All you need to know about MSN-to-DNP degree
The role of the nurses is vital when it comes to everyone's healthcare, and that's why they hold a respectable position in society. There are a variety of roles, and education one can follow to become a nurse, starting from the basic 2-year degrees.
Those eager to go up the career ladder in nursing can follow a master's (MSN) or doctorate (DSN). But what are they, and how do they differ from each other? Let's dive in to explain that.
What is an MSN?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced nursing degree with an enhanced curriculum that helps registered nurses (RNs) reach more prestigious job opportunities and leadership positions. This program’s curriculum offers various courses, including Healthcare Policy, Advanced Health Assessment, and more. Graduating with an MSN will give nurses various employment opportunities, such as nurse consultant, nurse educator, or specialized medical fields like pediatrics or psychiatry.
There are several opportunities to pursue an MSN degree, and they vary depending on your previous education and experience. You can follow a BSN to MSN program, RN to MSN, or even an Accelerated MSN. Moreover, even if you already have a Bachelor’s degree that isn’t related to nursing, you can still get your MSN through a Regular Bachelor’s to MSN program, which takes one to two years to complete.
What is a DNP?
The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of education for nurses. Nurses who graduate with a DNP can work in clinical settings or leadership roles. They possess tremendous knowledge and can use that knowledge in various healthcare situations.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a DNP, you should know that there are two options for such a degree: DNP and DNP-NP. On the one hand, the DNP gives students advanced knowledge of healthcare procedures and offers them prestigious administration roles and research appointments. On the other hand, the DNP-NP allows students to pursue a nurse practitioner specialty when they’re completing their DNP program.
MSN vs. DNP: What Are the Differences?
Both MSN and DNP offer great career opportunities and earning potential. But how do they differ? Let’s dive in to explain that.
Education
Both MSN and DNP are educational degrees that prepare nurses to complete their duties at the highest level; however, they differ in their focus.
MSN degree programs focus on medical skills, and during their academic coursework, they study advanced nursing skills such as ethical practices, legal concerns, and social or behavioral sciences.
DNP programs are more focused on statistical analysis, and the majority of the time, students have to deal with data research and evidence-based practice.
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Jobs
There are numerous job opportunities for both MSN and DNP graduates. A master’s prepared nurse can work in many high-paying jobs, such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Carciad Nurse Practitioner, and more. On the other side, nurses with a DNP degree can work in more research-oriented areas such as nursing faculties, health care lobbying, or research clinics.
While both degrees will offer you excellent job opportunities, candidates with a DNP degree are in better negotiating positions since they are prepared for various management responsibilities.
License
Both MSN and DNP graduate nurses have to undergo several examinations in order to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Graduate DNPs who take the APRN pathway will have to take the APRN certification. In some cases, they have to undergo an advanced specialty certification as well. Besides DNPs, APRNs with a master’s degree are also allowed to sit for certification exams.
Duties & Responsibilities
Graduating with an MSN degree allows nurses to be in more advanced roles than RNs. Nurses who own an MSN can choose to work in various settings, including hospitals and research-based institutions. Moreover, an MSN will prepare nurses to act as independent practitioners in their specialty, prescribe medications, and own their medical practice.
DNP degrees prepare nurses to gain high levels of clinical skills and obtain roles with more responsibilities. For example, besides working as a Critical Care Practitioner, a nurse with a DNP may also lead the nursing team.
Patients
Many RNs, fond of patients, sometimes are afraid that graduating with an MSN will remove them from primary healthcare. However, that is not the case. While obtaining an MSN degree offers a broader range of opportunities, that doesn’t mean that nurses will be separated from their patients. In contrast, they will continue providing care, but this time with even more knowledge on them.
We can say the same thing about DNPs as well. Even though they have opportunities to work in non-clinical positions, they can still choose to serve near patients in various roles like Clinical Nurse Specialist or Certified Nurse Practitioner.
What is an MSN-to-DNP program?
An MSN-to-DNP program is designed to provide RNs who have graduated in MSN with advanced training in nursing practice. While a DNP degree typically requires about 1000 hours of practical experience, MSN-to-DNP programs acknowledge up to 500 hours of clinical training that nurses have completed during their MSN program. Therefore, students who enroll in an MSN-to-DNP program have to complete the program’s coursework, 500 practicum hours, and a final research project.
Requirements
Nurses who wish to enroll in an MSN-to-DNP program need to be licensed RNs with an MSN in a specialty area. Other requirements for admission in this program may include:
A 3.0 GPA
RN licensure
Letters of recommendation
A research methods and statistic course
Certifications in your specialty
Length
The length of an MSN-to-DNP program may vary depending on the program’s structure, practicum hours, and area of specialization. Typically, RNs who enroll full-time in such a program can graduate in two years or even less.
Besides full-time enrollment, students also can enroll part-time in an MSN-to-DNP program, and in that case, its completion may take three or more years.
Job prospects
From a hands-on clinical role to a role that leads and creates policy, there are numerous career options that nurses with a DNP can choose from. There are several clinical roles for nurses who wish to continue working directly with patients, but now with a specialty in one type of patient care, such as Certified Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Certified Nurse Midwife.
On the other side, common non-clinical positions for nurses include Executive Nurse Leader, Nurse Manager, Clinical Trainer, and many more.
The Bottom Line
For every nurse ready to move the ladder in the healthcare field, there are different paths they can take. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will prepare nurses to take more prestigious positions in leadership and practice.
At the other end, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the top-level education for nurses. A DNP degree will open the doors to managerial and leadership positions in clinical settings and be part of research-oriented fields. As an RN with a master’s, you can apply for an MSN-to-DNP program which will help you accelerate your education.