primary degree (md do phd rn apn etc.)

MD, DO, PA, NP and More: The Letters That Matter When Choosing a Care Provider

Look closely at the identification badges pinned to the white coats and scrubs of UVA Medical Center staff and you’ll see a variety of credentials: MD, DO, NP, PA. You might call it alphabet soup. Unless, that is, you know what all of these letters mean. So what’s the difference between DO vs MD or NP vs PA?

In honor of National Hospital Week, we’re giving you a crash course in some of the most common healthcare credentials. This will help you make sense of “the soup” and know who’s who and who does what.

Who’s Who On Your Medical Team?

What is an md.

An MD is, you guessed it, a doctor of medicine. When you make an appointment to see a physician, chances are this is the person who will be wearing the white coat and stethoscope. An MD practices allopathic medicine, which is the classic form of medicine focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.

Doctor Training

Becoming an MD requires successfully completing four years of medical school at an accredited institution. Med school graduates then spend anywhere from three to seven years in a residency program. There, they work directly with patients within a specific specialty (pediatric or internal medicine, for example). Some doctors may choose to continue their training within a specialty by participating in a fellowship program.

Prior to practicing within their chosen field, all physicians must pass a three-step examination to obtain their medical license. To practice at UVA, all doctors must also be board certified. This means they have proven expertise in their field of practice and remain up to date with the latest medical advances.

Where They Practice

MD is the most common degree for doctors in the U.S., so you will find them in just about every patient care setting, from family medicine clinics to neurosurgery. Looking to change your doctor? Here are some tips to help make the transition a smooth move .

DO vs. MD: What’s the Difference?

A DO or doctor of osteopathic medicine takes a more holistic approach to treating the body, according to Stephanie Allen, director of clinical staff services. Rather than treating symptoms with medication, for example, a DO may provide a more hands-on approach called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This involves moving, stretching and putting mild pressure on muscles and joints to treat and prevent pain and illness.  

You may be treated by more DOs in the future as hospitals incorporate more complementary therapies like meditation and massage into their care.

DO Training

There isn’t a whole lot of variation in training when you compare a DO to an MD. Both attend medical school, complete a residency and possibly a fellowship, and pass multiple exams to obtain a license and certification to practice medicine. However, a DO attends a different type of medical school. There aren’t as many medical schools for DO degrees, and students spend many hours training in OMT.

Although a DO may choose to practice in a variety of clinical settings, these doctors most often work in the fields of family medicine, anesthesiology and pain management, says Allen.

Is MBBS a Medical Degree?

Medical doctors who complete their medical training overseas may obtain a bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery (MBBS) degree. This is a more general medical degree that qualifies a doctor to see patients in his or her home country. However, to practice medicine in the U.S., a doctor with an MBBS degree must fulfill additional requirements.

MBBS Training

To practice in the U.S., doctors with an MBBS degree must complete a residency program, as well as a fellowship if they choose to specialize in a particular field. They must pass U.S. medical licensing exams and get certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Trained Medical Graduates . At UVA, doctors must also obtain board certification.

A doctor with an MBBS degree may practice in any clinical or surgical area. “These doctors have the same training and meet the same criteria as others practicing at the Health System,” says Allen.

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What Is an NP?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has received specialized education and training in clinical practice. NPs are nationally certified and state-licensed to examine, diagnose, and provide treatment to patients. “Many studies have demonstrated that nurse practitioners provide safe, quality, effective care,” says director of advanced practice providers Korinne Van Keuren, DNP.

NP Training

To become an NP, individuals need to earn a master’s degree or and/or complete a doctoral (PhD) program or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program. A PhD or DNP degree is the highest level of training for an NP.

“The professional category of NP has been in existence since the 1960s, and NPs have become an integral part of the clinical team,” says Van Keuren. Most NPs specialize in a particular area, such as geriatrics, pediatrics or acute care. Patients may see nurse practitioners in a variety of settings, including the intensive care unit and acute care, and in outpatient clinics, such as oncology and primary care.

Beginning in early 2019, NPs with five years of clinical experience will soon be able to apply for a license to practice independently in Virginia. Independent practice for NPs has already been implemented in 22 other states and the District of Columbia. UVA is working to determine how this change will be rolled out throughout the Health System, according to Allen.

What Is a PA?

A PA, or physician assistant, is a nationally certified, state licensed provider who is trained to diagnose, assess and treat patients. They are also licensed to prescribe medications.

PA Training

Most PA programs require applicants to have two years of college coursework before applying to PA school, and many require prior healthcare experience such as a previous position as an EMT or a paramedic. PA programs usually award a master’s degree and include classroom instruction as well as clinical rotations.

You may encounter a PA in an intensive care unit or in surgical areas, such as orthopedics or thoracic medicine. A PA may also treat patients in an ambulatory or outpatient clinic.

There are many other roles with the healthcare environment not mentioned here that play an important part in your overall care. It’s important that you feel confident in the care you’re receiving, so if you have questions about a provider’s qualifications or background, just ask.

Tags: navigating healthcare

Just curious, D.PM. ? I’m trying to make a point to High School students interested in the medical field. DC and DPM is seen as a back up in case. It’s too late for me and my colleagues going back to nursing school at 50 y.o. We’re spreading the word in our city and hopefully all of U.S. Thanks

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), Doctor of dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP), Doctor of Pharmacy (D Pharm), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), all these health care providers have Doctoral degrees Do they all have designated title ” Doctor “? Is this only title for those who graduated under medical board? MBBS graduate is called doctor overseas even if it is a Bachelor’s degree of 5_6 years program. Chiropractors called Doctors after 6-8 yrs program after high school. BUT, DNP, DPT, DPharm are restricted to use that title after they completed 8 years university program. Is it a culture? Is it disrespect to the profession?

Your description of PAs falls short and is somewhat inaccurate. PAs obtain Master’s Degrees after obtaining Bachelor’s Degrees. Many PAs also go on to obtain Doctoral Degrees. The undergraduate education of a PA is often the same as a pre-med student since the pre-requisites for PA school are (for the most part) the same as the pre-requisites for Medical School. PAs are also trained in the medical model. Some PA programs combine the PA students and medical students during the didactic (classroom) curriculum. PA education is 3 academic years in length, though many programs run year-round and therefore finish in 28-30 months. PA training is specifically modeled after the fast-tracked medical school curriculum used to train physicians during times of extreme shortage. Furthermore, PAs have the option to complete PA-specific residency and fellowship programs if they choose.

I would also agree that your description of PAs is inaccurate. There are currently 250 accredited PA Programs and all have to offer Master’s Degrees by 2021 to remain in compliance. The undergraduate education of a PA is often varied but applicants have to earn a four-year degree and take many of the same pre-requisites for Medical School. PAs are also trained in the medical model usually over a seven-semester period compared to 8 semesters of medical school. PA training is specifically modeled after the fast-tracked medical school curriculum used to train physicians during times of extreme shortage during WWII. The other thing is PA students have historically come from other parts of health care Ex. In my class, we had three Registered Nurses, two Foreign Medical Graduates, one Pharmacist, and the average accepted applicant had 8,000 hours of paid healthcare experience.

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What's an MD, DO, DPM, NP, PA and MA?

Health and wellness.

At HonorHealth, our dedicated team of experts leads the charge in delivering exceptional care. We know that navigating the vast sea of acronyms associated with healthcare can be tricky, starting with the initials floating behind your provider's name. Here are some insights on what those letters mean: 

MD: Medical doctor

MDs practice the classical form of medicine called allopathic (conventional) medicine. Making up 90% of today's practicing physicians, MDs diagnose and treat diseases. They practice independently.

• Four-year college degree
• Four years of medical school
• Three to seven years of residency training, depending on the specialty
• Fellowship training for one or more years in some specialties

What an MD does:

• Diagnoses and manages acute and chronic illnesses.
• Orders, performs and interprets diagnostic tests, such as lab work and X-rays.
• Refers to other specialists and healthcare providers as needed.
• Prescribes medications and other treatments.
• Manages a patient's care.
• Performs operations (surgeons).

DO: Doctor of osteopathic medicine

DOs practice osteopathic medicine, which is more holistic. The focus is on seeing the patient as a whole person instead of just treating their symptoms. They also practice independently.

DOs also receive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment — moving a patient's muscles and joints with stretching, gentle pressure and resistance — to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. They make up 10% of practicing physicians in the U.S. today.

• Internship, residency and fellowship lasting three to eight years
• Special training in the body's musculoskeletal system

Included in DO education is special training in the body's musculoskeletal system of muscles, nerves and bones.

Medical licenses are governed at the state level by state boards of medicine. In addition, there are 24 medical specialty boards that certify physicians in specialties and subspecialties.

To become board-certified, a physician needs to spend several years after medical school receiving supervised in-practice training followed by written and sometimes oral exams.

What a DO does:

• Conducts manipulative treatment of muscles and joints.

DPM: Doctor of podiatric medicine

A DPM is a podiatrist, known also as a podiatric physician or surgeon, who receives education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.

• Four years of podiatric medical school
• Three years of residency training, depending on the specialty

Podiatrists must be licensed, and they may choose to obtain board certification from a podiatry professional organization such as the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry or the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery to enhance their credentials and training.

What a DPM does:

• Diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg.
• Recommends appropriate non-surgical options.
• Performs surgery when needed (DPMs with credentials in foot and ankle surgery).
• Offers education, exercise and footwear recommendations to prevent injury.

NP: Nurse practitioner

NPs practice in primary, acute and specialty healthcare services. They treat the whole person and guide each patient to make smart health and lifestyle choices. They do not require physician supervision to make clinical decisions, meaning they practice independently.

• Bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing
• Most graduate programs require more than five years of experience in the medical field before a candidate can apply
• PhD and/or doctorate in nursing (DNP) for some

What an NP does:

• Refers to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed.
• Focuses on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling.
• Practices under the rules and regulations of the state in which they're licensed and are nationally certified in the specialty areas.
• Assists surgeons in major surgeries.

PA: Physician assistant

The first PAs started training in 1967 at Duke University in North Carolina as part of a program that helped Vietnam vets who had served as medics.

