| Comparison | DNP | Ph.D. |
|---|---|---|
| Program of Study | *Objectives: Prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice *Competencies: See AACN’s Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006) | *Objectives: Prepare nurses at the highest level of nursing science to conduct research to advance the science of nursing *Content: See The Research-Focused Doctoral Program in Nursing: Pathways to Excellence (2010) |
| Students | *Commitment to practice career *Oriented toward improving outcomes of patient care and population health | *Commitment to research career *Oriented toward developing new nursing knowledge and scientific inquiry |
| Program Faculty | *Practice or research doctorate in nursing, and expertise in area teaching *Leadership experience in area of role and population practice *High level of expertise in practice congruent with focus of academic program | *Research doctorate in nursing or related field *Leadership experience in area of sustained research funding *High level of expertise in research congruent with focus of academic program |
| Resources | *Mentors and/or preceptors in leadership positions across practice settings *Access to diverse practice settings with appropriate resources for areas of practice *Access to financial aid *Access to information and patient-care technology resources congruent with areas of study | *Mentors and/or preceptors in research settings *Access to research settings with appropriate resources *Access to dissertation support dollars and financial aid *Access to information and research technology resources congruent with program of research |
| Program Assessment & Evaluation | *Program Outcome: Healthcare improvements and contributions via practice, policy change, and practice scholarship *Receives accreditation by nursing accreditor | *Program Outcome: Contributes to healthcare improvements via the development of new knowledge and scholarly products that provide the foundation for the advancement of nursing science *Oversight by the institution’s authorized bodies (i.e., graduate school) and regional accreditors |