What concerns were raised about requiring a doctor of nursing practice degree for advanced-practice nurses?

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A young doctor or nurse uses a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to measure the blood pressure of an elderly man seated at a clinic office desk. — Nursing A nurse uses a sphygmomanometer to check a patient's blood pressure.

The proposal to require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree for advanced-practice nurses has faced several concerns regarding its implementation and impact on the healthcare system.1

Key concerns identified include:

Increased Educational Costs: The transition to longer programs of study results in higher costs for students.1
Faculty Shortages: During the early 21st century, there was a nationwide shortage of nursing school faculty. Observers expressed concern that the initial costs of educating DNP students under PhD-credentialed faculty would be challenging to manage.1
Systemic Financial Impact: Some critics worried that the U.S. healthcare system might face increased costs because DNP-prepared nurses may command higher salaries than those trained under the previous master’s-level system.1

Proponents of the DNP requirement argue that these challenges are offset by the benefits of the degree, noting that the additional preparation provides advanced clinical leadership and ensures that the latest scientific findings are effectively translated into patient services.1