Mixed Methods Research Design
• Grant Writing
• Measurement in Health Care Research
• Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist 
• Leadership in Science: The Role of the Nurse Scientist
• Statistical Methods
• Dissertation
• Longitudinal Methods
• Integrated Interdisciplinary Research Practicum
• Intervention Research Methods in Health Care

PhD Admission Requirements

Requirements for PhD programs will vary but most will require the following:

• Graduate of an accredited Master’s in Nursing Program 
• A written statement of research goals 
• Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources
• GRE scores are accepted but not required
• Writing sample (publication or graded paper)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation (both academic and professional references)
• Copy of official RN license(s) 
• Nursing experience
• Official Transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)

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• A DNP is a terminal nursing degree rooted in clinical practice and intended for advanced practice nurse practitioners.

What is a PhD?

• A PhD is a terminal nursing degree rooted in research and intended for individuals wishing to work as nurse educators or nurse researchers. 

What is the difference between DNP vs PhD salary? 

• Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.
• PhD nurse educators had a median annual wage of $78,580.

Does it take longer to become a DNP or PhD? 

• It takes about twice as long to earn a PhD DNPs can be earned in as little as one year or full-time study while a PhD takes a minimum of three years.

How long does certification last?

• DNP’s must renew their certification every five years either through examination or practice hours and continuing education hours. PhD prepared nurses do not have a certification to renew other than their advanced practice degree. 

Are DNPs and PhDs in demand?

• With an ongoing nursing shortage, an aging population, and retirement of a large percentage of nurse educators, nurses with terminal degrees are in high demand.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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DNP vs PhD in Nursing: Which Is Better for Me?

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If you’re considering pursuing a doctoral program in nursing, should you enter a PhD program or a DNP program? Both are doctoral degree programs that will allow you to advance your knowledge of the nursing field, but they offer unique career opportunities including nursing education, research, advanced practice nursing, or leadership. Keep reading to determine the best nursing program for you depending on your career aspirations!

What is a DNP Degree?

A DNP nursing degree stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. It’s a degree that allows you to advance your clinical practice skills while furthering your nursing education. A DNP degree is a terminal degree, which means there’s no direct advanced training you can receive after finishing this degree. You could choose to return to pursue a nursing PhD, but a PhD is the same degree level as a DNP degree.

Unlike a PhD which focuses on research, students pursuing a DNP degree receive additional education in evidence-based practice methods, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other areas.

At UCF, we offer three DNP degree programs:

• Nurse Practitioner, including Family Nurse Practitioner , Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks
• Nurse Executive
• Advanced Practice

How Long Does it Take To Get a DNP Degree?

A DNP degree is the end of a long educational path for a nursing doctoral student. Nurses typically start by obtaining their RN license through either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Getting an ASN degree typically takes two years, while a BSN degree takes four years to obtain.

After receiving their degree and beginning to practice nursing as an RN, nurses seeking to obtain an DNP can continue to go to nursing school with two options. First, they can first pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. An MSN degree can take anywhere from one and a half to four years to complete, depending on whether nursing students are pursuing the degree full- or part-time and their level of education upon entering the program. RN to MSN programs and direct-entry MSN programs (MSN programs for nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree) take longer, while BSN to MSN programs may only take one and a half to two years. A nursing professional with an MSN degree can work as a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner, among other career options. After completing an MSN degree, students can return to school to complete a post-MSN DNP program. Those programs generally take two to four years to complete beyond the MSN degree.

A second option is BSN to DNP programs, which skip the MSN degree. These programs typically take three to four years to complete. Additionally, 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours are required for any nurse obtaining a DNP degree.

The option you choose depends upon the career path you wish to pursue. For example, to become a nurse practitioner, you would choose a BSN to DNP program. For other career goals, it may make more sense to pursue your DNP degree by first obtaining an MSN degree.

Nurses with a DNP degree have access to a wealth of advanced nursing roles and positions, including clinical and non-clinical roles. Nurses wanting to continue their clinical practice might have jobs including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. They might be primary care providers or specialty providers, and they can provide evidence-based practice in inpatient or outpatient settings. Typically, nurses continuing to work in clinical settings at this level have a lot of autonomy, and they don’t require much supervision from other healthcare providers due to their strong clinical knowledge base.

Non-clinical roles in the nursing field could include a career in nursing leadership, administrative nursing, or education. They might be a nursing instructor, Chief Nursing Officer, or nursing home administrator, or they could go into public health nursing. While they may still work in a clinical setting, like a hospital or clinic, their job duties will be non-clinical. DNP nurses could also work in a variety of settings that aren’t clinical, including for a health insurance company, pharmaceutical company, or medical supply company.

