You're looking to advance your nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), but is it worth considering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)? Understanding the difference between these credentials and what path is best for you depends on your career goals.
At a basic level, the MSN provides advanced nursing education geared toward a specialty or role. These may include family nurse practitioner (FNP) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). A DNP, similarly, prepares you for advanced practice roles, but with an emphasis on leadership and policy.
Comparing an MSN to a DNP
If you’re seeking a pathway to advanced nursing roles, both an MSN and DNP will get you there. They share the same legal scope of practice, and both can prepare you for patient care.
If time is a major factor, the length difference may be important to consider. An MSN typically takes a registered nurse 18 to 24 months of full-time study, year-round, including summers. For a DNP, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends 36 months of full-time study, also including summers.
However, if you’re interested in evidence-based practice, systems leadership, informatics, policy, and translating research into practice, consider pursuing a DNP. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has endorsed it as the terminal degree for entry into practice.
The DNP can bridge practice and education, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. And, DNP graduates are more likely to be involved in professional organizations. This is good news if you value peer-to-peer engagement.
