Undergraduates may be divided between ABSN programs vs MSN programs, but those that already have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or another relevant field often wish to learn more about advanced degrees such as the MSN and DNP.
Both the MSN and DNP are suitable for further education but support different job roles. An MSN degree is perfect for nurses looking for specialization, while a DNP is suitable for nurses that want to become administrators/leaders in the healthcare industry.
So, which degree is a better choice for you? And which one can help you enjoy greater benefits? Let’s find out today.
DNP (Doctorate in Nursing Practice)
This is a doctorate nursing degree and is deemed the highest qualification in the nursing industry. It is quite similar to an MSN as it prepares students to become certified APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses). APRNs can obtain certificates to specialize as an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner), Pediatric NP, Critical Care NP, and Pediatric NP.
DNP nurses gain expertise in systems thinking, clinical skills, and population/individual health needs. Not only can DNPs land advanced nursing roles, but they can also act as leaders in any healthcare facility.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be asked to submit an intent statement, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, prerequisite classes, and previous job experience (1 year). Students that already have a Bachelor’s degree and a nursing license are eligible to apply.
A DNP degree takes around 3 to 4 years to complete, with most institutes not offering part-time studies. It is a good idea to stay focused on learning when you enroll in the program. Along with completing the curriculum, students are also required to finish a capstone DNP project that has been approved by the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing). This certification ensures certain requirements like the ones below are met:
- A base for future nursing practice
- Positive impact on healthcare
- Proper sustainability plan
Syllabus
A DNP degree often covers the following main courses:
- Organization and system leadership/management, quality improvement, and system thinking.
- Scientific underpinnings for practice and advanced nursing practice.
- Analytic methodologies to cover evaluation and application of evidence for practice.
- Health policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration for improving patient and population healthcare outcomes.
- Utilization of technology and information for the improvement/transformation of healthcare.
Job Outlook
APRNs with a DNP or MSN degree earn 123,780 USD on average per year, while CRNAs earn 195,610 USD on average per year.
Graduates can become independent practitioners, make use of advanced critical thinking skills, influence healthcare policies, and can also build new strategies and evidence-based practices. They often play critical roles in communication between various medical facilities.
Certifications
DNP graduates need to sit for a national certification exam in their relevant specialty. Licensed DNPs can opt to become CRNA or nurse anesthetist. Note that the program is often more expensive than an MSN degree and also requires students to focus solely on education as working alongside it becomes challenging.
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
This is a graduate nursing degree that allows nurses to launch into several different careers. Graduates can opt for a role in non-direct patient care, such as health IT systems, management, or education. Alternatively, they can also choose to become an APRN to directly interact with patients. APRNs are required to have not a master’s degree but additional specialty certificates as well.
Admission Requirements
It takes around 2 or 3 years to complete an MSN degree. It may take even longer if a student opts for a part-time or online program. Basic requirements for applicants include a BSN degree or equivalent bachelor’s degree, a nursing license, and nursing experience (at least one year). Some institutes may also require applicants to submit GRE scores, intent statements, and letters of recommendation.
Programs that allow students to apply based on just any Bachelor’s degree often take even longer to complete as they need to prepare students for the NCLEX and APRN certification exams.
Syllabus
Most MSN curriculums cover the following courses:
- Ethics and Moral Leadership
- Nursing Education Courses
- Nursing Practice Courses
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
- Core Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership
Job Outlook
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual salary of a nurse with an MSN degree is 123,780 USD. MSN degree holders can earn a good salary and enjoy career advancements based on whether they work full-time or part-time and the type of work environment.
Common APRN-MSN degrees allow nurses to become nurse midwives and nurse practitioners. These nurses can be hired by private practices, research centers, educational institutions, and even public hospitals/clinics.
Degree holders have the following qualities:
- Can work independently.
- Can prescribe medication.
- Can own/run a private clinic.
The BLS also reports that MSNs with an APRN specialization will see job growth by 40% between 2021 and 2031.
Certifications
APRN-MSN nurses need to sit for the national certification exam in their specialty field to be able to lawfully practice nursing.
Both degrees come with their own benefits and requirements. However, the one you should pick depends on your budget, time, capabilities, job requirements, and career goals. Both degrees allow nurses to obtain advanced education so they can land better jobs and greater earning opportunities.