PAs work in primary and specialty care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician.

• Master's degree
• Experience as an EMT, paramedic, medical assistant or ER technician (in some cases)
• At least 2,000 hours of clinical rotations

What a PA does:

• Diagnoses and treats common illnesses and injuries.
• Performs certain procedures and minor surgeries.
• Prescribes a limited number of prescriptions.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic and lab tests (analyzes results with physicians).
• Offers guidance about health and nutrition.
• Tracks medical histories and symptoms.
• Treats minor injuries or sicknesses.
• Refers patients to a specialist and other healthcare providers.

Licensing and certification:

• Although laws vary by state, all PAs need to complete an accredited education program and pass a national exam.

MA: Medical assistant

MAs perform both clinical and administrative jobs at doctors' offices, urgent cares and clinics.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a medical assistant program at a college, university, or vocational or technical school
• Clinical internship or externship

What an MA does:

Clinical duties

• Taking a patient's medical history.
• Explaining treatments to patients.
• Preparing a patient for examination.
• Helping the physician during exams.
• Collecting and preparing lab specimens.
• Performing basic lab tests.
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician.
• Drawing blood.
• Doing electrocardiograms.
• Removing sutures and changing dressings.
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed.

Administrative duties

• Updating patient medical records.
• Coding and filling out insurance forms.
• Using computer applications.
• Answering telephones.
• Scheduling appointments.
• Arranging for hospital admissions and lab services.
• Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping.

Many employers prefer that medical assistants are certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants.

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Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider at HonorHealth.

The Difference between MD, DO, PA, RN and More, Explained

03.30.2024 | 3 min read

Medical Officer

Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)

Physician assistant (pa) , registered nurse (rn), nurse practitioner (np), licensed practical nurse (lpn), medical assistant.

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Choosing the Right Healthcare Professional: MD, DO, PA, NP

Your Health

Take a glance at the ID badges on the white coats or scrubs of UNC Health Appalachian staff, and you’ll spot a variety of credentials: MD, DO, PA, NP. These acronyms might seem like a jumble of letters, but they represent distinct healthcare paths and unique roles within the healthcare system. Comparing healthcare professionals such as Medical Doctors (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Physician Assistants (PA), and Nurse Practitioners (NP) involves understanding their education, scope of practice, and training.

Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Starting off with MDs – these healthcare professionals complete rigorous academic paths, earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school. After that, they undergo specialized training during their residency, where they focus on areas like surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine, etc. MDs often take a more allopathic, or conventional medicine, approach to treat illnesses.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

DOs share similarities with MDs, but they bring a unique perspective to healthcare. While they also complete medical school and residency, DOs emphasize osteopathic, or holistic, care – considering the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit in their diagnosis and treatment.

“Osteopathic physicians account for 11% of physicians in the United States today and practice in all medical specialties ranging from primary care to surgery,” says Dr. Molly Haas . “DOs receive the same training as allopathic physicians in medical school regarding anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, histology and management of disease processes. The teachings in osteopathic medical schools focus on the body functioning as a system capable of healing itself when in proper alignment. There is also an emphasis on preventative care and promoting the health of the mind, body, and spirit.”

The bottom line? Both MDs and DOs are licensed physicians dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective medical care. They have similar schooling, can prescribe medication, and can practice in a wide range of healthcare settings, ranging from hospitals to clinics.

Physician Assistant (PA)

PAs are highly trained medical professionals who work in collaboration with MDs and DOs. They typically hold a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and undergo clinical training. PAs can diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication under the supervision of an MD or DO. They’re skilled medical problem-solvers, offering comprehensive care with a collaborative approach.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

NPs bring a nursing background to the healthcare table. They hold advanced degrees, often at the master’s or doctorate level in nursing. They are nationally certified and state-licensed to diagnose, prescribe medications, and manage a variety of health conditions. Like PAs, NPs practice in collaboration with and under the supervision of a physician.

NPs can also become board-certified in specialty areas, some of which include: • FNP: Family Nurse Practitioner • AG-ACNP: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner • ACNP: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner • PNP: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

How do you choose which healthcare professional is right for you?

Each of these healthcare professionals play a vital role in our well-being. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about understanding their unique contributions and how they work together to provide comprehensive care. When you seek medical attention, you may encounter the expertise of an MD, the holistic approach of a DO, the collaborative care of a PA, or the patient-centered focus of an NP. They form a healthcare team that’s dedicated to your health and happiness.

So, whether you’re in the hands of an MD, DO, PA, or NP, rest assured that you’re receiving care from highly trained professionals who are committed to your well-being.

Author: Madi Zaidel Cameron, MS Reviewed by: Molly Haas, DO

Molly Haas, DO

Family Medicine Physician

To request an appointment with Dr. Hass at Baker Center, call (828) 737-7711   or visit https://apprhs.org/baker/ . Dr. Haas is located at 436 Hospital Drive, Suite 230 Linville, NC 28646 inside Sloop Medical Office Plaza.

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Quick links, md, do, np, pa: what these letters mean when choosing a healthcare provider.

Published on April 8, 2022

Read Time: Two Minutes

While it may seem like alphabet soup to some, the letters behind your healthcare provider’s name have particular meanings. These letters are their credentials, which show their level of education and ability to provide care.

Let’s take a look at what these credentials mean for patients and choosing their healthcare provider.

Physicians (MDs and DOs)

Physicians, or doctors, have completed advanced degrees, usually four years of medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree. Doctors also spend a few years in residency training, and sometimes a fellowship or internship, or both.

Physicians usually either have a medical doctor (MD) degree or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. Physicians with MDs practice allopathic medicine, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Physicians with DOs practice osteopathic medicine, which some refer to as a holistic approach to care.

Both MDs and DOs are held to the same standards for practicing medicine, and both can prescribe medications and recommend treatments.

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

Other healthcare providers, who are not physicians, are sometimes referred to as advanced practice providers (APPs). The two most common types of APPs are nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA).

These medical providers work closely with your physician to diagnose, treat and coordinate your care. Some nurse practitioners specialize in family medicine and are called family nurse practitioners (FNPs).

All nurse practitioners and physician assistants have the following:

• A graduate level education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree
• Board certification and license
• Specialized training

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have a wide range of abilities and can do the following:

• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions, including injuries and illnesses
• Perform procedures
• Prescribe medications and other treatments
• Manage a patient’s care
• Conduct hospital rounds and office visits
• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, including labs and X-rays
• Assist during surgeries

Other Providers

Some other common credentials that healthcare providers have include the following:

• APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
• AuD – Doctor of Audiology
• CNM – Certified Nurse Midwife
• DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery
• DMD – Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry
• DPM – Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
• LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor
• PsyD – Doctor of Psychology

At Phelps Health, we are committed to finding you the right healthcare provider in the right setting to receive the right care.

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Learn more about our healthcare providers at phelpshealth.org/doctors .

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Medical degrees explained: MD, DO, NP, PA

Thanks to shows like Grey’s Anatomy and ER , most people recognize “MD” as a term for medical professionals. But it’s not the only title you’ll hear in a medical office. At One Medical, our members see a wide of range of health experts, including MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs. And while their licenses may differ, each plays a vital role in our system of care. Here’s how each provider can contribute to your health:

MD & DO

While “MD” is often used interchangeably with “doctor”, not all physicians share the same degree . MD, for instance, refers specifically to a doctor of medicine, who is trained in allopathic medicine. These physicians are trained in recognizing disease and treating them with evidence based therapies (medication, surgery, etc). It’s what’s most commonly recognized as traditional, Western medicine.

DOs are doctors of osteopathic medicine. Like MDs, DOs are trained in recognizing and treating disease. Like all of our providers, DOs consider the whole person, mind and body, when treating and diagnosing illnesses. Additionally, they go through 200 extra hours of osteopathic training, through which they learn how illnesses affects the musculoskeletal system and how to relieve pain through manipulating the muscles, bones and joints of the body.

At One Medical, you will receive exceptional, patient centered care from both types of doctors with a personalized approach to your health. They each complete 4 years of medical school, followed by at least 3 years of clinical residency , and are licensed through the same state medical boards. Additionally, all of our physicians are experts in primary care and can treat a wide variety of conditions.

NP & PA

Other than physicians, there are several other health experts who can assist in your primary care. Both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), for instance, hold advanced medical degrees and can diagnose diseases, prescribe medications, and initiate treatment plans.

NP is a degree for registered nurses who complete master’s-level training and get board certification to practice medicine. The philosophy of their training is anchored in the patient-centered model of care , valuing the beliefs and concerns of the person receiving care and collaborating with them to prevent disease and promote health. NPs can specialize in a variety of medical areas, such as pediatrics, family medicine, and women’s health, and can use their skills in both primary care and specialty practices.

Whether called PA or PA-C (the C means certified), PAs are providers with master’s-level degrees and are licensed to practice medicine, including the full range of diagnosis, treatment and prevention on a team with physicians. PAs follow a medical training model focused on disease pathology and physiological systems, similar to MDs but for 2-3 years instead of 4 and they do not enroll in a residency program after they have graduated. PAs are taught a broad range of medical topics like physicians and will often pick a concentration to focus on during their training and beyond. Both NPs and PAs can work in primary care or specialize in other areas of medicine, such as acute care, adult health, family health, pediatric health, mental health, surgery, and women’s health.

Working as a team

It’s important to understand that an effective primary care office runs well because of the deeply collaborative efforts of MDs, DOs, PAs, and NPs all working together. At One Medical, we’re committed to providing real life care. And that means every member of your primary care office is critical to making sure we attend every facet of your health and well-being. All of our providers have the expertise to see patients as primary care providers and will collaborate with our primary care experts throughout the country to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

Still have questions about who to select as your primary care provider? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you make a decision tailored to your needs.

Originally published January 7th, 2020.

The One Medical blog is published by One Medical , a national, modern primary care practice pairing 24/7 virtual care services with inviting and convenient in-person care at over 100 locations across the U.S. One Medical is on a mission to transform health care for all through a human-centered, technology-powered approach to caring for people at every stage of life.

Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. 1Life Healthcare, Inc. and the One Medical entities make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

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Definitions of Health Care Provider Credentials

The following descriptions provide general definitions for the many different credentials of our health care team.

MD = Doctor of Medicine

An MD is commonly referred to as a physician or doctor. A MD has a doctoral degree for physicians awarded by accredited medical schools. A MD works to maintain or restore human health through the study, diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury.

DO = Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

A DO belongs to a separate, but equal, branch of medicine as a MD. A DO takes in account the musculoskeletal system, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of a patient, and how each aspect could contribute to illness.

MBBS or MBBCh = Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science

Professional degrees awarded in medicine and surgery by universities in foreign countries and are equivalent to an MD degree.

PhD = Doctor of Philosophy

This advanced academic degree is awarded for submitting a thesis or dissertation of original academic research for publication.

DNP = Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems and care for people with complex, chronic conditions – similar to a physician. DNPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling. They help patients make wise health and lifestyle choices. DNPs are nationally certified and have advanced education and training beyond their registered nurse and nurse practitioner preparation.

Advanced practice providers (NP and PA) work under the supervision of a physician, yet independently, to provide some of the same care provided by physicians. In many primary care settings, they serve as the patient's regular health care provider.

Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP)

A certified nurse practitioner (CNP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed advanced education (a minimum of a master's degree) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions. An CNP’s training focuses on prevention, wellness and patient education.

Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CNNP)

A nurse practitioner with specialized training in caring for neonatal patients (newborns).

Physician Assistant (PA)

A PA is a licensed health care provider who can provide a broad range of health care services that are traditionally performed by a physician, such as conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery and write prescriptions.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

An advanced practice nurse, with a master's or doctorate degree. CNS is a clinical expert in diagnosing and treating illness, and delivering evidence-based nursing interventions.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses with specialized training in assisting pregnant women. CNMs must complete an accredited program of study and clinical experience in obstetrical care. CNMs often provide Pap smears, breast examinations, prenatal care, evaluations and education.

Home / Nursing Articles / What Is the Difference Between an MD, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing?

What Is the Difference Between an MD, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing?

The Role of the MD

Dnp vs. ph.d. in nursing, what is the salary difference between a dnp and ph.d. in nursing.

A DNP (doctor of nursing practice) and Ph.D. in Nursing are vastly different than an MD (doctor of medicine). The former are highly-trained nurses, and the latter is a physician, with all the scope of practice allowances that come with that title.

A "DNP" is an advanced-practice registered nurse who may specialize in the following roles:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse-Midwife
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Executive
• Nurse Informaticist

The DNP nurse has achieved one of the highest degrees awarded in the field of nursing (next to the Ph.D. in Nursing , which is just as prestigious but has more of an academic focus compared to the clinical focus of the DNP). It demonstrates that the nurse exemplifies clinical expertise and knowledge in the field and that the nurse is skilled in identifying healthcare-related issues and can propose evidence-based solutions in the ever-changing world of healthcare.

An MD is a medical doctor, also known as a physician. While it may be evident that a DNP (or Ph.D. in Nursing) is a nurse and an MD is a doctor, the explanation of the differences goes a little deeper than the title. It's important to realize that nurses and doctors are trained differently:

• Nurse Approach – The nurse's approach to healthcare is holistic. Nurses view the patient as a whole – which means they assess the physical, mental, and even spiritual well-being of patients. They also look at, and involve, a patient's support system in relation to disease processes. Patient education and teaching are paramount in that it helps to both heal and prevent disease.
• Physician Approach – The physician's approach to healthcare is disease-based. They are presented with a healthcare disorder and find ways to fix it. They order imaging tests and blood work to diagnose and order a treatment plan. However, in recent years, preventive medicine is becoming a huge part of a physician's job.

RELATED : RN to MD

Both a Ph.D. and DNP are considered terminal degrees for nurses, and both degrees demonstrate that the nurse is a clinical expert in his or her field. However, there are differences between the two.

The main difference is that a DNP is focused more on clinical practice, while a Ph.D. is research-focused. Choosing which degree path to take is based on the career goals of the nurse. MSN -prepared nurses practicing in an advanced role (i.e., nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, CRNA) who wish to expand their knowledge base and achieve a terminal degree to enhance their practice would benefit from choosing the DNP path.

Conversely, those who hope to get into education, research, and leadership would benefit from the Ph.D. path. Nurses with a Ph.D. use evidence-based research to develop policies and procedures and implement workflows that align with standards of care. They are especially involved with improving patient care outcomes based on research findings.

As with the differing roles of the DNP and Ph.D. nurses, the educational curriculum differs as well. DNP students must complete a capstone project that involves identifying an issue in healthcare and proposing evidence-based solutions. While this sounds more aligned with a Ph.D. program, the project should pertain to their specific clinical area. Additionally, the DNP program has an immersive clinical practicum which is required to graduate.

RELATED : Dual DNP/Ph.D. Nursing Programs

The Ph.D. curriculum is more research-based. Students must complete an original research project and complete a dissertation which may also include teaching. The curriculum does not include patient care clinical hours.

Regardless of which path is chosen, both degree options allow for expert nurses and practitioners to make an impact on patient care to improve outcomes.

As the highest degrees in nursing practice, the Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP ) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing ( Ph.D. ) degrees can catapult advanced practice nurses to the top of the pay range. Some prospective students, however, may wonder how the salaries of these different degree types stack up. The short answer is that the differences in salary between nurses who hold a DNP and those with a Ph.D. are minimal, with an average difference of approximately $4,000 per year. However, things such as location, organization, and job title will ultimately determine a salary for a nurse with either degree type.

A DNP operates at the highest level of clinical practice, and the salary average for a nurse with this degree lands at approximately $100,000 per year . This is variable amongst jobs, as a clinician salary is higher than an educator salary. In other words, individuals who work at universities teaching nursing students average less income than those practicing with patients. For example, a DNP practicing as an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner averages closer to $110,000 per year. Most DNP-prepared RNs tend to opt for clinical practice careers. Some job titles a DNP may search for include: Advanced Practitioner, Quality Improvement Manager, Healthcare Informaticist, Clinical Educator, Policy Maker, and more.

Ph.D. Salary

A Ph.D. prepared nurse spends time researching, conducting analysis and performing scientific studies. They also commonly enter academia as professors and educators. According to Payscale, a Ph.D. educated nurse's average salary is $96,000 per year. This makes the salary very competitive in comparison to that of a DNP. Similar to a DNP-prepared nurse, there is variability in salary depending on setting and institution. A nurse researcher can expect to earn a yearly salary of approximately $95,000 per year. Some job titles a Ph.D. may search for include: Nurse Researcher , Nurse Scientist, Policy Maker, Academic Professor, Author.

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Become a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist in the DNP Advanced Practice track at Johns Hopkins Schoolof Nursing. Unlock the unlimited potential of an advanced nursing career and build close relationships with our world-renowned faculty. You will network with other emerging nurse leaders in your cohort and graduate ready to change the health care system and advance the nursing profession.

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Get the analytic skills and evidence-based practice principles you need in the DNP Executive track at Johns Hopkins. You’ll address significant healthcare problems-defined by your interests and based on your experience-in real time and in your practice setting. You will forge your own intellectual path and wrap up your curriculum with an intense final project experience.

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“Prior to joining the PhD program, I felt like I was spinning my wheels. Now I feel empowered to advocate for what I know will help patients and have the tools and soon will have the credentials to do that.” Emily Hoppe

DNP vs. PhD in Nursing: Salary, Skill and Career Differences

The  Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)  and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing are among the most advanced degrees a nurse can earn. Both are valuable options for nurses who wish to move to the top of their field. While the DNP and the PhD are both terminal nursing degrees, the two are significantly different in several ways.

When comparing the DNP vs. the PhD in nursing, nurses should consider what makes each degree distinct, including what skills each focuses on and what career choices each is best suited for.

DNP vs. PhD in Nursing — Comparing the Two Degrees

Although the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Philosophy in nursing are two of the highest-level nursing degrees, some core differences set them apart.

What Makes a DNP Distinct?

Perhaps the biggest distinction between the two degrees is that a DNP program is a clinical practice program, while a PhD program is not. A DNP is the highest-level clinical nursing degree a nurse can earn, and DNP programs generally offer several specializations, such as:

• Adult-gerontology (acute or primary) care
• Family primary care
• Pediatric care
• Psychiatric mental health care

Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a DNP can become certified as nurse practitioners (NPs) in their selected specialties. As nurse practitioners, DNP graduates apply evidence-based research to improve the quality of patient care and serve as lead clinicians in their  practice specialties .

DNP graduates can also pursue healthcare management positions. These professionals serve as lead patient safety advocates and are involved with high-level decision-making and policy setting. Additionally, those in nurse leadership roles provide guidance and oversight to the registered nurses (RNs) and NPs on their teams.

The timeline for earning a DNP varies depending on the student’s current degree and program type. A nurse with a master’s can complete a  DNP program  in as little as 20 months (or 36 months with an NP specialization), while it can take as little as 40 months for a nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to complete a program such as Maryville’s  online accelerated BSN to DNP .

What Makes a PhD in Nursing Distinct?

While a DNP program is focused on clinical patient care, a PhD in nursing program is nonclinical. Students in PhD in nursing programs focus on science and research. PhD students are preparing to become experts in their profession, and PhD graduates often work as nurse educators in an academic setting or as nurse researchers, according to the American Association of Colleges in Nursing.

Different PhD in nursing programs emphasize different areas of study. For instance, some emphasize health education while others emphasize policy research. PhD students should expect coursework that covers the philosophy and history of nursing as well as healthcare techniques. A PhD program also typically features research projects and clinical trials. PhD students must complete a dissertation that summarizes the findings of their research.

PhD coursework is considerably more demanding than DNP coursework, which is reflected in the length of the program. PhD students with a bachelor’s degree may take upward of 10 years to complete a PhD, while those with a master’s degree may take seven years.