What is a PhD in Nursing?

Like DNP programs, a nurse PhD program is typically pursued by a nurse who has already obtained their MSN degree. It can take four to six additional years of schooling to get a PhD in nursing degree. Unlike a DNP program, however, a PhD in nursing program doesn’t require clinical hours, so students can take courses full time if they’re looking for a shorter path to get their degree.

Some programs, including UCF’s online nursing PhD program, offer a BSN to PhD option that allows nurses to obtain their PhD in nursing without completing an MSN program first. This can also help an aspiring nurse scholar to obtain their PhD and start a fulfilling career in the field of nursing as quickly as possible in as little as four and a half years.

What Does a Nurse Do With a PhD?

A PhD-prepared nurse has a variety of career options available to them. Typically, nurses with their PhD don’t work in clinical settings. Instead, they might work in a leadership role at a university, in a laboratory, in public policy, or for a research institution. Due to their vast knowledge in nursing, these nurses might work as nurse scientists, nurse researchers, nursing professors, or in governmental positions. There are many career paths available to PhD-trained nurses, but some typical job responsibilities for these nurses include teaching, research, and writing proposals and health policy.

DNP vs PhD Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that roles filled by nurses with DNP degrees will grow anywhere from 32–45% by 2029, depending on the position. Since PhD-educated nurses work so many different roles, it’s difficult to quantify their expected job growth, but nursing careers across the board are in high demand . In a survey of nursing schools performed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , schools reported an average nurse faculty vacancy rate of 8.8%. This shortage is preventing nursing programs from accepting qualified students; in 2021 alone, 91,938 nursing school applicants were turned away due to insufficient faculty. Both DNP- and PhD-educated nurses have excellent job prospects.

DNP vs PhD Salary

Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That’s in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , DNP-prepared nurses make a median salary of about $123,000 per year, with nurses trained as nurse anesthetists earning the highest average salary. Nurses with their PhD who work in teaching positions earn an average of $77,440 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Nurse researchers earn a median wage of $81,500 a year according to PayScale .

Deciding Between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing

All nurses start in the same place—with an RN license—but where they end up varies based on the continued education they pursue. For those wanting to obtain the highest level of nursing education possible, there are two ways to earn a doctorate degree in nursing—a DNP degree program or a PhD in nursing program. Which doctoral degree is best for you depends on your career goals, clinical experience, and areas of passion.

Nurses passionate about the clinical practice of nursing may prefer a DNP degree, since clinical hours are a key element of this degree, even if they don’t practice clinically their entire career. Nurses more interested in teaching, research, or changing the field of nursing as a whole may prefer a PhD track, which focuses more on scientific knowledge and the theoretical foundations of nursing. Some nurses choose to obtain both their DNP and PhD degrees in nursing, giving them greater flexibility and the most advanced nursing knowledge.

Whatever Educational Path You Choose, UCF Has an Online Program To Get You There

Our online nursing program has core courses on nursing theory, scientific writing, and healthcare research to prepare you for a leadership position in a stimulating nursing career.

For those seeking a PhD in nursing degree, UCF offers two online degree options—a BSN to PhD track and an MSN to PhD track. We welcome students with various educational backgrounds working to achieve common goals.

If you’re interested in a DNP degree, UFC offers specialized options based on whether you intend to practice clinically or lead the field of nursing in a non-clinical role. Our online DNP Advanced Practice track prepares practicing nurses for engaging, rewarding clinical careers, while our DNP Nurse Executive track supports innovative, creative nursing students as they take on non-clinical leadership roles.

For students seeking to become a nurse practitioner, UCF also offers hybrid classroom-online BSN to DNP degree nurse practitioner programs in primary care, acute care, and family nurse practitioner.

UCF’s Online Nursing Degrees

• Healthcare Simulation
• Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track
• Nursing, BS
• Nursing, MSN
• Nursing, PhD

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DNP vs PhD in Nursing – A Complete Guide to Understanding the Difference Between a DNP and PhD in Nursing

As you move up the ladder in nursing, you’ll be faced with a lot of choices. Should you specialize or keep your options open? Will you pursue advanced practice nursing, or remain an RN? Should you go into management or remain a hands-on clinician?

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Many of those decisions will point you back to school in pursuit of an advanced degree in nursing. Eventually, if you advance far enough and set your sights high enough, you’ll be faced with another choice: pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing?

