Online Degree Blog Rotating Header Image

Do I Want A PhD or DNP?

Another Sunday and another reflection on my career path. As I mentioned previously, I’m a Family Nurse Practitioner at a clinic and I’d like to continue my education. I’m not sure if I want to follow the clinical side and get a PhD in Nursing, or if I want to stay working with NPs by becoming an NP manager at a clinic through a Doctor Nursing Practice degree.

This is a frequent topic of discussion with my boss, a DNP, as he not only has his doctoral degree but he also teaches at the masters and doctoral levels. He thinks that the DNP is the best bang for your buck: in and out and back on the career path. The difference between us is that he has always had the passion for working in and managing a clinic. I thoroughly loved my research days and could easily see myself doing advanced labwork and research as a career.

I’m hoping that my boss will jump on here soon so that he can offer up his opinion and recommendations.

I am looking for an online PhD in Nursing

I am currently working as a family nurse practitioner after earning my masters degree in nursing. I am looking to earn my PhD in nursing because I believe that state regulations for nurse practitioners will eventually require a doctorate-level education. While I took my undergrad and masters classes on a real college campus, this time around I’m looking for an online degree program with a flexible schedule so that I can still work while completing my degree.

I’ve looked online, and have found the following online programs:

University of Arizona – PhD in Nursing

Medical University of South Carolina – Doctorate Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing

Duquesne University – PhD in Nursing

University of Kansas – PhD in Nursing

University of North Dakota – PhD in Nursing

New Mexico State University – PhD in Nursing

University of Hawaii at Manoa – PhD in Nursing

Rutgers State University – PhD in Nursing

Capella University – PhD in Nursing

University of Texas at Tyler – PhD in Nursing

University of Tennessee – PhD in Nursing

University of Wisconsin – Doctorate Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing

The hard part is comparing the different programs because some take two years, while others take four. Some require a yearly dissertation visit, while others require a one week visit at the start of every semester. If anyone knows of any websites for comparing these online PhD programs, please let me know!