Among the various medical professionals who play critical roles in patient care and treatment are doctors of medicine (MDs), physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), as well as nurse practitioners with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP medical abbreviation).
There is a distinct difference between an NP and DNP. For instance, an NP is a job title and professional role, while a DNP is a doctoral degree.
Learn about the similarities and differences between a DNP vs. NP to help guide your career path.
Table of Contents
- What Is an NP?
- What Is a DNP?
- NP with an MSN vs. DNP: Similarities and Differences
- DNP vs. NP Differences: Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an NP?
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced education, an MSN or DNP nursing degree and clinical training beyond the registered nurse (RN) level. Nurse practitioners differ from physician assistants (PAs) as they are trained in advanced nursing practice in specialized roles, whereas PAs receive education in general medicine. Collaborating with a physician, PAs can work across various fields and switch specialties without additional coursework or certification, relying on on-the-job training.
With a cooperating physician, PAs can work in almost any profession and change specialties without additional coursework or certification.
NPs are healthcare professionals who are authorized to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including:
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Management of medical conditions
There are different types of NP role specialties, including:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): An FNP handles the care of patients across the lifespan, from infants to adults to seniors.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): These nurses specialize in mental health and substance abuse issues.
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): Nurses and neonatologists treat newborns and infants under this specialty.
At the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS), FNP and PMHNP role specialties are offered through the MSN program. The FNP role specialty is also offered through the DNP program.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires dedication, a strong educational foundation and a commitment to lifelong learning. These are the requirements to become an NP:
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and get your RN license: Obtain your BSN, apply to the appropriate nursing regulatory body, complete the NCLEX-RN examination and meet other state requirements. There are some RN to MSN programs that allow you to enroll directly into a masters nursing program after completing a year of relevant work experience – without earning your BSN first.
- Step 2: Gain work experience: Certain schools require applicants to have work experience before entering their graduate nursing program or beginning clinical experiences. Look into each school’s requirements before applying.
- Step 3: Earn a graduate degree (MSN or DNP): You’ll need to pursue an advanced nursing degree, which could include an MSN or DNP. These programs typically take two to four years** to complete. Students with a BSN degree can enroll directly in an MSN or DNP program at USAHS. A BSN to MSN degree typically takes 2-3 years to graduate.** For a BSN to DNP, students typically graduate within 2.3-4 years.** If you earned your RN license without graduating with a BSN, hold an ADN degree and have one year of full-time experience as an RN, enroll directly into the MSN program at USAHS and graduate typically within about 3.3-3.7 years.**
- Step 4: Take a certification exam to get your CNP: To become a certified nurse practitioner (CNP), you will have to take a certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Certification Corporation (NCC) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Nurse Practitioner Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for an NP is $128,490 as of May 2023.1
Nurse Practitioner Benefits
There are many benefits to becoming an NP, such as:
- Increased autonomy: Compared to RNs, NPs have more autonomy and responsibility in their practice. They might operate independently or in partnership with other healthcare specialists.
- More job opportunities: According to the American Medical Association (AMA), there’s a primary care doctor shortage, especially in underserved areas.2 The demand for NPs has increased in recent years, and there are ample work prospects for NPs in various healthcare settings.
- Potential flexibility and versatility: NPs are adaptable enough to operate in various healthcare environments and specialties. They can focus on mental health, women’s health, family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics and neonatal or acute care.
- Patient relationships and continuity of care: NPs often develop long-term relationships with their patients. This continuity of care allows them to provide personalized and holistic care, understand their patients’ unique needs and build trust over time.
To fully grasp the difference between an NP and a DNP, let’s explore what a DNP entails.
What Is a DNP?
A DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) is a terminal nursing degree required for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership. The DNP helps students prepare to assume advanced clinical practice, leadership and research translation roles to improve patient outcomes. DNP programs typically focus on enhancing clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, leadership and healthcare system improvement.
There are many types of DNP specialties, including:
- Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Pediatrics
- Nurse Executive
- Nurse Manager
- Nursing Informatics
- Nurse Educator
- Healthcare Policy
The tuition and fees associated with a DNP program vary depending on your entry level and role specialty. At USAHS, they range from $47,265 to $82,828.
