phd in nursing vs md

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the Difference?

• DNP vs. PH.D. Nursing Compared

Duties and Responsibilities

• Education and Certification

Salary and Career Outlook

• Which Is Best?

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Nurses who have already earned a masters degree and are looking to pursue the next step in their education have two options: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.

Both degrees offer nurses a variety of professional opportunities, allowing them to utilize their expertise to benefit the field of nursing.

This guide outlines the differences in earning a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing, and what opportunities lay ahead for graduates of either program. In understanding the roles and responsibilities of each, nurses can determine which degree is right for them.

DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing Key Similarities and Differences

A DNP and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest degree a nurse can earn. Regardless of their choice of program, interested nurses need a bachelor of science (BSN) degree in nursing, an active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and clinical experience before gaining admittance to either doctorate program.

While a DNP and Ph.D. are both advanced degrees, they prepare nurses for different roles within the nursing field. DNP programs focus on educating nurses who want to pursue leadership roles in a clinical setting. Ph.D. programs provide nurses with an education to pursue academic or research-based positions.

What is a DNP?

A DNP is an advanced degree for nurses who want to become experts in clinical nursing. The degree is an alternative to research-centric doctoral programs, and provides nurses with skills and training to work at an advanced level in the nursing field.

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Earning a Ph.D. in nursing prepares graduates for work either in academia or research settings. Graduates often pursue faculty positions with academic institutions or in a career that involves performing research in a medical laboratory.

Source: Payscale

Popular DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The roles of a nurse with a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing are fundamentally different. The former focuses on clinical work, whereas the latter is geared more toward research and education.

Their duties revolve around those two major areas. As such, DNPs are more likely to work with patients, while Ph.D graduates focus on educating nurses and analyzing medical practices.

What Can You Do With a DNP?

Nurses with a DNP are considered expert clinicians who are prepared for the highest level of nursing practice.

Upon earning the degree, nurses can choose to focus on leadership and administrative roles (e.g., nurse administrator, public health, healthcare policy, informatics) nursing education (e.g.,clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator), or clinical care (e.g.,certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner).

After earning a DNP, nurses’ responsibilities may include:

• Diagnose and treat patients
• Prescribe medications
• Order various diagnostic tests
• Handle patient complains
• Consult on complex cases
• Implement policy changes

Keep in mind that some DNP programs are for roles (clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator) that will not have authorization to perform some of the above responsibilities.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Nurses with a Ph.D. often focus on the areas of education and research. They may design studies and conduct research on clinical practices, nursing education, health systems, and public policy.

People with a Ph.D. in nursing often find employment in academic, business, or governmental settings. Overall, nurses with a Ph.D.can:

• Design, conduct, and publish research
• Develop new nursing knowledge and methods
• Utilize research results to improve nursing outcomes
• Write proposals and apply for grants to fund research
• Mentor and advise students
• Compose curriculum for nursing courses

Education Prerequisites

When looking to earn either a DNP or Ph.D., most programs require applicants to have similar prerequisites. Institutions often look for candidates who have attained an undergraduate degree, are actively able to practice nursing, and can meet certain academic requirements.

How to Earn a DNP

To apply for a DNP degree program, candidates need a BSN or master of science in nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution, a GPA of at least 3.0, and an active nursing license.

Once enrolled, students can choose an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role such as clinical nurse practitioner (CNP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

CNPs and CNSs then choose a population focus (i.e., neonatal, pediatrics, womens health, psychiatric-mental health). DNP candidates often focus on a research or capstone project throughout their entire program.

The program can last 2-4 years, and full-time students are able to earn their degree faster than their part-time counterparts. Students participate in courses on informatics, health policy, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based practice, and project management.

Learners must also complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours, 500 of which can stem from a previous masters program that resulted in national certification. Learners with previous hours may become more common as some programs, like CRNA, transition from MSN to DNP-only.

How to Earn a Ph.D. in Nursing

To get accepted to a Ph.D. program, candidates need a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 to 3.5 minimum GPA, and an active nursing license. Applicants must also provide a CV or resume, professional references, and a personal statement.

The length of a Ph.D. program ranges from 4-6 years depending on the status of the student (full-time vs. part-time). The curriculum revolves around theory, analysis, and statistics, with students taking classes in grant writing, research design, and research methods. Since their work takes place within education and research, Ph.D. candidates are not required to complete clinical hours.

