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Doctoral Degree

Are you interested in pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree? These advanced degrees open doors to a multitude of opportunities, allowing you to excel in various leadership positions within academia, research, healthcare facilities, and beyond. With a DNP or PhD in Nursing, you can make a significant impact in shaping the future of healthcare, implementing evidence-based practices, and driving innovation in patient care. Whether you aspire to contribute to cutting-edge research, educate future nurses, or assume influential roles in healthcare administration, a DNP or PhD in Nursing equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credibility to thrive in these challenging and rewarding positions.
Course Length
4–6 years
Average annual salary
$106k–$200k
Benefits
Leadership
University lecturer, head of a laboratory and other managerial positions. They’re all within reach.
Chance to grow
Your knowledge and experience will set you up to take on more advanced roles.
Earning potential
Advanced qualifications and more expertise bring a bigger salary.

What you’ll learn


Your DNP program will include the following classes, exams and practical training.

Core classes

You’ll get into the more academic side of nursing, with courses including research, statistics and data analysis, history and philosophy. The details of your studies will depend on the doctoral nursing degree you choose to pursue.

Hands-on experience

To prepare you for an executive position, the practical part of your DNP degree will be clinical leadership in a healthcare facility.

What you’ll do


You’ll be ready to step into executive and leadership roles in a healthcare facility, teach at university level or go into research.

Research

Your qualifications as a Doctor of Nursing will allow you to pick and choose from many interesting positions, including Nurse Educator in a lab, Health Policy Nurse for the government, Nurse Educator at university level and Nurse Executive.

Managerial duties

Heading up a hospital, lab, faculty or another healthcare management position is a natural progression for nurses with a doctoral degree. You’ll play an important role in helping improve the healthcare system.

Where you’ll work

  • Universities
  • Research labs
  • Government labs
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Magnet hospitals
  • Hospitals
  • Doctor's offices
Did you know
Only 1% of nurses in the US have a doctoral degree.

How to get ahead


One of the best parts of being a nurse is you never have to stop learning. You have the option of studying further after your doctoral degree.

Postdoctoral Studies


You can continue your education by pursuing additional research, training or teaching. Most postdoc students work closely with a mentor who supports them and helps them achieve their goals.
  • Research Nurse

    A Research Nurse is a scientist who works with patients during clinical trials, recording and managing data with the intent of discovering newer, better ways to provide care.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

    A Clinical Nurse Specialist has advanced knowledge and hands-on expertise in a chosen specialty.
  • Health Policy Nurse (HPN) at a Glance

    As a Health Policy Nurse (HPN), your role is to aid in the research, creation and enforcement of health policies. Whether it’s new legislation surrounding healthcare accessibility, protective laws for patients and doctors, or communicating with government officials about societal health needs, HPNs are heavily relied upon advocates within the world of healthcare.
Take the next step on your nursing journey.
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
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