I had not initially thought about looking into pursuing anything in academia with my DNP after I finish. I was solely going into my program with a one-track mind only thinking about practice, but I have been pleasantly surprised to have been introduced to multiple scholarly articles that really elaborated on the different career paths, including one in the academic world, of a DNP graduate and it opened my eyes to how versatile the degree really is. I agree with your statement that it could help fill the gap in the faculty shortage, there will always be a need for well-trained, educated, and experienced faculty for DNP programs and I believe that the way towards that is to change the nature of the conversation regarding what a DNP graduate can do or be. By looking at the DNP as more than just a solely clinical practice-facing degree, we can potentially gain a lot more interest in those who are in the nursing world and want to make the jump to advanced practice, but they may not want to work the clinics or acute care facilities in practice, and may not want the research heavy PhD.

When I thought of my career in the long-term, I always thought I would go into academia later in my career. I am in a DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program, which would put me more involved in the clinical setting. However, I am learning quickly about the leadership that entails as a Doctorate prepared nurse. I wanted to pursue my doctorate because I wanted the possibility to become an educator at the university level. It is refreshing to learn about all the doctorate roles that nurses play and be a part of, especially that of an expert clinician. I am reflecting on what I am currently learning in my doctorate course, and I find it interesting how interconnected a doctorate and a PhD degree are, and the usefulness of both degrees. I considered pursuing a master degree for FNP and then getting my PhD later, in hopes of being more involved in education. After starting my DNP course and learning the role of the doctorate advanced nurse practitioners, I am really glad to have chosen to pursue my doctorate along with my FNP.

Hi Jennifer. As a clinical educator in an academic medical center and a DNP student, I have considered pursuing a career in academia after obtaining my DNP degree. I believe a career in academia could help address the nursing faculty shortage and better prepare nurse graduates for their professional practice. Given the current and future shortage of nurses, addressing the nursing faculty shortage is crucial. A career in academia can be fulfilling as educators can impact nursing students’ careers, regardless of where they begin their professional journeys. Teaching pathophysiology and assisting students to apply their learning in clinical settings can be such a rewarding experience. However, I believe there are challenges in the academic field, such as providing timely and relevant education in an ever-evolving healthcare field. Also, commitment is vital as frequent faculty changes could affect educational quality due to inconsistency. I also believe that it is essential for individuals aspiring to be professors in academia to have part-time or per-diem positions in the clinical field; this would ensure they stay knowledgeable about current nursing practices. I believe being a preceptor is another excellent option for those unable to commit to academia but who want to assist with academic challenges. With the shortage of nurses, there is also a need for faculty and preceptors. Thank you for the question and the opportunity to discuss.

Hi Jennifer,
I completely understand what you’re thinking about this. Like many others, my first focus while pursuing my DNP was on leadership positions in healthcare settings and clinical practice. But as the program has gone on and I’ve learned more about the wider range of effects DNPs may have, going to college has become increasingly enticing.
One of the most pressing issues facing the nursing profession is the shortage of faculty. As DNPs, we are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap, thanks to our extensive clinical experience and knowledge. By integrating practical and theoretical skills into the classroom, we can equip the next generation of nurses with invaluable real-world insights. This is crucial in ensuring that nursing graduates are well-prepared to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare.
One of the aspects that draws me to academia is the potential to shape nursing education and support the career advancement of aspiring nurses. As DNPs, we can develop curricula, mentor students, and integrate evidence-based practice into educational initiatives. This can have a profound impact on the overall quality of care provided by future healthcare workers, extending far beyond the care of a single patient.
Academia also offers opportunities for research and scholarship, areas where DNPs can make significant contributions. We can lead studies that address healthcare inequities, improve patient outcomes, and advance nursing practice. Our impact can be further amplified by using this knowledge to influence policy and clinical practice, making a real difference in the field of healthcare.
Even though it wasn’t my first intention when I enrolled in the DNP program, I’ve grown to take academia more seriously. Academics are a strong option for DNPs because they can address the shortage of nursing professors, shape the next generation of nurses, and advance nursing research and scholarship. It’s undoubtedly something to consider, particularly in light of the expanding demand for qualified nurse educators. Personally, I’ve found that the intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to shape the future of nursing have been incredibly rewarding.