Enrollment in a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program is on the rise. DNP programs have witnessed continuous enrollment growth since 2003, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). With new DNP-educated nurses joining the workforce every day, it’s important for patients and nursing professionals alike to understand DNP credentials and the health care that is involved.
One of the first questions patients may have when they see a DNP is simple: Is a DNP a doctor? And while that question is simple, the answer is not. A DNP program is undoubtedly a doctoral program. However, whether DNPs may refer to themselves as “doctors” or whether patients should address DNPs as “doctors” is a complicated and controversial matter. While some DNPs use the title of doctor, it’s important they understand the issues surrounding the use of that title, as well as the laws and regulations in their state that may govern its use.
The basic issue with the title is whether patients could mistakenly think that someone working in a health care context who is called a “doctor” holds a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree, when in actuality they do not. For professional and ethical reasons, it’s important to avoid any confusion.
Nurses who may be considering enrolling in an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program can benefit from learning more about this unique degree and the question.
What Is a DNP?
In any discussion about a DNP’s professional title, it’s helpful to start with a foundational understanding of the DNP degree. So, exactly what is a DNP? The DNP degree was specifically designed for nurses who want to earn a terminal degree in nursing practice. The AACN views the DNP as an alternative to doctoral programs that are focused on research. As the AACN notes, DNP-educated nurses implement the science that nurses who hold research-focused doctoral degrees develop.
The AACN further explains the curriculum of a DNP program is built around traditional elements of a master’s degree program. A DNP program offers education in areas such as system leadership, evidence-based practice and quality improvement.
Nurses who earn DNP degrees can enter into nursing leadership through careers such as:
- Nurse practitioner
- Chief nursing officer
- Nursing educator
What Do You Call a Nurse with a Doctorate Degree?
After a nurse has earned a DNP, the complicated matter of title arises. At the heart of the issue is the concern that patients may assume any clinician using the title “doctor” in a health care environment must be an M.D. But what do you call a nurse with a doctoral degree? And is a DNP-educated nurse a doctor? As outlined below, the answers may require a little research.
Although a DNP is a doctoral degree, in deciding on a title for a DNP it’s important to know the laws and regulations of the state in which the DNP practices. For example:
- Medical staffing firm Barton Associates notes that in some states it is illegal for nurse practitioners (who hold either a Master of Science in Nursing or a DNP) to refer to themselves as “doctors.”
- The California Association for Nurse Practitioners specifies that, while there is no California law that prohibits DNPs from being called “doctors,” other states prohibit DNPs from using that title. It also warns that the California Board of Registered Nursing has expressed concern that patients may think a DNP is a physician.
- The organization Texas Nurse Practitioners notes that Texas law allows individuals with a doctoral degree in nursing to use the title “doctor” as a professional identification. But this is so only if they also specify the authority or the college from which they obtained their degree and list their credentials, including “DNP.” Texas Nurse Practitioners also advise individuals to be particularly careful in their advertising to ensure reasonable people would not consider a nurse practitioner to be a physician.
- A 2020 report in the Chicago Tribune noted Illinois law requires individuals who use “doctor” in their title to clearly specify if they are not medical doctors. In addition, Illinois law prohibits advanced practice registered nurses from using titles such as “physician” or “doctor” in advertising.
These examples demonstrate that, although the DNP is a doctoral degree, DNP-educated nurses must become familiar with and follow the laws and regulations in the states where they practice when deciding on the professional titles they will use.
While the appropriate and legal use of the title “doctor” depends on the state in which a DNP-educated nurse practices, many DNPs choose to address any possible confusion by emphasizing clarity about their credentials in all communications. In a clinical situation, this can be handled in several ways:
- Through a verbal introduction
- In advertising, websites and other written communication
- In a listing of a DNP’s credentials (this is usually definitive, because it makes it clear that their highest degree is “DNP”)
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) suggests a protocol for how nurse practitioners should list their credentials. According to the AANPCB, the preferred order of credentials is:
- Highest earned academic degree in or related to nursing
- Nursing licensure
- Nursing certification
- (Example: Jane Doe, DNP, APRN, FNP-C)
Future of DNP Education in Nursing</h2>
Despite the complexity surrounding the issue of whether a DNP can be called a doctor, the future of DNP education and the associated career potential are bright. Why get a DNP? Simply consider the following.
- DNP-educated nurses have started to help alleviate shortages in nursing school faculty, and DNP expertise has been valuable in meeting increased demand for health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a 2020 article in the journal Nursing Outlook.
- A 2022 report in Policy & Medicine noted that more states are adopting full practice authority for nurse practitioners to address shortages in health care providers.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected 45% job growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners from 2020 to 2030.
Earning an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice at Duquesne University
Regardless of whether DNPs are properly referred to as doctors, earning a DNP degree is a valuable endeavor that enables nurses to pursue career advancement. Equipped with the expertise a DNP degree provides, nurses can move into a variety of rewarding careers in nurse leadership.
Individuals interested in learning more can explore Duquesne University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Offering tracks in Clinical Leadership and Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management, the program is designed to set the stage for career advancement.
Embark on your journey to nursing leadership today.
Recommended Reading
MSN vs. DNP: Degree Options for a Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician: Examining the Key Differences
What Is a DNP Degree? The Future of Advanced Nursing
Sources:
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, FAQS – AANPCB Certification Examination, Application, and Retake
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, DNP Fact Sheet
Barton Associates, “Are Nurse Practitioners Called Doctors?”
California Association for Nurse Practitioners, FAQs
Chicago Tribune, “Nurse Practitioners Have Nearly Tripled in Illinois, Where They Can Now Practice Independently. Some Even Use the Title ‘Doctor.’ Should You Be Worried?”
Nursing Outlook, “Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree in the United States: Reflecting, Readjusting, and Getting Back on Track”
Policy & Medicine, “More States Adopt Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners”
Texas Nurse Practitioners, “The Use of the Title ‘Dr’”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners