Topic 3 DQ 2 What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing? Which of these
would you choose to pursue if you decide to continue your education to the doctoral level?
The Ph.D. in nursing, is research- and science-oriented. It prepares graduates to develop new,
evidence-based knowledge for the nursing profession. Ph.D. graduates can lead research teams
and design and implement studies that address disease trajectories and care systems (American
Sentinel University, 2014). The DNP is focused on advancing an understanding of nursing
practice. The curriculum emphasizes both clinical and leadership skills. Graduates will be poised
to translate nursing research into evidence-based standards of care – allowing them to lead
interdisciplinary care teams, improve care systems, and evaluate outcomes among specific
patient populations (Loomis & Cohen, 2007).
In the most general terms, the DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, is a clinical practice degree
while the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in nursing is a research-focused degree. There is no
right or wrong choice between the two disciplines. You should understand that DNP students are
committed to the highest levels of nursing practice while PhD students have a clear focus on
furthering research in nursing and health policy. The type of nursing that I am passionate about is
direct contact with the patients and their families. Now that I have a better understanding
between DNP and PhD, I would continue my education journey towards obtaining my DNP.
While I appreciate what the PhD nurse will provide to the future of nursing through research, I
feel that my strong suit is putting that research into practice to improve the delivery of health
care.
American Sentinel University. (2014, October 1). DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: The Difference and
The Future of Nursing. Retrieved from
http://www.americansentinel.edu/blog/2014/10/01/terminal-degree-programs-what-is-the-
difference-between-the-dnp-and-ph-d/
Loomis, J. A., Willard, B., & Cohen, J. (2007). Difficult Professional Choices: Deciding Between
the PhD and the DNP in Nursing. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 12(1).
doi:10.3912/OJIN.Vol12No1PPT02
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would you choose to pursue if you decide to continue your education to the doctoral level?
The Ph.D. in nursing, is research- and science-oriented. It prepares graduates to develop new,
evidence-based knowledge for the nursing profession. Ph.D. graduates can lead research teams
and design and implement studies that address disease trajectories and care systems (American
Sentinel University, 2014). The DNP is focused on advancing an understanding of nursing
practice. The curriculum emphasizes both clinical and leadership skills. Graduates will be poised
to translate nursing research into evidence-based standards of care – allowing them to lead
interdisciplinary care teams, improve care systems, and evaluate outcomes among specific
patient populations (Loomis & Cohen, 2007).
In the most general terms, the DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice, is a clinical practice degree
while the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in nursing is a research-focused degree. There is no
right or wrong choice between the two disciplines. You should understand that DNP students are
committed to the highest levels of nursing practice while PhD students have a clear focus on
furthering research in nursing and health policy. The type of nursing that I am passionate about is
direct contact with the patients and their families. Now that I have a better understanding
between DNP and PhD, I would continue my education journey towards obtaining my DNP.
While I appreciate what the PhD nurse will provide to the future of nursing through research, I
feel that my strong suit is putting that research into practice to improve the delivery of health
care.
American Sentinel University. (2014, October 1). DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: The Difference and
The Future of Nursing. Retrieved from
http://www.americansentinel.edu/blog/2014/10/01/terminal-degree-programs-what-is-the-
difference-between-the-dnp-and-ph-d/
Loomis, J. A., Willard, B., & Cohen, J. (2007). Difficult Professional Choices: Deciding Between
the PhD and the DNP in Nursing. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 12(1).
doi:10.3912/OJIN.Vol12No1PPT02
This study source was downloaded by 100000847426977 from CourseHero.com on 06-04-2022 04:03:29 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/25005971/Topic-3-DQ-2-What-is-the-difference-between-a-DNP-and-a-PhD-in-nursingdocx/
