DNP and PhD Comparison: Nursing Practice and Research Analysis Report

This report provides a comparative analysis of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in nursing. It explores the key differences in their focus, with DNP emphasizing clinical practice and evidence-based research, and PhD concentrating on research methodologies and dissertation-based projects. The report highlights that while both degrees can lead to careers as Nurse Practitioners, the pathways and expectations differ significantly. DNP programs often incorporate clinical practice, while PhD graduates may need additional credentials. References include Edwardson (2010) and Ellenbecker (2010), further elaborating on the distinct characteristics of each degree and their implications for nursing professionals. This report aims to clarify the distinctions between these two pathways, providing valuable information for students considering advanced nursing education.

DNP and PHD prepared Registered Nurse
Student’s Name
Institution Affiliation
Date of Submission

Differences between DNP and PHD prepared Registered Nurse
Potential students who want to start work as Nurse Practitioners will find both PhD and
DNP programs when examining advanced nursing degrees. In general terms, PhD, which is also
known as Doctor of Philosophy is a degree that focuses in research. On the other hand, DNP or
else Doctor of Nursing Practice is a degree in clinical practice.
In addition, the scope of both DNP and PhD and the end application differ despite the
two being nursing degrees. This is to say; neither PhD nor DNP is considered as “further” or
“advanced” education than the other. In this case, both PhD and DNP graduate nurses can
practice as Nurse Practitioners after earning the credentials. However, a DNP program
incorporates a nursing practitioner while on the other hand; PhD nurses are to pursue post-
graduate credentials in order to become Nursing Practitioners (Ellenbecker, 2010).
Findings and Expectation
In terms of degree completion, the expectations for DNP and PhD differ considerably. To
obtain DNP, a student is supposed to complete a clinical project which shows an explicit
knowledge on evidence-based research. On the other hand, PhD programs focus on research
knowledge and research methodologies, which are based on an individual project and an
effective defense of a desertion prepared by the student. Therefore, it is notable that, the major
differences between these two disciplines will be in the application and expectations upon
completion (Edwardson, 2010).

References
Edwardson, S. R. (2010). Doctor of philosophy and doctor of nursing practice as complementary
degrees. Journal of Professional Nursing, 26(3), 137-140.
Ellenbecker, C. H. (2010). Preparing the nursing workforce of the future. Policy, Politics, &
Nursing Practice, 11(2), 115-125.