How to Earn a DNP
Learn more about the seven levels of nursing. A DNP and a PhD in nursing are the most advanced degrees within nursing. To earn a DNP at USAHS, candidates must meet various requirements, including:
- BSN-entry DNP: BSN degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- MSN-entry DNP: MSN degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all schools
- Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered RN license in the state of residence
- Two professional references from:
- A nurse educator
- Preceptor
- Immediate supervisor
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae showing an equivalent of one full-time year of experience as a registered nurse by the time you start your first practicum course
- Comprehensive background checks: Fingerprinting and drug screens are administered after acceptance into the program and at the applicant’s expense
- Career goal statement: A 500-word essay in which you describe your short- and long-term career goals and your plan for achieving them
- An interview, if requested
DNP Salary
DNP graduates have more options when it comes to higher-level roles. For example, those with a doctorate of nursing (vs. a nurse practitioner with an MSN) could become a chief nursing officer (CNO) and earn an average salary of $144,475.*3
Benefits of Earning a DNP
Having a doctorate of nursing (vs. a nurse practitioner with an MSN) has several benefits, including:
- Advanced education and expertise: A DNP degree may allow nurses to advance their education beyond the master’s level and develop expertise in their chosen area of specialization.
- Expanded career opportunities: A DNP may offer additional career opportunities. Those with DNP degrees often hold leadership positions in healthcare organizations and shape healthcare policies.
- Leadership and advocacy roles: The DNP program may strengthen leadership and advocacy skills, preparing nurses to take on influential roles within the healthcare system.
- Higher compensation: Graduates with a doctorate of nursing (vs. nurse practitioners with an MSN) may receive higher pay than those with an MSN. The advanced education, expertise and leadership roles NPs with a DNP degree assume can lead to increased earning potential.
NP with an MSN vs. DNP: Similarities and Differences
The main difference between a DNP-trained NP and an NP with an MSN is the level of education and scope of practice. Below is a chart highlighting NPs with an MSN vs. a DNP at a glance:
| Degree Type | MSN | DNP |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $104,0005 | $112,000*4 |
| Education Requirements | BSN or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with RN experience | BSN or MSN and RN license |
| Program Length | 2–3.7 years** | 2.3–4 years** |
| USAHS Role Specialties | -FNP
-AGNP*** -PMHNP -Nurse Executive -Nurse Educator*** |
-FNP
-Nurse Executive |
| Work Environment | Primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty clinics and private practices | Hospitals, healthcare organizations, government agencies, universities, primary care clinics, specialty clinics and private practices |
DNP vs. NP Frequently Asked Questions
Are you curious about the difference between an NP and a DNP? keep reading. Check out these frequently asked questions about a DNP vs. NP.
Is a DNP the Highest Degree in Nursing?
The DNP degree represents the highest level of nursing education and prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership roles and research translation to improve patient outcomes.
A nurse practitioner with a doctorate of nursing vs. nurse practitioner with an MSN generally requires a few additional years of study.
Do Those with a DNP Earn More?
NPs with a DNP will likely earn more than an NP with an MSN. However, the pay difference between an NP with a doctorate in nursing vs. nurse practitioners with MSNs can vary based on several factors, including the individual’s experience, specialization, geographic location and the specific job setting.
Are There Differences in Job Opportunities?
Yes, there are differences in job opportunities between NPs with a doctorate of nursing vs. nurse practitioners with an MSN degree. While both provide advanced practice nursing roles, a DNP degree may open additional career paths beyond clinical practice.
Those with DNP degrees often pursue roles in:
- Leadership and administration
- Healthcare policy and advocacy
- Research
- Academia
- Consulting
Those with a DNP degree may work in hospitals, healthcare organizations, government agencies, universities and other settings. NPs with an MSN primarily work in clinical practice settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty clinics and private practices.
Start Your DNP Journey Today
There’s a lot to consider when advancing your healthcare career, and sometimes, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. However, USAHS can make it easier for you. Learn more about USAHS’ graduate nursing programs and apply now.
*The information provided on this website is based on self-reported data and is intended for general informational purposes only. PayScale is a limited data source that relies on voluntary submissions from individuals and employers.
**Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
***Call for availability.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023,” BLS, April 3, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291171.htm.
- Andis Robeznieks, “Doctor shortages are here—and they’ll get worse if we don’t act fast,” American Medical Association, April 13, 2022, https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/sustainability/doctor-shortages-are-here-and-they-ll-get-worse-if-we-don-t-act.
- Payscale, “Average Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Salary”, Payscale, July 10, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary.
- Payscale, “Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree” Payscale, October 12, 2023, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctor_of_Nursing_Practice_(DNP)/Salary
- Payscale, “Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree”, Payscale, May 31, 2024, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_in_Nursing_(MSN)/Salary
