Across the health care industry, there is an increasing demand for advanced practice nurses trained at the highest level. A nationwide nursing shortage, as well as the ever-increasing complexity of patient care, means that nurses with doctoral degrees are well-positioned to effect real change within the industry, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of health care in America.

While pursuing a terminal degree may seem daunting, this degree can help prepare nurses to become leaders both in the nursing profession and within their own areas of practice. Here are some of the reasons why a nurse may consider earning a DNP:

Health care delivery is becoming interdisciplinary, which increases the level of knowledge required by advanced practice nurses. A report from the Institute of Medicine recommends that all health professionals, including nurses, “be educated to deliver patient-centered care as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches, and informatics.” DNP degree programs help prepare nurses to achieve these high standards required by the health care system.

While many doctoral programs are research-based, DNP programs are practice-focused, which means that graduates are trained to effect practical changes in health care delivery. Nurses with doctorates work with researchers in the health care field, including nurse researchers, to understand and implement the latest scientific developments.

The United States’ current nursing shortage is only expected to grow. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there to be more than 1 million job openings for registered nurses by 2024, making the profession one of the fastest-growing jobs in the country. This increased demand for nurses trickles down to education, where stakeholders within the nursing industry are concerned there will not be enough nurse educators who are prepared to teach the next generation of nurses. A DNP graduate is equipped with the advanced nursing practice knowledge necessary to prepare future nurses and leaders.

Just what is a DNP degree? As a terminal degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for advanced practice nurses who are looking to become leaders within their profession, advance their clinical expertise, and make a significant impact on the way health care is delivered.

Although these requirements may differ based on the school and program, most DNP programs require applicants to already possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing, as well as registered nurse licensure in their states of practice.

Students wondering, “What is a DNP degree?” may also be curious about the material the degree program will cover. A typical DNP program offers students the chance to specialize in one of many areas of advanced nursing practice, including pediatrics, family care, psychiatric mental health, women’s health, and gerontology.

The DNP curriculum includes courses that cover a variety of topics in advanced nursing practice, such as nursing theory, leadership and regulatory issues, health policy, and politics and perspectives, as well as advanced clinical topics, such as pharmacology and disease prevention.

Nurses who have earned a doctorate may be able to work in a number of advanced nursing practice roles that require the highest level of nursing education. While some of the following roles may require additional training and certification, a DNP degree can help build the foundation from which nurses can work toward these exciting career paths.

Nurse anesthetists work with anesthesiologists, surgeons, physicians, or dentists to administer anesthesia, monitor a patient’s vital signs, and help patients recover from anesthesia. A person in this role works with a patient before, during, and after a procedure to ensure the safe administration of anesthesia. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for this position was $107,460 in 2016. The demand for nurse anesthetists and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is growing at a rate of 31 percent, which is much faster than average.

Those working as nurse midwives are involved in all aspects of the birthing process. They may work independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team to help pregnant women safely deliver their babies. Nurse midwives work closely with OB-GYN professionals to ensure pregnant women are healthy and following proper prenatal care practices. As previously noted, there is an expected increase in the demand for advanced practice registered nurses, including nurse midwives. Nurse midwives made a median annual salary of $99,970 in 2016.

Nurse educators are responsible for teaching the next generation of nursing professionals. They work both in the classroom and in a practical setting to help future nurses learn the skills they need to deliver safe, quality patient care. According to Indeed, clinical nurse educators make an average salary of $95,586 per year.

Clinical nurse specialists are APRNs who specialize in a specific area of nursing, such as psychiatric mental health, pediatrics, or gerontology. These nurses are often found in leadership roles within a unit, working with other nurses and staff to improve patient care. According to Indeed, clinical nurse specialists make an average salary of $109,003 per year.

The demand for nurses continues to increase, and the need for professionals with doctorates in the nursing field will only grow. Place yourself on the cutting edge of nursing practice by earning your online DNP degree from Regis College. Speak with an enrollment adviser today about how Regis College’s online BSN to DNP program can help prepare you for the future of nursing in America.