Starting in the fall, doctor of nursing practice graduates will be able to take a certification test that proponents predict should become the standard for DNPs. The test, which is being developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, is based on the physician licensing exam. Such DNPs are comparable to primary care doctors in their diagnostic and disease management skills, proponents say. Physician groups, meanwhile, have suggested that while such certifications are good, DNPs should still be part of a team under physician supervision.
The certification drive comes as DNP graduation rates have started to climb. About 200 nursing schools are expected to offer a two-year DNP degree by 2015, or more than double the programs now in operation.
To learn more about the certification:
- read this AMNews article
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