What is the Difference Between DNP and PhD in Nursing Degrees?

There is one big difference that sets these programs apart by design:

• The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practice-oriented, professional education in nursing
• The PhD in Nursing is an academic and research-oriented study of nursing

That difference between a PhD and DNP translates into the intended role for graduates of each program:

• DNP graduates in various tracks are prepared to become advanced practice registered nurses, clinical leaders, or administrators and executive leaders
• PhD graduates are best equipped for positions in nursing research or to teach nursing skills at the college level

Although these roles are specifically what each degree is designed to prepare you for, they aren’t set in stone. You will still find many DNP graduates teaching or performing advanced research work. You will also find many PhDs in nursing working in clinical practice and licensed in one of the four advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles as nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse leaders.

What is a PhD in Nursing?

The traditional PhD degree, or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, takes you through a heavily research-based, academic study of the principles and theory of nursing. The degree programs take between four and six years to complete.

The coursework offered in these programs revolves around research and theories of nursing.

You will find PhD courses to be uniquely student-driven. In fact, much of the coursework will consist of seminar programs in which students are expected to help design their own course of study. The degree plan is shaped by their goals and interests.

PhD programs are considered strong preparation for teaching roles. They often involve taking on some instructional and research assistant roles even during the program.

A nursing PhD, like most doctoral programs, is completed by finishing and defending a doctoral dissertation. These are dense academic papers, detailing original research and thinking, and can take as much as half of your total program time to complete.

What is a DNP?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a two-to-three-year program that emphasizes advanced practice studies in nursing. Basic coursework has to meet licensing requirements and typically includes:

• Research and statistical skills
• Advanced pharmacology
• Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
• Diagnostics
• Medical procedures and disease and injury management
• Role-specific skills

Even as a practice-focused degree, there are many DNP programs aimed at teaching advanced leadership and executive management skills rather than a specific clinical focus.

Depending on the track you select, the degree can serve as a qualification for licensing to become an APRN. It can also prepare you to advance in an existing APRN role and take on more specialized aspects of patient care and clinical leadership. If your goal is to move out of direct patient care entirely and into administration and executive leadership, you’ll find DNP tracks to help you do that too.

Naturally, DNP programs designed for BSN-prepared RNs that lead to initial APRN licensure and certification would also typically include a patient population focus, such as:

• Family and Individuals across the lifespan
• Adult/Gerontology (either acute or primary care)
• Women’s/gender-related health
• Pediatrics (either acute or primary care)
• Psychiatric/Mental Health

While DNP programs will include some research work, they strongly favor practical applications of nursing principles. For the same reason, while some DNPs can be completed with a doctoral dissertation, they are more likely to have a capstone project completion option. This allows you to spend less time writing up your findings and more time demonstrating real expertise in nursing practice.

You can learn more about both kinds of degrees in our Nursing Doctorate Frequently Asked Questions.

Differences in Admissions Policies You’ll Find in DNP and PhD Programs

Getting into either type of advanced nursing program isn’t easy. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing keeps track of the numbers of graduates from both types of doctoral nursing program.

In 2020, there were only 759 PhD in Nursing graduates, and 9,158 DNP graduates.

Part of the reason for the relatively limited number of graduates is that there are relatively few programs in the United States that offer those degrees as compared to a master’s in nursing. The big push over the past decade to credential more APRNs with a DNP has resulted in just over 350 programs being offered for that degree. Each of those may accommodate a few dozen students. PhD programs are even more rare. There can be stiff competition for those slots, and often stringent admissions requirements.

You’ll find a lot of similarities between DNP and PhD in Nursing degree admissions requirements:

• Minimum of a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from an accredited nursing program
• An impressive CV with real-world work experience
• A written statement of career goals and essay describing your motivations
• A number of professional references

The differences, however, add up quickly.

Admissions to a DNP program will depend on whether it caters to BSN-prepared RNs, or those who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Both entry-points typically require that you to hold an RN before applying. Post-master’s (MSN-to-DNP) degrees usually require that you have a certain number of hours of clinical practice or a current APRN license.

Admissions to a PhD in Nursing program might not even require that you hold a registered nursing license. Your background in academic and scholastic subjects will draw more attention—you’d better have held a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0 if you want a shot at admission. Undergraduate statistical studies are often considered a prerequisite too.

Which Offers the Best Career Opportunities – a DNP or PhD in Nursing?