Upon program completion, DNP and Ph.D. graduates may benefit from a higher earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady need over the next decade for nurses with advanced training.

Ultimately, degree type, specialization, and population focus dictate the average annual salary and the type of demand nurses should anticipate.

$107,000 Average Annual DNP Salary

$99,000 Average Annual Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

DNP in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

While the average salary of nurses with DNPs is approximately $107,000, their chosen specialization impacts their earning potential and demand. DNP-holders working a CRNAs average $164,340 per year, according to July 2022 Payscale data, while those who work in pediatrics earn $92,030 .

Not only do CRNAs earn the highest average salary, but they are also one of the most in-demand specializations; the BLS projects a job growth rate of 45%, significantly higher than the 9% average for all other professions.

Another main factor that influences DNP earning potential is years of experience. Entry-level nurses earn an average annual salary of approximately $87,000 , according to July 2022 Payscale data. Whereas those with more than 20 years of experience can earn upwards of $187,000 depending upon the specialization.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

Much like nurses with a DNP, the salary of one with a Ph.D. varies based on focus. According to the BLS , nurse educators with a Ph.D. can receive upwards of $125,930 annually.

While all nurses with advanced degrees continue to be in demand, Ph.D. graduates who choose to become educators can especially benefit from this need. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , nursing schools had to turn away over 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019 due to the shortage of educators.

Many states are looking to provide incentives to nurses who choose to become educators, thereby increasing the benefit of selecting this role.

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: Which Degree is Right For Me?

Deciding which degree works best depends upon a nurse’s personal and professional goals. The degrees lead nurses down two fairly distinct paths – one clinical and one research-oriented.

DNP and Ph.D. graduates are both in high demand and have above-average earning potential. The degrees differ in time commitment and responsibilities.

Nurses who prefer to work in a clinical capacity either directly with patients or in a nursing leadership role should pursue a DNP. Graduates often find themselves in a variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, specialty practices, or public health offices.

Learners more interested in preparing future nurses or conducting research that aids in the development of new and effective nursing methods should pursue a Ph.D. Nurse Ph.D. graduates often use their expertise in settings such as colleges and universities, research facilities, medical laboratories, and government agencies.

Related Pages

Why Get a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP)?

Graduating with a doctoral degree in nursing can advance careers, increase salaries, and lead to rewarding jobs. Learn why and how to become a DNP.

Explore Online DNP Programs (2025)

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Page last reviewed: May 6, 2022

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DNP vs PhD in Nursing - What is the Difference?

• What's the Difference Between a DNP vs a PhD?

DNP vs PhD Compared

Deep dive into dnp vs phd.

What's the Difference Between a DNP vs a PhD?

Nurses who have earned a master’s degree and are ready for the next step may be choosing between a DNP vs PhD. Both are considered terminal degrees for advanced practice nurses but are rooted in very different practices. In the most general terms, a  doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a clinical practice degree, while a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a research-focused degree. 

Nurse Practitioners have the option to earn either degree, but a DNP is preferred. Individuals with a Master’s degree in Nursing Education will generally earn their PhD.

Program Length

• BSN to PhD: 5-10 years
• MSN to PhD: 3-7 years
• ADN-to-DNP: 5-6 years
• BSN-to-DNP: 3-4 years
• MSN-to-DNP: 2 years

Average Salary

• PhD nurse educators had a median annual wage of $78,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018.
• According to Payscale,  nurse researchers earned an average salary of $81,500.
• Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.

Job Opportunities

• The greatest need for PhD prepared nurses is in academia. According to 2018, Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions 1,715 faculty vacancies was identified. There is also a need for 138 additional positions to fit the current demand. 
• According to the AACN, the biggest opportunity for DNP individuals is also in academia. The data show a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 7.9%. Most of the vacancies (90.7%) were faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree.

