Advanced practice nurses are in higher demand than ever. With the rapid evolution of modern healthcare, including medical technology and best practices, and the growing need for specialized skills to care for diverse patient populations, nurses with advanced education and expertise are more valuable than ever. Graduate degree programs, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepare nurses to lead in clinical settings, influence healthcare outcomes and provide the highest level of care to their patients.
This guide explores the steps, benefits and key considerations for advancing to a DNP. You’ll learn how long it takes to get a DNP and how the online Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) can help you reach your professional and academic goals.
What Is the Educational Path from a BSN to Advanced Practice?
The traditional educational path to a DNP typically includes earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) along the way. An MSN degree program prepares nurses to become nurse practitioners (NPs) and to take on other roles in clinical practice. This educational and practical experience equips them to become leaders in their departments and readies them for the demanding curriculum and expectations of a DNP program.
High-quality DNP programs, including NKU’s DNP degree program, build on master’s-level education to develop the highest level of nursing practice. Accrediting bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) ensure that education is rigorous and transferable, allowing nurses to earn BSN, MSN and DNP degrees from different institutions without skipping a beat.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a DNP Program?
Before enrolling in a DNP program, nurses must meet specific prerequisites that demonstrate their readiness for doctoral-level study. Most DNP programs, including NKU’s, require applicants to hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited institution. Beyond educational credentials, nurses typically need several years of clinical practice experience. Some programs may also require specific certifications, a minimum GPA from previous graduate coursework, and evidence of professional achievements or leadership in clinical settings.
In NKU’s online program, if you’ve met the minimum requirements for admission to the DNP program (which includes an MSN), you can earn a DNP in as few as 20 months. You can also expedite the timeline by taking more credit hours at a time.
Building Your Foundation: BSN to MSN Programs
Master’s programs in nursing prepare students for advanced clinical roles with specialized skills and knowledge. Graduates from these programs often become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or nurse educators, all of which require the expertise and leadership focus gained in a strong MSN program.
NKU’s MSN programs include five specializations:
- Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration
- Nursing Education Concentration
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These specialized MSN programs draw on the same core curriculum and then move into courses that delve into the needs of specialized populations. Nurses who graduate with specialized MSN degrees go on to work in a number of healthcare settings, including hospitals, psychiatric clinics, private physician practices, schools, correctional facilities and community outreach programs. Practical and educational experience in these fields prepares nurse practitioners to pursue a DNP degree if desired.
Advancing to the Terminal Degree: Post-master’s DNP Programs
MSN-prepared nurses can increase their theoretical and clinical understanding with a post-master’s doctoral program in nursing. While an MSN prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice, a DNP prepares nurses to pursue system changes and leadership roles, such as healthcare policy and government positions, that affect their entire community. Graduates with DNPs are equipped to advocate for and implement change far beyond the care of their own patients, departments and clinics.
DNP students take their nursing knowledge to the next level by honing and mastering key research skills and methodologies, focusing on evidence-based practice and healthcare systems leadership. They may continue to practice at an advanced level as nurse anesthetists, nurse researchers or clinical nurse specialists, where they can apply the nursing care models learned in a DNP program. Graduates may also move into an administrative role as chief clinical officers or nursing directors in their hospitals or clinics, or they may become nursing consultants in the political realm on healthcare policy. In addition, nurses with DNP degrees have a stronger competitive edge for nursing positions that typically require an MSN, including nurse practitioners and nurse educators, as those hiring for those positions may prefer candidates with doctoral-level experience.
At NKU, a flexible online format is designed for advanced practice nurses to continue serving patients as they move forward in their careers and pursue a DNP degree. These formats accommodate clinical practice schedules, allowing students to form their schedules and required clinical application hours around their existing roles and responsibilities. In addition, a strong curriculum and experienced faculty guide you through data-driven solutions to modern nursing problems, empowering you to become the nursing leader you are meant to be.
Career Opportunities with a DNP Degree
A DNP degree enhances existing advanced practice roles and opens up opportunities in influential nursing administrative positions. These expanded opportunities include healthcare leadership, policy, education and executive positions, where nursing professionals can impact as many patients as possible.
These positions offer increased salary potential. Roles requiring a DNP, including nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist jobs, had a median salary of $132,050 in 2024, with some earning as much as $165,240. The demand for these highly trained professionals is expected to increase dramatically over the next 10 years, with a 35% growth rate, resulting in approximately 32,700 new job openings.
Discover How a DNP From NKU Can Change Your Life
Pursuing a DNP means expanding your career growth potential and healthcare impact. Along with your DNP comes a new world of nursing positions that allows you to influence entire communities.
Learn more about earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice online from Northern Kentucky University today. With a flexible, affordable format, supportive faculty and a rigorous, accredited curriculum, NKU’s DNP program may be the next step in your healthcare career.