Although there’s no rule about what kind of nursing or administrative healthcare positions you can pursue with either one of the two doctoral-level nursing degrees, the intended career focus for each is clear:

Does a DNP Sound Like The Right Choice for You? Check Out The Top Twenty MSN to DNP Degree Programs!

If you take a look at the difference between a DNP and PhD in terms of where those career tracks lead, you get a pretty clear picture. If a quiet, academic life or working in a lab or product development settings is for you, a PhD gives you the best shot at getting there… If either the high-stakes world of hands-on treatment or the idea of making facility- and system-impacting decisions at the executive level appeal to you, then a DNP will be the clear choice.

DNP vs PhD Nursing Salary Comparison

Of course, most people make their career choices based on more than just the daily tasks they’ll be performing. You probably also want to know the difference between DNP vs PhD salaries before you choose one or the other.

There’s no hard and fast rule about how to figure out what PhD vs DNP salary levels look like in the real world. After all, even though the programs differ by design and intent, graduates from either program can ultimately qualify for many of the same kinds of jobs.

Because they are generally aimed at different types of positions, though, we can make some educated guesses about DNP vs PhD in Nursing salaries.

The gold standard for this kind of data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although they don’t specifically track salary levels by academic degree, they do collect information for specific job types. So, it’s possible to compare high-level practical nursing positions against nursing jobs in academia and research.

DNP graduates are most likely to fall into the BLS category for Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. Since they have the most advanced professional degree to qualify for those roles, it’s fair to say they land in the top ten percent of that category. For 2021, that puts the salary for DNP graduates at more than $200,540 per year.

PhD graduates usually pick up jobs in the BLS category for Medical Scientists. In 2021, that makes the average salary for PhD in Nursing graduates more than $95,310 per year. Some, however, will also become educators and college professors. For those individuals, the average salary was $79,640 per year.

DNP or PhD, Which is Right for You?

It’s always worth keeping in mind that there are plenty of similarities between DNP and PhD in Nursing training programs. By choosing one over the other, you are not necessarily limiting yourself to follow only one professional path.

In general, though, you’ll probably find that a PhD is a better fit for you if you enjoy study and research, or have the skills to pass along your knowledge to others as a nurse educator. If you are interested in a role that won’t involve a lot of direct patient contact, and prefer the theoretical study of disease and treatment, then a PhD will be your degree path. On the other hand, you’ll do well in a DNP in nursing program if you enjoy working with people and like the challenge of diagnosing and treating real-world injuries. If you see yourself consulting with other clinicians, ordering lab tests, and poring over patient histories to find and fix what ails people, a DNP is the way to go.

You can expect a long and lucrative career in front of you with either kind of advanced nursing degree. As the most advanced practice-focused option available, though, a DNP is what you want if your career goals include working in direct patient care or higher level administrative leadership and executive roles.

Ready to learn how to become a DNP? Learn more about its benefits, how to obtain a degree, licensure and certifications, and career opportunities.

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners , Postsecondary Teachers , and Medical Scientists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed in May 2022.

How to Pick the Right Graduate Degree in Nursing

R egistered nurses play a critical role in patient care, performing physical exams, administering medication and helping to coordinate a team of health professionals.

But states across the U.S. have been facing a growing nursing shortage fueled by employee burnout, lack of training and a generation of nurses approaching retirement. Combined with a shrinking number of primary care physicians and an aging patient population that's living longer while often contending with chronic conditions, the need for nurses – and those with advanced degrees – has never been higher, many experts agree.

An advanced degree in nursing requires significant time and money, so choosing the right program is important for students to make sure their decision pays off in the future.

The Advanced Nursing Degree  

Advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, typically hold a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Both focus on the clinical side of care. Nurses interested in academia or research can also opt for a Ph.D. program.

“Some may want to become faculty members. Some may choose to become research scientists. Some want to lead health care organizations,” says Beth Ann Swan, associate dean and vice president for academic practice partnerships and interim assistant dean for education at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia. “It really varies, but graduate preparation is required to make that leap if they are interested."

Swan, who is a registered nurse with a Ph.D., says she’s had DNP students who have become vice presidents in large health systems, as well as chief nursing officer of a hospital and a policy adviser at the federal level.

For nurses who want to stay closer to their patients or are undecided if a doctorate degree is right for them, MSN nurses will still see boosts in their careers with opportunities for new and advanced roles, including teaching, as well as higher salary potential.

Master of Science in Nursing 

At the master’s level, students who opt for an MSN train in one of four specialties: nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist or certified nurse midwife. Within these specializations, nurses focus on specific patient populations, such as pediatrics and adult-gerontology.