DNP vs. PhD in Nursing — Comparing Skills and Careers

DNP graduates gain a superior set of clinical skills and practice-based experience in patient care. The scope of those skills are primarily dictated by their specialty. For instance, a family primary care specialist has a broad skill set in managing overall patient care, as they work with all demographics of patients. By comparison, a pediatric care specialist focuses on preventive care such as vaccinations and screening for illnesses that affect young children.

Whatever their specialties, these are among common responsibilities of DNP graduates:

• Observing patients and performing physical exams
• Updating patient medical histories and recording current symptoms
• Ordering and administering patient tests
• Operating medical equipment used for exams
• Diagnosing health issues and developing treatment plans
• Educating patients and their families so they can better manage their health
• Prescribing medication (in full practice authority states)

By comparison, the skills acquired through a PhD in nursing program are primarily academic. Although PhD graduates do not operate in a clinical capacity, they do possess a more comprehensive knowledge base when compared to DNP graduates. In the role of nurse educators, they perform the following job duties:

• Planning and developing curricula for nursing programs
• Delivering lectures to nursing students
• Mentoring nursing students
• Supervising students as they engage in clinical or lab work
• Grading student work (lab assignments, clinicals, and homework)
• Serving as a knowledge resource for students

Some PhD graduates pursue careers as nurse researchers working in lab settings. In this role, they perform the following duties:

• Developing research questions in collaboration with other researchers and scientists
• Collecting and analyzing data pertaining to their research studies
• Writing detailed reports that summarize their findings
• Training and supervising nurse scientists and other laboratory staff
• Writing research and grant proposals to secure funding

Salary and Career Outlook

Individuals with a DNP degree had a median annual salary of approximately $108,000 in October 2022, according to the salary statistics site PayScale. By comparison, those with a PhD in nursing had a median annual salary of approximately $97,000.

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners had a median annual salary of $123,780 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These roles will grow 40% between 2021 and 2031, the BLS projects, which is much faster than the projected average for all occupations of 5%.

Nursing instructors and teachers (postsecondary) had a median annual salary of $77,440, according to the BLS. The role of postsecondary teachers will increase by 12% between 2021 and 2031.

Pursue a Career with an Advanced Nursing Degree

When comparing a DNP vs. a PhD in nursing, it’s important to point out that graduates of both degree programs go on to do crucial work. Nurse practitioners treat patients directly and help save lives; nurse leaders make important safety and efficiency decisions; and nurse educators and researchers impart knowledge to the next generation of nurses and push the field forward.

Nurses with a passion for helping patients thrive should consider a DNP program such as the  online accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice program  at Maryville University. With five concentrations to choose from, the DNP program at Maryville prepares  BSN students  to become nurse leaders and nurse practitioners in the specialty of their choosing. Maryville students have the added convenience of being able to access coursework 100% online and complete clinicals locally.

Take the first step toward a career as a nurse practitioner by learning more about Maryville University’s  online nursing degree  programs.

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American Association of Colleges of Nursing, DNP Fact Sheet

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, PhD Education

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certification

Betterteam, Family Nurse Practitioner Job Description

Betterteam, Nurse Practitioner Job Description

Incredible Health, “Comparing the Differences Between a DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing”

Indeed, “What Is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?”

Payscale, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree

Payscale, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Nursing Degree

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021, 25-1072 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Teachers

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DNP vs PhD in Nursing: Which Is Better for Me?

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If you’re considering pursuing a doctoral program in nursing, should you enter a PhD program or a DNP program? Both are doctoral degree programs that will allow you to advance your knowledge of the nursing field, but they offer unique career opportunities including nursing education, research, advanced practice nursing, or leadership. Keep reading to determine the best nursing program for you depending on your career aspirations!

What is a DNP Degree?

A DNP nursing degree stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. It’s a degree that allows you to advance your clinical practice skills while furthering your nursing education. A DNP degree is a terminal degree, which means there’s no direct advanced training you can receive after finishing this degree. You could choose to return to pursue a nursing PhD, but a PhD is the same degree level as a DNP degree.

Unlike a PhD which focuses on research, students pursuing a DNP degree receive additional education in evidence-based practice methods, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other areas.

At UCF, we offer three DNP degree programs:

• Nurse Practitioner, including Family Nurse Practitioner , Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks
• Nurse Executive
• Advanced Practice

How Long Does it Take To Get a DNP Degree?

A DNP degree is the end of a long educational path for a nursing doctoral student. Nurses typically start by obtaining their RN license through either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Getting an ASN degree typically takes two years, while a BSN degree takes four years to obtain.

After receiving their degree and beginning to practice nursing as an RN, nurses seeking to obtain an DNP can continue to go to nursing school with two options. First, they can first pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. An MSN degree can take anywhere from one and a half to four years to complete, depending on whether nursing students are pursuing the degree full- or part-time and their level of education upon entering the program. RN to MSN programs and direct-entry MSN programs (MSN programs for nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree) take longer, while BSN to MSN programs may only take one and a half to two years. A nursing professional with an MSN degree can work as a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner, among other career options. After completing an MSN degree, students can return to school to complete a post-MSN DNP program. Those programs generally take two to four years to complete beyond the MSN degree.

A second option is BSN to DNP programs, which skip the MSN degree. These programs typically take three to four years to complete. Additionally, 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours are required for any nurse obtaining a DNP degree.

The option you choose depends upon the career path you wish to pursue. For example, to become a nurse practitioner, you would choose a BSN to DNP program. For other career goals, it may make more sense to pursue your DNP degree by first obtaining an MSN degree.

Nurses with a DNP degree have access to a wealth of advanced nursing roles and positions, including clinical and non-clinical roles. Nurses wanting to continue their clinical practice might have jobs including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. They might be primary care providers or specialty providers, and they can provide evidence-based practice in inpatient or outpatient settings. Typically, nurses continuing to work in clinical settings at this level have a lot of autonomy, and they don’t require much supervision from other healthcare providers due to their strong clinical knowledge base.

Non-clinical roles in the nursing field could include a career in nursing leadership, administrative nursing, or education. They might be a nursing instructor, Chief Nursing Officer, or nursing home administrator, or they could go into public health nursing. While they may still work in a clinical setting, like a hospital or clinic, their job duties will be non-clinical. DNP nurses could also work in a variety of settings that aren’t clinical, including for a health insurance company, pharmaceutical company, or medical supply company.

What is a PhD in Nursing?

Like DNP programs, a nurse PhD program is typically pursued by a nurse who has already obtained their MSN degree. It can take four to six additional years of schooling to get a PhD in nursing degree. Unlike a DNP program, however, a PhD in nursing program doesn’t require clinical hours, so students can take courses full time if they’re looking for a shorter path to get their degree.

Some programs, including UCF’s online nursing PhD program, offer a BSN to PhD option that allows nurses to obtain their PhD in nursing without completing an MSN program first. This can also help an aspiring nurse scholar to obtain their PhD and start a fulfilling career in the field of nursing as quickly as possible in as little as four and a half years.

What Does a Nurse Do With a PhD?

A PhD-prepared nurse has a variety of career options available to them. Typically, nurses with their PhD don’t work in clinical settings. Instead, they might work in a leadership role at a university, in a laboratory, in public policy, or for a research institution. Due to their vast knowledge in nursing, these nurses might work as nurse scientists, nurse researchers, nursing professors, or in governmental positions. There are many career paths available to PhD-trained nurses, but some typical job responsibilities for these nurses include teaching, research, and writing proposals and health policy.

DNP vs PhD Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that roles filled by nurses with DNP degrees will grow anywhere from 32–45% by 2029, depending on the position. Since PhD-educated nurses work so many different roles, it’s difficult to quantify their expected job growth, but nursing careers across the board are in high demand . In a survey of nursing schools performed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , schools reported an average nurse faculty vacancy rate of 8.8%. This shortage is preventing nursing programs from accepting qualified students; in 2021 alone, 91,938 nursing school applicants were turned away due to insufficient faculty. Both DNP- and PhD-educated nurses have excellent job prospects.

DNP vs PhD Salary

Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That’s in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , DNP-prepared nurses make a median salary of about $123,000 per year, with nurses trained as nurse anesthetists earning the highest average salary. Nurses with their PhD who work in teaching positions earn an average of $77,440 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Nurse researchers earn a median wage of $81,500 a year according to PayScale .

Deciding Between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing

All nurses start in the same place—with an RN license—but where they end up varies based on the continued education they pursue. For those wanting to obtain the highest level of nursing education possible, there are two ways to earn a doctorate degree in nursing—a DNP degree program or a PhD in nursing program. Which doctoral degree is best for you depends on your career goals, clinical experience, and areas of passion.

Nurses passionate about the clinical practice of nursing may prefer a DNP degree, since clinical hours are a key element of this degree, even if they don’t practice clinically their entire career. Nurses more interested in teaching, research, or changing the field of nursing as a whole may prefer a PhD track, which focuses more on scientific knowledge and the theoretical foundations of nursing. Some nurses choose to obtain both their DNP and PhD degrees in nursing, giving them greater flexibility and the most advanced nursing knowledge.

Whatever Educational Path You Choose, UCF Has an Online Program To Get You There

Our online nursing program has core courses on nursing theory, scientific writing, and healthcare research to prepare you for a leadership position in a stimulating nursing career.

For those seeking a PhD in nursing degree, UCF offers two online degree options—a BSN to PhD track and an MSN to PhD track. We welcome students with various educational backgrounds working to achieve common goals.

If you’re interested in a DNP degree, UFC offers specialized options based on whether you intend to practice clinically or lead the field of nursing in a non-clinical role. Our online DNP Advanced Practice track prepares practicing nurses for engaging, rewarding clinical careers, while our DNP Nurse Executive track supports innovative, creative nursing students as they take on non-clinical leadership roles.

For students seeking to become a nurse practitioner, UCF also offers hybrid classroom-online BSN to DNP degree nurse practitioner programs in primary care, acute care, and family nurse practitioner.

UCF’s Online Nursing Degrees

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DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: Which Degree Is Right for You?