Certification

• Renewal: None
• Renewal: 5 years. Retake the exam or provide proof of at least 1,000 clinical practice hours and 75 CE unit

Work Environments

• Colleges & Universities
• Research facility
• Medical laboratory
• Government agency
• Universities
• Public Health Offices
• Specialty Practices
• Autonomous Practices
• Health Care Administration Settings
• Health Care Policy Advocacy Organizations

Career Options after Graduation

• Nursing researcher
• Health policy positions
• Nursing faculty positions
• Leadership in nursing practice
• Management positions
• Healthcare policy, administration, or government positions
• Academia in practice-based nursing programs

What is a DNP?

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) deliver high-quality advanced nursing care in a clinical setting, similarly to an NP; however, these individuals have taken their careers a step further.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) states that transitioning from advanced practice NP degrees to the doctoral level is a “…response to changes in health care delivery and emerging healthcare needs, and additional knowledge or content areas have been identified by practicing nurses. In addition, the knowledge required to provide leadership in the discipline of nursing is so complex and rapidly changing that additional or doctoral level education is needed.”

Essentially, DNP graduates are leaders in advanced nursing practice who bring evidence-based knowledge into the clinical setting to help improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen the leadership role of nurses in both clinical and academic settings. 

Want to know more? Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about the DNP meaning .

The benefits of a DNP program, according to the AACN, are:

• enhanced knowledge to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes
• enhanced leadership skills 
• increased supply of faculty for clinical instruction
• development of needed advanced competencies for increasingly complex clinical, faculty, and leadership role

>> Show Me DNP Programs

DNP Scope of Practice

An individual with a DNP can function in a provider capacity but most also work to generate new scientific and clinical knowledge in nursing and healthcare. A nurse practitioner with a doctorate does not change the scope of practice. DNPs that work in the clinical setting can, 

• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
• Record and examine medical history, diagnoses, and symptoms
• Prescribe medications
• Manage patients’ overall care
• Counsel patients and their families
• Educate patients and families on disease prevention and plan of care
• Monitor and operate medical equipment
• Perform physical examinations and patient observations
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
• Detect changes in a patient’s health and change the treatment plan if necessary

DNPs that work solely in the clinical setting will rarely conduct scientific research or teach. For this reason, most DNPs also work in academia, as administrators, and/or researchers. 

The duties of a nurse with a DNP, outside of the clinical setting, can include the following:

• Use informatics to lead improvements in healthcare outcomes.
• Develop or update policies and procedures.
• Educate patients and public about healthcare.
• Innovate new healthcare strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

In 23 states, DNPs have “full practice authority” which means they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor. Full practice states include,

• North Dakota

In states with reduced practice (Alabama, Wisconsin, and New York) and restricted practice (Virgina, Massachusetts, and California), DNPs must have a medical doctor sign certain medical patient care decisions. DNPs have prescriptive privileges in all 50 states and can administer controlled substances in 49 states.

BLS's May 2022 data shows NPs made an annual median salary of $126,260; interestingly, there is minimal concrete data on the average annual salary of a DNP.   Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500 to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has very limited data on DNP salaries, but the reported average is $135,830. This average is based on only a small number of reported salaries. The key determining factor for DNP salary is the career nurses pursue after obtaining an advanced degree. A Chief Nursing Officer will earn more than a Nursing Professor. Ultimately, additional advanced education is reflective of higher annual salary earnings.

It is impossible to determine which DNP specialty has the highest salary but hospital administrators, DNP-prepared certified nurse midwives, and certified nurse anesthetists are at the top.

DNP Programs, Length of Time, & Classes

According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report , the top five DNP programs in the country are,   

• Johns Hopkins University
• Columbia University, Duke University and Rush University, and University of Washington (TIE)

Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Rush have consistently been in the top 5 DNP schools the last several years. Rush University has the largest DNP program with over 765 enrolled students, while Johns Hopkins has 624 students enrolled, and Duke has 337 DNP students.

DNP programs can be completed both online and in class. To pursue a DNP, individuals already would have completed a traditional or accelerated BSN program and have an MSN. There are only a handful of programs that accept students into the DNP program without an MSN. 

A DNP program completion can take roughly one to four years. This will depend on the program and whether it is being completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Programs are typically between 30-40 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. A percentage of clinical hours earned during an MSN program can transfer in some programs. 

