The Jefferson Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) decided to move the level of preparation for advanced practice nurse (APN) roles from the master’s to the doctoral level. AACN also called for educating APNs and other nurses seeking top leadership and clinical roles in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs. AACN envisions the DNP degree as the terminal degree for advanced nursing practice by 2015.