phd in nursing how long

Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy

School of nursing.

The goal of the PhD program at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is to prepare the leaders in nursing science development. Graduates will be prepared for careers as nurse scholars to conduct research that advances the discipline of nursing, health, and health care quality. The school offers an individualized program in selected areas of research congruent with student’s area of interest and the expertise of the research faculty. A key feature of the program is an intensive mentored research experience with an active investigator who has an established program of funded research. In addition to the diverse research interests of the School of Nursing faculty, students have access to the entire Johns Hopkins University, which fosters interdisciplinary and international research projects.

Quality is the defining characteristic of academic life at Johns Hopkins and the School of Nursing. Each student completes a core curriculum and works closely with a faculty advisor to complete an individualized course of study that fulfills the student’s goals and develops the basis for a program of research. The length of the program is expected to be the equivalent of four to five years of full-time study. Students must complete the program within 7 years. The Doctor of Philosophy of Nursing (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy Nursing (PhD) pathway* can be done in less than 4 years. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Pathway

This program is a full time PhD program for those who have already completed a DNP Program. Now advance your DNP project’s research from clinical implementation to scientific discovery with a PhD in Nursing from Johns Hopkins and get credit for the work you’ve already done. You may carry over 9 elective credit hours from your DNP program to the PhD program. This reduces the elective credit load to 10 instead of 19 elective credits for the PhD program. With this decreased course load the degree program can potentially be completed in 3 years based on growth from prior DNP work, but that is not a requirement of the program. Please follow the overview, requirements, sample program and learning outcomes as written for the PhD program for all aspects of the DNP to PhD pathway.

Funding for PhD Program

Qualified students interested in the PhD program may be eligible to receive tuition, JHU health insurance and stipend support through the School of Nursing. Complete information is available by contacting the PhD Program Administrator at  [email protected]  

Please Note: In the following Curriculum and Plans of Study, School of Public Health courses (PH.XXX.XXX) are offered on the quarter system and are depicted here as [credits & units] and count accordingly in each school.  The course directory for the Public Health courses (PH) is available at SPH Course Directory 

Summer Registration

PhD students register for all fall and spring semesters from matriculation to degree completion. The only exceptions are students on an approved leave of absence.

Students will register for the summer semester if they:

• take a course;
• request to complete the preliminary oral exam;
• defend their dissertation; or
• graduate (F1 Visa Students).

Students who successfully defended their dissertation within the spring semester, but who will graduate in the summer semester, are not required to register (with the exception of F1 Visa Students).

If a student is not registered for other summer coursework, registering for 1 credit of Dissertation Research is typically sufficient for the summer semester for those students planning their dissertation defense in the summer semester.

Students should work with their faculty mentor, PhD Program Director, and the Registrar’s Office to determine their appropriate student status given their activities during the semester. All students should register prior to the first day of classes in all terms.

PhD Program Research Residency Guidelines

The research residency is an important pedagogical aspect of the PhD program regardless of funding source or student status, full or part time. Students should commit to a research residency each semester – including summer - across the entire period of baseline funding from the JHSON. The purpose of the research residency requirement for the PhD program is to provide full time students with research training. The goal of the research residency is for the student to have experiences in aspects of research that will facilitate embarking on a career of research and scholarship. Given that publication is a vital outcome of any PhD program, the research residency mechanism is an ideal one from which to publish. It is important to point out that not all research training experiences will be the same.

• An average of 15 hours per week (-) should be devoted to the research residency and are covered by the program funding. Ideally, the student will be a part of a research team. Timesheets are available from the PhD Program Administrator to assist in tracking these hours. After completing the required research residency hours, students may choose to serve as an RA for additional time for compensation.
• The range of experiences may include but are not limited to: conceptualization of a study, grant writing, review of literature, data collection, data management, data analysis, preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and laboratory experiences.
• It is highly desirable that the student participates in a variety of research endeavors throughout the residency. There is benefit to be gained from spending “time at task”.
• It is important to have realistic and objective goals and outcomes to both ensure that there are meaningful research training experiences and that research training experiences are documented in the student portfolio.
• The student and mentor shall devise research training goals for full time year around research training experience as well as each semester the student is a research trainee. It is also recommended that the overall goals are reviewed each semester.
• Measurable outcomes addressing each goal should be articulated and monitored for achievement. Outcomes that are salient may include: the development of protocols, publications, presentations, and objective evidence of the above-mentioned range of experiences or other experiences that are deemed appropriate.
• The development of goals and objectives is similarly important for this research training experience.
• Evidence of a successful time away from the primary research mentor would include similar measurable outcomes as described above.
• Exceptions for this requirement can be considered on a case by case basis. Please consult with the PhD Program Director.
• Research residency hours should be proportional to the number of credit hours, e.g., 5 – 10 hour per week
• Flexibility in the requirements for part time students is important. Examples of times during which research experiences can be suggested include semester breaks, weekends, evenings, and during the summer.
• The JH requirement for two successive semesters of full time study will facilitate a similar 15 hour per week research experience during this time for part time students.

PhD Program Teaching Residency Guidelines

Every PhD Student will serve as Teaching Assistant (TA) for at least one course without compensation prior to graduation. The required TA experience will be up to 10 hours per week. After completing their required TA residency, students may choose to serve as a TA for additional courses for compensation.

The purpose of the TA experience is to advance the student’s socialization into the teaching role of the faculty member. Program Directors will determine the availability and approval of courses to count toward the TA experience. Specific learning objectives for the required TA experience will be developed by the student with input from the student’s PhD advisor and the mentoring course coordinator. Learning activities may include but are not limited to:

• Course planning and syllabus development
• Leading interactive learning exercises,
• Using of information technologies to facilitate learning
• Measuring student mastery of knowledge and skills
• Test construction and item analysis
• Assigning and grading papers
• Development of teaching strategies for a class with students of varying abilities
• Determining student grades
• Evaluating student satisfaction
• Participating in curriculum planning and evaluation meetings
• Working with others to plan and conduct an educational research project.
• Working with others to publish a paper on a course or teaching method.
• Attending a national or international nursing education conference

Students should be able to articulate how their teaching and learning philosophy is grounded in their philosophy of the human person. Other areas of critical inquiry and reflection may include theories of learning; duties of teachers and students; virtues of teachers and students; and the objective of the education of nurses at all three levels.

Students considering The Nurse Educator Certificate Option (NECO) should discuss with their advisor whether to apply one of their teaching residencies to the teaching practicum ( NR.110.543 Teaching Practicum ) which is optional within the NECO.

Evaluation: Upon completion of each assigned course, the graduate TA and the faculty of the graduate TA are expected to submit their evaluations to the Academic Program Administrator. Completed evaluations will be discussed at the PhD Curriculum Committee to monitor the quality of TA experiences and also will be shared with relevant Program Directors to be considered for future TA assignments. TAs and the respective faculty member should be encouraged to include metrics in their course evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the TA.

PhD Student Scholarly Progression

PhD students are required to achieve various milestones (see below) in progressing through the program that culminate in the dissertation. These processes serve to assure quality of the scholarship and rigor of the scientific process. Progress/milestones completed will be reviewed in year 3 to approve additional funding of tuition and stipend in year 4.

