Introduction
The nursing profession offers two terminal educational paths to doctoral level, each with
specific career outcomes and criteria. These are doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and Ph.D in
nursing programs. A DNP program emphasizes on completion of specific clinical practical while
Ph.D. requires students to write dissertations prior to completion. A DNP is focused on clinical
practice unlike a Ph.D. which is focused on research (Chism, 2016). A DNP is suitable for those
committed to career in practice unlike a PhD which is suited for those committed to nursing
research. A DNP curriculum is built on gaining skills and abilities needed to utilize evidence
obtained in research in actual clinical practice and the ultimate improvement of patient outcomes
(Chism, 2016). On the other hand, a Ph.D. in nursing is built on knowledge research and design
of educational programs since many programs require a mentored teaching experience (White,
2015). A DNP is designed to improve care systems of specific patient populations unlike a PhD
that is designed to lead teams in evaluation of statistics and scientific theories on diseases and
care systems (White, 2015).
I would pursue a DNP to doctoral level since it aligned with my preferred career path. A
DNP will allow me expand my knowledge base and enhance my nursing practice. A DNP will
allow me contribute to healthcare policy change and improvement that will contribute to
enhancement of the quality of care delivered to patients. I prefer a DNP since I want to continue
working as a clinician and lead interdisciplinary teams as opposed to working in education and
academia.
References:
Chism, L. A. (2016). The Doctor of Nursing Practice, Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
White, Z.K. (2015). The doctor of nursing practice essentials, Jones & Bartlett Publishers.