The average MSN program takes two to three years full time to complete, although accelerated programs can be as short as 15 months. Students without nursing backgrounds also have the option to attend an accelerated nursing program and earn their bachelor’s degree, license and graduate degree in three years.

A nurse with a master’s degree will take on greater responsibility for patients, including prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests and developing plans of care.

“There are a lot of advantages in terms of being able to impact a person’s health being a primary care provider,” says Susan Renz, who has a Ph.D. and is a geriatric nurse practitioner and primary care program director at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing . "You’re at the same level essentially as a physician and tend to work side by side.”

Along with the increased responsibility come new challenges.

“It’s a lot of time with patients,” says Alexander Menard, an acute care nurse practitioner at UMass Memorial Medical Center whose typical 12-hour workday in the intensive care unit involves managing a busy workload. “I spend my entire day caring for patients and families, working with an interdisciplinary team, working closely with nurses and consulting services like physical therapists or social workers, and coordinating care and making sure all the specialties are weighing in for the best outcomes of the patient. It’s a tremendous amount of coordination of care.”

Increased demands typically mean a higher salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage in 2022 for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners was $125,900 per year, compared with $81,220 per year for a registered nurse.

Doctor of Nursing Practice 

While a master’s in nursing will lead students to new job opportunities and increased salaries, nurses interested in taking a deeper dive into the policies that drive the health system and want leadership positions that directly affect those policies should consider a DNP, which offers more health policy training than an MSN.

Danielle McCamey, a DNP at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland and founder of the national nonprofit DNPs of Color, says the DNP allows students to expand their scopes of knowledge and skills with both patients and policies.

“When you have this DNP, you’re still heavily based in clinical practice and you understand taking care of individuals and communities, but you have this additional skill set to disrupt certain systems that are preventing access to care or might be out of the latest trends of what’s needed to make reasonable changes in the health care system,” McCamey says.

Nationwide, the DNP program has steadily grown in popularity over the last decade, increasing from 156 in 2010 to 426 in 2022, with 70 more programs planned, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The DNP may eventually replace the MSN altogether, as the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has called for all entry-level NP programs to transition to the DNP by 2025. The AACN has also recommended that transition since 2004.

Menard, who is also a DNP and assistant professor at UMass Chan Medical School's Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing , is among those who favor this shift.

“The demands of the health care system require primary care providers to have advanced knowledge and leadership and the ability to translate evidence at the bedside and improve outcomes,” Menard says. “Patient care is the priority, but there’s so much more that impacts patient care, including policies, and the extra time in school and the emphasis of the DNP addresses that directly.”

Choosing the Right Graduate Nursing Program

Renz encourages nurses thinking about the master’s program at Penn to first gain real-world experience. "The more patient encounters you’re exposed to gives you a better idea of the population and the types of patients you’d want to work with after graduating,” she says.

And since an advanced degree requires students to focus on a specialty, Menard says it’s a good idea to talk with nurses in roles that interest students.

“You really want to have a good understanding of what an NP does with specific certifications and roles because you’re going to be investing a good amount of time, energy and finances to get to that goal, so it’s good to spend time talking to people in the roles you might see yourself in.”

With the growing number of programs offered at schools across the U.S., it’s important for students to weigh numerous factors before making their decisions.

Swan says they should consider whether the school they are applying to is accredited, along with its reputation and ranking. “And of course, most important, what the employment opportunities are. Where do graduates go and what kind of career services do they have?”

Considering that employment of APRNs is projected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, with about 29,200 openings each year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, experts say students who choose to invest in an advanced nursing degree will be in high demand.

“Opportunities abound,” McCamey says. “And the beauty of nursing is that you can create your role anywhere, especially with technology and innovation making care more accessible. That’s why it’s so important to have an understanding of your goal, because there’s so much opportunity to take care of people and communities.”

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What is the salary of a nurse practitioner? 

April 18, 2024

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Family Nurse Practitioner

With extensive education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, years of on-site training and experience, and external upskilling and credentialing, NPs represent the hard work and personal investment it takes to reach the upper echelons of their profession — and the passion to dedicate their careers to the care of others.

Because of this investment and the important work they do every day, NPs are often compensated well with high salaries and great benefits.

The salaries of nurse practitioners can vary drastically based on several factors such as specialty area, experience, location and employer type.

The median nurse practitioner salary in the United States is $121,610, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2022.