• Annual Review with advisor
• Annual Review with Dissertation Committee members
• Comprehensive Examination
• Preliminary Oral Examination
• Final Defense

Johns Hopkins University Mentoring Expectations 

Please see the new Johns Hopkins University Mentoring Expectations and the new Johns Hopkins University Policy on Mentoring Commitments for PhD Students and Faculty from the Provost's Office.

Annual Review with PhD advisor

• Conducted in the Spring semester annually as the student prepares to complete an academic year (generally late March – early May)
• Individual development plan
• NIH Biosketch /CV
• Clinical research skills checklist
• Complete online submission of progress ( student and advisor ) to release registration hold in SIS. 

Annual Review with Dissertation Committee

• Once the student has entered into candidacy, an annual meeting with the full dissertation committee is highly recommended
• A review of student progress – academically and scientifically – along with additional development opportunities should be discussed

Challenges in study implementation should be reviewed, and the committee should offer support to help the student overcome the challenge or refine the study as appropriate

PhD Comprehensive Examination

PhD  Comprehensive Exam  Application

• Students must have completed year one required nursing classes and statistics course work, totaling 24 credit hours, to sit for the Comprehensive Examination (with the exception of NR.110.827 Grant Writing and NR.110.891 Responsibilities & Activities of the Nurse Scientist , which need not be taken prior to this examination).
• Students must be registered the semester prior to the examination and have all incompletes cleared from their record in order to take the Comprehensive Examination.
• Purpose: The purpose of the written comprehensive examination is to validate the student’s ability and skills to generate, synthesize, and critically analyze knowledge relevant to the discipline of nursing. Questions related to required nursing and statistics courses are administered by the program in Canvas. 
• The examination is offered the first week of June. All students are tested on the same days.
• Students desiring to take the examination meet with their advisors to review eligibility and assure that all requirements have been met.
• With the approval of the advisor, 30 days or more before the scheduled examination, the student completes the “Comprehensive Examination Application Form” and submits it to the PhD Program Director for approval. A copy of the approval form is kept on file in the students’ personal folder in the PhD Program Director’s office.
• The PhD Program Director informs the PhD Curriculum Committee members of those students approved to take the Comprehensive Examination three weeks before the examination.
• The PhD program office shall inform those taking the examination of its time and place and shall proctor the examination.
• Students not taking the examination when scheduled due to personal reasons are not penalized and need only to reschedule.
• Part A is given on Day 1 and is to be completed in 4 hours. Part B is given on Day 2 and is to be completed in 4 hours.
• Students are required to type answers and submit exam answers via Canvas using Turnitin to the Program Administrator prior to 5p ET.
• Students may access previously assembled references and materials, but are not to access the internet for searches. The use of reference or bibliography databases (such as endnote or reference manager) is not permitted.
• Students should critically analyze and synthesize information in a logical manner, citing major authors.
• Students should structure their time to incorporate any needed breaks.
• The PhD Curriculum Committee appoints the examination committee from Program faculty. The committee includes at least three members, one member having taught in the core theory sequence and one member having taught in the core research design and methods sequence.
• The Program Director and Associate Program Director chair the 2 sections of the exam.
• The committee develops integrating questions for the examination focusing on required nursing and statistics courses. The questions should test students’ ability to synthesize nursing theory and research and statistics application.
• The grade for each question is fail, conditional pass, or pass. To pass the examination, the student must receive a pass or higher score from a majority of the examination committee on all questions. The criteria for adequate completion of the examination are intended to facilitate the judgment of the Comprehensive Examination Committee as to whether the candidate has responded adequately to the questions.
• Reflect accurate, consistent, and appropriate application of concepts to the situation presented in the question.
• Show evidence of in-depth application and synthesis of the content of the courses.
• Reflect the appropriate use of references, e.g., statistical texts for statistical issues, and peer-reviewed journal papers.
• Students are informed of their results in writing within 60 days after completion of the examination. The letter is copied to the student’s advisor, the chair of the PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee, and the Registrar’s Office. If the student fails to pass any component of the Comprehensive Exam, the letter is also copied to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Further feedback on students’ performance may be obtained from their advisors.
• A student who fails the examination may repeat it once. The student should contact their academic advisor to discuss their academic difficulties and may be asked to write a letter to the chair of the PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee communicating any information including their plan for improvement.
• The repeat examination must be completed within one year of the original examination.
• The appeal process for grades applies to this examination.

PhD Preliminary Oral Examination

PhD Preliminary Oral Exam Form

• complete all required and elective coursework;
• have all incompletes cleared from their record;
• have completed the Johns Hopkins University Residency requirement of 2 consecutive semesters, fall and spring, full-time study; and
• be registered the semester of the examination, this includes summer semester.
• At least three of the five faculty members must be tenure track at the rank of assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor.  This may include full time or part time faculty , visiting faculty , or emeritus faculty if they also hold the titles of assistant, associate, or full professor.
• Three of the five members must be from the candidate’s home department (SON).  One of these must be at the Associate Professor level or higher.
• One (1) of the two outside faculty members must be within Johns Hopkins University, full-time tenure track holding rank of Professor, Associate Professor or Emeritus Professor who serves as Chair of the examination committee .
• One (1) committee member from any department at the University (outside of the SON) or outside of the University pending committee approval
• For DNP/PhD students, because the oral exam stands in place of the DNP exam, it is expected that the student’s DNP advisor will be a voting member of the committee.

Note: With approval, there is an option for a 6 th , non-voting member.  This option is likely to be most relevant for DNP/PhD students. 

• Purpose of Preliminary Oral Examination: The purpose of a preliminary examination is to test the depth and breadth of the student’s knowledge and reasoning abilities. The scope of such an examination cannot, nor should it be, sharply defined. The examination committee can gain a feeling for the limits of the examination by a review of the candidate’s formal course record and by knowledge of the school, group, department, or committee requirements (e.g., whether specific minor as well as major subjects are to be included). Preliminary Oral Examinations are closed to all but the candidate and examination committee members. (Students are encouraged to arrange for a “Dry Run” presentation for colleagues and faculty input prior to exam.)

     Students should refer to relevant oral examination guidelines under PhD Program Dissertation and Final Oral Examination.

• Chair Selection: The Examination Committee chair will be the most senior ranking member of the committee, at or above the level of Associate Professor within the University but outside the School of Nursing. If two members have the same ranks, the chair is the one who has been in that rank the longest. However, if the most senior member is also the student’s advisor/co-advisor, the second most senior-ranked member will be the Examination Committee chair.
• Faculty that do not have an earned Research Doctorate (e.g., DNP, MD), are not tenure-eligible (e.g., Practice-Education Track), or are from outside the University, must have Curriculum Vitae (CV) submitted to School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee for approval.  This approval is only required the first time they serve on a SON committee.
• Each committee may include only 1 member who is not on faculty at Johns Hopkins University. Faculty members at other institutions and adjunct faculty must be reviewed and approved by the School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee prior to participation in the Oral Examination.
• SON faculty members are defined as those having primary appointment in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing or who are assigned as the Faculty advisor.

