Which degree is a practice degree for nursing practice?

• A. DNP
• B. PhD
• C. Master's Ed.
• D. NLN Position Statement

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is recognizing the degree that is designed for advanced, practice-focused nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the degree built for nursing practice at the highest level, emphasizing applying evidence to clinical care, leading quality improvement, and shaping health care systems. It prepares clinicians to translate research into actual patient outcomes and to take on leadership roles in healthcare delivery. In contrast, a PhD in nursing is primarily research- and knowledge-creation oriented, aimed at generating new theories and conducting scholarly investigations rather than focusing on direct clinical practice. A Master of Science in Nursing is a master’s-level credential, not a doctoral degree, though it can prepare advanced clinical practice; it does not carry the same level of practice-focused leadership and system-improvement training as a DNP. An NLN Position Statement is a policy or guidance document, not a degree. Therefore, the degree that represents a practice-focused path in nursing is the Doctor of Nursing Practice.