What Do DNP-Prepared Nurses Do?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• May 22, 2026
From emerging technologies and sophisticated clinical practices to nursing shortages and patient safety concerns, today’s nursing leaders must navigate a host of complex challenges. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends that students who aspire to advanced nursing practice earn a doctoral degree in nursing to prepare for these demands.
Nursing education programs have responded with the establishment of the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum in 2001. AACN reports that nurses earned more than 96,000 DNP degrees nationally between 2004 and 2025.
With the clinical expertise that these terminal degrees can provide, DNP-prepared nurses can excel in advanced roles such as family nurse practitioner (FNP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or chief nursing officer (CNO).
The Role of a DNP-Prepared Nurse
DNP degree programs teach nurses how to apply research findings to clinical practice. DNP-prepared nurses have advanced skills and knowledge in leadership, evidence-based clinical decision-making, and health care policy and regulations. This expertise makes them excellent candidates for high-level careers in clinical positions and as administrators.
5 Careers for DNP-Prepared Nurses
Roles for DNP-prepared nurses are available in various health care specializations and settings, including physicians’ offices, hospitals, and home health care. Below are some careers that nurses with DNPs commonly pursue.
1. Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who works directly with patients to diagnose and treat illness independently or as part of a health care team. These nurses generally specialize in caring for patients in specific populations — such as family care, which accounts for the largest percentage of NPs — or those with certain conditions.
2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A CRNA is an APRN who administers anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and obstetrical procedures. Working in settings such as hospitals or clinics, they provide care for patients throughout these procedures and adjust anesthesia levels as needed.
3. Certified Nurse Midwife
A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is also an APRN. They provide care for women, including gynecological exams, wellness care, and prenatal care. These nurses deliver babies and manage emergencies that may occur during childbirth. They may also assist physicians in cesarean deliveries.
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an APRN role that focuses on managing and improving patient care for specific populations. These nursing leaders are consultants and educators who work with teams or across a health care facility to educate and assist new nursing staff, conduct research, and advocate for nursing policy changes.
5. Chief Nursing Officer
A CNO is a senior role in a health care system with duties related to overseeing all nursing activities and ensuring compliance with clinical and administrative procedures. These professionals typically work in hospitals, managing staffing levels, emergency procedures, and budgeting.
DNP-Prepared Nurse Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook and salaries for DNP-prepared nurses are strong. The nation’s increasing need for health care services and the complexities of health care are key factors in the increasing demand for nursing leaders.
Job Outlook
Advanced practice nurses are one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 40% job growth for NPs between 2024 and 2034.
For APRN roles overall, the BLS projects 35% job growth between 2024 and 2034. This growth is significantly above the 8% projected for all clinical and diagnostic health care practitioners and the 3% projected for all occupations.
The BLS projects 23% job growth for medical and health services managers — CNOs, another role for DNP-prepared nurses, fall under this category — between 2024 and 2034.
Median Salaries
Although they may vary by role and location, salaries for advanced practice nurses are generally well above the median pay for all U.S. occupations. The following are median annual salaries for APRN roles:
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NP: $129,210 (2024, BLS)
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CRNA: $223,210 (2024, BLS)
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CNM: $128,790 (2024, BLS)
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CNS: $108,000 (2026, Payscale)
According to the BLS, all health care diagnosing or treating practitioners had a median annual salary of $101,370 in 2024, compared with $49,500 for all occupations.
The BLS reports that medical and health services managers had a median annual salary of $117,960 in 2024.
Education and Experience of DNP-Prepared Nurses
The typical path to becoming a DNP-prepared nurse begins with earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and obtaining licensure as a registered nurse (RN). From there, RNs generally gain at least a year of professional experience before pursuing a DNP degree.
Advanced practice nursing roles may require a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Thanks in part to AACN’s call for a doctoral degree as the standard for all APRNs, the DNP is increasingly becoming the preferred level of education for advanced nursing roles.
The CNO role may not require an advanced nursing degree, but a higher-level credential, such as a DNP, demonstrates a candidate’s deep nursing and leadership knowledge. CNOs may also hold advanced degrees such as a Master of Health Administration (MHA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Additional Requirements
Each APRN role carries its own certification, licensing, and experience requirements. Becoming an NP, CNM, or CNS requires certification in the profession and a specialization, if applicable. These nursing professionals must also hold a state license for their work.
The CRNA role requires training in anesthesia care, at least one year of experience as an RN in an intensive care unit (ICU), and national certification.
Becoming a CNO generally requires advancing through nursing roles such as nurse manager or department director to gain administrative experience.
Excel as a Nursing Leader
A DNP degree can give nurses the leadership skills and clinical expertise they need for today’s advanced nursing practice careers. If you’re a BSN-prepared RN interested in pursuing one of these roles, discover The University of Tulsa online Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of National Practice (FNP, DNP) program.
The FNP, DNP program offers a flexible learning environment that caters to working nurses, with 100% online coursework and practicum hours completed with a local preceptor of your choice.
Explore how TU’s FNP, DNP program can help you elevate your nursing career.
Recommended Readings
APRN vs. NP: Is There a Difference?
Why Become a Nurse Practitioner: 5 Reasons
Your Guide to FNP Certification
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Fact Sheet: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
American Nurses Association, Understanding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree
Health Bloomin, Understanding the Role of Family Nurse Practitioners in Primary and Specialized Care
Indeed, Is a DNP Worth It? (Plus How It Differs From a PhD)
Indeed, 13 Doctorate in Nursing Practice Jobs You Can Pursue
Payscale, Average Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Salary
Payscale, Average Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
