Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Completing DNP Programs

As a nurse it is vital that you get great qualifications to set you apart from everyone else, and a DNP can help you to do so. If you are ambitious and would like to be a in a position where you can take on management, peer education and so on, then you must have this kind of qualification. Without the necessary degree you cannot get to any of these positions.

Only those with a degree like this to their name are entitled to make the big decisions about nursing practice. You will become the first line of interpretation and decision making for studies and research. You could also learn the methods of making your hospital more effective and likely to cope with patients.

People eligible for these programs are licensed nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Obviously if you hold any higher qualification you may also apply. If you are a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nursing midwife, nurse informatics, or nurse anesthetist you may also apply.

The first question that people ask about these programs always deals with costs. As with any other field of study, the tuition and course fees vary according to the policy of the actual school. The cost will also depend on the area of concentration you want.

Studying on campus does cost significantly more than doing so online. If you are working on a budget, rather opt for an online course. On average, the per credit hour fee for this program costs about 0 for US residents and about ,000 for others.

The length of time needed to finish DNP programs is usually 18 months. Obviously if you are busy with work and family obligations you may need more time to complete the course. It may take two and a half years to complete your DNP, but this is acceptable.

In some cases nurses cannot decide between a PhD and a DNP. You need to know the similarities and differences between the two. Obviously both have their benefits, but which will take you further in your career?

A DNP program is a practice doctorate, which means it is more inclined toward improving nursing practice. A PhD program, on the other hand, is a research doctorate, which means it is more inclined toward doing researches and studies. Obviously both are good on your CV, but in terms of practical nursing, the DNP is a superior choice.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who want to enroll in DNP programs. Most schools have scholarship programs for gifted applicants. There are also scholarships available specifically for medical related programs, and you can ask people from the school about such scholarships.

Ultimately, choosing a DNP will empower you to climb the nursing career ladder. Clinical practice is your oyster when you finally qualify. Another great benefit of this course is that it will give you the skills you need to one day turn back and become a teacher.

Searching for info about dnp programs, feel free to hit the link and be informed.