The importance of the role that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play cannot be understated. Their knowledge and skills regarding patient care delivery can be invaluable to an industry besieged by the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in states that allow nurse practitioners to have full practice authority. They can be integral to mitigating the effects of the ongoing physician shortage and the deficits in rural care delivery.
As their role becomes increasingly important, APRNs are turning to the highest practice degree in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as a way to develop their leadership skills and impact clinical policies. By earning a DNP, nurses can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to fill the gaps within the healthcare industry.
With an impetus to advance nursing education and practice skills, many APRNs are choosing
online DNP programs for the convenience of self-paced learning and quality education. The answer to the question “Why get a DNP online?” is easy — DNP students learn about implementing changes that can improve health outcomes.
Why Earn a DNP?
For more than a decade, healthcare leaders and policymakers have been eager to see more DNP graduates practicing across the United States. Experts see the DNP degree as a way to ensure the highest level of patient care and protection.
Unlike the research-focused Ph.D. in nursing, the DNP degree prepares graduates to use critical thinking skills to translate evidence-based practices into improved systems of care and clinical practice. DNPs have a place in healthcare ethics, research, practice, education, leadership, and information technology.
Some of the largest U.S. healthcare think tanks and organizations consider DNPs part of a solution for the increasing shortage of primary care providers. For instance, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has endorsed the concept of moving the required level of academic preparation for APRN roles from the master’s degree level to the doctorate level. The AACN provides several reasons for this endorsement, including:
- The changing demands of the country’s healthcare environment
- The rapid pace of knowledge growth
- Nursing and physician shortages
- National concerns over care quality and patient safety
- Increased educational expectations in general
In addition, there are concurrent movements by organizations such as The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties to make the DNP a baseline requirement for aspiring nurse practitioners by 2025. Earning a DNP now can get nurses ahead of the curve should this proposed change come to pass.
Online DNP vs. On-Campus DNP
On-campus graduate degree programs have their place, particularly for students who prefer attending lectures and workgroups in person. But many APRNs who want to pursue an advanced degree are dealing with time constraints in balancing family and work commitments. An online format
reduces barriers to education by providing convenience and flexibility without sacrificing a quality education.
APRNs who choose to study online have ample opportunities to network with fellow
healthcare professionals from around the world. That means APRNs can share information about experiences and challenges beyond their local area for a broader perspective on healthcare.
Online DNP students are also given access to ample resources, such as career advisers, tech support, and faculty mentors. The coursework provides students with the opportunity to hone their writing skills through writing assignments, online discussion boards, and professor-student interactions. Students are expected to participate by posting thoughts and reflections, allowing students who are shy in a traditional open-classroom setting to contribute while building confidence. Students also learn self-discipline and connect to a global village of healthcare professionals who have similar goals.
Despite widely held misconceptions, online coursework is not simplified or altered to ensure an “easy A.” At Duquesne University’s DNP program, online students are held to the same high standards as students seeking on-campus graduate degrees, including requirements to attend all classes, practice labs, and clinical experiences. An overall 3.0 QPA is required for graduation.
