Nurse Faculty Loan Program
Faculty shortages at nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for professional registered nurses continues to grow. The National Faculty Loan Program forgives loan debt up to 85% of the cost of tuition and fees when earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Master Of Science In Nursing
Getting an MSN degree is the final entry route into the nursing field. You can pursue this pathway to nursing by holding a BSN degree. Once you graduate from a masters degree program, you would then become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse . This is where you can specialize and get on the radar of employers for more lucrative job opportunities, such as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, which is the current highest-paid role in nursing.
If you hold a bachelors degree in another field, you can apply directly to a masters degree program. There are strict enrollment requirements, and the coursework can be challenging, with demanding clinical rotations. But once you are enrolled, the program takes around three years to finish.
Take Your Nursing Degree To The Highest Level
Take the next step and earn your DNP degree. Choose Rasmussen University for your DNP because we know how to develop innovative, high caliber thought leaders who are grounded in the core values of nursing.
Innovative and affordable, our online Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy. Youll be guided and supported by distinguished nurse faculty with vast experience in community and clinical settings, who are invested in your success and your future as a leader.
Our DNP curriculum design team brings over 100 years of nursing teaching experience and even more relevant work experience in settings such as national nursing agencies and clinical facilitiesfrom acute care to academic hospitals. Our curriculum brings relevant practice issues to life resulting in a dynamic advanced practice DNP program for those seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice.
Transformational healthcare leaders are needed more than ever before. Our DNP program inspires you to focus on impacting healthcare outcomes either through direct or indirect care with a choice of specializations Executive Leadership and Public Health and Policy. Rasmussen University is one of the few institutions to offer DNP Public Health and Policy as a combined specialization. Either specialization can help prepare you to drive meaningful change in line with your interests and talent.
Empowered Learning
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Why Should I Earn A Doctor In Nursing Practice
Getting your DNP will not only enable you to provide advanced clinical care to patients in a variety of settings, but will also prepare you to be a leader and innovator in healthcare. While masters prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are still able to get certified and licensed, the DNP degree has been recommended as the terminal degree for APRNs. It is likely that this will become more certain in the future. By getting your DNP you will already be prepared for this transition. If you are seeking a terminal degree in nursing but want to focus on clinical care rather than research, the DNP is for you.
Take The Next Step Toward Your Healthcare Future With Online Learning
Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Womens Health Nurse Practitioner who works in an OB/GYN clinic in the Boston area. She completed a Direct Entry MSN program at Boston College in May 2017 after obtaining a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Biology from the University of New Haven, so she has special awareness of how confusing the many paths to nursing can be! She is passionate about enhancing and clarifying the nursing role globally as well as combatting human trafficking from a public health standpoint. In her free time Lauren enjoys writing and traveling.
Sources: 50 State Boards of Nursing, University Websites, U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ranking Methodology.
Useful Links
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Doctor Of Nursing Practice Program Structure
Although it is up to the institution, state board of nursing, and/or accrediting body to dictate the length and/or credit hours of a DNP program, the AACN recommends DNP programs consist of at least 3 calendar years, or 36 months of full-time study .
The AACN also recommends that institutions design of post-masters programs on the candidates prior experience, education, and choice of specialization therefore, at least 12 months of full-time, post-masters study is necessary to earn a DNP.
DNP Practice Experiences
DNP programs provide opportunities for practice experiences aimed at helping students achieve the necessary competencies. According to the AACN, DNP programs should therefore consist of at least 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice as part of a supervised program.
Practice experiences should be designed to provide students with opportunities for feedback and reflection and should include in-depth work with experts in nursing, as well as experts from other disciplines, within practice environments.
End-of-program immersion experiences for DNP programs should provide the context within which the final DNP project is completed.
Final DNP Project
Final DNP projects may include:
- Practice portfolio
Education Requirements In The United States
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , transitioning advance practice registered nursing programs from the graduate level to the doctoral level is a “…response to changes in health care delivery and emerging health care needs, additional knowledge or content areas have been identified by practicing nurses. In addition, the knowledge required to provide leadership in the discipline of nursing is so complex and rapidly changing that additional or doctoral level education is needed.” According to the AACN, “…benefits of practice-focused doctoral programs include:
- development of needed advanced competencies for increasingly complex clinical, faculty and leadership roles
- enhanced knowledge to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes
- enhanced leadership skills to strengthen practice and health care delivery
- better match of program requirements and credits and time with the credential earned
- provision of an advanced educational credential for those who require advanced practice knowledge but do not need or want a strong research focus
- enhanced ability to attract individuals to nursing from non-nursing backgrounds
- increased supply of faculty for clinical instruction and
- improved image of nursing.”
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Built For Working Professionals
- Live and recorded sessions that can be listened to when convenient
- Access to online courses anytime, from almost anywhere
The way you learn is part of the journey. Rasmussen University understands life is unpredictable. Sometimes its a life-changing event, like a global pandemic. Other times, its the little things like a skinned knee or an unexpected load of laundry. Thats where Empowered Learning comes in.
Unlike most other nursing doctoral programs, our Empowered Learning format is a true game-changer. Empowered Learning puts you in the driver’s seat and allows you to learn by doing real-world projects, manage your pace and stay connected with faculty and peers.
Empowered Learning features:
16,000 Nursing AlumniJoin our thriving nursing network of over 7,500 Nursing students, 16,000 Nursing alumni and 750 Nursing faculty.3
What Is A Doctor Of Nursing Practice Degree
As a nurse, you focus on the health and well-being of your patients. Maybe your commitment to helping others has you contemplating a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. What is a DNP? Is it worth pursuing?Can a doctorate in nursing offer career advancement and additional opportunities to practice your nursing skills? Lets start by defining what exactly a DNP degree is.
The practice-focused DNP degree is the highest level of clinical nursing education. DNP programs may focus on advanced clinical care, evidence-based practice, leadership and quality improvement.
The purpose of this guide is to help you determine whether obtaining a DNP is right for you. We highlight DNP program options, school and career opportunities and what you may want to consider when earning a DNP degree.
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What Is The Difference Between An Np And A Dnp
The main difference between a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Nurse Practitioner is that a DNP is a terminal degree in the field of nursing and an NP is a nursing occupation or career.
This can be confusing – there are a lot of acronyms in nursing! DNP programs exist to train licensed, experienced nurses for leadership and/or certain specialized advanced practice nursing roles. This is to say that a DNP degree is a pathway for both experienced registered nurses and NPs to advance their nursing careers a DNP is not a career in and of itself.
Question: What Is A Dnp Degree
Answer: A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. It represents the highest level of educational attainment in the practice of nursing. DNP programs prepare Registered Nurses for leadership roles in clinical nursing, nursing administration, nurse training and education, and other areas of professional nursing. Students in a DNP program engage with the latest developments in healthcare research and policy, learn organizational management and leadership skills, and receive instruction in patient care technologies and healthcare information systems. In addition, some DNP programs prepare students for certification in an Advance Practice Registered Nurse specialization.
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Keep Up With New Discoveries And Methods In Medicine
Continuing your education can be a great way to update your understanding of recent innovations in the nursing or healthcare practice. You can take classes on subjects you haven’t studied before. Your classes will focus on up-to-date research to show you new techniques as they’re being developed, which can be an asset when you re-enter the workforce.
Because new discoveries in healthcare are constantly being made, staying current with these advances in your field can help make you an appealing candidate for nursing positions. It can also help you improve your own practice when working with your patients. Though your courses may differ in your DNP degree program depending on your specialty and the school you attend, there are some topics that are present in every DNP program. Here are the eight topics that are covered in every DNP program:
Related:What Is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?
What Is An Np
Nurse Practitioners are specialized professionals in the nursing field that deliver both primary and specialty healthcare to patients.This includes diagnostics, treatment, offering medical counsel, and prescribing medication. Of particular note is the fact that NPs have the authority to carry out the majority of their medical functions without the approval of a physician.
Unlike RNs, NPs specialize in a particular discipline and must complete training and licensing requirements specific to their specialization.
NPs have expertise that is in high demand across the healthcare industry. It is common for NPs to find work in locations like:
- hospitals
- clinics
- schools
Nurse Practitioners fall under the category of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses . This title refers to the fact that to become an NP , nurses must first earn a license as a Registered Nurse . This requires either a diploma from a nursing program, an Associates Degree in Nursing , an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
To advance from an RN to an NP requires a post-baccalaureate degree. The most common choice is a Master of Science in Nursing , although DNP programs for BSN-holders are becoming more common.
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The Msn Vs Dnp Comparison
A nurse practitioner is professionally prepared to practice holding either an MSN degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The DNP nursing professional will have received the next degree level in the nursing industry. DNP degree candidates complete coursework in these fundamental competencies
- Health Care Policy
- Healthcare Informatics
- Technology
It is also noted that DNP degree candidates must complete 1,000 post BSN hours of a clinical practicum. Hours completed by earning an MSN degree are typically included in this requirement.
Popular Careers For Dnp Graduates
DNP graduates take on many different roles. Some become advanced clinicians, working with specific patient populations. Others work as high-level nursing administrators and focus on decision-making, policy, and education in areas like clinical training, executive leadership, and nursing informatics.
