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The doctoral programs—DNP and PhD—prepare clinical and research leaders respectively to advance the practice of nursing and improve health locally and globally. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advancing Evidence into Practice

Our DNP program prepares students to lead health care innovations and influence policy—founded on the science and theory of nursing, analytic principles, evidence-based practice, and strong leadership —at the highest organizational level.

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DNP Programs Available

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What are the differences between a Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist Role Comparison

Doctor of Philosophy

Leading the Development of Nursing Science

Our PhD program prepares nurse scholars to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and health care delivery. 

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DNP vs. PhD Comparison

Comparison

DNP

PhD

Objectives

Prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing practice who will lead in applying and translating research into practice

Prepares nurses at the highest level of nursing science to conduct research that advances the empirical and theoretical foundations of nursing and health care globally

Competencies and Content

Knowledge and skills in applying and translating research into practice; leads dissemination and integration of new knowledge in health care organizations

Knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytic approaches to the discovery and application of knowledge in nursing and health care

Program Outcome

Practice leaders such as an advanced practice nurse caring for individuals or other practice leadership positions in nursing such as health care administration

Nurse scientists prepared for a career in research in academia or other research-intensive environments focused on the design and testing of interventions to advance nursing and health care

Hopkins Program Hallmarks

An intense practice immersion experience with expert clinical faculty

An intense mentored research experience with a faculty investigator with an established funded program of research

Final Project

A practice application-oriented DNP capstone project

Completion and defense of an original research project