If you’re thinking about pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing, one key question arises: Should you choose a PhD in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)? Both are scholarly pursuits with the ultimate goal of advancing the future of healthcare. But which online degree program is the best fit for you?

Choosing the right doctoral program begins with understanding your interests and nursing career goals. It’s also important to know the difference between a nursing PhD and a DNP. Below, we break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

PhD in Nursing

What is a PhD in Nursing?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, more commonly known as a PhD in Nursing, is a research-focused doctorate in which students conduct research to advance the science and practice of nursing.

What will I study in a nursing PhD program?

When you enter a nursing PhD program, your coursework will focus on research methods, research theory, and nursing science. You’ll choose a specialization based on your career interests, then develop, write, and defend a dissertation.

What specializations do PhD programs offer?

Nursing schools provide a variety of specialization options. Walden University’s online nursing PhD degree program offers specializations in Healthcare Administration, Interdisciplinary Health, Leadership, Nursing Education, and Population Health. There’s a Bridge Option for students who already hold a DNP. Walden will apply up to 25 credits toward your PhD program, potentially saving you time and money.

What can I do with a PhD in Nursing?

After graduating with a nursing PhD, you’ll have knowledge and skills you can apply to shaping the future of healthcare and becoming an agent of social change. You’ll find nursing professionals with PhDs working in leadership roles in research, education, healthcare, and a variety of other fields. A PhD in Nursing can help academically prepare you to lead and/or collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to positively affect the nursing profession and the communities and populations nurses serve.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctorate aimed at improving the quality of care by applying research directly in clinical settings.

What will I study in a DNP program?

The curriculum found in many DNP programs and their specializations focuses on a combination of healthcare policy and advocacy, information systems and technology, healthcare quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and organizational and systems leadership.

What specializations do DNP programs offer? 

As with PhD programs, DNP specializations vary. Walden’s online DNP degree program offers specializations in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Executive Leadership.

What can I do with a Doctor of Nursing Practice?

DNP programs are designed to prepare you for leadership roles in education and healthcare. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice, you will gain knowledge and skills you can apply to improving patient care, enhancing nurse training, applying research findings in clinical settings, integrating healthcare technology, and much more.

Choosing a PhD or DNP Program

Once you’ve chosen your doctoral path, you’ll want to partner with an accredited university that offers the program best suited to your goals.

Walden’s online doctoral programs are designed for professionals who want to earn a degree without pausing their careers. Coursework is entirely online, giving you the opportunity to study anywhere you have an internet connection.

All of Walden’s PhD and DNP faculty members have doctoral degrees and bring years of real-world nursing experience to their roles. You’ll also have robust doctoral support services, including writing and research assistance, throughout your PhD or DNP degree program.

Learn more about Walden’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited DNP program and Walden’s PhD in Nursing online degree program and embark on a journey to an advanced degree that can help you make a difference in healthcare.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering online PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs. Advance your education and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.