The career options listed below rank are a few of the most popular jobs among DNP graduates. In addition to a doctorate, the first three positions require NP certification in the applicable specialization area, whether family nurse practice, adult care, or psychiatric nursing. University nursing professors usually need a Ph.D.
Reviewed by:
Anna-Lise Krippaehne, DNP, FNP-BC Anna-Lise Krippaehne is a recent graduate from University of Portlandâs doctor of nursing practice program. She received her bachelor’s in nursing science from University of Portland in 2012, and worked in acute care providing bedside nursing care on a general surgical unit for eight years at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington before pursuing her doctorate. There, she also assisted in teaching new graduate nurses through simulation experiences with Swedishâs Nurse Residency Program, in addition to contributing to several quality improvement projects during her tenure. She will soon begin her first position on faculty as a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Oregon Health & Science Universityâs Family Practice Department in Portland, Oregon.
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What Is The Dnp Programs Curriculum
The DNP meaning is doctor of nursing practice. To further understand what is a DNP, a person must understand that this is the most advanced degree a nurse can receive. A person begins his or her nursing career by completing an associates or a vocational nursing program. Once he or she has an RN or LPN, its possible to earn a bachelors of science in nursing. Total, these two undergraduate degrees take three to four years to complete. Then, a doctorate program takes three to five years to complete.
The Doctor of Nursing degree is an APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree. APRN nursing professionals have the opportunity to further specialize in a wide variety of advanced nursing areas. A few examples include:
The Take-Away Nurse practitioners are advanced healthcare providers with the authority to administer care, diagnose medical issues, and prescribe medication, among other responsibilities.
A Nurse Practitioner must hold a minimum of a graduate academic degree, while many choose to earn a DNP to optimize their career possibilities.
Is A Doctoral Nursing Degree Worth It
A doctorate in nursing may be worth it if youre ready to advance your nursing career or gain specific knowledge. You may be weighing how rewarding a DNP is compared to an MSN degree. Whats the difference between the two degrees? In general, an MSN and DNP both have the same goal: to provide optimal patient care as an advanced practice registered nurse . The difference between them is how that goal is achieved.
A doctorate in nursing typically has a stronger focus on leadership and administrative components, as well as on the clinical aspects of the APRN. In contrast, an MSN degree may focus on clinical skills. The value of a DNP degree largely depends on your nursing career goals.
If you aspire to become a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner or another type of APRN, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these APRN positions typically require at least a masters degree. However, the BLS notes that some APRNs may choose to pursue a DNP degree.
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Online Nursing Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
DNP programs are relatively new. In 2004 schools affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing decided that a doctorate should be required for people who wish to become an APRN. While some NP programs have made this change, certifying bodies do not require a DNP degree for people to become Certified Nurse Practitioners . At this time masters educated NPs are still able to become certified and licensed to practice.
What Are Some Options For Paying For A Dnp
After determining which program you wish to attend, the next step involves paying for school. First, take an inventory of your financial situation and see if you might qualify for government funding. To find out if you are eligible, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid .
Generally, schools use this tool to determine eligibility for providing need-based grants, scholarships, and student loans.
If youre worried about taking loans out, some programs offer student loan forgiveness following graduation.
Overall, the DNP program is an excellent opportunity for nurses to enhance their skills and move up within the nursing ranks and advance their careers. If you just graduated from a DNP program, you can find advanced nursing positions here on our website. Simply click below and start searching for your next job!
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Study What You’re Passionate About
If you’re a passionate student of nursing, you can pursue your DNP degree to continue your studies. If you want to pursue a specialty, a DNP degree can provide the additional education necessary for new licenses. If you have a specific research topic that you’re passionate about, a DNP dissertation is an opportunity to investigate the topic of your choice. Being passionate about your research ensures the work you do is rewarding and prepares you for a future career in nursing leadership.
How Much Do Nurses With A Dnp Earn
Like any profession your salary will vary depending on your specific field, the location where you work, and your experience. DNP educated APRNs can expect to make about the same as masters educated APRNs. In some cases, you may make about $10,000 more annually than a masters educated APRN within your specialty and with the same level of experience, but a higher salary is not guaranteed with a DNP degree. As with masters educated APRNs you will have the highest salary if you are a CRNA. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics CRNAs make an average salary of $169,450. Other APRN roles have high salary prospects as well. CNMs make an average of $99,770 per year, and NPs make an average of $100,900 annually. CNS salary can vary broadly at anywhere from $68,000 to $101,000. If you work in an urban area you will likely have a higher salary than if you worked in a rural one, and as you gain experience you can begin to negotiate a higher salary.
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