Nurses who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree commit to the highest level of practice-based training in the profession. This advanced degree equips advanced practice nurses to lead teams, improve care delivery systems and stand at the forefront of innovation in clinical settings. As healthcare environments become more complex, the demand for doctorally prepared nurses continues to rise.
Graduates of the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at St. Thomas University are prepared to take on influential roles in patient care, education, administration and policy. A DNP can help experienced nurses deepen their clinical expertise while expanding their capacity to effect change across healthcare environments. For nurses seeking leadership opportunities or advanced clinical responsibilities, a DNP degree opens up numerous opportunities to grow in the healthcare field.
What Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on clinical practice rather than academic research. Unlike a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing, which prepares graduates for research and teaching roles, the DNP is designed for nurses who want to remain in practice while expanding their impact. The DNP degree emphasizes leadership, systems thinking, and evidence-based approaches to improve health outcomes and influence change within complex healthcare environments.
DNP-prepared nurses often pursue advanced roles that involve direct patient care, team leadership or organizational decision-making. Many pursue high-demand roles, such as nurse managers, chief nursing officers, nurse executives or policy advisors. Others contribute to academic settings through teaching and mentoring. Common goals of a DNP program include improving patient outcomes, leading interprofessional teams, advocating for health equity and influencing healthcare policy.
How to Determine if a DNP Is Right for You
Many nurses pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen their clinical expertise while preparing for greater responsibility in leadership or administrative roles. The degree is especially valuable for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who wish to enhance patient care on a broader scale while continuing to be actively engaged in clinical practice.
Career opportunities for DNP-prepared nurses continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $132,050 in 2024, with demand projected to increase by 40% by 2033. In addition to strong job growth, DNP graduates often bring valuable competencies in treatment planning, population health and informatics.
Soft skills are just as important. DNP-prepared nurses are expected to lead with integrity, communicate across disciplines and manage change in dynamic clinical settings. The ability to think critically, mentor others and drive innovation is key to success in both patient-facing and executive roles.
If you’re considering an advanced nursing degree, reflecting on these questions can help clarify whether a DNP aligns with your long-term personal and professional goals:
- Do I want to move into a leadership or executive nursing role?
- Am I seeking to deepen my clinical skills while continuing to practice?
- Do I feel called to influence healthcare policy or education?
- Would I benefit from formal training in systems thinking, ethics or population health?
What Can You Expect From a DNP Program?
DNP programs are designed to help experienced nurses strengthen their leadership abilities, clinical reasoning and systems-based thinking. While program structures vary, most DNP degrees combine coursework, clinical training and a final scholarly project focused on improving outcomes in real-world healthcare settings.
Core courses often include healthcare policy, advanced pharmacology, population health, evidence-based practice and organizational leadership. Students may also explore bioethics, health informatics and the economic forces that shape modern care delivery. These topics help build the advanced competencies needed to lead in today’s dynamic clinical environments.
In addition to academic coursework, DNP students meet a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practice hours, in accordance with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s requirement for successful completion of the program. These hours may include a combination of hours completed in a master’s and postmaster’s DNP program, and can involve rotations in primary care, acute care, public health or leadership roles.
Inside the Online DNP Program at STU
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program at STU is designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers without having to put them on hold. This flexible format allows students to balance coursework with clinical responsibilities, family commitments and other professional demands. Through a combination of online instruction and supervised practicum experiences, students can apply what they learn in real time to the settings where they already serve.
STU’s DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that the curriculum meets the highest standards for academic quality and professional relevance. Students are empowered to lead ethically and think critically about the systems that shape the delivery of care. With a focus on service, equity and innovation, the program prepares graduates to lead with purpose in diverse healthcare environments.
Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty support and a mission-driven approach that reflects STU’s commitment to holistic development. Whether pursuing roles in executive leadership, education or advanced clinical practice, the STU DNP program equips students to make meaningful contributions that extend beyond the bedside.
Lead Change with a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a powerful step for nurses who want to lead change, shape policy or improve patient outcomes at the highest levels of practice. Whether your goal is to influence healthcare systems, mentor future nurses or strengthen clinical expertise, the DNP offers a pathway to make a meaningful impact.
St. Thomas University’s DNP program helps nurses build the skills and confidence to lead in today’s evolving care environments. With flexible online learning, expert faculty and a mission-driven curriculum, the program supports working professionals who are ready to advance their careers while continuing to serve. Learn more about STU’s online DNP program and take the next step toward your future in advanced nursing leadership.