This means that half of all NPs are expected to earn more than $121,610 and half are expected to earn less. The top 10% of NPs earn more than $163,350, while the bottom 10% earn less than $79,470.

If you’re hoping to advance your nursing practice or pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, you’ll need to earn a graduate-level education such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). You’ll also need to pass national certification requirements and undergo periodic evaluation.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of becoming a nurse practitioner and more details on NP salaries and compensation, including a breakdown of some of the highest and lowest-paying states for NPs.

Choosing a Path: Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner?

Whether it is better to be a registered nurse (RN) or an NP depends on your individual goals and interests — such as the level of education you hope to pursue and the amount of autonomy you wish to have in your practice.

RNs and NPs play important roles in the health care system, and both are rewarding careers with promising prospects.

RNs provide direct care to patients across settings, including hospitals, clinics and home health agencies. They typically work under the supervision of physicians, but they have a great deal of autonomy in their work. RNs assess patients’ needs, administer medications, educate patients about their health conditions and provide emotional support.

NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.

NPs have a wider scope of practice than RNs, and they can perform many of the same tasks as physicians, such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and prescribing medications.

NPs often work in collaboration with physicians, but they can also work independently in certain settings. For example, in nursing home settings, nurse practitioners often operate independently, serving as the primary advanced practice medical provider for residents.

They handle a wide range of responsibilities, including acute and chronic illness care, injury treatment, physical exams and medication management, with a focus on prescribing and monitoring.

If you want to expand your RN career path, getting the additional education required for an NP is your first step.

Check out our summary of the key differences between RNs and NPs

Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to become an RN or an NP is to talk to people who work in these roles and learn more about their experiences. A student can also shadow an RN or NP to get a look at their work firsthand.

Here are some additional questions to consider when making the decision whether to expand your RN career path to become a NP.

• Personal interests:  Is providing direct patient care or working in a more advanced clinical role the most important?
• Career goals:  What is the desired work setting? Is specializing in a particular area of nursing a top priority?
• Educational goals:  Is committing to the additional time and expense of getting a master’s or doctoral degree feasible?

Nurse Practitioner Compensation: Highs and Lows

Nurse practitioners tend to earn competitive pay and benefits across the board, but factors like specialty and location may affect your compensation.

What NP Specialty Should I Choose?

There are many different types of nurse practitioner, each with its own area of expertise.

Deciding on the right specialization is an important part of your career as an NP, as it’s a way to tailor your professional experience to your interests and passions in the field.

Here are some of the most common specializations you can choose:

• Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide primary care to patients of all ages, from newborns to geriatrics. They diagnose and treat illnesses, provide preventive care and manage chronic conditions. FNPs work in multiple settings, including hospitals, clinics and private practices.
• Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) provide primary care to adults and seniors. They specialize in caring for older adults who have unique health needs and challenges. AGNPs may work across settings, including hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.
• Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) provide primary care to children from infancy through adolescence. They diagnose and treat illnesses, provide preventive care and manage chronic conditions. PNPs work in many settings, including hospitals, clinics and private practices.
• Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) provide care for newborn babies in intensive care units (NICUs). They assess the health of newborns, diagnose and treat illnesses and provide support to families. NNPs work in hospitals with NICUs.
• Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) provide mental health care to patients of all ages. They diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide therapy and manage medications. PMHNPs may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and mental health agencies.
• Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) provide care for women of all ages. They provide gynecological care, prenatal care and contraception. WHNPs also provide education and counseling on women’s health issues. WHNPs may work across a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and private practice

What Are the Highest-Paying and Lowest-Paying States for NPs?

The location a nurse practitioner chooses can significantly impact earning potential due to the difference in the cost of living in each state.

The region of the country, state and city all determine salary in conjunction with universal economic factors such as inflation, production costs and transportation and logistics.

According to the BLS, the highest-paying states for nurse practitioners are:

• California - $158,130 per year
• New Jersey - $143,250
• Massachusetts - $138,700
• Oregon - $136,250
• Nevada - $136,230

The states in which nurse practitioners tend to earn the least are:

• South Carolina - $109,130 per year
• Arkansas - $107,110
• West Virginia - $106,790
• Alabama - $106,610
• Tennessee - $99,330

Your specialization can also have an impact on your earning potential because of factors like demand and professional responsibility.

Here are some of the highest-paying NP specializations according to data compiled by Nurse.org :

• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - $145,348
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - $135,023
• Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner   – $131,543
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner   – $130,855
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - $129,608
• Family Nurse Practitioner - $128,141
• Oncology Nurse Practitioner - $122,701
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - $113,153
• Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner - $100,035
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner - $99,495
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - $96,198

Nurse Practitioner Occupational Outlook

The job outlook for nurse practitioners is positive, with this position ranking among the fastest-growing careers in the United States.

The BLS projects that employment of NPs will grow 45% from 2022 to 2032; this is much faster than the average of just 3% for all occupations. This also far exceeds the projected increase for other high growth nursing areas, including nurse anesthetist (9%) and nurse midwives (6%).

The growth amounts to about 29,200 openings for NPs projected each year, on average, between 2022 and 2032, including an average of about 12,300 new positions opening per year along with existing roles vacated by NPs who retire or take other positions.

Several factors are contributing to the strong demand for NPs. These include:

• An aging population : As the population ages, there will be a growing need for health care services, including primary care. NPs are well-positioned to provide primary care to older adults, who have complex health care needs.
• A shortage of physicians : There is a projected shortage of physicians in the United States. NPs can help fill this gap by providing the care that physicians usually provide.
• An increased focus on preventive care : There is a growing emphasis on preventive care, which can help to reduce the need for more expensive and invasive treatments. NPs are skilled in providing preventive care and can help to keep patients healthy.

The increasing need for NPs is projected to be strong across all relevant settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and private practices.

Prepare to Advance or Specialize Your Nursing Career with Your Online MSN

Overall, the job outlook for nurse practitioners is promising, with the field projected to experience high growth and continue offering well-paid opportunities to qualified nursing professionals.

If you’re hoping to advance your nursing career or pursue a role as a nurse practitioner, Duquesne University can help.

As a premier institution and leader in nursing education, Duquesne University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with several in-demand specialty options to help equip students for any path they choose to pursue.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “What’s a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?” American Nurses Association, “Types of Nurse Practitioner Specialties” Forbes , “How Inflation Affects Your Cost of Living” Nurse.org, “11 Highest Paid Nurse Practitioner (NP) Specialties” Nurse.org, “Nurse Practitioner Salaries by State” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022: 29-1171 Nurse Practitioners” U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics “Occupational Outlook” 2022 – Registered Nurses

May 2024 Nursing Graduate

Job posting for may 2024 nursing graduate at heartland regional medical center.

*This posting is intended for all ASN and BSN May 2024 graduates for inpatient units located at Heartland Regional Medical Center (Marion IL) and Crossroads Community Hospital ( Mt Vernon IL).(December 2023 graduates, or prior without any RN experience, may apply as well. )

Join Our Team:

We are hiring immediately for compassionate, caring, and dedicated Nursing Graduates to join our team and help us continue our tradition of excellence.

We pride ourselves in retaining our top talent by offering work environments that support professional development and personal success. In addition to our robust healthcare and retirement plans, we offer:

• Competitive pay, shift and weekend incentives, yearly opportunities for pay increases and bonuses
• Flexible work schedules: Full time/Part time, Day/Evenings/Nights/Weekends
• Tuition and relocation reimbursement
• Student Loan Payment Program
• Paid Time Off - starting your first day!
• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional Development Program
• New Nurse Residency Program, including mentorship partners.

Job Overview:

Nursing Graduates are responsible (as unlicensed personnel under the direct supervision of the RN) forproviding patient care as delegated by an RN. In this role, the Nursing Graduate will demonstrate the knowledge, critical thinking and integration of evidence-based practice requirements within the scope of the Nursing Graduate Training Program . The Nursing Graduate learns to formulate patient care on the components of the nursing process. Nurse Graduates are able to benefit from role development as they transition from the Nurse Graduate role to the Registered Nurse role, while awaiting their RN licensure. The goal of this training program is to facilitate the transition of all Nurse Graduates to Registered Nurse responsibilities at the time the Nurse Graduate presents a verifiable, full, and unrestricted license to practice as an RN in the state of practice. For the first year of employment, new graduates participate in our Nursing Residency Program. This program provides a combination of hands-on training, debrief and networking session, as well as mentor/mentee relationships, all aimed at supporting new nurses to allow them to reach their full potential as a Registered Nurse.

Requirements:

• Graduate from an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Applied for and/or awaiting results of the NCLEX exam.
• Hold any required provisional licensing (as dictated by the state board of application)
• ASN to BSN will be required within 5 years.

Why Choose Deaconess?

