Advanced Practice & Doctoral

Clinical Doctorates & Advanced Practice

Overview

Level 6 represents the pinnacle of non-physician clinical practice, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physician assistants (PAs), and clinical doctorate holders. These professionals provide autonomous or semi-autonomous patient care with prescriptive authority in many states.

Advanced practice providers play a critical role in addressing healthcare workforce shortages, particularly in primary care and underserved areas. Programs combine rigorous didactic education with extensive clinical rotations across multiple specialties.

Program Types Available

Nurse Practitioner Programs

FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, and specialty NP programs with full practice authority in many states.

Physician Assistant Programs

ARC-PA accredited programs with medical model education for collaborative practice across specialties.

DNP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice for highest clinical practice level with quality improvement and leadership focus.

CRNA Programs

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist doctoral programs for independent anesthesia practice.

Featured Programs

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Training Pipeline

Advanced practice nursing programs preparing Family NP, Adult-Gero NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and specialty NPs with prescriptive authority.

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Physician Assistant (PA) Programs

Training Pipeline

Intensive 2-3 year programs preparing physician assistants for collaborative practice with physicians across all medical specialties.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Training Pipeline

Clinical doctorate programs preparing nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare system improvement.

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Browse All Level 6 Programs

Quick Facts

Program Length: 2-4 Years
Education Stage: Doctoral/Professional
Average Cost: $60,000 - $180,000
Salary Range: $110,000 - $220,000

Typical Outcomes

Advanced practice licensure
Prescriptive authority
Clinical leadership roles
Autonomous/semi-autonomous practice

Next Steps

For those seeking the physician pathway, Level 7 represents medical school admission and the MD/DO track.

Explore Level 7