Posted: September 5th, 2022

MSN vs. DNP – Which is Better?

MSN vs. DNP – Which is Better?
Registered nurses wishing to further their nursing careers have various career paths to choose from. The two most common graduate programs include a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP). Deciding which path is right for you can be a daunting task. But while neither is more advantageous, each program support different career paths. Therefore, choosing an MSN or a DNP will largely depend on your ultimate career goals and requires you to have a clear understanding of the differences between the two.
There are several different types of specialties options within both MSN and DNP degree programs. MSN programs mostly focus on clinical skills such as support for patients living with mental conditions, administration of anesthesia, among others. DNP programs, on the other hand, incorporate training that focuses on leadership and employee management.
Another major difference between the two programs is in regards to the length of study and type of academic coursework. MSN degrees take two years to complete, while DNP programs take at least four years to complete. MSN coursework focuses on teaching the candidates the foundations of advanced nursing while incorporating both ethical and legal concerns as well as the social, behavioral, and medical aspects of nursing. DNP candidates, on the other hand, are expected to complete a major research project in their area of study.
So, what are the benefits of studying either program?
As mentioned earlier, an MSN pays more focus on an enhanced nursing curriculum. It allows a nurse to attain clinical skills that are integral in achieving prestigious positions, including leadership roles. Some of the most common programs to pursue an MSN include healthcare policy, Theoretical foundations of nursing practice, advanced healthcare assessment, among others. By acquiring an MSN, you expand your employment opportunities to become a nurse consultant, nurse practitioner, or nurse educator, and allows you to specialize in various fields like pediatrics, gerontology, psychiatry, and many more.
DNP programs are suitable for nursing professionals who are interested in specializing in a particular advanced field in nursing. Acquiring a DNP allows you to pursue some of the most prestigious and higher-paying positions in nursing in policy management, top-level administration positions, research, and academic roles. DNPs have a more in-depth understanding of the most crucial concepts in healthcare, such as patient care, legislative advocacy, and evidence-based practice.
So, nursing professionals trying to weigh the benefits of either program will find that both are valuable in different ways. Both are very beneficial in enhancing one’s skill set, expanding career opportunities, and increasing the earning potential. However, the American Association of College of Nursing emphasizes that all advanced nurse practitioners should ultimately get a doctorate in nursing. This is to ensure that nurses are not only able to attend to complex clinical issues but also have the knowledge and skills to recognize and manage issues in healthcare delivery to improve patient’s outcomes.

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