I see more and more colleagues going back to school for their DNP. I always scratch my head and ask “why?” Is having the title of Doctor that important? I see no other point to it. Is 1-2 years of some research project and mumbo jumbo classes going to benefit you in the real world? I don’t think so…

But I hear that it improves your ability to practice “evidence based medicine” and to interpret research and clinical studies better. Really? You need to go to school for that? It is not difficult to read a study or a guideline and implement it into your practice…

Ah, nursing… lets over complicate things…

If it was clinically oriented I could see utility to it, but even then you can learn most things on your own these days. There is a wealth of information online.

I am looking at a DNP curriculum as I write this. Health Policy for Advanced Nurse Practice? Promoting Health Behavior? Advanced Leadership in Healthcare? Nursing Informatics? Are you serious? What is this BS?

It is difficult to teach how to be a true leader. Most leaders are born with that talent. How does health policy help you in your day to day clinical activities? Need help learning how to promote health? It’s called diet and exercise…

How do these classes and a large thesis project really benefit your life? Please enlighten me with a comment if it has.

Also factor in the cost and time. These programs average around $20,000 or more, that is a large chunk of change… Most programs are 12-24 months in duration for the MSN to DNP. So you will be working plus dedicating a majority of your free time to school.

$20,000 + 12-24 months = Doctor title and to be able to practice “evidence based medicine.”

If that is important to you or you need the education, then go for it.

If your objective is financial independence and you have a head on your shoulders though, don’t waste your time or money.

Instead, I propose another equation.

$20,000 + 12-24 months = multiple income generating side businesses.

In the time it takes to get your DNP, you can open up 2 profitable part time businesses generating an extra $10,000 a month on the side.

So you pick: $10,000 a month side income and more freedom OR more debt and 2 wasted years of your short time on this earth to be called “doctor?”

If you choose doctor, then I will tip my hat your direction while sipping wine on my mountain cabin porch enjoying my financial independence being retired at 52 years of age. So my hat is off to you doctor! I have vacations to plan and life to live…