Which terminal degree does The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommend for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)?

Which terminal degree does The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommend for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)?

• A. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• B. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• C. PhD in Nursing
• D. Associate Degree in Nursing

Answer: (B)

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the terminal degree for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This recommendation reflects a shift in the nursing profession towards advanced clinical education and practice, ensuring that APRNs possess a high level of expertise and are prepared to meet the complex healthcare needs of patients. The DNP focuses on clinical practice and applies evidence-based research to enhance healthcare delivery, making it a suitable choice for those in advanced roles. The degree aims to prepare nurses to lead and influence healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and implement change in practice based on scientific evidence. In contrast, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is typically the minimum requirement for APRNs but does not provide the same depth of clinical training and leadership skills that a DNP offers. A PhD in Nursing, while valuable for those pursuing research and academic positions, is more focused on generating new knowledge through research rather than applying it in a clinical setting. An Associate Degree in Nursing is an entry-level qualification and is not adequate for advanced practice roles. Overall, the DNP is aligned with the evolving healthcare environment that demands higher-level clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and an evidence-based approach to

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the terminal degree for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This recommendation reflects a shift in the nursing profession towards advanced clinical education and practice, ensuring that APRNs possess a high level of expertise and are prepared to meet the complex healthcare needs of patients.

The DNP focuses on clinical practice and applies evidence-based research to enhance healthcare delivery, making it a suitable choice for those in advanced roles. The degree aims to prepare nurses to lead and influence healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and implement change in practice based on scientific evidence.

In contrast, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is typically the minimum requirement for APRNs but does not provide the same depth of clinical training and leadership skills that a DNP offers. A PhD in Nursing, while valuable for those pursuing research and academic positions, is more focused on generating new knowledge through research rather than applying it in a clinical setting. An Associate Degree in Nursing is an entry-level qualification and is not adequate for advanced practice roles.

Overall, the DNP is aligned with the evolving healthcare environment that demands higher-level clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and an evidence-based approach to