Individuals should expect to take the following classes:

• Advance Leadership
• Advance Healthcare Policy
• Clinical Information Systems
• Evidence Appraisal
• Project Development
• Clinical Reasoning
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement
• Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan
• Epidemiology
• Ethics for advanced nursing practice

DNP Admission Requirements

Requirements for DNP programs will vary but most will require the following:

• MSN degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a nationally accredited school of nursing
• GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in the Master’s program
• Current, unencumbered nursing license
• RN experience 
• Letters of Recommendation (both academic and professional references)
• Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
• Current Resume/CV
• Goal statement
• Personal essay
• Advanced Practice Registered Nursing license
• Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if applicable 
• Application fee

What is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing), is a research-focused doctorate in which students conduct research to advance the science and practice of nursing. PhDs are considered the gold standard for terminal degrees in nursing and at one time was the only doctorate option. 

Individuals must have a strong desire to conduct research or teach students as this is generally what this degree is used for. 

PhD Scope of Practice 

The scope of practice for a nurse with a PhD is tricky. Individuals can work as a bedside nurse, but unless they are a CRNP, they do not have any advance responsibilities or roles beyond a normal bedside nurse. 

Nurses who earn a PhD typically fall into two employment categories: nurse researcher and nurse educator. 

For a nurse researcher, typical duties may include:

• Identify research questions, and design and conduct scientific research
• Collect and analyze scientific data and publish reports detailing findings
• Write proposals and apply for grants to help fund their research
• Establish and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure the validity of their data findings
• Writing articles and research reports in nursing or medical professional journals or other publications
• Presenting findings at conferences, meetings, and other professional speaking engagements
• Train and supervise laboratory staff and other nurses or scientists

For a nurse educator who has chosen to pursue a faculty position at a university or college, typical duties may include:

• Plan, prepare and revise curriculum and study materials for nursing courses
• Deliver lectures to undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students
• Design curricula and develop programs of study
• Evaluate program outcomes
• Research and publication of scholarly work
• Participating in professional associations
• Speaking engagements at a nursing conference
• Writing grant proposals
• Writing or reviewing textbooks and other educational material
• Seek continuous improvement in the nurse educator role
• Advise students and perform many of the tasks associated with academic careers
• Grade students’ classwork, laboratory and clinical performance
• Mentor and advise students’ regarding their future work in the nursing industry

PhD Programs, Length of Time, & Classes

A PhD program takes a minimum of three years if taking classes full time. Most individuals complete the programs in five to seven years. The curriculum is between 45 and 70 credit hours. There is no direct patient care practicum but there is a dissertation. 

A dissertation is a requirement of all PhD programs, and individuals must defend their manuscript during a presentation at the end of their program. The dissertation is a technical paper that is intended to show the growth of the student throughout the program. It includes theory, research, and experimentation.

>> Related: What Are the Best Nursing Research Topics?

• Philosophical Perspectives in Health
• Scientific Perspectives
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Qualitative Research Design and Methods
• Mixed Methods Research Design
• Grant Writing
• Measurement in Health Care Research
• Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist 
• Leadership in Science: The Role of the Nurse Scientist
• Statistical Methods
• Dissertation
• Longitudinal Methods
• Integrated Interdisciplinary Research Practicum
• Intervention Research Methods in Health Care

PhD Admission Requirements

Requirements for PhD programs will vary but most will require the following:

• Graduate of an accredited Master’s in Nursing Program 
• A written statement of research goals 
• Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources
• GRE scores are accepted but not required
• Writing sample (publication or graded paper)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation (both academic and professional references)
• Copy of official RN license(s) 
• Nursing experience
• Official Transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)

Find Nursing Programs

• A DNP is a terminal nursing degree rooted in clinical practice and intended for advanced practice nurse practitioners.

What is a PhD?

• A PhD is a terminal nursing degree rooted in research and intended for individuals wishing to work as nurse educators or nurse researchers. 

What is the difference between DNP vs PhD salary? 

• Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.
• PhD nurse educators had a median annual wage of $80,780.

Does it take longer to become a DNP or PhD? 

• It takes about twice as long to earn a PhD DNPs can be earned in as little as one year or full-time study while a PhD takes a minimum of three years.

How long does certification last?

• DNP’s must renew their certification every five years either through examination or practice hours and continuing education hours. PhD prepared nurses do not have a certification to renew other than their advanced practice degree. 

Are DNPs and PhDs in demand?