Duties of the Chair

• Preside at the examination.
• Determine the scope, character, and conduct of the examination before the questioning begins.
• Determine time allotments to inside and outside members of the committee.
• Report the results of the examination to the candidate.
• Notify the Chair, Faculty advisor and Academic Program Administrator of inability to appear at designated time.
• Participate in the examination process.
• Notify the Committee chair, faculty advisor and Academic Program Administrator of inability to appear at designated time.
• Participate in the examination process as a committee member if one of the serving members of the committee fails to appear on the date of the examination.
• Alternate members not called to serve as committee members may attend the examination if they wish to do so, but may not ask questions or vote.
• Dissertation Committee Optional Role: External Reader: An external reader is an individual with an earned research or clinical doctorate who offers additional content and/or methodological expertise but is not a regular member of the dissertation committee. Attendance at the dissertation oral examination is not required for the external reader. If in attendance, they may participate in the private portion of the exam at the discretion of the chair, but cannot vote on the outcome of the exam. In addition, the external reader may not be present during the voting.
• Length of Examination: Examination process will start with a 20-minute presentation on the topic of the student’s proposed dissertation research. The chair will ask for questions from the committee. The student will respond until all members of the committee have completed their questions. The committee will vote by private ballot on its evaluation of the examination with majority ruling. (Total examination period is expected to be about 2 hours.)
• If the candidate receives an unconditional pass (a majority of favorable votes), the committee is to be considered discharged.
• If the candidate receives a conditional pass, the removal of the condition is to be reported to the School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee by the chair in writing, after which the committee is considered discharged.
• No re-examination.
• Re-examination by the same committee.
• Re-examination in written form and conducted by the same committee.
• Re-examination by a new committee. If the recommendation is for a new committee, at least one outside member of the original committee shall be appointed to the new committee. The committee may recommend whatever action in its judgment seems desirable, taking into consideration the background of the student, their prior performance and future potential, and reactions to oral questioning. The School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee will be guided by these recommendations and will assume responsibility for whatever actions are taken. Stipulations and/or Re-examination: If there is a recommendation for re-examination, the examination can be repeated once, but only once, and must be repeated within one calendar year. The committee may also make recommendations for the conduct of the proposed research that do not affect the outcome of the examination; the student’s advisor will help them incorporate such recommendations into the proposal.

Faculty who do not have an earned Research Doctorate (e.g., DNP, MD), are not tenure-eligible (e.g., Practice-Education Track), or are from outside the University, must have Curriculum Vitae (CV) submitted to School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee for approval

Each committee may include only 1 member who is not on faculty at Johns Hopkins University. Faculty members at other institutions and adjunct faculty must be reviewed and approved by the School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee prior to participation in the Oral Examination. Occasionally, one adjunct or one scientist faculty member, but not both, may serve on the Committee. Neither may serve as the Chair.

SON faculty members are defined as those having primary appointment in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

Each committee may include only 1 member who is not on faculty at Johns Hopkins University. Faculty members at other institutions and adjunct faculty must be reviewed and approved by the School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee prior to participation in the Oral Examination. Occasionally, one adjunct or one scientist faculty member, but not both, may serve on the Committee. Neither may serve as the Chair. 

PhD Program Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

PhD Program Dissertation and Final Oral Examination Form

• Student status: PhD candidates in the School of Nursing must be registered for at least 3 credits per semester (not including summer, unless defending during the summer semester) after passing the preliminary oral examination until taking the final oral examination. Specifically, students are to take no less than NR.110.890 Dissertation Seminar Dissertation Seminar, 1 credit, and NR.110.899 Dissertation Dissertation Research, 2 credits, both fall and spring semester unless they are on an approved leave of absence. The student must be registered the semester prior to the examination. All students must complete all requirements for the PhD Degree within seven (7) years of matriculation (excluding any Leaves of Absence).  Nota Bene: If students are the holders of a research training grant (such as NRSA), they must also comply with the academic requirements of that award.
• Consult with the advisor regarding the composition of the Dissertation Committee.
• Procure agreement of the faculty members to serve on the Examination Committee and arrange a time suitable to all members (including alternates) at least 60 days before the exam.
• Initiates Oral Exam for the PhD Degree form to obtain approval of Dissertation Committee composition and members from the PhD Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee at least 60 days in advance of the exam. The Oral Exam for the PhD Degree form should be accompanied by CVs of proposed dissertation committee members meeting any of the following criteria: (a) holds a non-Research Doctorate, (b) not tenured or tenure-eligible at Johns Hopkins University, or (c) does not have a primary faculty appointment at Johns Hopkins University. Form and accompanying CV(s) should be submitted to the PhD Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee for approval at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled exam. Exams with forms submitted less than 60 days in advance of the scheduled exam, if approved under special circumstances, will automatically be held remotely.
• Obtains JHMIRB approval or Animal Research Committee approval (with advisor as PI of record) before initiating dissertation research.
• Executes research under the supervision of dissertation advisor.
• Keeps advisor informed of progress while conducting research, requesting meetings with advisor and Dissertation Committee members as appropriate.
• Writes the dissertation according to the “SON Guidelines for Writing the PhD Dissertation.”
• After obtaining advisor’s approval, initiates preliminary scheduling for Final Oral Examination, working with the Academic Program Administrator to coordinate program support and final scheduling.
• Submit dissertation to Dissertation Committee at least 3 weeks before anticipated Final Oral Examination.
• After approval of the dissertation, submit final version to the Sheridan Library’s Electronic Thesis & Dissertation (EDT) Program.
• Prepares a manuscript to include at least some of the results of the dissertation to be submitted to an appropriate journal before graduation.
• Purpose of Dissertation and Final Oral Examination: While the purpose of the preliminary oral examination is to test the depth and breadth of the student’s knowledge and reasoning abilities in areas germane to the dissertation, the major focus of the final oral examination is the dissertation. Questions should be relevant to or based on the dissertation research including implications of the results.
• Chair Selection: The Examination Committee chair will be the most senior ranking member of the committee, at or above the level of Associate Professor within the University but outside the School of Nursing.  If two members have the same rank, the chair is the one who has been in that rank the longest. However, if the most senior member is also the student’s advisor/co-advisor, the second most senior-ranked member will be the Examination Committee chair.
• Determine the scope, character, and conduct of the examination before the questioning begins in concert with the Dissertation Chair (advisor).
• Determine time allotments to members of the committee.
• The chair is responsible for enforcing time limits and not exceeding 2 hours in total.
• The student advisor reports the results of the examination to the PhD Program Director and the Executive Vice Dean immediately after the examination on the form provided for this purpose.
• Alternate members not called to serve as committee members may attend the examination if they wish to do so, but may not ask questions or vote. Dissertation Committee Optional Role – External Reader: An external reader is an individual with an earned research or clinical doctorate who offers additional content and/or methodological expertise but is not a regular member of the dissertation committee. Attendance at the dissertation oral examination is not required for the external reader. If in attendance, they may participate in the private portion of the exam at the discretion of the chair but cannot vote on the outcome of the exam. The external reader is not present during the voting. Length of Examination: The examination process will begin with a 30-minute public presentation followed by 30 minutes of questions from the audience (Total of 1 hour for the Public Portion). The committee then meets in private with the candidate for questions (Total Time of 2 hours for the Private Portion). The chair will ask for questions from the committee. The student will respond until all members of the committee have completed their questions. The committee will vote by private ballot on its evaluation of the examination with majority ruling (total time of exam not to exceed 3 hours).
• If the candidate receives a conditional pass, the exact terms of the condition are to be reported on the examination form, i.e., what course(s), if any, need to be taken, in what time frame the condition(s) should be met, and any other pertinent information that will point out clearly to both the student and the faculty how to satisfy the condition(s). As soon as all conditions have been met, the chair of the Examination Committee must report the removal of the condition in writing to the Doctor of Philosophy Board. The committee is then discharged. The removal of the condition is to be reported to the PhD Program Director and the Executive Vice Dean by the Dissertation Committee chair via the written “Reader’s Report,” after which the committee is considered discharged.
• Re-examination by a new committee. If the recommendation is for a new committee, at least one outside member of the original committee shall be appointed to the new committee.
• The two committee members designated by the PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee as Doctor of Philosophy Board Readers will be responsible for approving the final Readers’ Report after the student has finished all revisions. The report shall be submitted to the School of Nursing Registrar’s Office with a copy to the PhD Program Director and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Faculty who do not have an earned Research Doctorate (e.g., DNP, MD), are not tenure-eligible (e.g., Practice-Education Track), or are from outside the University, must have Curriculum Vitae (CV) submitted to School of Nursing PhD Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee for approval.

