Types of Advanced Nursing Degrees: Understanding the Differences

Nursing

Types of Advanced Nursing Degrees for Advanced Clinical Practice: Understanding the Differences

Written by: University of Tulsa • Sep 7, 2023

A nurse practitioner wearing a white coat talks with two nurses in scrubs.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing can open the door to a host of fulfilling careers improving — and even saving — lives. Master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing are two types of advanced nursing degrees that can provide even more opportunities while also allowing nurses to improve the quality of care they provide to patients.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are postgraduate degrees that provide advanced education in high-level nursing practice and theory. Depending on your postgraduate nursing degree, you can pursue advanced practice roles, administrative roles, and educational roles. These positions often come with greater responsibility and higher compensation.

Earning a master’s or doctoral degree can equip you with high-level knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the ever-changing health care industry. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) encourages nursing professionals to pursue additional education to help ensure that they’re providing the highest quality of care.

If you’re considering pursuing a postgraduate degree, consider the types of advanced nursing degrees, what each degree offers, and which one is right for you.

What Is an MSN Degree?

MSN programs can prepare you for advanced clinical or nonclinical careers. This may mean working with a specific patient population, or, in non-clinical roles, supporting clinical teams on an administrative or leadership level. Some MSN programs focus more on theory than clinical practice, which may lead to careers in education, health promotion, or consulting.

MSN Curriculum

While many types of MSN programs are available — including those for RNs with an associate degree and for individuals with a nonnursing bachelor’s degree — many are designed for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs generally take between one and three years to complete, with many online programs allowing you to progress at a pace that accommodates your other commitments.

The MSN curriculum commonly focuses on topics such as:

Advanced health care practices
Health promotion
Pharmacology
Health care policy
Leadership concepts

MSN Career Outcomes

MSN graduates may pursue the following roles:

Clinical nurse leader: Manages the coordination of care for a nursing unit’s patients and seeks ways to improve clinical practices and patient care
Nurse educator: Shares clinical expertise with new nurses and experienced nurses who seek to advance their skills
Nurse administrator: Leads teams of nurses and is responsible for administrative duties such as hiring, budgeting, and scheduling

What Is a DNP Degree?

As a terminal degree, the DNP is a different type of advanced nursing degree from an MSN. It is a doctorate that emphasizes advanced clinical expertise and management. Other doctoral degrees in nursing, namely the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), emphasize research over clinical practice.

DNP Curriculum

In addition to covering clinical subjects, the DNP emphasizes nursing leadership and administration and the application of evidence-based research into practice.

The time it takes to earn a DNP varies depending on your prior level of education. Some DNP programs offer tracks for nurses who already have an MSN, while others offer BSN-educated nurses an expedited path to a DNP. DNP programs also generally include a clinical hour requirement.

The typical courses in a DNP curriculum cover the following topics:

Advanced assessment
Organizational leadership
Health care informatics
Quality improvement
Policy development

DNP Career Outcomes

DNP graduates generally qualify for high-level clinical or leadership roles. They may pursue the following careers:

Chief Nursing Officer: Oversee the procedures and administrative and operational functions of nurses at a health care facility.
Health Care Lobbyist: Work with lawmakers to inform their decision-making on health care legislation.
Nurse practitioner: Provides primary and specialty care to patients, typically specializing in treating certain conditions or patient demographics

3 Key Differences in the Types of Advanced Nursing Degrees

The MSN and DNP cover similar concepts and both offer opportunities for career advancement. However, the programs have some differences that are important to understand if you’re advancing your nursing career.

1. Degree Focus

The MSN and DNP are both types of advanced nursing degrees, but the DNP is the highest practice-focused nursing degree available. DNP programs typically focus not only on clinical practices but also on improving health care overall through research and policy.

2. Program Length and Requirements

Both practice-focused postgraduate nursing programs require students to carve out time for additional learning. However, the more in-depth coursework, along with the clinical and project requirements of the DNP, generally means a DNP takes longer to complete.

3. Career Focus

Both programs offer paths to career advancement, with the associated responsibilities and pay levels. While both MSN and DNP graduates can pursue leadership positions, their options depend on the focus of their degree.

With an MSN with a concentration in leadership or education, you may be more likely to pursue roles in administration, management, and teaching. With a DNP, you might focus on becoming an APRN, such as an NP providing direct patient care. You can also qualify for nonclinical leadership roles.

How to Choose an Advanced Degree

Choosing between the types of advanced nursing degrees may seem like a daunting task, but understanding your career goals and what each program offers is essential for making an informed decision. Neither degree is inherently better or worse than the other; each provides a different type and level of education designed to prepare health professionals for various careers.

In an MSN degree, you build on the knowledge obtained during your bachelor’s degree program and the skills developed during nursing employment. A DNP is a clinical doctorate that prepares you to work directly with patients in various capacities.

Some of the main questions and facts you should consider before choosing your path include the following:

Time: Depending on your prior education and the exact programs you choose, a DNP may require a greater time investment. The average duration of an MSN program is two to three years, whereas a DNP can take four or more.
Finances: Because DNP programs are longer and typically require more credit hours for completion, they can be more costly. However, they may lead to higher-level careers and yield increased salaries.
Career Goals: If you wish to work in health care administration, education, and informatics, you may wish to pursue an MSN with a nonclinical focus. Conversely, while DNP programs can open the door to nursing leadership and other nonclinical careers, choosing a DNP with a clinical focus can prepare you for roles treating patients.

Advance Your Nursing Expertise and Career

You can choose the right path for advancing your education and career prospects by comparing the different types of advanced nursing programs. If you decide the advantages of an MSN degree are right for you, explore The University of Tulsa’s online MSN program. If you want to take your education a step further, consider TU’s online FNP, DNP program.

These programs are designed with working nurses in mind, with multiple starts each year to accommodate your busy schedule. TU’s MSN program features three distinct tracks — Leadership and Innovation; Education and Elevation; and Public Health Global Vision — so you can tailor your education to your ideal career outcome.

Similarly, the online DNP program offers opportunities to focus your studies and pursue Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) licensure. You can also become a different type of APRN or pursue another advanced role as an educator or administrator.

Discover how TU’s online degree programs can help you achieve your professional goals and improve patient care.

Recommended Readings

Types of Nurse Management: Career Options for RNs

How an MSN Can Improve Nurse Retention

Rural vs. Urban Health in OK: The Role of Nurse Leaders

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Master’s Education

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners Secure No. 1 Spot Across Three U.S. News & World Report Best Jobs Rankings

Indeed, Learn About Becoming a Healthcare Lobbyist

Indeed, Learn About Being a Nurse Practitioner

Indeed, MSN vs. DNP: Definitions, Differences and Tips

Indeed, Role of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing (5 Benefits)

Indeed, 20 Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing