The DNP is not the first doctorate degree for nurses. In the past, nurses have studied for degrees outside of nursing, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Ph.D. in general science subjects like anatomy. These were primarily academic degrees and not focused on nursing practice. The DNP degree did not evolve until the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommended its existence in 2004. In 2010, 120 DNP programs were available in the United States and 161 more under development.
The DNP qualification elevates the practice of nursing in general. It prepares APNs for roles that will require advanced knowledge in order to increase the overall quality of care that patients receive, as well as the design of treatment, planning and education of nurses at lower levels. According to Lisa Astalos Chism, writing on the Advance Nurse Practitioner website, the DNP will "enable nurses to become experts at information technology, synthesizing and integrating evidenced-based practices and collaborating across health care disciplines."
Nurses who obtain a DNP may remain in clinical roles in healthcare. However, nurses with a DNP generally command higher salaries than do nurses without a DNP. If nurses wish to move into executive leadership roles, the DNP will prepare them for healthcare roles in business and administration. They may also choose to pursue clinical research.
The intention of the DNP is to work alongside the more academic nursing doctorate degrees. Nurses who achieve a Ph.D. in Nursing, for example, will conduct research and make discoveries in science. DNP qualified nurses put the information gathered from this research into practice at the clinical level. They also evaluate the outcomes of the research and contribute to the professional nursing body of knowledge in this way.
In order to commence study for a DNP degree, applicants must hold a Master of Science degree in Nursing, have achieved minimum grade point averages and Graduate Record Examination scores, and provide letters of recommendation. Applicants must have past employment in a clinical setting with the required number of years varying by university. Most programs will also require writing samples, statements of intent and interviews with applicants. If accepted, applicants can expect to study full-time for at least three years to obtain the DNP.