Steps of Successful Completion of Final Oral Exam

• Make edits to the written dissertation with guidance from the advisor and committee
• Send  a copy of the final abstract and title to the Academic Program Administrator ([email protected])
• Send a copy of  CV and post-graduation plans to the Academic Program Administrator  ([email protected])
• Make sure to read the submission check list: https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-services/electronic-theses-dissertations/submission-checklist/
• Submit dissertation to the library (directions included in link above)
• Students must submit completed edits of an electronic copy of the dissertation to the Welch library and receive a receipt from the library confirming that the electronic thesis has been accepted by the deadline for the current semester when they defend. If unable to do so, they will have to register for one credit of dissertation seminar for the semester following the defense.
• Forward  a copy of the library receipt to the Academic Program Administrator ([email protected])
• The application for graduation is available online via SIS. https://sis.jhu.edu/sswf/

Dissertation Guidelines for Manuscript Format

• Integrated knowledge of field, identification of gaps in the selected science and provision of a theoretical foundation for the research

Chapters 2-4: Manuscripts 1, 2, 3

• Concise summary tying work together
• Discussion of the contribution this research makes to the related field of science (new knowledge)
• Complete list of references

Appendices (optional):

• Analysis not in manuscripts (tables, and/or narrative)
• Instruments
• Methods details not in the manuscript
• A minimum of three manuscripts ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal
• Student must be first author
• Subject must be student’s original research
• Subject to approval of Dissertation Committee
• Literature review article
• Methodological
• Concept analysis and/or theory application
• Instrument development
• Results May also be results from three separate but related experiments
• Timing: Articles must be produced while the student is matriculated in the SON PhD Program

Example of Reference List Format

American Psychological Association (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

(7th Ed.). Washington, DC: APA.

Gross, D., Alhusen, J., & Jennings, B.M. (2012). Authorship ethics with the dissertation manuscript option.

Research in Nursing & Health , 35, 431-434.

International Committee on Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) (2010) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts

Submitted to Biomedical Journals , www.icmje.org/urm_main.html , Accessed on November 25, 2012.

Mangiardi J.R. & Pellegrino E.D. (1992). Collegiality: What is it? Bulletin of the New York Academy of

Medicine , 68(2), 292-296.

McCammon S.D. & Brody H. (2012). How virtue ethics informs medical professionalism. Health Education

Forum, Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print]

To comply with copyright law, it is important that you do not include journal proofs or printed articles unless you receive permission from the journal in which your work has been published. You should include the word processing format (i.e., MSWord) in the dissertation. Be sure to include the full citation for the manuscript, indicating it has been published, has been accepted for publication, or under review as appropriate.

Program Requirements

PhD students will be required to repeat a course if they earn a grade below a B (83%) for core nursing courses, and a grade below a C (73%) in non-nursing core courses. PhD students can repeat more than one course one time.

Electives can be taken through any division of Johns Hopkins University including the School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, and all of the Social Science Departments. Some SON elective courses are offered every other year. Please check with the Academic Program Coordinator regarding course offerings. Independent study credits do not count toward the 19 credits of electives required. Students may apply up to 6 credits of a 500 level course offering (in or outside the SON) toward their doctoral program requirements. The PhD Curriculum Committee has assigned 9 credits for the completion of the NIH Summer Genetics Institute, which may be applied to the PhD Program elective requirement.

Sample Program of Study

Electives can be taken through any division of Johns Hopkins University including the School of Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, and all of the Social Science Departments. Some SON elective courses are offered every other year. Please check with the Academic Program Coordinator regarding course offerings. Independent study credits do not count towards the 19 elective credits of electives required. Students my apply up to 6 credits of 500 level course offering (in or outside the SON) toward their doctoral program requirements. The PhD Curriculum has assigned 9 credits for the completion of the NIH Summer Genetics Institute, which may be applied to the PhD Program elective requirement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from the PhD program, students will:

• Possess knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytic approaches that will enable them to conduct research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing science, health, and health care.
• Assume a leadership role in nursing and in the broader arena of health care both nationally and internationally.

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The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Importantly, much of our research is focused on health disparity populations with the long-term goal of informing health policy and clinical practice across the lifespan.

Columbia Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.

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Our PhD program provides students with an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing science and a strong foundation in research methods (design, statistics, measurement, quantitative and qualitative methods) for clinical, translational and health services research. All students are mentored by research advisors with active programs of research as they move toward independent research and assume the roles of doctorally prepared nurse scientists.  

As a Columbia Nursing PhD student, you will learn to:

• Design, conduct, and report multidisciplinary research studies that increase knowledge to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across the lifespan
• Advance the state of the science in a substantive area of research through application of innovative and rigorous methods
• Promote health and well-being for individuals and families in the context of their communities
• Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for delivery of health service
• Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple levels

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Nursing enjoys a unique collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and the College of Dental Medicine. CUIMC provides myriad opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in research . 

The PhD curriculum builds on the foundation of nursing science by bringing together practice, policy, translational research, and leadership. The core courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct relevant and well-designed research studies. Electives strengthen an area of clinical interest or intensify understanding of a specific research or analytic method. 

Both post-master's and post-BSN students admitted to the program will complete a minimum of 57 credits. The curriculum plan is designed to make it possible to complete the program in three years for those students with clearly defined plans for their dissertation research.

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

• Theoretical foundations of nursing science
• Analytical foundations of nursing science
• Electives and application

Students must be registered as full-time for the duration of the program (typically three to four years). The minimum number of semester credits in required coursework is 37 (four semesters) for eligibility to progress to the qualifying exam. Six of the 37 credits required to be completed prior to the qualifying examination are elective courses tailored to the student’s dissertation topic and/or dissertation methods. The PhD program requires nine credits of elective courses. A minimum of 57 total credits is required for program completion. 

