What is the difference between msn and dnp

These programs are relatively rare compared to other DNP paths, and generally take four years of full-time study to complete, or as much as six years on a part-time basis. While these two tracks may lead to different professional outcomes, they typically contain very similar curriculums, and often only differ by one or two courses. In addition to the required course credits, all DNP students will need to complete at least post-BSN clinical practice hours in order to qualify for their doctorate.

MSN to DNP students may be able to apply up to clinical hours from their previous graduate program to this total, assuming they completed or more hours as an MSN student. FAQ: Can you get a doctorate degree in nursing? Have RN? Yes No. Select Your Current Degree:. So why would an aspiring NP choose one degree over the other? After all, NPs enjoy strong career outlooks and high salary potentials regardless of their qualifying degree. MSN-prepared nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses e.

DNPs tend to have a broader focus, applying evidence-based care into clinical practice and paying thought to the larger systems of care and health outcomes of populations and communities.

Overall, DNPs move to improve care efficiency, safety, and effectiveness, contributing their insights to the canon of the nursing discipline to be used by the next generation of APNs and in wider applications to health policy.

This detailed table weighs the different features of MSN and DNP programs, including the coursework, career opportunities, and potential salaries. Also, while the below focuses on NPs, there are also advanced program pathways for clinical nurse specialists , certified nurse midwives , nurse anesthetists , nurse executives , nurse educators , and nursing PhDs.

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To better understand the costs and benefits of pursuing one degree or the other, here is a detailed overview of what to expect from MSN and DNP programs. Want to enroll in a family nurse practitioner program, but not sure where to start? This list offers a comprehensive look at affordable online nurse practitioner programs.

Ever thought of becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner? These courses generally come with a focus on critical thinking, so as to teach students how to best make informed decisions about caring for their patients. A master of science in nursing degree, or MSN, is an advanced post-graduate level degree for registered nurses. These programs typically last for two years, and can be accessed by students that already hold a BSN degree.

Some MSN programs will offer entry to students who hold bachelor degrees related to health. MSN degree programs generally focus on a particular, specialized area of nursing, such as, acute care, adult care, family care, geriatrics, palliative care, pediatric care, psychiatric, obstetrics and gynecological nursing.

Those taking part in an MSN program may also go onto study clinical nurse leadership, nursing administration, or clinical nurse education. The coursework involved will typically include a focus on advanced nursing theory, as well as management issues, research, social and physical sciences, clinical practice and nursing informatics. The aim is to improve the systems of health care that we currently have, and measure the outcomes by looking at groups of communities, populations, and patients.

A DNP is a professional degree which generally focuses on the clinical aspects of a disease process. Usually, a curriculum for a DNP will include a focus on advanced practice, as well as consider information regarding the areas of diagnoses and appropriate treatment for various types of diseases.