Advanced Nursing Careers for BSN to DNP Graduates

In BSN to DNP programs, students choose a ‘track’ in a particular specialization. They graduate ready to begin the process of pursuing advanced nursing careers in that area. But with their combination of clinical experience, research knowledge and systems management training, DNP degree-holders are viewed as highly valuable in a number of areas including:

• Hospitals or doctors’ offices
• Private-sector healthcare organizations
• Academia
• Management or consulting groups
• Advocacy groups and organizations

Most BSN to DNP graduates say they want to work directly with patients in clinical settings, using their DNP degree to take on more specialized or higher-level roles. Some choose to improve patients’ lives in a less direct way, by educating future nurses or by advocating for patients’ rights.

Whatever kind of work appeals to them, the range of advanced nursing careers offers many different opportunities to help shape the future of healthcare. The following are some of the most popular positions among BSN to DNP graduates. However, it is important to note that while earning an advanced degree can help an individual begin the process of pursuing a more leadership-oriented healthcare role, additional training and/or certifications may be required to achieve employment.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNPs) are advanced practice nurses who work with adults, from adolescence to advanced age. As opposed to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, AGPCNPs focus more on disease prevention, wellness and patient education.

AGPCNPs may work in a variety of settings including clinics, private practice, prisons, student health centers and rehabilitation centers. Some AGPCNPs pursue a specific focus within their field, such as diabetes, health policy, HIV/AIDS or palliative care.

AGPCNPs earn an average salary of $85,163 per year. In addition to the salary levels, people are often drawn to advanced nursing careers such as AGPCNPs for the opportunity to have greater independence; many work in private practice outside the supervision of a physician.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t calculate job growth statistics for AGPCNPs specifically, but it estimates that nurse practitioner positions as a whole will increase by 45 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Compassion
• Detail orientation

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) work with patients of all ages. Their duties are similar to those performed by physicians, including diagnosing and treating common medical issues and prescribing medications. An FNP is often a patient’s first point of contact within the medical system, with the ability to refer patients to specialists when necessary. FNPs frequently work alongside doctors in a cooperative practice.

Family Nurse Practitioners are generally DNP degree-holders who have completed an FNP concentration, though they may have also completed a residency or internship before starting their FNP careers.

The median salary for an FNP is $89,043, though after 10 years of experience that number is closer to $99,000. The BLS reports the outlook for nurse practitioner jobs (though not for FNPs specifically) is very strong. Jobs are expected to grow by 45 percent between 2019 and 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Leadership skills
• Attention to detail

Where AGPCNPs focus mainly on disease prevention, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) focus on treating illness. They generally work in hospitals (sometimes in labs, emergency rooms or intensive care units) or inpatient clinics, where they have the resources to treat acutely ill patients. Their goals include stabilizing patients, preventing complications, restoring health or providing palliative care. Duties include diagnosing patients, referring to specialists and providing or monitoring medications.

Pursuing a DNP with an AGACNP specialization is the general route to an AGACNP career. AGACNPs earn an average of $92,000 per year. Like other types of nurse practitioner jobs, the BLS predicts strong growth in the field. It estimates that nurse practitioner jobs as a whole will increase by 45percent between 2019 and 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Detail orientation
• Compassion
• Ability to thrive under pressure

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) work with children in the pediatrics ward of a hospital or other medical facility. They often work closely with physicians to treat young, chronically ill patients; helping administer or prescribe treatments, observing the effects of therapies, and diagnosing non-critical issues.

It’s important that PNPs are skilled at communicating with children, are able to listen to children and interpret the information they give, and are able to competently and compassionately interact with families.

BSN to DNP programs with a PNP specialization work to prepare graduates for advanced nursing careers as Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. PNPs earn an average salary of $87,000 per year. The BLS doesn’t calculate job growth data for PNPs specifically, but PNPs are included in the projections for nurse practitioners, which predicts jobs will grow by 45 percent between 2019 and 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Affinity for children
• Compassion
• Patience

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) work with patients who suffer from disorders such as ADHD, substance abuse, mood disorders or schizophrenia; helping patients recover from or learn to manage their illnesses.

They often work alongside psychiatrists, evaluating and monitoring patients’ progress, administering medications, and communicating with patients about the effectiveness of their treatment. It’s important than PMHNPs have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as communicating with both psychiatrists and patients is an integral part of their role.

To pursue an advanced nursing career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, you will first need to earn a DNP degree with a PMHNP focus. PMHNPs earn an average of $97,800 per year. That salary figure is closer to $110,000 after 10 to 20 years of experience. Specific BLS growth data for PMHNPs is not available, but jobs for nurse practitioners as a whole are expected to see 45 percent growth from 2019 to 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Compassion
• Patience

Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) work primarily in hospitals, directing nursing activities according to hospital procedures. They follow strict safety policies to protect patients, and they work with hospital leadership to develop effective patient care strategies and make changes to existing procedures.

Day-to-day duties include managing staff levels, developing and implementing emergency plans, supervising budgets, and planning the purchases of supplies and equipment. They are also involved in nurse training and are in charge of related orientation and educational programs.

A DNP degree is likely to make an individual a strong candidate for CNO positions, although a master’s degree would be the minimum requirement. CNOs earn an average salary of $124,000, according to the BLS, healthcare manager positions as a whole are expected to grow by 32 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Leadership skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Detail orientation

The Director of Nursing Services (DONS), also called a Director of Clinical Services, is responsible for overseeing a team that includes nursing staff, other clinical professionals and office staff.

The DONS is in charge of supervising, training and providing continuing education for staff. The DONS also creates budgets, ensures the company’s compliance with regulations and laws, and oversees the auditing of clinical services and records. The DONS reports to the CNO, and often oversees a specific department such as Oncology or Mental Health.

A DNP degree may prepare graduates for Director of Nursing Services roles, although a master’s degree is the minimum requirement. The average salary for a DONS is $85,000. While the BLS doesn’t calculate job growth for DONS specifically, but it projects that healthcare manager positions as a whole are expected to grow by 32 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Leadership skills
• Detail orientation
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills

A Chief Nurse Anesthetist, or CRNA, coordinates and supervises anesthetic procedures. The CRNA administers anesthesia to patients, often alongside a team that includes an anesthesiologist. CRNAs perform health assessments on patients, inform patients about their procedures, determine the type and quantity of anesthesia to administer, and monitor and adjust anesthesia during procedures.

CRNAs also possess strong leadership skills, playing a lead role in optimizing patient outcomes and meeting performance benchmarks. Strong communication skills are a must, as CRNAs seek to foster patient satisfaction and facilitate teamwork among other nurses. CRNAs also help coach other nurses regarding best practices and ethical concerns.

The emphasis on leadership skills in BSN to DNP programs often makes DNP degree-holders strong candidates for CRNA positions. CRNAs earn an average salary of approximately $181,040 — which explains why CRNA is among the most highly sought-after DNP careers.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Compassion
• Attention to detail
• Ability to thrive under pressure

The range of careers open to BSN to DNP graduates shows the value of a DNP degree. If you are interested in diving deeper into a specialization, are attracted by satisfying salary rates, desire greater autonomy and want leadership responsibilities — all these are generally reflected in advanced nursing careers.

A BSN to DNP program may be one of the fastest routes to achieving that career advancement. With advanced nursing careers across the board expected to see very strong growth for at least the next decade, there couldn’t be a better time to pursue a DNP degree.

Now that you’ve learned about the careers that may be waiting for you on the other side of a DNP degree, find out more about Maryville University’s accelerated online BSN to DNP program.

If you want more general information about courses included in BSN to DNP programs, take a look at this overview of a typical BSN to DNP curriculum.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook – Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Employment Statistics – Nurse Practitioners”