If you’re a nurse hoping to grow your impact in the field and advance your career, pursuing a doctoral-level degree may help you develop your abilities and reputation as an expert. But first, you’ll have an important choice to make. Nurses have two doctoral paths to choose from – Ph.D. in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)  – and though the degrees are equal in stature, they are very different in both their areas of focus and the careers they might lead to. 

What should you know about each degree, and how can you decide which path is right for you?

What Are the Differences Between a DNP and a Ph.D. in Nursing? 

DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing programs have a number of significant differences. The most important areas in which they diverge include:

1. Research vs. Practice A Ph.D. in Nursing is a research doctorate, while a DNP is a practice doctorate. Nurses with Ph.D.s typically conduct scientific and nursing research, which they share with the field through writing publications, presenting to their peers, and holding academic positions. DNPs, on the other hand, learn to parse the latest research for actionable insights that they can apply in the clinical setting and leadership roles to improve the healthcare system and drive better patient outcomes. 2. Academic Requirements Ph.D. students must complete and present a dissertation based on original research that advances the nursing field. This involves designing a project, collecting and analyzing data, identifying significant findings and distilling that information into a report. As a result, Ph.D. students typically develop a deep but narrow body of knowledge. 

DNP programs also include a capstone project, but instead of conducting research, students usually apply existing research to design and implement a quality improvement within a real-world healthcare setting. While DNP students don’t specialize as intensely as Ph.D. students, they can develop a broader understanding of the healthcare field and nursing practice. 

3. Patient Care and Clinical Experience Both nursing Ph.D. and DNP programs require nursing licensure for admission (except for a few programs that combine entry-level nurse preparation with a DNP). However, nursing Ph.D. programs do not involve patient care. If you choose a DNP program with a clinical track, on the other hand, you will need to complete significant clinical hours within your chosen specialty. This means that Ph.D. programs do not lead to professional licensure, while many DNP programs prepare graduates for licensure and work as advanced practice nurses.  4. Time to Completion Ph.D. programs typically take anywhere from three to six years to complete, depending on the program and the pace of the student’s research process. DNP programs usually take between two and four years to complete, depending on the student’s prior education and the track they select.  5. Graduate Outcomes Ph.D. graduates work in research in settings including universities, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. They might design and run medical studies, educate future nurses, or take on administrative roles related to nursing.  DNPs, on the other hand, often work in clinical settings or in leadership positions in healthcare organizations or related industries.   

Get a FREE guide to help you advance your career, featuring helpful advice and thoughtful insights from nursing experts.

What Are the Career Options with a DNP?

DNPs can choose from many different careers depending on their interests and the academic track they pursue. These include nonclinical leadership roles as well as policy and teaching positions. Sample roles (with median advertised salaries from Lightcast Analytics, a leading labor research firm), include:  Nurse educator Median salary: $92,500

Nursing informatics analyst Median salary: $103,200

Chief nursing officer Median salary: $125,200

Medical policy analyst Median salary:  $129,800

Other DNPs choose to remain in patient care roles but grow their careers as advanced practice nurses. This route requires additional licensure. Potential roles include:

Clinical nurse specialist Median advertised salary: $96,100

Certified nurse midwife (CNM) Median advertised salary: $122,200

Nurse practitioner Median advertised salary: $127,900

Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) Median advertised salary: $204,500

What Are the Career Options with a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Nursing Ph.D. programs are primarily intended for nurse scientists who wish to build careers in research or academics. Some nursing Ph.D.s, especially those with more clinical experience, go on to leadership roles within healthcare organizations similar to those DNPs might pursue. Nursing Ph.D.s who hold RN licensure may continue to practice as bedside nurses, but the degree does not prepare graduates for advanced practice roles. Potential positions include:

Nurse scientist or researcher Median advertised salary: $67,800

Nursing professor Median advertised salary: $73,100

Nurse educator  Median salary: $92,500

It’s important to note that specific salaries and positions can differ a great deal since nurse scientists may work in settings ranging from government agencies to universities to pharmaceutical companies. 

Is a DNP or a Ph.D. in Nursing Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between a Ph.D. and a DNP comes down to a straightforward question: do you want to conduct research or apply it to improve clinical practice and outcomes? Both paths can lead to rewarding, impactful careers that benefit patients and healthcare systems. 

If you wish to provide patient care, a DNP is the logical choice. It’s also typically a more straightforward pathway to leadership roles within healthcare organizations. However, if you wish to conduct studies, write research papers and present your findings to the field, a Ph.D. may be the option for you. 

Explore DNP Programs at Franklin

If your career goals make a DNP program a better fit, consider Franklin University.

Franklin’s flexible, online DNP offers both clinical and nonclinical options, as well as a BSN to DNP pathway for registered nurses who do not have a master’s degree in nursing.

With flexible tuition, low fees and a generous transfer credit policy, you can earn your DNP for less at Franklin while gaining a valuable credential that can open doors. 

Learn more about Franklin’s DNP programs . 

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Editor(s): Newland, Jamesetta A. PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FAAN

Editor-in-Chief [email protected]

In 2019, there were 7,944 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees awarded, and the total number of nurses who have earned a DNP is now approximately 40,000. 1 Has the degree had an impact on the practice of these doctoral-prepared nurses? Not all are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and they are employed in various positions, including clinical practice, administration, and academia. All APRN as well as RN roles are represented. DNP graduates have contributed to meeting one outcome from the Future of Nursing , Indicator #2: Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties issued a statement in support of moving entry-level NP education to the DNP degree by 2025. 2 The American Association of Colleges of Nursing created The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (DNP Essentials) , containing eight items that offer a good starting point in evaluating outcomes of clinical doctoral education. 3

In a cross-sectional design using conventional content analysis of narrative data, Bowie and colleagues interviewed 10 recent DNP graduates and 9 of their supervisors to explore the impact of their doctoral education on their daily work life. 4 Nine completed a postmaster's DNP and one the BSN-to-DNP. The supervisors included seven nurses (three DNP, three PhD, and one master's), one physical therapist, and one physician. The overarching theme from the narratives was “becoming more: re-envisioning self as an agent of change.”

Results indicated that DNP education prepared APRNs for leadership at a systems level. Authors reported, “Evidence of the DNP Essentials was realized when graduates perceived themselves as equal to other leaders and capable of driving change using evidence and effective collaboration.” All of the graduates expressed that they used all the DNP Essentials to guide their practice, supported by supervisor report at 78.8% to 100%. 4 Supervisors must understand the knowledge and skills DNP-educated nurses bring to an organization. The study was limited by small sample size and inherent methodological issues, such as the potential influence of “researcher, process, and setting.” Studies like this one encourage The Nurse Practitioner editorial staff to continue to highlight the scholarship of DNP-prepared APRNs and their educators every April.

DNP special issue

In this DNP special issue, three articles are featured representing the work of APRNs with a DNP degree. First, Kimberly Posey, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GS-C, discusses preparing DNP students for team-based primary care through an online interprofessional learning environment. Second, Christian Ketel, DNP, RN, and coauthors report the analysis of data from a quality improvement project about the implementation of a suicidality screening and treatment protocol in a nurse-managed primary care clinic, with an interprofessional team. And third, Jessica Van Meter, DNP, APN-BC, CCRN, A-EMT, and coauthors describe the evidence-based team training introduced in an ED as part of a disaster preparedness plan in Georgetown, Guyana. Each of these articles demonstrate the impact of the NP role in one or more areas of practice, research, education, and policy.

My personal mantra to every DNP student deserves repeating often, “It cannot be practice as usual after you graduate. Everyone you encounter must see a change in how you practice.” Exemplify what clinical doctoral nursing education is intended to accomplish.

Jamesetta A. Newland, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, DPNAP, FAAN Editor-in-Chief [email protected]

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Are Nurses with Doctorate Degrees Considered Doctors?

Are physicians and surgeons the only professionals we can call “doctors”? Depending on the state you live in, that may be true. A recent lawsuit in California has roused attention and concern among nurses with doctorates in nursing. Despite any controversy associated with the topic, it does raise objectively interesting questions. Is a nurse practitioner a doctor? What is a doctor in nursing? How do you become a doctor of nursing practice? Nurse practitioner vs. doctor : What is the difference?

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has pursued a graduate degree in nursing. NPs provide quality, cost-effective, and patient-centered care and are vital to offset our nation’s growing primary care shortage . NPs earn either a master’s or doctoral degree, pass stringent national certification standards, and submit for periodic peer review. Of course, the learning doesn’t stop with certification and finding jobs. Continuing education and professional development are necessary throughout their careers.

Can a Nurse Be a Doctor?

Not all NPs earn a doctorate in nursing. However, since this question applies specifically to the word doctor, we can forgo explanations about master’s level nurse practitioners and zero in on the nursing paths that include the word doctor. There are two paths—as follows:

• Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP): This is the doctoral path that leads to clinical practice.
• Doctorate of Nursing (PhD in Nursing): This doctoral path is more esoteric, primarily leading to research and academic roles.

Both these degrees have the word doctor in the title and are incredibly rigorous educational paths. Nevertheless, for NPs, the use of the term doctor is disputed. Several states have legislation in place to regulate who can use the moniker “doctor” in signage, websites, social media, etc. 

Ultimately, if you have a DNP or PhD in Nursing, you should be mindful of the laws of the state in which you practice and very careful in how you identify yourself. Perhaps the better question would be, “Can a nurse practitioner be called a doctor?” If the answer to that question is yes, then very important follow-up questions should be, “Where, how, and under what circumstances?”

Legislative Restrictions for Use of the Term “Doctor”

In California last year, an NP with a doctorate was prosecuted for allegedly using the word doctor to describe herself. In response, a few other California NPs with doctorates in nursing practice have filed a lawsuit aimed at preventing further enforcement of the state’s law that allows only physicians or surgeons to use the term. This May, Georgia passed into law a bill that restricts non-physicians from using the title. Florida also recently passed legislation that would prohibit DNPs from using the title doctor—although the bill was vetoed by the Governor. Other states have legislation in place as well.

In some states with such restrictions, the consequence is a felony; in others, it is a misdemeanor. In others, a DNP may introduce themselves to the patient using the term doctor, but with a clarifier. For example, “I am Dr. Smith, a pediatric nurse practitioner.”