Deaconess Health System is the largest employer in the tri-state region, and operates under the direction of a local board, with a local focus. Deaconess is widely recognized for its commitment to excellence. Named the #2 Hospital in Indiana by US News & World Report for the past five years, Deaconess was also named to the Forbes list of America's Best Employers in 2022. As our organization continues to grow and expand, we welcome skilled, dedicated and compassionate individuals to join us in delivering The Deaconess Difference: putting people at the center of everything we do, making a positive difference in the lives of our patients, families, employees and community.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Per diem, PRN

Pay: $29.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 40 per week

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Healthcare setting:

Medical specialties:

• Medical-Surgical
• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Rotating shift
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Marion, IL 62959: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

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• 25 April 2024

NIH pay rise for postdocs and PhD students could have US ripple effect

• Amanda Heidt 0

Amanda Heidt is a freelance journalist in southeastern Utah.

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Academic workers on a picket line at the University of California, Los Angeles. Credit: Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Amid a reckoning over poor job prospects and stagnating wages for early-career scientists, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said this week that it will raise the salaries of thousands of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students who receive a prestigious NIH research fellowship. The move could boost pay for other scientists as well, because academic institutions often follow guidelines set by the NIH.

Beginning immediately, postdocs who hold one of the agency’s Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSAs) will earn at least US$61,008 per year — an 8% increase and the largest year-over-year increase the NIH has implemented since 2017. Postdocs’ salaries, which are adjusted for years of experience, are capped at $74,088 per year. Graduate students’ yearly salaries will rise by $1,000, amounting to an annual salary of $28,224. The agency will also provide an extra $500 in subsidies for childcare and $200 for training-related expenses.

“This is a major step in the right direction and something that the majority will agree is widely needed to retain talent in the biomedical and academic research sectors,” says Francisca Acosta, a biomedical engineer and postdoc at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, who is herself funded through an NRSA.

Postdoc shortage

In 2022, the agency assembled a working group to advise it on how best to retain and cultivate postdoctoral talent , after reports that principal investigators were struggling to fill vacant postdoc positions . In December last year, the panel recommended a minimum salary of $70,000 for postdocs.

The NIH agreed that a salary increase is indeed needed for the more than 17,000 trainees covered by the NRSAs. But in its announcement, the agency acknowledged that the pay rise it has implemented falls short of the council’s recommendation. It cited its tight budget in recent years as a reason.

Canadian science gets biggest boost to PhD and postdoc pay in 20 years

It added that “pending the availability of funds through future appropriations”, the agency would increase salaries to meet the recommended $70,000 target in the next three to five years.

The agency also suggested that NIH-funded institutions could supplement salaries in other ways. That presents a challenge, according to Sharona Gordon, a biophysicist at the University of Washington in Seattle, given that the NIH’s modular R01 grants — one of the main NIH research awards with which principal investigators fund their labs — have remained at $250,000 per year since they were introduced in 1998. Such grants cannot be used to supplement salaries, meaning that lab heads have to pull money from other sources to increase trainees’ pay.

Even scientists who approve of the NIH’s move say it could have unintended consequences. “For institutions such as ours, which mandate that the postdoc minimum salary be set to the NIH minimum, there are some concerns that this increase in personnel costs could be a barrier for labs based on funding levels,” Acosta says.

For some, the five-year timeline for the increase feels insufficient. Haroon Popal, a cognitive-science postdoc at the University of Maryland in College Park whose work is funded by the NIH, says that although he understands the pressures on the agency, the new salary will not be enough to support him as he assumes multiple caring responsibilities. Even with the boost, postdoc salaries in academia fall far short of what researchers could make in government, industry or non-profit positions.

“This is an issue of diversity and equity for me,” he says. “The new postdoc salary is not allowing people like me to be in academia, which is counter to the NIH’s, institutions’ and our scientific community’s goals of increased diversity.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01242-x

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Director of the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute of Palacký University Olomouc

The Rector of Palacký University Olomouc announces a Call for the Position of Director of the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute of P...

Czech Republic (CZ)

Palacký University Olomouc

Course lecturer for INFH 5000

The HKUST(GZ) Information Hub is recruiting course lecturer for INFH 5000: Information Science and Technology: Essentials and Trends.

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)

Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine Seeking High-level Talents

Full Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor

Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine (ISM)

Postdoctoral Fellowships: Early Diagnosis and Precision Oncology of Gastrointestinal Cancers

We currently have multiple postdoctoral fellowship positions within the multidisciplinary research team headed by Dr. Ajay Goel, professor and foun...

Monrovia, California

Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Goel Lab

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