The future of nursing depends on clinical nurse researchers. These well-educated professionals use years of expertise, finely honed nursing skills and knowledge of research methodologies to pioneer innovative efforts to advance best practices in nursing and patient care.
Nurse researchers typically complete a graduate-level nursing degree program, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), before pursuing their new career in clinical research. But what is a nurse researcher, and what does a nurse researcher do? Find out how to become a nurse researcher, what career opportunities are open to nurse researchers and how the online DNP program from St. Thomas University (STU) can help you get there.
What Does a Nurse Researcher Do?
While all nurse researchers conduct scientific studies, the daily responsibilities of a nurse researcher depend on their work setting. Many clinical nurse researchers work directly with patients as they conduct research in their areas of specialty. They administer medications and educate patients and families about their medical options and prognoses, while gathering data to inform studies that enrich future patient care and health outcomes.
Other nurse researchers work alongside medical scientists on research teams that spend less time with patients and more time in laboratories, on clinical trials and presenting data to stakeholders and fellow healthcare professionals. These nurse researchers have strong collaboration skills, helping them to guide research projects and teams through the various phases of scientific studies.
How to Become a Nurse Researcher: Education Requirements
Along with years of experience as a registered nurse (RN), a nurse researcher’s education requirements begin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), during which they learn the fundamentals of nursing best practices, care delivery models and communication strategies to build relationships with patients and colleagues. From a BSN, nurses can earn an MSN to focus on evidence-based practice and nursing leadership skills.
While many nurses with MSN degrees find jobs as nurse researchers, an increasing number of employers prefer candidates who also hold DNP degrees. Achieving a doctoral level of knowledge and experience enables nurses to apply advanced understanding of research methodologies to formulate inquiries, gather data, conduct experiments, report findings and present conclusions to their colleagues.
What Are the Salary Expectations for Nurse Researchers?
A nurse researcher’s salary depends on their location, experience, education and specific role on a research team. Because nurse researchers often hold the same graduate-level degrees as other advanced care nursing positions, such as nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, their salaries are often similar. These nursing professions earned a median salary of $132,050 in 2024.
The salary potential for nurse researchers also depends on their job setting. Some nurse researchers conduct their studies remotely while fulfilling on-site nursing duties in clinics, hospitals or private practice. They may also complete extra hours in research institutions or universities. These responsibilities may augment a nurse researcher’s salary, which is one reason DNP career opportunities offer higher salary potential than other nursing specialties.
Why Choose STU’s Online DNP Program for Your Research Career?
The DNP degree program at St. Thomas University is an exemplary option for those seeking a nurse researcher degree. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), STU’s DNP online degree has a research and technology focus that equips students for a successful career in nursing research, covering essential topics like quantitative and qualitative research, healthcare policy, information technology, as well as providing residency experience through DNP practicum courses.
STU’s DNP online program emphasizes nursing leadership and administrative skills, preparing graduates for other high-level nursing careers. Graduates from STU’s program go on to become directors of nursing, nurse educators, nurse administrators and chief nursing officers (CNOs) in nursing departments, positions that come with an array of salary and promotional benefits. Both STU’s curriculum and experienced faculty prepare students for a variety of transformative roles at the highest level of achievement.
Finally, STU also offers flexible and affordable education options for working nurses. With a competitive, pay-as-you-go tuition rate and fully online format, a DNP degree is an excellent opportunity to advance your nursing career without putting your life on hold.
Take the Next Steps Toward a Clinical Nurse Researcher Career
Clinical nurse researchers are uniquely qualified and prepared to lead the way toward healthcare innovations and state-of-the-art nursing practices. Guided by a strong background in patient care, leadership, collaboration and research, these knowledgeable professionals are at the forefront of change, making a positive impact on generations of patients, families and caregivers.
If the pursuit of scientific understanding, data-driven conclusions and the transformation of day-to-day nursing duties sounds appealing to you, consider applying to STU’s online DNP degree. Contact a student engagement specialist today to learn more about whether STU is a good fit for you and how the school’s support staff can guide you through the next steps toward advancing your career in nursing research.
Learn more about STU’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