Concurrent with Coursework

• Research Experience (participating in faculty research projects and/or a research practicum)
• Research Faculty Training

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Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination helped me to combine the content I learned in my courses and my research interests so I could further articulate my research question. Performing a scoping review on my topic of interest immersed me in the current literature and was crucial to the development of my dissertation. This experience prepared me to successfully work independently through the rest of my Ph.D.

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination with written and oral components. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded after successful completion of the qualifying examination and the student enters doctoral candidacy status.

Dissertation

Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation reporting original research. Four dissertation credits are required each semester during the dissertation phase of study. 

Scholarship Expectations

My advisor and the Columbia Nursing faculty provided me exceptional guidance throughout the PhD program to extend my learning beyond the classroom with the goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist. I learned valuable skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a NIH-funded predoctoral training award, present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals with good impact factors.

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

• Publication: At least one manuscript published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
• Grantsmanship: At least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or organization.
• Presentation: At least one abstract submitted for presentation as a poster or oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting.
• Networking: Student will attend at least one regional or national research meeting.

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

The coursework and research mentoring at Columbia Nursing helped prepare me for the next steps in my education and career post-PhD. In addition to structured coursework and educational seminars, the school provided beneficial informal support and resources. Feedback sessions with both peers and faculty were very helpful in preparing me to present posters and presentations at research conferences. The school also provided funds for travel to conferences where I presented my research. The grant writing workshop and mock reviews of grant applications provided me with tools and feedback needed to successfully apply for additional funding for my research. Finally, interdisciplinary research collaborations with faculty provided me with opportunities to work with researchers from several disciplines to complete my dissertation.

Melissa Beauchemin, PhD '19, MS '10, RN

PhD Student Handbook

The Columbia Nursing PhD student handbook provides information to aid doctoral students in planning coursework and proceeding through all phases of the program.

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What is it like to be a PhD student at Columbia Nursing?

Required courses (excluding electives).

Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda.

Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.

The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research project. The specific nature of the experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include search and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.

This course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are associated with dissertation research.

This foundational course will examine the philosophy of nursing knowledge including foundations of nursing theory, concept development, and its application to research. Students will explore approaches to the analysis and development of concepts and the application of nursing concepts and frameworks to clinical practice and research. Ideas, assumptions, events, people, and writings are examined for their influence, inter-relationships, and significance to nursing. Types of reasoning will be evaluated within the context of nursing and health. Major theories, frameworks, and concepts of nursing and health and their implication for research will be discussed. The focus of the course will be on development of critical thinking skills in analyzing key elements of philosophies, concepts, and conceptual frameworks.

In this foundational course students will study the links between theory and the psychosocial and biophysical measures used in nursing research.  Students will employ the principles of classical test theory and item response theory to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement.  Application of computational techniques will be covered in the lab portion of the course.  Course topics include types and uses of measures, item/scale development and validation, survey methods, reporting for publication, and the relationships between measurement and research ethics, cultural competency, and health disparities.

This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design. Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence; identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental research designs.

This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience. Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods, critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.

The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.

This course is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to delivering data visualizations to serve as a critical lens through which individual and population level health can be examined. The proposed course will combine concepts and theory in data visualization and exploration and practice to enable the student to gain the necessary knowledge to use graphics and statistics to explore the data, find and construct a narrative, and share findings in ways colleagues and decision-makes can readily understand and act upon.

This course is designed to provide the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate and integrate published research results into clinical practice. During the course, students will learn how to conceptualize clinical practice problems and transform them into answerable clinical research questions, how to search for the best clinical evidence, and how to assess clinical evidence using basic epidemiological, biostatistical and scientific principles. The course will culminate in a systematic review or meta-analysis of a body of research relevant to advanced practice nursing.

Total Credits:

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the Difference?

• DNP vs. PH.D. Nursing Compared

Duties and Responsibilities

• Education and Certification

Salary and Career Outlook

• Which Is Best?

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Nurses who have already earned a masters degree and are looking to pursue the next step in their education have two options: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.

Both degrees offer nurses a variety of professional opportunities, allowing them to utilize their expertise to benefit the field of nursing.

This guide outlines the differences in earning a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing, and what opportunities lay ahead for graduates of either program. In understanding the roles and responsibilities of each, nurses can determine which degree is right for them.

DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing Key Similarities and Differences

A DNP and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest degree a nurse can earn. Regardless of their choice of program, interested nurses need a bachelor of science (BSN) degree in nursing, an active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and clinical experience before gaining admittance to either doctorate program.

While a DNP and Ph.D. are both advanced degrees, they prepare nurses for different roles within the nursing field. DNP programs focus on educating nurses who want to pursue leadership roles in a clinical setting. Ph.D. programs provide nurses with an education to pursue academic or research-based positions.

What is a DNP?

A DNP is an advanced degree for nurses who want to become experts in clinical nursing. The degree is an alternative to research-centric doctoral programs, and provides nurses with skills and training to work at an advanced level in the nursing field.

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Earning a Ph.D. in nursing prepares graduates for work either in academia or research settings. Graduates often pursue faculty positions with academic institutions or in a career that involves performing research in a medical laboratory.

Source: Payscale

Popular DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The roles of a nurse with a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing are fundamentally different. The former focuses on clinical work, whereas the latter is geared more toward research and education.

Their duties revolve around those two major areas. As such, DNPs are more likely to work with patients, while Ph.D graduates focus on educating nurses and analyzing medical practices.

What Can You Do With a DNP?

Nurses with a DNP are considered expert clinicians who are prepared for the highest level of nursing practice.

Upon earning the degree, nurses can choose to focus on leadership and administrative roles (e.g., nurse administrator, public health, healthcare policy, informatics) nursing education (e.g.,clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator), or clinical care (e.g.,certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner).

After earning a DNP, nurses’ responsibilities may include:

• Diagnose and treat patients
• Prescribe medications
• Order various diagnostic tests
• Handle patient complains
• Consult on complex cases
• Implement policy changes

Keep in mind that some DNP programs are for roles (clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator) that will not have authorization to perform some of the above responsibilities.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Nurses with a Ph.D. often focus on the areas of education and research. They may design studies and conduct research on clinical practices, nursing education, health systems, and public policy.

People with a Ph.D. in nursing often find employment in academic, business, or governmental settings. Overall, nurses with a Ph.D.can:

• Design, conduct, and publish research
• Develop new nursing knowledge and methods
• Utilize research results to improve nursing outcomes
• Write proposals and apply for grants to fund research
• Mentor and advise students
• Compose curriculum for nursing courses

Education Prerequisites

When looking to earn either a DNP or Ph.D., most programs require applicants to have similar prerequisites. Institutions often look for candidates who have attained an undergraduate degree, are actively able to practice nursing, and can meet certain academic requirements.

How to Earn a DNP

To apply for a DNP degree program, candidates need a BSN or master of science in nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution, a GPA of at least 3.0, and an active nursing license.

