Choosing between a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the most important decisions a nurse can make when advancing their education. Both advanced nursing degrees offer unique benefits and serve different career goals. This guide breaks down the key differences in curriculum, career outcomes and time commitment to help you make an informed decision.
The St. Thomas University (STU) College of Nursing offers MSN programs and a DNP program, allowing nurses to align their nursing career with the right academic path. Whether you’re looking to enter clinical practice quickly or pursue leadership in healthcare systems, this comparison will guide your choice.
What Is an MSN?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree designed for registered nurses aiming to specialize or advance into leadership roles. Most MSN programs take around two years of full-time study and include a blend of advanced coursework and clinical training. Students typically choose from several pathways, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), which prepares them for primary care roles.
MSN programs often include courses in advanced pharmacology, health assessment and clinical decision-making. Graduates may enter fields like case management, education or clinical practice.
STU offers an Accelerated MSN program online to help working professionals complete their MSN degree efficiently. This option is ideal for those seeking flexibility while completing their MSN program full-time. The Accelerated MSN online program is tailored for nursing professionals ready to become FNP leaders or advance through other online MSN pathways.
What Is a DNP?
A DNP is a terminal degree (meaning the highest-level degree) focusing on clinical expertise, leadership roles and driving systemic improvements in healthcare. Unlike a PhD in nursing, which is research-oriented, a DNP prepares graduates to apply evidence-based practice directly in patient care and organizational leadership.
Most DNP programs span three to four years and include significant clinical hours. Students explore topics like healthcare policy, informatics and quality improvement while completing hands-on training. This doctoral degree enables nurses to take on advanced administrative, policy and high-level patient care roles.
STU’s DNP program equips students with the clinical practice experience and leadership training to influence healthcare delivery. As a terminal degree, the DNP degree opens doors to senior-level nursing positions, including healthcare executives and advanced practice roles across diverse settings.
Side-by-Side Comparison: MSN vs. DNP
When evaluating advanced nursing degree programs, it’s helpful to compare all the key components side by side. From degree level and tuition cost to clinical requirements and career paths, the MSN and DNP differ in scope, time and professional outcomes.
Use this breakdown to see which degree better aligns with your long-term goals:
Salary sources: ZipRecruiter (MSN), ZipRecruiter (DNP)
This comparison shows how both degree programs prepare you for impactful careers, but with different scopes of leadership, specialization and earning potential.
If your goal is to enter the nursing field quickly with strong credentials, the MSN may be ideal. If you want to influence healthcare systems or pursue executive leadership, a DNP might be worth the additional time and investment.
Career Opportunities
Both MSN and DNP degrees can lead to high-demand nursing roles, but the types of responsibilities can differ based on the level of education you choose. Below are typical career outcomes for each degree level.
MSN graduates have a foundation for advanced practice and educational roles focused on patient care and coordination. Consider the following roles for MSN-prepared nurses:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): Provide anesthesia and pain management in surgical and trauma settings (among the highest-paying nursing roles)
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP): Deliver specialized mental healthcare, often in high-need or underserved areas
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP): Manage ongoing primary care for individuals and families across the lifespan
- Nurse educator: Teach clinical skills and nursing theory to students in academic or hospital-based settings
- Care coordinator: Oversee patient care plans and facilitate communication among healthcare teams
A DNP qualifies graduates for nursing leadership and system-level positions that influence healthcare delivery and policy. Note the following roles for DNP-prepared nurses:
- Nurse practitioner with leadership focus: Combine clinical practice with managerial or administrative responsibilities
- Healthcare executive: Serve in top roles such as director of nursing or chief nursing officer
- Nurse faculty or researcher: Teach advanced practice courses or lead academic and clinical research projects
- Quality and safety officer: Design and implement strategies to improve patient outcomes at a systems level
- Health policy advocate: Drive improvements in nursing practice through legislative and organizational change
Expected Salaries
Both MSN and DNP degrees offer access to advanced nursing roles, but they differ in focus and salary potential:
- MSN average salary: $172,199 per year
- DNP average salary: $117,859 per year
MSN-prepared nurses currently report a higher average salary than those with a DNP, highlighting the value of specialized clinical expertise and demand for certain advanced practice roles.
Why the Gap?
MSN-prepared nurses often pursue high-paying, specialized clinical roles like nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) — positions that command significant compensation due to demand and skill level.
In contrast, DNP graduates may focus more on leadership, education or policy, which, while impactful, may not yield the same immediate financial return.
This salary difference points to the importance of aligning your degree with your intended role in the healthcare system. While the DNP opens doors to long-term leadership opportunities, MSN roles can offer faster financial rewards in certain specialties.
Future Trends: Will MSN Become Obsolete?
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) have proposed shifting the entry-level requirement for nurse practitioner roles from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The original goal was for all nurse practitioner programs to transition to the DNP by 2025.
What’s Driving the Proposal?
The move aims to elevate clinical practice standards and better prepare nurses for leadership roles in increasingly complex healthcare systems. It’s driven by:
- Increased demand for advanced practice nurses: Healthcare organizations seek providers who can lead quality initiatives, manage data-driven care models, and address health disparities.
- Push for standardized doctoral education: The NONPF and AACN advocate for consistency in nurse practitioner training across programs and states.
- Expanded curriculum requirements: A DNP includes additional leadership, policy, informatics and population health coursework that goes beyond a typical MSN’s scope.
Where Do Things Stand in 2025?
Despite the original timeline, the transition has not been universally adopted. According to the 2023–2024 AACN survey, DNP program enrollment continues to grow (up 2.0% in 2023) while MSN enrollment declined for the third consecutive year. However, logistical barriers such as faculty shortages and limited clinical placements have delayed a complete shift to DNP-only preparation.
What It Means for Future Students
While the MSN remains a valid and respected pathway, aspiring nurse practitioners should be aware of the ongoing trend toward doctoral education. A DNP may offer greater long-term security as credentialing standards evolve.
Which Degree Is Right for You?
Choosing between an MSN and a DNP depends on your timeline, goals and how you want to shape your future in the nursing field. Use the decision points below to guide your thinking.
An MSN may be the right fit if you want to:
- Start your career quickly: Students can complete their degree in as few as 12 months and enter the workforce sooner.
- Focus on hands-on patient care: Students can specialize in clinical practice as an NP, CRNA or PMHNP.
- Minimize upfront investment: Lower tuition and a shorter timeline make an MSN a cost-effective option.
- Work in a flexible, online format: STU’s program is designed for working nurses balancing other responsibilities.
A DNP may be the better choice if you want to:
- Drive change at the systems level: Lead initiatives in quality improvement, informatics or health policy
- Pursue executive leadership: Step into roles like chief nursing officer or director of nursing
- Invest in long-term growth: Build credentials for academic, research or administrative advancement
- Align with emerging standards: Stay ahead of evolving credentialing trends in advanced nursing practice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Curious how these degrees work in practice? Here are some answers to common questions nurses ask as they evaluate MSN and DNP programs.
Do you need a DNP to be a nurse practitioner?
No, an MSN still qualifies you to become a licensed nurse practitioner. However, some organizations — and states, in the future — may prefer or require a DNP as credentialing standards evolve.
Is a DNP worth it for nurse educators?
Yes, especially for those aiming to teach at the graduate level or lead academic programs. A DNP provides the expertise needed for both instruction and academic leadership roles.
Can you go from MSN to DNP later?
Absolutely. Many nurses earn their MSN, gain clinical experience and return for a post-master’s DNP. This is a common path for those who begin in primary care, mental health or adult-gerontology specialties and later move into leadership.
These answers apply broadly to advanced practice nurses across specialties, whether you’re a PMHNP, clinical nurse specialist or exploring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP track. Always check state-specific licensure requirements based on your associate degree, BSN or RN license.
Start Your Advanced Nursing Journey at STU
Whether you’re ready to lead in direct patient care or reshape how healthcare is delivered, St. Thomas University has a program designed to support your goals. Choose the degree that fits your lifestyle, timeline, and impact goals, and take the next step toward your future by applying today.
With flexible, part-time online formats, affordable tuition and real-world clinical experiences, both nursing programs offer a strong return on investment. Explore STU’s online Accelerated MSN program and online DNP program today.