Interestingly, while the debate seems to be largely between nursing and physician organizations, increased restrictions on the title “doctor” could impact other healthcare professions. Other healthcare professions that require doctoral degrees include the following:

• Physical therapists (Doctorate of Physical Therapy)
• Pharmacists (Doctorate of Pharmacy)
• Audiologists (Doctorate of Audiology)
• Veterinarians (Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine)
• Chiropractors (Doctorate of Chiropractic)
• Dentists (Doctorate of Dental Surgery or Doctorate of Dental Medicine)
• Optometrists (Doctorate of Optometry)

What's the Difference between a Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor?

NPs are often primary care clinicians serving some of the same functions as physicians, so what’s the difference? The short answer is threefold: duration of studies, salary, and scope of practice. 

Nurse practitioners, ultimately, are experienced registered nurses (RNs) who have completed a graduate degree. In other words, prior to their graduate studies, they were working in the healthcare industry, and this experience provides them with perspective and practical knowledge to build upon during their graduate studies and training. 

Alternatively, physicians complete a bachelor’s degree and then go directly into medical school, afterward turning their attention to a residency program. Both the paths of an NP and a physician include rigorous studies and training; however, that of the NP is typically shorter. 

Another difference between the two clinician types is salary. It is well known that physicians earn significantly more, on average, than nurse practitioners.

Furthermore, the scope of practice for a nurse practitioner has more limits, mostly contingent on their practice authority. The practice authority for NPs varies from state to state, although the pandemic prompted several states to reconsider practice restrictions.

Read More about Nurse Practitioner Practice Authority

Patient education .

One of the main arguments against allowing DNPs to identify as doctors is that it creates confusion among patients. Patient education is a part of every nurse’s toolbox; identifying yourself and explaining your role should be a natural part of that. Regardless of how physician and nursing legislation are impacted by the controversy over the doctor title, the truth is that NPs are valuable and critical healthcare providers to communities across our nation. Their dedication to the tenets of nursing and determination to take nursing to a terminal degree are commendable and deserving of respect.

Interested in Advancing Your Nursing Career? Read Our In-Depth Nurse Practitioner Guide

Lori is a contributing copywriter at Nursa who creates compelling content focusing on location highlights, nurse licensing, compliance, community, and social care.

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Home > Online Programs > Doctor of Nursing Practice > The Difference Between a Ph.D. and a DNP

The Difference Between a Ph.D. and a DNP

• Published On: July 18, 2018

For nurses who want to move up in their careers and boost their income, there are two doctoral degree options. Both the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degrees are the highest level of education nurses can obtain. The degrees however are different, so nursing students should carefully consider the direction they want to pursue in the nursing profession.

What Is the Difference Between a DNP and a Ph.D. Degree?

An easy way to identify the dissimilarities between the two doctoral degrees is to think of a DNP-prepared nurse as the one who applies the research generated by the person with the Ph.D. In addition, clinical data compiled by a DNP-prepared nurse may be incorporated into research.

A DNP is a clinical degree. Nurses who enroll in a DNP degree program want to practice nursing. The DNP program prepares them for using scientific, evidence-based research and translating it to patient care.

When nurses enter a Ph.D. program, they want to work in research or become an academic. Though some nurses with Ph.D.’s do work in clinical settings, many become scientific researchers or educators.

Why Was the DNP Degree Created?

An aging population, concern for the quality of patient care, changing healthcare policy and complicated medical technologies have together created a need for nurses to be highly prepared to meet the challenges in healthcare.

That is why the Institute of Medicine (IOM), now named the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as of 2015, called for doubling the number of nurses with a doctoral degree by 2020 in its report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health published in 2010.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) agrees with the IOM recommendation and is supporting the need for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to complete DNP degree programs. That means the DNP may become the required degree for APRNs such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurses midwives, instead of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

How Many DNP Programs Exist?

According to a June 2017 update to the AACN DNP Fact Sheet , the number of DNP degree programs has been growing since 2006. All 50 states plus the District of Columbia offer DNP programs, with 303 programs enrolling students at nursing schools around the country. States with more than 10 programs include:

• California.
• Massachusetts.
• Pennsylvania.

Enrollment in DNP programs is increasing. In 2015 there were 4,100 graduates, and in 2016, the number rose to 4,855.

What Is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Ph.D. degree programs do not require students to complete clinical hours or interact with patients. With a Ph.D. in nursing, nurses can work in research, clinical, or academic positions.

In a Ph.D. program, nursing students focus on learning methodologies and theories of research so they can pinpoint knowledge that is applicable to patient care. A Ph.D.-prepared nurse has to understand the nursing practice in order to produce serviceable research.

The demand for nurse educators remains high due to the shortage created partly by retiring professors of nursing, so nurses with a Ph.D. will have many job opportunities.

What Do You Need to Enroll in a DNP Degree Program?

One of the DNP programs offered in Texas is at the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

The on-campus DNP program integrates online, traditional classroom and intensive/immersion formats.

The accelerated online DNP program is offered to Texas residents only. The requirements for admittance to the online program are:

• An APRN or MSN Administration degree from an accredited program.
• Master’s coursework Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5.
• Current vita.
• Unencumbered RN license from any U.S. state or territory.
• Completion of graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or better.

The DNP program totals 36 semester credit hours. Most students complete the online program in approximately two and a half years.

What Is the Online DNP Program Curriculum?

The UTA online DNP program curriculum consist of leadership, translation of evidence into clinical practice, health policy, epidemiology and specialized clinical practice. The program includes a course focused on project proposal development, as well as two DNP practicum courses in which students evaluate evidence-based solutions.

How Do You Complete a Ph.D. Degree Program?

UTA offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Ph.D. degree program, offered on campus. With the assistance of an advisor, nursing students accepted into the program develop a plan based on their career goals and research interests. Students complete 12 hours of core master’s coursework and an additional 10-18 hours of master’s coursework based on their area of focus, before beginning their Ph.D. requirements.

The Ph.D. portion of the degree program requires students to complete core courses, research tools curricula and a dissertation. These are some of the courses you will take in the UTA Ph.D. program:

• Theoretical Evolution in Science.
• Issues in Studying the Health of Culturally Diverse and Vulnerable Populations.
• Qualitative Research.
• Research Design.
• Epidemiology.

Which doctoral degree program you choose will depend on what you want to achieve in your nursing career. If you enjoy the hands-on job of caring for patients, the DNP degree program may be right for you. The Ph.D. is a good fit for nurses who want to teach or delve into nursing research. Each degree option is rewarding because either will enable you to contribute to the delivery of quality patient care.

Learn more about Doctor of Nursing Practice Online .

• What to Expect in an Online DNP Program
• Why Should You Get a DNP?
• Job Options for a DNP Graduate

Program Testimonials

• Nurse Director Carey Savoie Earning Third Degree Online at UTA
• Michelle Gomez, MBA, MSN, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Gets Second Start at UTA

American Association of Colleges of Nursing: DNP Fact Sheet

Nurse Practitioner Schools: DNP vs PhD in Nursing: What’s the Difference?

Wolters Kluwer: Choosing a Pathway: PhD or DNP?

National Academy of Sciences: The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health – Report Recommendations

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Academic Catalog

Nursing (dnp, ms, phd).

The School of Nursing offers study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in nursing.

Master of Science Requirements

The purpose of the Master’s program is to prepare nurses for advanced practice with specialized knowledge, skills, and values. Graduates assume leadership roles in the health care system and the discipline of nursing by applying existing knowledge and using a spirit of inquiry to examine and test knowledge. Areas of Concentration include the following:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (this program is not currently accepting new students)
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Administration and Leadership
• Nurse Educator

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the program. The plan of study includes online nursing and related courses according to the requirements for each area of concentration. Part-time and/or full-time plans of study are available. Each student completes a core curriculum in theory, research, statistics, legal, regulatory and policy aspects of advanced nursing practice. Additional courses in the areas of concentration are also required.

For candidates applying to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator concentrations, documentation of a minimum of 2,080 hours of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) providing direct patient care must be provided in the admission application. For candidates applying to the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program, a minimum of two years of full-time, RN-level practice experience in a level three neonatal intensive care unit is required prior to enrolling in NURS 5369 Advanced Neonatal Practicum I . All Master’s programs are delivered fully online.

No student may take more than 12 credits in the master’s degree as a non-matriculated student. No student may transfer in more than 25% of course credits required for the master’s degree plan of study. The M.S. program requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above to earn the Master of Science degree in Nursing. Students must earn a “B” or better in all graduate courses with a NURS prefix in order to earn credit toward graduation. Graduate students earning a grade of less than a B in any graduate course will have one opportunity to repeat one course, one time. Students will need to discuss the circumstances related to the less than expected level of performance and their plans for success in the repeat of the course with first the faculty of record and then their advisor. Students earning a second course grade of less than a B will be dismissed from the graduate nursing program. A student may only repeat one course with a NURS prefix throughout their graduate study. If a student does not earn a “C+” or better on the first try, a collaborative decision between the advisor and the student will determine if a repeat of the course is appropriate. The M.S. program does not require a final comprehensive exam.

Nurse Practitioner Required Core Courses

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track

(This program is not currently accepting new students)

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Track

Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration and Leadership  Required Core Courses

Nurse Educator Track

Nursing Administration and Leadership Track

Credit Requirements for Each M.S. Track

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 45 credits
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 45 credits (This program is not currently accepting new students)
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 48 credits
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 44 credits
• Nurse Educator: 39 credits
• Nursing Administration and Leadership: 33 credits

Doctor of Nursing Practice Requirements

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) Program offers a terminal degree in nursing for those interested in an advanced nursing practice role. The D.N.P. prepares nurses to assume leadership roles as providers and administrators in healthcare settings or as clinical faculty in educational settings. The D.N.P. program focuses on education in the scholarship of application and integration. This program has two entry/matriculation points: post-Bachelor’s degree (B.S.-D.N.P.) and post-Master’s degree entry for those already holding RN or APRN licensure and certification with Master of Science (M.S.) preparation. The B.S. - D.N.P. Program includes four Nurse Practitioner concentrations (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (this program is not currently accepting new students), Family Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Acute Care Nurse Practitioner) as well as a concentration for Nurse Leader. These concentrations require students to complete the coursework for the associated concentration for the M.S. in Nursing and lead to the conferral of an M.S. degree as part of the B.S.-D.N.P. Program. This option allows students to begin advanced practice while continuing their doctoral studies.

