The Difference of DNP Program from a Traditional Ph.D. Program Essay

The Difference of DNP Program from a Traditional Ph.D. Program - Essay Example Healthcare is continually advancing, even as its delivery is becoming progressively complicated. Advancements in the nursing practice have been prompted due to the inability of the current nursing practice to meet these changes and complications (AACN, 2010). The DNP program has been set forth as a much-needed step towards the development of a non-research clinical doctorate program which can arm expert practitioners with the skills needed to serve as clinical faculty (AACN, 2010). In effect, it is different from the traditional Ph.D. program in the sense that it takes the learning process one step further towards a more clinical approach to nursing education and practice. The DNP program will also incorporate the APRN content which is already in the master’s programs. It will also highlight evidence-based nursing, as well as nurse competency in converting research into practice, in assessing evidence, in applying research in the decision-making process, and in employing feasi ble clinical advancements to the nursing practice (AACN, 2009).