Once enrolled, students can choose an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role such as clinical nurse practitioner (CNP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

CNPs and CNSs then choose a population focus (i.e., neonatal, pediatrics, womens health, psychiatric-mental health). DNP candidates often focus on a research or capstone project throughout their entire program.

The program can last 2-4 years, and full-time students are able to earn their degree faster than their part-time counterparts. Students participate in courses on informatics, health policy, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based practice, and project management.

Learners must also complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours, 500 of which can stem from a previous masters program that resulted in national certification. Learners with previous hours may become more common as some programs, like CRNA, transition from MSN to DNP-only.

How to Earn a Ph.D. in Nursing

To get accepted to a Ph.D. program, candidates need a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 to 3.5 minimum GPA, and an active nursing license. Applicants must also provide a CV or resume, professional references, and a personal statement.

The length of a Ph.D. program ranges from 4-6 years depending on the status of the student (full-time vs. part-time). The curriculum revolves around theory, analysis, and statistics, with students taking classes in grant writing, research design, and research methods. Since their work takes place within education and research, Ph.D. candidates are not required to complete clinical hours.

Upon program completion, DNP and Ph.D. graduates may benefit from a higher earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady need over the next decade for nurses with advanced training.

Ultimately, degree type, specialization, and population focus dictate the average annual salary and the type of demand nurses should anticipate.

$107,000 Average Annual DNP Salary

$99,000 Average Annual Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

DNP in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

While the average salary of nurses with DNPs is approximately $107,000, their chosen specialization impacts their earning potential and demand. DNP-holders working a CRNAs average $164,340 per year, according to July 2022 Payscale data, while those who work in pediatrics earn $92,030 .

Not only do CRNAs earn the highest average salary, but they are also one of the most in-demand specializations; the BLS projects a job growth rate of 45%, significantly higher than the 9% average for all other professions.

Another main factor that influences DNP earning potential is years of experience. Entry-level nurses earn an average annual salary of approximately $87,000 , according to July 2022 Payscale data. Whereas those with more than 20 years of experience can earn upwards of $187,000 depending upon the specialization.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

Much like nurses with a DNP, the salary of one with a Ph.D. varies based on focus. According to the BLS , nurse educators with a Ph.D. can receive upwards of $125,930 annually.

While all nurses with advanced degrees continue to be in demand, Ph.D. graduates who choose to become educators can especially benefit from this need. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , nursing schools had to turn away over 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019 due to the shortage of educators.

Many states are looking to provide incentives to nurses who choose to become educators, thereby increasing the benefit of selecting this role.

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: Which Degree is Right For Me?

Deciding which degree works best depends upon a nurse’s personal and professional goals. The degrees lead nurses down two fairly distinct paths – one clinical and one research-oriented.

DNP and Ph.D. graduates are both in high demand and have above-average earning potential. The degrees differ in time commitment and responsibilities.

Nurses who prefer to work in a clinical capacity either directly with patients or in a nursing leadership role should pursue a DNP. Graduates often find themselves in a variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, specialty practices, or public health offices.

Learners more interested in preparing future nurses or conducting research that aids in the development of new and effective nursing methods should pursue a Ph.D. Nurse Ph.D. graduates often use their expertise in settings such as colleges and universities, research facilities, medical laboratories, and government agencies.

Related Pages

Why Get a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP)?

Graduating with a doctoral degree in nursing can advance careers, increase salaries, and lead to rewarding jobs. Learn why and how to become a DNP.

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Explore the top online DNP programs. Learn about on-campus requirements, accreditation, cost, and program length while choosing your next career step.

Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels

Learn about the types of nursing degrees available and how to launch your career in this field. Explore in-demand job opportunities and earning potential.

Page last reviewed: May 6, 2022

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School of Nursing

Nursing PhD Program

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Focus your career on advancing science to improve health

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Taking courses as a non-degree student is an excellent way to explore the program and think further about your own research ideas and direction.

In its 29th Year

UConn's state-of-the-art doctoral nursing program allows you the opportunity to generate and test your own theory.

Advancing nursing science to build a healthier world

The UConn School of Nursing PhD Program in Nursing prepares nurses who promote health for all people through nursing science.

The faculty of the PhD Program in Nursing at the University of Connecticut (UConn) have a long-standing commitment to advancing the discipline of nursing through research and theory that promotes health among individuals, families, groups and communities across the lifespan and states of health.

The School of Nursing attracts top PhD students who work closely with leading faculty on research in a variety of specialty areas. Faculty research interests span areas such as health equity; symptoms, including pain and sleep disturbance; maternal child health; and support for diverse individuals, families, and communities with acute and chronic conditions from neonates through older adults. Our programs of research integrate behavioral and biological processes and address mechanistic questions as well as health-promoting interventions.

A PhD in Nursing prepares you to conduct research and to assume positions in a variety of settings. These may include faculty positions in university settings and leadership roles in academe, industry, clinical settings, and the government, to name just a few.

Graduates of the UConn PhD Program in Nursing routinely obtain competitive postdoctoral positions at prestigious universities and receive generous funding through the National Institutes of Health and other sources.

As a student in the UConn PhD Program in Nursing, you will join a diverse community of nurses and interdisciplinary peers, faculty mentors, and practitioners that will change your views, accelerate your career, and promote collaborative work over a lifetime.

The PhD Program in Nursing offers entry to applicants with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BS to PhD) or a master’s degree in nursing (Post-master’s to PhD). The PhD Admissions Committee evaluates candidates’ qualifications and the fit of their research interests with graduate faculty PhD mentors. Successful applicants must meet application criteria, have relevant experience, and clearly express research interests compatible with research faculty in the School of Nursing and/or affiliated faculty.

Please use the inquiry form on the right hand side of this page to contact us with any questions!

Application deadline for Fall 2024 is December 31, 2023. 

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Application deadline for Fall 2025 is December 31, 2024.

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What Are They Saying?

OLGA JARRIN  (’2010) Faculty, Rutgers University

“As a triple graduate of UConn School of Nursing I have been well prepared at each stage of my career, from working as a visiting nurse to leading an interdisciplinary research team on projects to improve...  READ MORE

Mallory Perry-Eaddy (’2019) Faculty, University of Connecticut

“The UConn SON BS-PhD program has been pivotal to my development as a nurse scientist. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in clinical inquiry..."  READ MORE

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As part of a cutting-edge, research-intensive university with top-ranked schools of nursing, medicine, public health, pharmacy, dentistry and social work located within steps of each other and adjacent to the renowned UNC Hospitals, the School of Nursing provides a diverse, energetic and collegial environment for participating in world-class interprofessional education, scientific inquiry and practice opportunities.

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Deadlines for Fall 2024:

• August 10, 2023: NursingCAS Application opens.
• November 15, 2023 : NursingCAS Application Deadline
• November 28, 2023 : Supplemental Application* Deadline
• Program begins: August 2024

*A link to the UNC Supplemental Application will be sent to you by email within a few business days of submitting your completed NursingCAS application.

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Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships at Carolina Nursing: Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness

At Carolina Nursing, our pre- and postdoctoral T32 funding will support research aimed at preventing and managing chronic illness using multilevel, theory-based interventions that target behaviors, environmental factors, and personal determinants that increase the risk of illness onset, greater burden, and poorer outcomes.

