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Do nurse practitioners need a doctorate?
Students most often ask about the need for a doctorate for nurse practitioners. Read this student guide from Online Masters Colleges (OMC) that provides the answer for this question.
Q. Do nurse practitioners need a doctorate?
A. Nurse practitioners typically need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to practice.
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Q. Do nurse practitioners need a doctorate? – Details
Nurse practitioners typically need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to practice. However, The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) announced in May 2018 that by 2025, all entry-level nurse practitioner education would be DNP, or Doctor of Nursing Practice. Several professional nursing organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), as well as the NONPF, are pushing for a DNP-level prerequisite for admittance into practice. It is also essential to note that nurse practitioners must also be licensed to practice in their state.
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Additional Resources
Here are a few additional resources that are directly or indirectly related to the question answered here:
- Nursing Programs – Learn more about your options if you are interested in the nursing profession and what it takes to become a successful nurse practitioner.
- Masters in Healthcare Administration – This comprehensive guide in healthcare administration helps prospective students review the types of online MHA programs, admission requirements, voluntary certifications, and more.
- Masters vs. Phd. – Discover the similarities and differences between a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in this in-depth guide.