Strategies to Move Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Education to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree by 2025

Abstract

Background The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has made the commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner (NP) education to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree by 2025. Problem Although there are more than 250 DNP NP programs throughout the United States, many other NP programs have yet to transition to the doctoral level. Approach Leaders representing licensure, accreditation, certification, education, and practice organizations attended a NONPF 2017 Summit to discuss the DNP degree as entry into NP practice. Summit participants strategized on building collective strengths and addressed barriers to implementation. A solution-oriented discussion with action items has been operationalized for the last 4 years. Outcomes Four workgroups were created to address education, outcomes, capacity, and messaging related to moving all entry-level NP education to the DNP degree. Conclusion Ongoing collaborative efforts are critical to facilitate advancing all NP education programs to the DNP degree by 2025.