The B.S.-D.N.P. Program options range in credits from 64-70 in total (dependent on area of concentration), as well as a D.N.P. Project and evidence of a minimum of 1,000 supervised clinical hours. The Post-M.S. Program of Study requires a minimum of 25 credits, a D.N.P. Project, and evidence of a minimum of 1,000 supervised clinical hours post-baccalaureate. A scholarly portfolio, a general exam and a D.N.P. project are required for graduation.

Required Core Courses

Optional Related Area Certificates

Health professions education graduate certificate.

Holistic Nursing Online Graduate Certificate

Pain Management Online Graduate Certificate

Healthcare Innovation Online Graduate Certificate

Requirements for Clinical Practice

In addition to academic qualifications, UConn nursing students must possess the ability to consistently demonstrate a proficiency in five core areas for nursing students: motor, sensory, communication, behavior and critical thinking skills. These areas reflect the reasonable expectations of a nursing student performing the common functions of a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse.

The ability to consistently demonstrate these personal and professional competencies are essential from admittance to graduation. Students must be capable of performing the skills of a nursing student.

Therefore, each nursing student must have the ability to learn and perform the following competencies and skills:

The student must possess sufficient motor capabilities to execute the movements and skills required to provide safe and effective nursing interventions. These include, but are not limited to:

• Coordination, speed and agility to assist and safely guard (protect), with safe and proper body mechanics, patients who are ambulating, transferring, or performing other activities.
• Ability to adjust and position equipment and patients, which involves bending or stooping freely to floor level and reaching above the head.
• Ability to move throughout the classroom or clinical site, and sit and stand for long periods of time to carry out patient care activities.
• Ability to perform patient care duties for up to 12 hours at a time, day or night.
• Ability to move or position patients and equipment, which involves lifting, carrying, pulling up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to guide, resist, and assist patients, or to provide emergency care, which involves standing, kneeling, sitting, or walking.
• Ability and dexterity to manipulate the devices used in giving nursing care.
• Ability to administer CPR without assistance.

The student must be able to obtain information in classroom, laboratory, or clinical settings through observation, auscultation, palpation and other measures, including but not limited to:

• Visual ability (corrected as necessary) to recognize and interpret facial expressions and body language, identify normal and abnormal patterns of movement, to read or set parameters on various equipment, to discriminate color changes, and to interpret and assess the environment.
• Auditory ability (corrected as necessary) to recognize and respond to soft voices, auditory timers, equipment alarms, call bells, and to effectively use devices for measurement of blood pressure, breath sounds, etc.
• Tactile ability to palpate a pulse and to detect changes or abnormalities of surface texture, skin temperature, body contour, muscle tone, and joint movement.
• Sufficient position, movement and balance sensations to assist and protect patients who are ambulating, transferring, or performing other activities.

Communication

The student must be able to communicate effectively with peers, faculty, patients and their families, and other health care providers. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Ability to read at a competency level that allows one to safely carry out the essential functions of an assignment (examples; handwritten chart data, printed policy, and procedure manuals).
• Ability to effectively interpret and process information.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) with patients and their families, health care professionals, and others within the community.
• Ability to access information and to communicate and document effectively via computer.
• Ability to recognize, interpret, and respond to nonverbal behavior of self and others.

The student must be capable of exercising good judgment, developing empathic and therapeutic relationships with patients and others, and tolerating close and direct physical contact with a diverse population. This will include people of all ages, races, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, as well as individuals with weight disorders, physical disfigurement and medical or mental health problems. This also includes, but is not limited to:

• Ability to work with multiple patients, families, and colleagues at the same time.
• Ability to work with classmates, instructors, health care providers, patients, families and others under stressful conditions, including but not limited to providing care to medically or emotionally unstable individuals, situations requiring rapid adaptations, the provision of CPR, or other emergency interventions.
• Ability to foster and maintain cooperative and collegial relationships with classmates, instructors, other health care providers, patients and their families.

Critical Thinking

The student must possess sufficient abilities in the areas of calculation, critical problem solving, reasoning, and judgment to be able to comprehend and process information within a reasonable time frame as determined by the faculty and the profession. The student must be able to prioritize, organize and attend to tasks and responsibilities efficiently. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Ability to collect, interpret and analyze written, verbal, and observed data about patients.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, integrate information, and make decisions.
• Ability to apply knowledge of the principles, indications, and contraindications for nursing interventions.
• Ability to act safely and ethically in the college clinical lab and in clinical placements within the community.

If a nursing applicant or student is unable to meet one or more of these areas due to a long-term or short-term disability, they may request consideration for an accommodation through the Center for Students with Disabilities. Prompt notice is essential for full consideration. The requirements for clinical practice apply for all programs which include a clinical component.

Doctor of Philosophy Requirements

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program is to prepare nurse leaders who will advance the scientific body of knowledge that is unique to professional nursing practice. Educational experiences offered in nursing theory development, philosophy of nursing science, qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods, and in advanced statistics. Study in specialty areas further supports the individual’s area of clinical interest. A general exam (publishable manuscript), a scholarly portfolio (minimum of one published paper, one external podium or poster presentation), submission of one peer-reviewed grant application, and a dissertation (traditional five chapter or three manuscript based (excluding general exam) five chapters) are required for graduation.

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Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner

If you’re passionate about nursing and want to work with families in primary care, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) might be ideal for you. FNPs provide care throughout the lifespan, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and handle both wellness and complex health issues in outpatient settings.

Our FNP program, ranked among the best online programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report , prepares graduates for advanced practice roles in various clinical settings. It adheres to guidelines from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Ohio State is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its programs and resources are accessible and supportive to students from all backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to finish my program.

Each Ohio State Online Program is unique and have their own timelines for completion. This also varies based on how many credits you choose to take each semester. For more information or to estimate how long it will take to complete your degree, contact an enrollment advisor .

What is state authorization?

State authorization refers to regulations that impact online and on-ground education offered across state lines and programs that lead to state licenses or certifications. Compliance with these regulations ensures that an Ohio State degree will be recognized and that a student will be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Ohio. Each state has unique authorization requirements, so Ohio State must review each state’s laws to ensure that the university is in compliance. At Ohio State, we have a team dedicated to researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, communicating changes in authorization status, and disclosing state licensure and certification information.

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Academic Calendar

Ohio State’s MSN program admits online students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.

Autumn 2025

Application Deadline October 15, 2024

Term Start Date August 26, 2025

Autumn 2026

Application Deadline TBD

Term Start Date August 25, 2026

Admission Criteria

Students must have a  Bachelor  of Science in Nursing ( BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution to be eligible to apply . Applicants must also have an active RN license and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study.

Who We Are Looking For

Your application will be reviewed comprehensively, considering all aspects of your qualifications. The list below outlines the attributes and experiences we consider:

• Understanding of the advanced practice nurse role
• Experience with your chosen population – Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
• Community engagement
• Diversity of thought and experiences
• Resilience, growth, critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence, communication skills
• Personal attributes like humility, professionalism, compassion
• Commitment to the nursing profession

How to Apply

To apply for the online Master of Science in Nursing program applicants must complete the following prior to the application deadline:

Failure to complete all required steps of this application process by 11:59 pm EST on the day of the posted deadline will result in your application not being considered for admission, with no exceptions. 

Admission Timeline and Deferrals

Please ensure all the required materials listed above are submitted by the application deadline to be considered for admission. It may take up to five business days for the status of materials to be updated on your application status webpage.

*Please note that deferring admittance is not an option. If you are unable to start your studies in the term for which you applied, you will need to reapply in the future.

In accordance with the non-discrimination policy of The Ohio State University and the College of Nursing, we strictly prohibit any discrimination based upon age, color, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion, pregnancy, or veteran status in its application, admission, or enrollment practices.

Ohio State is committed to treating applicants fairly and with dignity and respect. Please review Ohio State’s new  post-admissions policy .

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, also known as  SARA , establishes uniform standards for distance education for all participating states and institutions. Ohio State joined SARA in 2015, which means Ohio State can offer most online and on-ground courses and programs in  SARA member states, districts and territories without seeking authorization in each state.

Career Outlook

The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Ohio State offers a strong career outlook due to the growing demand for primary care providers. FNP graduates are well-prepared to work in diverse settings, including family practices, clinics, hospitals, and community health organizations. With their expertise in managing patient care across the lifespan, FNPs play a crucial role in addressing healthcare needs and improving access to care. The program’s rigorous training equips graduates with the skills needed for leadership roles in primary care and offers opportunities for specialization and advancement in a dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape.

Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.

NURSING 7403 – Innovation Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice

Analysis of organizational leadership and ethical essentials necessary to deliver high quality patient care in diverse settings.

NURSING 7483 – Quality Improvement and Informatics

Explores advanced concepts of collaboration, design, leadership, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives in health care utilizing information technology strategies.

NURSING 7491 – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Life Span

Analyze strategies to encourage change in both individual’s and population’s health behaviors that influence risk reduction in multiple settings. Develop educational strategies utilizing advanced critical thinking.

Program Faculty

Kristine Browning PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP

Dr. Kristine Browning’s national program of research includes the examination of underlying determinants of tobacco use in order to further understand tobacco use behavior. Her work has examined socioeconomic disparities among the delivery of smoking cessation assistance by healthcare providers. Evidence-based smoking cessation interventions, including assistance, should be systematically delivered to all patients who are current smokers. Dr. Browning’s other work in tobacco control includes examining how principles of acculturation contribute to how Hispanic men and women misclassify their smoking status and state of the science papers that summarize salient tobacco control topics in special populations such as HIV-positive, low socioeconomic, and immigrants. Continued smoking after a lung cancer diagnosis remains a significant problem as it contributes to poor disease and treatment-related outcomes. Although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality for both men and women, there is a paucity of smoking cessation intervention research with lung cancer patients. Dr. Browning’s research has examined smoking behaviors of lung cancer patients from the perspective of the Self-Regulation of Illness Representation and found that understanding the context in which a patient perceives their disease and smoking behavior may contribute to influencing behavior change. In addition, Dr. Browning has combined her clinical experience as an adult nurse practitioner in oncology care with examining salient patient related topics in cancer survivorship care.

