DNP More Expensive Than MD?
When I think of how the economy is affecting NPs' decisions to pursue a doctor of nursing practice degree, two scenarios come immediately to mind: Someone who has recently lost a job might decide that now is the perfect time to go back to school. Alternatively, someone who has a job might be reluctant to leave it and pay those tuition charges.
Well, here's an example of more complex influences of the economy on that decision. A report from the Seattle Eyewitness News Web site, kirotv.com, states that tuition at University of Washington nursing programs is rising to cover $1 million in budget cuts.
Here's what the report says: "But for now, the nursing program will cost students more than $26,000 a year. That makes it more expensive than studying to become a doctor. Medical school tuition is now just under $21,000 a year." The article doesn't elaborate on what "the nursing program" includes.
One DNP student says she'll be hit especially hard, since her employer is eliminating tuition reimbursement just as the increase goes into effect. Her tuition is rising from $650 per quarter to $6,800.