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What would be a reason for me to get my doctorate in higher education as opposed to my DNP?

What would be a reason for me to get my doctorate in higher education as opposed to my DNP?

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Thank you comment icon Would both involve nursing? Karen Parker
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Dr’s Answer

Martin nailed it on the head. The "Ph" part of Ph.D. stands for "philosophy". In total it means "Doctor of Philosophy" in the whatever field of study that degree is offered in. So, if you're interested in the theoretical and conceptually aspect of nursing, based on research studies and in-depth discussion, then a Ph.D. is the way to go. However, if you're more interested in rolling up the sleeves and actually practicing the act of nursing, where the focus is more hands-on, then the DNP would be your track. Of course, both do overlap quite a bit and the bulk of what you'll learn would be similar either way, but it just comes down to what you would enjoy more: theory or practice.
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Martin’s Answer

That's an excellent question, and the answer is pretty straightforward. If your passion lies in the realm of academics, including education or research, a PhD would be the perfect fit for you. It will equip you with the right tools and knowledge. However, if your heart is set on a clinical career, then the DNP is your best bet. Both paths offer similar foundational learning experiences. Yet, if academia isn't your end goal, the additional focus on statistics, publishing, and so on that a PhD provides may not be as beneficial in a clinical setting.
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Theresa’s Answer

This is a tricky question. The origins of the DNP were to give advanced nurse practitioners credit for the role evolving and becoming more sophisticated over time. The PhD is one of the oldest degrees that there is and is purely an academic degree. In the past, if you wanted to focus on being a practitioner in a clinic or a hospital, you pursued the DNP. If you wanted to teach in a college or university setting, you pursued the DNP. Fast forward as the DNP has been around for awhile and there is a bit of role blending, meaning that you can be a practitioner in a hospital with a PhD (I am/was one) OR you can teach in a university setting with a DNP. Typically, it doesn't take as long to pursue a DNP as it does a PhD. A DNP is 2 - 3 years and the PhD can take 4+ years.

Here is some information that might help:

https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/becoming-a-nurse/what-is-a-doctor-of-nursing-practice-dnp/
https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/dnp-fact-sheet

Theresa Granger, PhD, MN, ARNP, FNP-C
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Gina’s Answer

It really depends on what you want to focus on. A PhD in general can be used for anything and you can get it in anything, most professors, researches, people who work in universities have PhDs. Just like you can get a bachelors or masters in anything you can really aim for a PhD in whatever aligns with your passion and career. A DNP is focused solely on nursing so if you want to stay in the nursing realm then a DNP is great, it's just basically a PhD in nursing.
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Lora’s Answer

HI, Jill. The big advantage to getting your PhD in Education is that the world becomes a bigger place for you, both in opportunities and in experiences. A doctorate will enable you to work in universities and colleges and will open the door to school administration and such. Of course, a BA will enable you to get your teaching certificate and an MA will enable you to teach high school and such. Ultimately, it all depends on how you see your career going and what your plans are for your life. Good luck!
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