The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) has been crafted to create leaders in the nursing industry. Pediatric nurse practitioner online with a DNP have the top level of expertise followed by work experience in clinical practice or sometimes in a leading role once they have accomplished all the necessary credentials. Powered with acute knowledge, nurses with a DNP degree influence the healthcare sector in terms of latest developments by their direct patient care service and implementation of adequate health policy. 

Why should you opt for DNP?

Expected standard entry-level requirement – Certification and license of advanced nursing practice will potentially introduce a doctorate degree at entry-level and this may become a new standard. Every nursing association across the globe wants to see a substantial increase in the requirements of advanced practice nursing. They believe that doctorate level should be a standard as opposed to the usual master’s degree. 

DNP Curriculum – The basics of master’s degree are developed into an advanced training program by adding practice based on evidence, systematic leadership, quality improvement and data science. Eventually, DNP will produce market leaders after a candidate goes through rigorous training of pediatric nurse practitioner online. 

Current Healthcare – The existing environment needs nurses who have a comprehensive skill set of medical knowledge along with leadership qualities to ensure that best outcomes in measurable terms can be achieved. 

Is DNP suitable for you?

Consider the following points before pursuing DNP:

  • DNP is not a role, it is a degree. For instance, if you think that your career will sky rocket by this degree then do know this that DNP is not a role. However, this degree will prove to make huge career leaps once you have accomplished all certification exams. 
  • DNP does not give you the title of ‘physician’. The educational curriculum and working experience of a Nurse pursuing a Doctorate degree is very different when compared with a physician. Although, both these professions are crucial for patient care; however, they are not the same. 
  • Different Levels of DNP programs. Conduct extensive research before deciding your program to ensure that you follow a path which not only suits your career goals but also accepts entry based on educational requirements of the APRN Consensus Model if your target is to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
  • APRN Training accepts Masters Degrees. Even though, global nursing associations favor Doctorate in Nursing, the AACN suggests that all master’s degree holders can transition to Doctorate programs by signing up for APRN training. Furthermore, APRNs can even attempt exams for professional certificates if they have a master’s degree. 

How do you get a DNP?

There are different options of DNP programs and they range from pediatric acute/primary, family medicine, women’s health, psych, neonatal, emergency medicine and so on. The duration of program ranges from three to four years, sometimes five years as well. 

The different options of earning a DNP are as follows:

  • BSN-DNP – If a candidate completes BSN_DNP with specialty in Adult-Geriatric Acute Care (AGAC) then they meet the requirements of attempting exams for AGAC-Nurse Practitioner and AGAC-Clinical Nurse Specialist certification. Once the candidate passes both exams then they are awarded with a doctorate degree. 
  • MSN-DNP – Any individual with a master’s degree who is working as a certified APRN in any particular niche can go back to school anytime to finish their DNP. 
  • Post-Masters DNP – Administrators or educators working in healthcare have options of getting DNP without repeating certain courses. Ideal candidates for this stream are those who have MPH, MBA or MPA.