Interested in learning more? The article linked below summarizes how our T32 grant will prepare nurse scientists using community-engaged intervention mapping.

Interested in learning more about our new PhD curriculum? Please check out the new  PhD curriculum map here .

Our vision is to prepare a diverse group of graduates who are highly capable and driven to engage in a career devoted to research and scholarly scientific activities that enhance the health of individuals, families and communities; using biobehavioral, psychosocial and ecological approaches; that increase the effectiveness of health care systems; and further the translation of research into practice.

The PhD program in Nursing at UNC is one of the best in the country.  We:

• Prepare nursing scholars to conduct scientific studies consistent with the program vision: to enhance the health of individuals, families and communities; increase the effectiveness of health care systems; and further the translation of research into practice.
• Have consistently been identified as one of the top Schools of Nursing in the country. A variety of faculty research grants provides multiple opportunities for research training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development. These opportunities provide an outstanding training context to ensure that our graduates are prepared to assume scientific leadership roles early in their research careers.

• Are part of a cutting-edge research-intensive university, with a wonderfully rich and diverse environment within which to conduct research.

• Are part of an extraordinarily strong health science division that includes public health, pharmacy, medicine, social work and dentistry – all of which are located on the main campus of the University.
• Are part of a University that is home to 121 interdisciplinary research centers, institutes, and initiatives that bring faculty together across campus to collaborative research-focused areas. SON faculty, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows are highly active members of many of these centers.

Among the many outstanding resources that are available to our PhD students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the following are housed within, and managed by the School of Nursing:

• The  Biobehavioral Laboratory (BBL)  assists with the development of biological and behavioral measuring techniques for the study of chronic illness and nursing intervention outcomes.
• The T32 research training grant on Prevention and Management of Chronic Illness provides extensive opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral trainees to be involved in funded studies. Continued funding has been sought for the T32 research training grant in Health Care Quality and Patient Outcomes, which is also designed to support doctoral and postdoctoral trainees.
• The  Office of Research Support and Consultation (RSC)  assists in grant development, preparation and submission.

To provide adequate mentoring, we want to assure that your planned research aligns well with the scientific expertise of one or more faculty members. This is what we refer to as a faculty-student “match”.  This match may take a number of different forms. One type of match occurs when you are studying the same problem as is the  faculty member  – say, cardiovascular disease, or cancer, or increasing access to care for diverse populations. Another type of match occurs when you are using the same methodological approach as the faculty member – this might be qualitative or quantitative, cross-sectional or longitudinal, or observational or experimental. Another kind of match occurs when you are studying similar populations, say, children or the elderly. 

We provide an opportunity for you to communicate your research interests to selected faculty before you decide to apply, so please take some time to explore our Areas of Expertise to learn about the current research taking place at Carolina Nursing.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to  email the Office of Student Affairs .

Associate Dean, PhD Division & Program

Cheryl Jones, PhD, RN, FAAN

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Home / Getting Your Ph.D. in Nursing

Getting Your Ph.D. in Nursing

Becoming a ph.d. nurse, what does a ph.d. nurse do, ph.d. nurse salary & employment, ph.d. vs. dnp in nursing, helpful organizations, societies, and agencies, what is a ph.d. nurse.

A Ph.D. nurse is one who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree. A Ph.D., or doctoral degree, is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. Different from a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which focuses on advanced clinical practice, a Ph.D. in Nursing program is a research and science-focused degree that prepares nurses for careers conducting important medical research that will advance the entire nursing profession and for teaching nursing at the college level.

In order to become a Ph.D. nurse, of course, nurses must complete a Ph.D. in nursing program, which generally takes 4 to 6 years to finish. An aspiring Ph.D. nurse must have a strong interest in conducting medical research and/or teaching future nurses. Strong leadership skills are also important, as many Ph.D. nurses go on to supervise and mentor other nurses, whether they work in scientific research, management, or teaching capacity.

What Are the Educational Requirements For a Ph.D. Nurse Program?

A Ph.D. in Nursing program is known as a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of education for the nursing profession (in addition to the DNP degree, another separate nursing doctorate program track). Prior to entering a Ph.D. program, nurses must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. In some cases, applicants to a Ph.D. in Nursing program must also complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which provides advanced education in nursing practice with courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical practice.

Educational Prerequisites

Specific requirements to complete a Ph.D. in Nursing program will vary slightly from school to school. Schools offer Ph.D. in Nursing programs in traditional classroom formats, as well as online and hybrid styles that combine in-person study with online coursework. In addition to a variety of formats for Ph.D. in Nursing programs, students can also sometimes opt to take these programs on a full-time or part-time basis to suit their personal schedules.

The curriculum for a Ph.D. in Nursing program is research-focused, with coursework in advanced scientific research principles, data analysis, and statistical measurement. Ph.D. programs generally culminate in a dissertation and original research project. As an example of Ph.D. curriculum, below is a selection of courses offered by the Medical University of South Carolina as part of their online Ph.D. in Nursing Science program:

• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Advanced Statistical Methods for Nursing Research
• Advanced Study Design and Methods
• Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy
• Research Team Leadership

A Ph.D. nurse conducts scientific research that advances the nursing profession. The knowledge that Ph.D. nurses gather and present as a part of their scientific research powers positive change in the quality of patient care and outcomes in the entire nursing field. In addition to their role as nurse scientists, Ph.D. nurses also teach and mentor nurses at the college/university level, working to shape the next generation of nurses.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Ph.D. Nurse?

The majority of Ph.D. nurses pursue careers in either the research or teaching fields, so their day-to-day duties will vary depending on which career track they have chosen.

For a nurse researcher , typical duties may include:

• Identify research questions, and design and conduct scientific research in partnership with other scientists from various fields
• Collect and analyze scientific data and publish reports detailing findings
• Write proposals and apply for grants to help fund their research
• Establish and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure the validity of their data findings
• Train and supervise laboratory staff and other nurses or scientists

For a Ph.D.  nurse educator who has chosen to pursue a faculty position, typical duties may include:

• Plan, prepare, and revise curriculum and study materials for nursing courses
• Deliver lectures to undergraduate and graduate level nursing students
• Supervise students' laboratory and clinical work
• Grade students' classwork, laboratory, and clinical performance
• Mentor and advise students regarding their future work in the nursing industry

For faculty members who pursue department chair or administration roles, additional duties may include:

• Hire, supervise and conduct performance reviews of faculty members
• Assist with the scheduling of classes and professors
• Oversee department curriculum and provide quality control as to the content and materials of given nursing courses

Workplace Settings

A Ph.D. nurse can work in a variety of settings, depending on the career path he or she has chosen. A Ph.D. nurse may find employment at a hospital, medical laboratory, research facility, or university as a research scientist, or may work at a nursing school, college, or university as a faculty member or department chair. In some cases, a Ph.D. nurse may also work as a public health nurse in a government setting, helping to develop research-based solutions to public health issues.

