6 Best Online DNP Programs

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree provides certified nurses with a wider choice of career and practice options.

As the healthcare sector becomes increasingly challenging, DNPs act to fulfill physician shortages and are also active in patient care. The advanced skills you learn to become a DNP enhance your expertise.

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This improves patient outcomes incredibly and helps to save numerous lives.

Why Should You Choose Online DNP Programs?

Why should you choose Online DNP Programs?

DNP is the highest clinical degree in nursing. These professionals work in advanced nursing, research and nursing administration positions.

Some of the top places DNP professionals get employed are hospitals, physicians’ offices, educational services, outpatient care centers and other healthcare practitioner’s clinics.

As a DNP, the average salary varies widely by role, location, and experience. For example, the average salary for a DNP-prepared nurse practitioner is approximately $111,000 per year. You can earn even more in some specialty areas, such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.

Top 3 DNP Career Choices

These are specific APRN roles that may require a DNP for entry or advancement in the field, but a DNP can lead to a wide range of leadership, educational, and clinical roles beyond these, including healthcare administration, policy advocacy, and informatics

1 – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is responsible for patient care.

They are trained to check for vital signs, administer and monitor anesthesia, help with pain management and recovery following surgery, etc.

As a CRNA, the average annual salary is significantly higher, approximately $183,580. The employment growth rate for nurse anesthetists is expected, but specific percentage increases should be verified with the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data or professional associations for accuracy.

2 – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is referred to as a PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), not a CNP. The average annual salary for a PMHNP can vary, with figures potentially ranging from $110,000 to over $120,000, depending on location and setting.

These professionals also work to provide chronic and acute psychiatric treatment, apart from being able to prescribe medication.

According to reports by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), a PNP professional in the US can expect to earn an average annual salary of up to US$120,000.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports expect the demand for PNP professionals to grow by 45% before 2030.

3 – Certified Nurse Midwife

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) cares for patients during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and postpartum.

These professionals are also responsible for assisting doctors during Cesarean section procedures besides educating patients regarding infant development, childbearing and women’s health problems.

The average annual salary for a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is around $108,810. Salary figures can vary based on geographic location, workplace setting, and years of experience. Reports suggest that the demand for CNMs is expected to increase by 11% in the next few years.

DNP programs can be pursued full-time, part-time or through online programs. There are hundreds of small and large institutes and medical schools which offer DNP programs.

How to Choose the Best Online DNP Program?

There are several factors that combine to make any particular medical school better than others. It is also a subjective matter, as every aspiring DNP professional’s expectations and requirements may not be the same.

To help you make an informed decision, we have outlined the major aspects to consider before choosing any online DNP program in the US in 2022:

1 – Admission Requisites

You should review the admission requirements of the potential online DNP program, which will help to narrow down your options.

This is an efficient way to distinguish medical schools that are in line with your current educational qualifications. These requirements also help to identify the specific programs where you will be able to apply successfully.

2 – Program Course

Every DNP chooses to either specialize in patient care or nursing. These may include education, research, and administration.

Hence, make sure that the prospective medical school offers a program curriculum that fits your previous educational qualifications.

3 – Clinical Experience

When searching for the best online DNP program, you should consider completion timelines and clinical formats.

To do this, you will need to determine if you can continue to work during your studies. Make sure to check the course load, time commitment, clinical settings, and locations of the course.

4 – Accreditation

Accreditation denotes that the particular online DNP program gets a regular evaluation of its preparation and academics for future DNPs. Most boards and employers today require candidates to have a degree from an accredited medical program.

5 – Graduation Rate

The graduation rate of a medical school correlates with the effectiveness of the faculty. It also indicates how successfully the course and clinical experience prepare students to learn advanced nursing programs.

6 – Online Learning Format/Requirements

You should check whether the online DNP program provider offers synchronous or asynchronous learning. Several programs offer both types of teaching methods and some even blend the best of both.

Conclusion

An online DNP program is extremely advisable if you want to have a career in advanced nursing.

These online programs are efficient, affordable, and more convenient to complete in comparison. Make sure to check the prerequisites for all medical schools and institutes that you shortlist.