Kelly Casler

Jennifer Dush

Carol Nikolai

Testimonials

Find out how online learning has helped Ohio State students exceed in their personal and professional lives.

“With Ohio State’s program, I have ceaseless opportunities for professional involvement and engagement and I have been able to engage in evidence-based practice projects and connect with accomplished leaders and practitioners that has ultimately prepared me for my future as a nurse practitioner.”

Get started.

Speak with a knowledgeable Enrollment Advisor who can help answer your questions and explain different aspects of the more than 70 online degrees and certificates offered at Ohio State.

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Current Faculty

Italo Biaggioni, MD

Research Interests- Neural (autonomic) and metabolic (adenosine, nitric oxide, and angiotensin) interactions in cardiovascular regulation, autonomic disorders, and autonomic mechanisms in obesity Hypertension.

Patient Care Interests- Autonomic Dysfunction, Orthostatic Hypotension, Supine Hypertension, afferent Baroreflex Failure, and Syncope.

• Fellowship- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1977
• Residency- Universidad Cayetano Heredia, Perú
• Post-Graduate Training- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Internship- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Perú
• M.D. Degree- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Perú, 1978

Publications

Cyndya Shibao, MD, MSCI, FAHA, FAAS

Research Interests- Treatment of Neurogenic Orhtostatic Hypotension, Norepinephrine Transporter Inhibitors, Racial Difference in Autonomic Contribution to Hypertension in Obesity, Autonomic Contribution to Energy Metabolism, Clinical Trials in Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension and Postprandial Hypotension, Comparative Effectiveness and Safety in Orthostatic Hypotension Drugs, and epidemiology of Orthostatic Hypotension.

• Residency- Internal Medicine Residency Program Research Pathway, Vanderbilt University, 2008
• Internship- Internal Medicine Residency Program Research Pathway, Vanderbilt University, 2007
• Research Fellowship- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 2003
• M.D. Degree- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Perú, 2001
• Bachelor of Human Medicine- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Perú, 2001

Board Certification

• Autonomic Disorder, 2011
• Internal Medicine, 2009

Amanda C Peltier, MD, MS

Research Interests- Peripheral Neuropathy, Diabetic Neuropathy, Amyloid Neuropathy, autonomic disorders, and identification of secondary endpoints for clinical trials in Neuropathy.

• MS- University of Michigan, 2005
• Fellowship- University of Michigan, 2005
• Internship- University of Michigan, 1998 - 1999
• MD- Ohio State University, 1998

Certification

• Autonomic Disorder, 2021
• Neuromuscular Medicine, 2008
• Neurology, 2003

James Muldowney, III, MD

Patient Care Interests- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Syncope, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, Autonomic Failure, Autonomic Function Testing, Tilt Table Testing, General Cardiology, Transesophageal Echocardiography, and anticoagulation therapy.

• Fellowship- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2006
• Residency- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 2001
• Internship- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 2000
• MD- Vanderbilt University, 1999
• Echocardiography- National Board of Echocardiography, 2011
• Cardiovascular Diseases- American Board of Internal Medicine, 2006

Ralf C Habermann, MD, MMHC

Patient Care Interests- Geriatric medicine, palliative care, rehabilitation and healing, and autonomic dysfunction.

• Fellowship- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2000
• Residency- Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, 1995
• MD- Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany
• Master of Management Healthcare- Vanderbilt University

Kishan Tarpara, DO

Patient Care Interests-  Sleep and Neurological Disorders; and Autonomic Dysfunction.

• MS- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Residency- Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
• Fellowship- Autonomic Disorders, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
• Fellowship- Sleep Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Certifications

• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, board certified in Neurology, 2020
• United Council for Neurological Subspecialities, board certified in Autonomic Disorders, 2022
• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, eligible in Sleep Medicine

Daniel Carranza, MD

Morgane Giesecke, MSN, FNP-C

Patient Care Interests-  Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), autonomic failure, syncope, and research related to autonomic failure.

• MSN- Frontier Nursing University, KY -  2018
• BS- State University of New York at Plattsburgh, NY - 2011
• Family Nurse Practitioner, 2018

Yuliya Vance, AGPCNP-BC

Patient Care Interests-  Orthostatic hypotension, autonomic failure, and research related to autonomic failure.

• MSN- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, TN - 2022
• BSN- Mount Carmel College of Nursing, OH - 2008
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, 2022

André Diedrich, MD, PhD

Research Interests- The autonomic nervous system, autonomic cardiovascular control, blood pressure regulation, and muscle sympathetic neural activity.

• Fellowship-  Vanderbilt University, 1997
• Fellowship- European Space Agency, Visiting Scientist Virginia Commenwealth University, 1996
• PhD- Charite Hospital, Humboltd University, Berlin, Germany, 1991
• Residency- Charite Hospital Humboltd University, Berlin, Germany, 1990
• Internship- Charite Hospital Humboltd University, Berlin, Germany, 1986 
• Medical Cybernetics- 2nd Medical Institute in Moscow, Russia, 1985
• MD- 2nd Medical Institute in Moscow, Russia, 1985
• BA- Mathematics and Physics, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany, 1979

Licensure/Certification

• Dr. med (PhD), Germany
• Dipl. Mediziner (MD), Germany
• Paul Dudley White International Scholar, American Heart Association, Joint Hypertension Scientific Sessions, 2018

Alfredo Gamboa, MD, MSCI, FAHA

Research Interests- Interactions between the autonomic nervous system and nitric oxide in the regulation of blood pressure in normal physiology and disease states, and the impact of increased sympathetic activity on impaired nitric oxide function as seen in obesity-associated Hypertension.

• MSCI- Vanderbilt University, 2008
• Fellowship- Vanderbilt University, 2002 - 2005
• Visiting Scholar- Oxford University. UK, 2001 - 2002
• M.D. Degree- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Perú, 1999
• Internship- Hospital Cayetano Heredia, Perú, 1996 - 1998
• Bachelor of Human Medicine- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima Perú, 1998

Luis Okamoto, MD

Research Interests- Role of the autonomic nervous system in splanchnic capacitance and circadian rhythms, pathophysiology and treatment of Supine Hypertension and Orthostatic Hypotension in Autonomic Failure, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

• Fellowship- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2007
• MD- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Perú, 2001

Adjunct Faculty

Amy Arnold, PhD

Research Interests- Role of renin-angiotensin system in regulation of blood pressure and energy balance in animal models and clinical populations; pathophysiology and treatment of cardiovascular autonomic disorders including Primary Autonomic Failure and Postural Tachycardia; and cognitive dysfunction in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. 

• MSCI- Vanderbilt University, 2014
• PhD- Wake Forest University, 2009
• BS- Pacific University, 2004

Rose M Robertson, MD, FACC, FAHA

Research Interests- Autonomic nervous system, autonomic cardiovascular control, blood pressure regulation, Syncope, neurodegenerative disease, ethnic differences in cardiovascular control, and cardiovascular disease in women.

Past Faculty

David Robertson, MD

• Residency- Johns Hopkins University Hospital, 1975
• Internship- Johns Hopkins University Hospital, 1974
• M.D. Degree- Vanderbilt University, 1973

Emily M Garland, PhD, MSCI

Research Interests- The autonomic nervous system, dopamine, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, blood pressure regulation, blood volume, progression of autonomic disorders, and biomarkers useful for the disease diagnosis and progression.

• MSCI- Vanderbilt University, 2005
• PhD- University of Maryland, Biochemical Pharmacology, 1982
• BS- Duke University, Psychology, 1973

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3 day package tour of Moscow - any recommendations - Moscow Forum

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3 day package tour of Moscow - any recommendations

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We'd like to find a company that can cover airport transfers, a 3-4* hotel and show us all the major tourist attractions.

Does anyone have a company they would recommend?

I would book Dan Petrov, have him arrange an airport pickup and get a recommendation ffrom him for a hotel and book the hotel myself. Look at http://www.yeego.com or http://www.alpharooms.com for good hotel prices. Try to stay as near center as possible. Hotel Peter I was a good hotel for us.

We had 3 days in Moscow - about the right time for those who are just experiencing the incredible variety of the city.

We like to walk cities to get the feel of them.

Day 1 saw us walking Moscow, Kremlin, Red Sq

Day 2 we toured the metro (a must tour) and Arbat St which in hindsight I would give a miss.

Day 3 was free - just walked and walked - an amazing city

Our guide told us and showed us so much that a package tour could not. We went into shops, enjoyed meals in cafes and bistros and learnt so much about Russia and its history.

I am a very experienced traveller and hiring a private guide was the best decision I could have made to explore Moscow. The language barrier is real and our guide smoothed so many situations - mainly in restaurants!

We used the services of

[email protected]

Ask for Svetlana - her organisation was faultless. We used them for airport transfers as well.

I must concur with the previous post about a private tour guide. We did the same thing with Dan Petrov...he just became one of our family for 4 days. We're also very independant travelers and hiring a tour guide was not a usual thing for us, but we sure are glad we did.

Yes, I would definitely hook up with an independant guide.

St Petersburg was our 2nd destination, and it seems to be much more oriented to tourism and much easier to navigate.

I do always recommend the same guide - he's the one that was recommended to me on this same forum when I asked this same question. Go figure...

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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12 Best universities for Nursing in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Nursing. A graph of 55.5K citations received by 5.92K academic papers made by 12 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow Medical Academy

For Nursing

2. Moscow State University

3. National Research University Higher School of Economics

4. Russian National Research Medical University

5. RUDN University

6. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

7. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

8. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

9. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

10. Moscow State Pedagogical University

11. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

12. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

Universities for Nursing near Moscow

Medicine subfields in Moscow