Nurse Researcher vs. Nurse Scientist: What’s the Difference?

If you’re interested in finding solutions to better patient care, consider a career as a nurse researcher or nurse scientist. While the two job titles can sound interchangeable, there are some differences between them.

This guide covers the similarities and differences between the nurse researcher vs. nurse scientist roles, the duties and responsibilities, how to enter the fields, and salary and career growth information. Discover which career may be the best choice for you.

Both nurse researchers and nurse scientists are involved in clinical research studies. But, nurse researchers typically carry out research, write reports, and present their findings.

In contrast, nurse scientists take on leadership roles in designing studies, supervising research, and publishing findings. Nurse researchers can enter the field with a master’s degree in nursing, while nurse scientists must hold a nursing doctorate.

Both nurse researchers and nurse scientists work to improve patient outcomes, advance evidence-based practice, and disseminate their findings. Nurse scientists tend to have more responsibility than nurse researchers.

Nurse scientists formulate, design, develop, and manage research projects and serve as faculty members at teaching hospitals. Nurse researchers also take on leadership roles but conduct research on topics directed by their employers.

There may be overlapping job functions for nurse researchers and nurse scientists. Generally, nurse researchers collect and analyze patient information and data for clinical research studies. They may also provide patient care. Nurse scientists develop and implement studies and programming and serve as leaders, mentors, and educators.

Nurse researchers and nurse scientists start their careers as registered nurses (RNs). They may hold a nursing diploma, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

A BSN is required to enter graduate nursing programs, and RNs with ADNs can earn their BSNs by completing RN-to-MSN bridge programs in about 2-3 years. To become licensed RNs, nurses take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Because nurse scientists need a doctoral nursing degree, their average salary tends to be higher than nurse researchers.

Both nurse researchers and scientists focus on expanding the knowledge base of patient care, evidence-based practice, and improved patient outcomes. When considering which path to follow, take into account how much time and money to spend on your education.

RNs with BSNs can earn their nursing master’s degrees in as soon as two years (sometimes even sooner) and begin their new careers earlier. The additional time to earn a doctorate may be worth it if you’re interested in advanced leadership roles and teaching in a university hospital setting.

The higher income potential for Ph.D. in nursing science holders may justify the additional 4-6 years to earn the degree.

Determine whether you’re interested more in an academic or clinical focus and publishing research. Nurse researchers may work more closely with patients in clinical trials, while nurse scientists lead and educate teams of researchers and students.

Page Last Reviewed on December 13, 2022