There are two types of Nursing doctorate

Both may co exist in the same nursing school i.e The majority of research based programs in nursing will also offer an academic doctorate aswell. The Practice based programs generally admit master’s ‘prepared’ students with expertise in an area of advanced practice nursing.

Main differences between the Research Based programs and the practice based programs are:

• Less emphasis on theory and meta-theory in the Practice Based programs
• considerably less research methodology content, with the focus being on evaluation and use of research rather than conduct of research;
• an emphasis on practice in any research requirement
• clinical practical and/or residency requirements

As DNP programs are Practice Based they provide a rich and varied opportunity for practical experiences aimed at helping the graduate achieve the essential and specialty competencies required upon completion of the program.

In order to achieve the 8 Essential DNP competencies, DNP programs also provide a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice post-baccalaureate as part of a supervised academic program. Practical experience is designed to help students achieve specific learning objectives related to the DNP Essentials and specialty competencies.

The 8 Essential competencies as defined by the AACN, that must be met by DNP Programs are: