No, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is not required to become a nurse practitioner (NP). A qualifying Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) remains an accepted pathway to NP certification and licensure. Although some nursing organizations advocate doctoral-level preparation, there is currently no nationwide DNP requirement for NPs.
The distinction matters when choosing between an MSN and a DNP program. Understanding the actual requirements can help you select an educational pathway that aligns with your goals.
What the Rules Actually Say About DNP Requirements
The confusion surrounding DNP requirements comes partly from treating professional recommendations, certification standards, and state licensing laws as though they’re the same thing. Each serves a different purpose.
AACN Recommends the DNP, but Does Not Set Licensure Requirements
In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorsed a position calling for advanced nursing practice education to transition from the master’s level to the doctoral level by 2015.
That target was not a federal mandate or a deadline imposed by state nursing boards. AACN is an influential nursing education organization, but it does not determine who qualifies for national NP certification or state licensure.
National NP Certification Does Not Require a DNP
National certification organizations establish eligibility requirements for their examinations. Two major NP certifying bodies explicitly recognize master’s-level preparation:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): Its certification FAQs confirm that eligible educational pathways include master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, and DNP degrees. ANCC also states that it has no current plans to require a DNP for certification.
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), operating as NPCB: Its certification FAQs recognize MSN, postgraduate certificate, and DNP candidates as eligible to apply for certification, subject to applicable requirements.
Applicants must still meet the applicable board’s educational, clinical, and other eligibility requirements. An MSN alone does not guarantee eligibility; the program must provide appropriate preparation for the intended NP certification.
State Nursing Boards Do Not Universally Require a DNP
State nursing boards establish requirements for NP licensure or authorization to practice. While those requirements vary, a DNP is not a nationwide prerequisite.
For example:
- Texas: The Texas Board of Nursing requires qualifying advanced practice nursing education and national certification consistent with the applicant’s role and population focus. Its requirements recognize graduate-level NP preparation without specifically mandating a DNP.
- California: The California Board of Registered Nursing recognizes qualifying master’s-level NP preparation. Its certification requirements do not specifically mandate a DNP.
These examples demonstrate why AACN’s recommendation should not be confused with a legal requirement. Before enrolling, prospective NPs should verify that their program meets the certification and licensure requirements for their intended specialty and state.
Why Do Some People Think the DNP Is Becoming Mandatory?
Although AACN’s original 2015 transition target passed without a nationwide mandate, other organizations have continued advocating doctoral preparation. In 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) committed to moving all entry-level NP education to the DNP by 2025, reaffirming that goal in 2023.
That deadline has also passed without a universal DNP requirement. Some universities have transitioned their NP programs from MSN to DNP pathways, but others continue to offer master’s-level preparation. Professional recommendations and individual universities’ decisions do not establish national certification or state licensure requirements.
MSN Now, DNP Now, or MSN-to-DNP Later?
Because a DNP isn’t mandatory for NP practice, prospective students have flexibility in choosing their educational path. The best option depends on how soon you want to enter practice, your budget, and whether doctoral education aligns with your long-term goals.
| Pathway | Potential advantages | Considerations |
| MSN now | Often a shorter, less expensive path to NP certification eligibility | Does not confer a doctoral degree; additional education is needed if you later want a DNP |
| DNP now | Combines initial NP preparation with doctoral-level coursework, often emphasizing leadership, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement | Generally requires more time and a larger financial commitment |
| MSN-to-DNP later | Allows you to pursue NP certification after your MSN and return for doctoral education when you’re ready | Requires a second program and may increase your total education costs |
If your immediate priority is becoming an NP, an MSN program may offer the most direct route. A DNP may make sense if you already know you want doctoral preparation and can accommodate the additional investment.
Earning an MSN first also preserves the option of pursuing a DNP later. However, MSN-to-DNP programs vary in their admission requirements and focus. Some are designed for already-certified APRNs, and not all offer preparation for a new NP specialty.
Another common source of confusion is the distinction between an NP and a DNP. These aren’t competing credentials: NP refers to a professional role, while DNP refers to an academic degree. Our guide to NP vs. DNP explains why the distinction matters.
Could a DNP Become Required for NPs in the Future?
It’s possible that DNP requirements could change in the future, but there is no established nationwide deadline for NPs to earn a doctorate.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing continues to support doctoral preparation for advanced nursing practice. However, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) explicitly states in its certification FAQs that its Commission on Board Certification “does not have plans to implement a DNP requirement.”
Future changes to certification or state licensure standards would need to come from the authorities responsible for those requirements, not simply from professional organizations recommending doctoral education.
Whether existing MSN-prepared NPs would be exempt from a future requirement would depend on how any new rules were written. For now, prospective students can make educational decisions based on current requirements rather than an anticipated mandate.
How to Choose an NP Program That Meets Current Requirements
Whether you pursue an MSN or DNP, the most important consideration is whether the program prepares you for certification and licensure in your intended NP specialty.
Before enrolling, verify that:
- The program holds appropriate accreditation. Check for nursing program accreditation recognized by the certification board you intend to use, such as CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA.
- The curriculum matches your intended NP role. A DNP program does not necessarily include initial NP preparation, and not every MSN program offers an NP specialty.
- Graduates meet certification eligibility requirements. Confirm that the program prepares students for an appropriate national NP certification examination.
- The program meets your state’s licensure requirements. Check with your state nursing board, particularly if you’re considering an out-of-state or online program.
An MSN remains a valid pathway to becoming an NP. The decision to pursue a DNP should reflect your educational and professional goals, not the mistaken assumption that a doctorate is universally required.