• With an ongoing nursing shortage, an aging population, and retirement of a large percentage of nurse educators, nurses with terminal degrees are in high demand.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education: MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans BSN - Villanova University BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise: Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

Home / Nursing Articles / NP, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing: How High-Level Nursing Salaries Compare to MD Salaries in 2023

NP, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing: How High-Level Nursing Salaries Compare to MD Salaries in 2023

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salaries

Doctor of nursing practice (dnp) salaries, doctor of philosophy in nursing (ph.d.) salaries, medical doctor (md) salaries.

So, you've decided to enter a medical career – congratulations. While money is not and should not be your sole concerning factor in choosing a career, it is an important consideration. Earning potential and average salary figures can sometimes help you decide between different types of qualifications in the healthcare field. Many students who know they want to enter a highly advanced career in medicine may wonder what the difference in salary is for some of the roles that require lengthy educational programs. It is important to note that salaries offered can vary far more greatly than you might imagine.

Learn more about the differences between NPs, MDs, and more

Let's first look at the Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary ranges . According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent report (from 2023), the median average salary for a nurse practitioner was $126,260 annually, while the average hourly rate was $60.70. The lowest 10% of earners were reported to have an average salary of $94,530 (hourly $45.45) while the highest earners enjoyed salaries in the region of $168,030 ($80.79 per hour). NP salaries also vary depending on the working environment and geographical location, of course.

Top salaries for nurse practitioners are in business support roles with an average salary of $180,570 and $86.81 per hour. Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability , Mental Health , and Substance Abuse Facilities come in second at $158,140 salaried, and $76.03 hourly. Thirdly, Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations land at $153,580 and $73.84, respectively.

The three top paying states for NPs in the U.S. are California, Nevada, and Washington.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) enjoys a higher rate of pay compared to an MSN-prepared nurse practitioner or RN due to the more intense education and medical responsibilities required. The average pay of a DNP-prepared nurse is $117,859 annually or $57 hourly, which is slightly higher than the mean average pay of all nurse practitioners. Some self-reports on Salary.com state base pay at just over $130k.

Along with higher pay, DNP graduates enjoy a range of career opportunities that are not always open to nurse practitioners. The top-paying job roles include anesthetists at $205,770 per year, neurology nursing at $136,250, and oncology nursing at $146,726 per year.

Across the United States, Washington ($135,678), New York ($127,631), and Idaho ($123,662) pay the highest.

An important distinction between a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): the DNP is designed to help the student enter clinical practice, typically in a specialty area of nursing. A nursing Ph.D. is designed for research and academia-minded individuals.

That said, pay is slightly lower in academia generally – not just in medical research and teaching. Therefore, you can expect to earn a salary of around $99,000 with a nursing Ph.D.

Entry-level pay is around $34.48 hourly or roughly $71,720 annually. Those with over ten years' experience enjoy average pay of $112,600 per year or $54.13 hourly. If you have over 20 years of experience, your pay is likely to be in the region of $135,010 yearly or $64.91 hourly.

While academia has the lowest pay in the medical arena, medical doctors or physicians enjoy the highest rates of pay. Generally, those who hold medical doctorates will become family and general practitioners working in clinics and hospitals. Their average pay according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is $248,640 per year.

As with any other job, pay rates will be further determined by state and region. Currently, the top-paying states in the U.S. for family practitioners are North Dakota, which pays $351,270 annually; Wyoming, at $339,540 annually; and South Carolina at $326,530 annually.

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DNP VS. Ph.D. - 12 Key Differences Between DNP And Ph.D. In Nursing

Nursing is one of the few professions that’s associated with two different terminal degrees: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). The former degree is a clinical doctorate designed for advanced practice nurses who are actively working to improve healthcare outcomes in medical settings and who are championing the leadership role that nurses play in bringing about those outcomes. The latter degree is a research-focused doctorate designed to advance the science behind nursing practice. As of 2019, 40,271 nurses in the U.S. held DNP degrees according to statistics generated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing while 6,994 nurses held Ph.D.s in nursing. If you’re an advanced practice nurse who’s interested in reaching the highest echelons of your profession, the DNP vs. Ph.D. in nursing quandary may be one you find yourself thinking about frequently. Keep reading to discover 12 key differences between DNP and Ph.D. in nursing.

What is a DNP Degree?

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