DNP by 2015: An examination of nursing schools’ decisions to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree

Background The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends that nursing schools transition their APRN programs to doctoral of nursing practice (DNP) programs by 2015. However, most schools have not yet made this full transition. Purpose To understand schools’ decisions regarding the full transition to the DNP. Methods Key informant interviews and an online survey of nursing school deans and program directors. Discussion The vast majority of schools value the DNP in preparing APRNs for the future of the healthcare system. However, other important factors influence many schools to fully transition or not to the BSN-to-DNP, including perceived student and employer demand, issues concerning accreditation and certification, and resource constraints. Conclusion Multiple pathways to becoming an APRN are likely to remain until various factors (e.g., student and employer demand, certification and accreditation issues, and resource constraints) yield a more favorable environment for a full transition to the DNP. M AN US CR IP T AC CE PT ED ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT