Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Career Outlook

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Why Consider a DNP to Advance Your Nursing Career?

Growing demand for healthcare

Increased demand for doctorally-prepared nurses

The number of students enrolled in DNP programs is increasing

Earn a salary of around $115,000

Highly qualified nurses, including those with advanced degrees and specialized skills, are in high demand, with projections showing a significant increase in job openings and a shortage of nurses nationwide (Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2024).

What career paths can you take with a DNP?

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) opens up a variety of advanced, high-impact career paths in clinical practice, leadership, policy and education. Here are some of the most common and rewarding directions you can take:

Advanced Clinical Roles work directly with patients, operating at the highest level of nursing practice. A DNP can help you land a Nurse Practitioner (NP) role, who combines nursing care with medical diagnosis and treatment, providing healthcare services similar to a doctor. Other roles include:

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Leadership & Administration roles are ideal for nurses looking to lead healthcare systems and manage teams. A DNP help you land a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) role, who oversees nursing operations, ensuring high-quality patient care and aligns nursing practices with an organization’s strategic goals. Other roles include:

  • Director of Nursing
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Clinical Operations Director
  • Quality Improvement Director

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Academia & Education roles are great if you enjoy teaching and shaping the next generation of nurses. A DNP can help you land a Dean of Nursing Programs role, who leads and manages nursing education programs, ensuring academic quality, accreditation compliance and program success. Other roles include:

  • Nursing School Faculty
  • Clinical Education Director

Healthcare Policy & Advocacy roles would suit those who are passionate about systemic change and public health impact. A DNP can help you achieve a Public Health Program Director role, who plans, manages and evaluates public health initiatives and programs to improve community health. Other roles include:

  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Legislative or Policy Consultant

Specialized/Consulting Roles are for those wanting to work independently or in niche healthcare areas. One role to take is an Informatics Nurse Specialist, who uses healthcare data, nursing practice and technology to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Other roles include:

  • Healthcare Consultant
  • Telehealth Program Director
  • Entrepreneur/Startup Founder in Health Tech or Wellness

What Our Grads Have Published

Publication Highlights of UT Austin DNP Graduates from 2019-Present

Pediatric & Adolescent Health

The Impact of COVID-19 on Body Mass Index Among Hispanic Children Accessing a Primary Care Clinic in Central Texas: An Epidemic Amidst a Pandemic.
Kalmbach K, Champion JD. J Pediatric Health Care. 2023 Aug 16: S0891-5245(23)00208-0. DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.07.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37589628.

Outcomes of Depression Screening for Adolescents Accessing Pediatric Primary Care-Based Services.  
Chowdhury, Taskina; Champion, Jane Dimmitt ISSN: 0882-5963, 1532 8449; DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.02.036 Journal of Pediatric Nursing., 2020, Vol.52, p.25-29

Perceived Mental Healthcare Barriers and Health-seeking Behavior of African-American Caregivers of Adolescents with Mental Health Disorders.  
Jon-Ubabuco N, Dimmitt Champion J. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2019 Jul;40(7):585-592. DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2018.1547803. Epub 2019 Mar 27. PMID: 30917089

Infectious Diseases & Antibiotic Stewardship

Identification of Provider and Patient Characteristics Associated with Antibiotic Prescription in the Treatment of Acute Sinusitis.
Thapa A, Champion JD. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2023 Mar 1;35(3):192-198. DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000834. PMID: 36763411.

Does Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Reflect the Antibiotic Stewardship Program Guidelines?
Bista B, Champion JD. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2019 Dec;31(12):693-698. DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000204. PMID: 30908406 

Geriatrics & Long-Term Care

Nonpharmacological Interventions for Management of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Long-Term Care Facilities by Direct Caregivers: A Systematic Review.
Lyons TL, Champion JD. J Gerontol Nurs. 2022 Jul; 48(7):18-23. DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20220606-03. Epub 2022 Jul 1. PMID:35771069.

Predictors of Acute Care Transfers from Skilled Nursing Facilities: Recommendations for Preventing Unnecessary Hospitalization.
Antony AR, Champion JD. Res Gerontol Nurs. 2022 Jul-Aug; 15(4):172-178. DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20220609-01. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35708962.

Psychotropic Medication Prescribing Practice Among Residents with Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Person-Centered Care Approach.  
Basnet, Prasanna; Acton, Gayle J; Requeijo, Paula ISSN: 0098-9134,1938-243X; DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20200108-01 Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2020, Vol.46(2), p.9-17

Telemedicine & Digital Health

Telemedicine Practices in Adult Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.
Watkins AK, Clark AP, Champion JD. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2022 Aug 1;34(8):957-962. DOI:10.1097/JXX.0000000000000743. PMID: 36330550.

Characteristics of an Allied Health-Led Telemedicine Clinic for Atrial Fibrillation..
Watkins AK, Champion JD. HeartRhythm Case Rep. 2022 Oct 14;8(10):724-725. DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.07.016. PMID: 36310730; PMCID: PMC9596352.

Mental & Behavioral Health

A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of Mentorship for New Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Fox I, Champion JD J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2022 Dec 1;34(12):1289-1299. DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000794. PMID: 36469910.

Exploring Cognitive Dissonance in the Correctional Nursing Experience.
Cukale-Matos S, Champion JD. Public Health Nurs. 2022 May;39(3):545-552. DOI: 10.1111/phn.13028. Epub 2021 Dec 8. PMID: 34878199.

Health Equity & Inclusive Care

Perceptions of Disaster Management Knowledge and Skills Among Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. 
Fil, Samantha L; Champion, Jane Dimmitt; Christiansen, Brittany ISSN: 2327-6924 , 2327-6924; DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000382 J Am Assoc Nurse Pract, 2020

Creating Inclusive Health Care Environments: Health Care Stories from the Trans Population.  
Daly, Amy; Champion, Jane Dimmitt ISSN: 2327-6924, 2327 6924; DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000383 J Am Assoc Nurse Practice, 2020

Assessment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Outcomes for Hispanic Women Living in the Rio Grande Valley. 
Somohano-Mendiola N, Champion JD, Vatcheva K. Hisp Health Care Int. 2019 Sep;17(3):111-117. DOI: 10.1177/1540415319833996. Epub 2019 Mar 28. PMID: 30922188