If you’re considering a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree you might be having a hard time deciding if it’s the right degree for you. There are strong opinions on the degree throughout the nursing community and while some are true, there are also a lot of myths. “The DNP is not worth it”

Even though DNP-educated nurses can use the title of doctor, many choose to clarify their role when speaking with patients. Some introduce themselves as a doctor but explain that their responsibility is as a nurse. Others introduce themselves with their first names and let their credentials do the talking.

What is the average salary of a DNP? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, DNP prepared nurse practitioners earned an average of $135,830. Top paying states for DNP-prepared individuals are California, Alaska, Oregon, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Here’s a list of the most in-demand positions for DNP-prepared graduates today.

1. Nurse Educator.
2. Chief Nursing Officer.
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist.
4. Advanced Practice Nurse (Including Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Mid-Wives, Nurse Anesthetists, etc.)

While NPs do not perform complex surgical procedures, NPs can perform some invasive treatment procedures. And, at least one state includes hospital admissions within their practice scope.

Average DNP Salary Per Hour Based on years of Experience

Nursing Educator/Professor Salaries for professors can vary widely from school to school, but the average associate college professor earns between $51,000 and $124,000 per year, with an average annual salary of $76,000.

A full-time BSN to DNP program typically takes three to four years to complete. Students pursuing the program on a part-time basis may be able to earn their doctorate in four years, but often have up to six or seven years to complete their studies.

Unless a State of Emergency is declared (which was the case for most of 2020-present day), laws in 24 states (and Guam) allow nurse practitioners to practice independently, without physician oversight, meaning they can open their own practices, prescribe controlled substances, and practice to the extent of their …

Specifically, the national DNP program count rose from 92 in 2008 to 354 in 2018 (AACN, 2019)—but what was happening within schools of nursing tells a different story.