The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the conventional PhD are both terminal degree programs in the nursing discipline. This means that they are the highest degrees a nurse can hope to achieve. The DNP is a new option in the discipline and shares similarities with the PhD program traditionally offered. The two degrees both employ a scholarly approach needing high standards of critical thinking and ability to synthesize theory. They also aim to advance the practice of professional nursing (AACN, 2006).
According to the AACN, (2006), the DNP program is a practice-oriented program. It aims to advance excellence in the nursing practice. ...