Is Getting a DNP Right for You?

Deciding whether to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice isn’t just about adding another credential. It’s about looking at your future and asking, “What kind of impact do I want to make?” I remember sitting with that same question when I was an experienced nurse practitioner, unsure whether the DNP would truly change the way I practiced or open doors I couldn’t already access.

Now, having completed my DNP at Duke University, I can tell you it reshaped how I think about healthcare, leadership, and my role in this profession. If you're exploring the possibility of a DNP, I want to share what I’ve learned, what to expect, and how to decide if this path makes sense for your goals.
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Let’s walk through what a DNP really involves and whether it aligns with where you see yourself going.

What You Need to Know About the DNP

A DNP is a practice-focused doctoral degree that prepares nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurse midwives (CNMs) to take on leadership roles in clinical care, healthcare policy, and education. Unlike a PhD, which focuses heavily on research, the DNP is all about applying evidence-based practice, improving healthcare systems, and driving quality improvement in real-world settings.

There are two common ways to enter a DNP program:
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• Post-Master’s DNP for those who already have an MSN or are practicing as an APRN
  
• BSN-to-DNP for RNs who want to go directly into advanced practice and doctoral training
  
  

Both routes have pros and challenges. Your choice depends on your career goals and life circumstances.​

​Should APRNs with an MSN Get a DNP?

If you’re already a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, CRNA, or nurse midwife with your MSN, you might be wondering whether a DNP would truly make a difference in your career. I had the same questions when I was at that stage, and here’s what I considered and what you might want to think about too.

1. Do You Need a DNP to Stay Competitive?

Many APRNs still practice with an MSN, and that’s completely valid. But things are shifting. Some hospitals and academic settings are starting to prefer or require a DNP, especially for roles in leadership, education, or policy.

For example:

• A hospital pursuing Magnet® recognition may require advanced practice leaders to have a DNP
  
• Universities are moving toward hiring only doctoral-prepared NP faculty
  
• Leadership roles often lean toward DNP-prepared candidates because of their training in systems thinking and quality improvement
  
  

If you love where you are and don’t plan to move into those kinds of roles, your MSN might be all you need. But if you’re aiming to teach, lead, or influence systems, a DNP could give you the edge.

2. Will a DNP Increase Your Salary?

This varies. In clinical settings, a DNP doesn’t always lead to higher pay. But in leadership, administrative, or policy roles, the DNP is often expected and those roles tend to come with higher salaries.
A colleague of mine transitioned from full-time clinical work into a director-level role in population health after completing her DNP. She wouldn’t have qualified for that position without the degree, and it came with both increased pay and a chance to lead large-scale initiatives.

3. Are You Drawn to Systems and Leadership Work?

This was the deciding factor for me. I wanted to improve more than just individual outcomes. I wanted to tackle the systems behind them. DNP programs focus on quality improvement, population health, leadership, and finance. If those topics speak to you, this path can give you the skills to make a much wider impact.

You might design a telehealth program for underserved communities or work within your hospital system to reduce readmissions. These are the kinds of projects that DNP-prepared nurses are trained to lead.​

For BSN-Prepared RNs: Is a Direct-Entry DNP the Right Move?

More RNs are considering skipping the MSN and going straight into a DNP program. It sounds efficient, but it’s not always the best fit for everyone.

Can You Handle the Academic and Clinical Demands?

Direct-entry DNP students take on advanced practice coursework, clinical training, and doctoral-level projects all at once. It’s a heavy lift and a long road. I’ve seen nurses get through these programs, but I’ve also seen burnout. It takes strong time management, support, and a lot of grit.

One former student I mentored told me that going directly from a BSN to DNP felt like “learning two languages at once.” She made it through, but she also admitted that having a year or two of NP experience first would have helped her feel more grounded during clinical rotations.

Do You Have Enough Bedside Experience?


Nurses who’ve spent time in direct patient care often adapt more easily to the clinical decision-making required of NPs. If you’re early in your career, you might feel like you’re playing catch-up, especially with complex diagnostic work. Some nurses prefer to earn their MSN, build some practice experience, and then return for their DNP when they’re ready for leadership.
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You can also check AACN’s guidance on DNP programs to better understand expectations for each pathway.

​DNP Pros and Cons Based on Experience

Advantages

• Higher qualification for leadership, policy, and academic roles
• Potential for higher salary in administrative or specialized roles
• Opportunity to improve healthcare systems through evidence-based practice
• ​Prepares you for NP faculty positions (which may soon require a DNP)

Challenges

• Time commitment (3 to 5 years, depending on the program)
• ​Cost (tuition can exceed $50,000 to $100,000)
• Limited salary increase for clinical NPs compared to MSN peers

Heavy academic and clinical workload, especially for direct-entry students

How I Made My Decision

When I chose to pursue my DNP, I had already spent years in practice as an NP. I knew I wanted to go beyond individual patient care and influence the broader system. I also had an interest in mentoring and teaching future nurse practitioners. The DNP gave me the skills, credentials, and confidence to step into those roles.

If you're on the fence, ask yourself:
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• Where do I see myself in five or ten years?
• Do I want to be a clinical expert, or do I want to shape systems and policy?
• Can I commit the time, energy, and finances required?
• ​Would I benefit more from gaining NP experience first, then returning later for the DNP?

​There’s no wrong answer. Only what’s right for you.

Final Thoughts

The DNP isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. You don’t need a doctorate to be an outstanding nurse practitioner. But if your vision includes teaching, leading, or transforming healthcare on a larger scale, the DNP can be a powerful step forward.

It was the right choice for me, and I’m proud to use what I learned every day to support students, patients, and the future of our profession.

About Lynn

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.​