What Is a Doctorate in Nursing Practice?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Dec 12, 2025
Skilled nurses have more opportunities than ever to have a meaningful impact on the lives of their patients. Across the country, nurse practitioners (NPs) are in demand. With 27 states and the District of Columbia offering full practice authority, NPs have greater workplace autonomy to diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medication. Now’s an ideal time for nurses to advance their education and work toward their long-term professional goals.
Nurses interested in specializing and progressing in their careers need to understand what a doctorate in nursing practice is and how it can help them compete for leadership roles can be a key step. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, nurses can position themselves to compete for top roles nationwide.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Description
The DNP is the terminal clinical nursing degree. For students interested in roles at the highest levels of nursing, the DNP is considered the benchmark in advanced practical nursing training. A doctorate in nursing practice is aimed at teaching a combination of advanced clinical practice, leadership skills, and the intricacies of health care policy and regulations.
The following are some courses that may be included in a DNP curriculum:
-
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
-
Advanced Pharmacology
-
Health Care Policy
-
Diagnosis and Management
-
Organizational Leadership and Quality Improvement
-
Epidemiology
DNP programs are often a top choice for nurses interested in becoming NPs, specializing in an area of nursing practice or progressing into senior and executive roles.
Why Pursue a Doctorate in Nursing Practice?
What a doctorate in nursing practice is designed to teach students involves preparing them for the clinical, theoretical, and administrative challenges they can expect to encounter in modern nursing. Many health care facilities look to DNP graduates to head departments, take on executive positions, or direct nursing programs. For nurses ready to move beyond entry- or BSN-level careers, a DNP can be a good way to prepare for the demands of leadership.
Many students choose to pursue a DNP based on their clinical interests if they’re passionate about an area of nursing. Completing an advanced degree is required for nurses who intend to pursue an NP specialization. Becoming an NP can grant nurses greater workplace autonomy, particularly in full practice authority states where they can diagnose patients and prescribe medications without physician supervision.
Career Outlook for Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduates
Nurses who choose to pursue a degree such as a DNP can open doors to new and challenging roles in health care. Depending on their goals, a DNP can be a versatile choice, preparing them for both clinical and managerial responsibilities.
Below are just some of the different types of nursing roles that DNP graduates may be interested in.
Nurse Practitioner
NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with extensive training. For many students, what makes a doctorate in nursing practice valuable is the opportunity to focus on the area of nursing they’re inspired by most. NPs provide a wide range of advanced and comprehensive care services to patients, specializing in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, women’s health, psychiatric-mental health, or acute care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for NPs was $129,210 as of May 2024. The BLS projects positions for NPs to increase by 46% between 2023 and 2033, much higher than the national average for all professions.
Chief Nursing Officer
The chief nursing officer (CNO) is a C-suite role and the highest-ranking nursing position in a health care organization. CNOs coordinate with other members of leadership to oversee all aspects of an organization’s nursing program, policies, operational strategies, and resource allocation.
CNOs earned a median annual salary of approximately $149,790 as of May 2025, according to Payscale. The BLS projects positions for top executives, including CNOs, to increase by 6% between 2023 and 2033.
Director of Nursing
The director of nursing (DON) manages a health organization’s nursing departments. From hiring, training, and scheduling staff to budgeting and establishing programs to meet departmental goals, these professionals ensure that nursing departments run smoothly and effectively.
DONs earned a median annual salary of approximately $103,350 as of June 2025, according to Payscale. The BLS projects positions for medical and health services managers to increase by 29% between 2023 and 2033.
Take the Next Step Toward Nursing Leadership With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice
An advanced education is a significant commitment, but the right degree can lead to exciting possibilities. A doctorate in nursing practice is a great way to advance your career and become an effective leader.
The online Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) program at The University of Tulsa prepares nurses to be APRNs and nursing leaders. This online program is structured around current industry needs and taught by accomplished faculty. It’s designed to train versatile and capable graduates to become comprehensive primary care providers in a variety of settings.
Accelerate your career with a DNP at TU.
Recommended Readings
8 Technical Skills in Nursing Leadership
Chief Nursing Officer vs. Director of Nursing
A Nurse’s Role in Interprofessional Collaboration in Health Care
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, About the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet
American Nurses Association, Understanding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree
Indeed, How to Get a DNP Degree (Plus Definition, Benefits and FAQs)
Indeed, 13 Doctorate in Nursing Practice Jobs You Can Pursue
Payscale, Average Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Salary
Payscale, Average Director, Nursing Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