Salaries for Ph.D. nurses vary based on the type of employment a nurse seeks after graduation. Nurse researchers, a primary career path for Ph.D. nurses, can expect a median salary of $90,000 according to Payscale.com. For Ph.D. nurses who pursue a teaching position, the median annual wage for post-secondary nursing instructors is $77,440 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2021. Geographical location, career length, and experience level are all factors that can influence a Ph.D. nurse's annual salary.

The nursing profession as a whole has a particularly bright employment outlook, with the employment of registered nurses projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030 according to the BLS. In addition, a large number of healthcare facilities are looking for nursing professionals with higher degrees, which means the demand for Ph.D. and DNP level nurses will continue to grow. In fact, the Institute of Medicine 's 2015 "The Future of Nursing Report" emphasized the need for more Ph.D. level nurses.

As there are two doctorate-level nursing program types to choose from, there may be some confusion as to the differences between a Ph.D. nursing program and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The primary difference between the two programs relates to nurses' career aspirations. A DNP program trains nurses to perform the highest level of nursing practice and to translate research into high-quality patient care, while a Ph.D. program prepares nurses to conduct cutting-edge research that will advance the science of nursing and patient care. In addition to research positions, a Ph.D. program prepares nurses for leadership and teaching positions at hospitals and colleges/universities. To simplify, a DNP is a nursing practice doctorate degree, while a Ph.D. is a research and teaching doctorate.

Other key differences between DNP and Ph.D. programs are curriculum and program length. A typical DNP program includes courses on advanced nursing practice, leadership, and management topics and requires patient care clinical hours as well as a final capstone project. A Ph.D. program includes coursework on research methodologies, data analysis, and healthcare leadership and policy, and requires students to complete original research and a dissertation. In general, a Ph.D. program takes longer to complete than a DNP program, with Ph.D. programs taking an average of 4 to 6 years to complete and a DNP program taking 3 to 4 years, but can be completed in as little as 2 years depending on the school and program chosen.

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• Oncology Nursing Forum
• Number 2 / March 2016

The Research Doctorate in Nursing: The PhD

When nurses are considering an advanced degree beyond the master’s level of educational preparation, a number of considerations may direct the decision-making process. The doctorate of philosophy (PhD) in nursing is a research degree that will well serve nurses who have the desire to apply theory and develop formal programs of research, become faculty of nursing, combine clinical practice with formal research, and advance through professional leadership in the ranks of hospitals and health systems organizations.

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The PhD Program in Nursing prepares scholars to be nursing scientists, educators and leaders who seek to improve health across the lifespan with a concentration on urban, vulnerable and underserved populations.

• Post-Baccalaureate and Master’s entry are available
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary study and research
• Assume leadership in the promotion of health and well-being of urban populations nationally and internationally.
• Design a program of research that builds upon the historical and philosophical foundations of nursing science.
• Implement research studies that advance health science outcomes.
• Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Conduct research that demonstrates the theoretical, methodological, and analytical knowledge, skills, and strategies to address population health.
• Assume faculty, leader, and/or nurse scientist roles.
• Apply principles of professional research ethics and judgment in the conduct of research.

“My experience at Northeastern is preparing me for leadership in the health care system in my country. I am learning how to approach both clinical and public health problems from a leadership perspective.”  —  Maram Alghabbashi, Alumna

All students are expected to participate in a Mentored Research Practicum with a seasoned researcher and his/her research team. In addition, you will have the opportunity to study with nursing faculty and faculty from other Northeastern departments. Collectively, the nursing faculty has expertise in a variety of research interests, such as health issues of women, children and families, HIV, cancer, mental health, depression, substance abuse, and perinatal injury. Our close ties with the University’s Institute on Urban Health Research and School of Social Science, Urban Affairs and Public Policy , as well as with the Center for Community Health Education, Research and Service and other organizations provide opportunities to work across disciplines and access populations and sites for your dissertation.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew Senior Life
• Mount Auburn Hospital
• Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
• University of New Hampshire School of Nursing
• University of Pennsylvania
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Laboure College
• University of New Hampshire
• Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Isreal
• University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

Application Materials

Application.

• Application fee – US $80
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Minimum GRE of 300 or equivalent for the verbal and quantitative combined, within the last 5 years
• Three letters of recommendation that address your potential for a career in nursing research, with at least 2 recommendations from persons who have a PhD and can speak to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a PhD program.
• Satisfactory completion of a basic statistic course
• Satisfactory completion of an epidemiology course (not required for post-baccalaureate entry)
• Personal Statement describing your goals and reason for pursuing a PhD in nursing and your research area of interest
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• Current Nursing licensure

Deadline: December 15

• Program Website

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Data Spotlight: Trends in Nursing PhD Programs

Generating strong interest in the PhD in nursing (and similar research-focused doctorates) is a priority for the profession. Although less than 1% of today’s nursing workforce has earned a PhD (NCSBN, 2021), these individuals are in high demand with the need for nurse scientists, faculty, and leaders on the rise.   Despite this great need, AACN has seen a steady decline in enrollment in PhD programs over the last 10 years. Since 2012 enrollments have declined 12%, from 5,110 to 4,476 students, even though graduations have increased 20% from 611 to 733 graduates ( Figure 1 ). During this period, the number of research-focused doctoral nursing programs has increased 14%, from 131 to 149. As seen in Figure 2 , these programs are now available in almost every state in the U.S. The regional distribution of students enrolled reflects the distribution of programs, which are more heavily concentrated in the South and North Atlantic ( Figure 3 ). In 2021, the largest number of graduates were in the South and Midwest, respectively ( Figure 4 ).    The data on racial and ethnic diversity within the PhD student population shows a growing level of representation. Over the last 10 years, the percentage of students and graduates from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups has increased by 8% ( Figure 5 ). Notably, the percentage of African American students has increased 5% from 2012 to 2021, and the percentage of graduates has increased 1.5%.     AACN is committed to working with practice partners and other stakeholders to advocate for more resources for PhD programs and support to create a more diverse community of nurse scholars. Released in April 2022, our position statement on The Research-Focused Doctoral Program in Nursing: Pathways to Excellence presents a new vision for the PhD in nursing and program graduates, which will help spark strong interest among students in careers as nurse researchers.

Figure 1: Research-Focused Doctoral Enrollments and Graduations, 2012-2021

Figure 2: Fall 2021 Number of Research-Focused Doctoral Programs by State

Figure 3: 2021 Research-Focused Doctoral Enrollment by Region

Figure 4: 2021 Research-Focused Doctoral Graduations by Region 

Figure 5: Percent of Racial/Ethnic Minority Students and Graduates, Research-Focused Doctoral 2012-2021

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DNP-PhD Comparison

The DNP degree is a practice doctorate. The PhD is a research doctorate. Graduates of PhD programs are prepared to conduct independent research and disseminate their findings. The DNP will provide graduates with the skills and tools necessary to assess the evidence gained through nursing research, evaluate the impact of that research on their practice and, as necessary, make changes to enhance quality of care. Scholarship is an integral part of both doctoral degrees.

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One of the top nursing schools in the nation, the University of Rochester's DNP and PhD programs prepare students to address health care’s biggest challenges.

What sets us apart?

PHD PROGRAM LAUNCHES

There is a rich history of doctoral nursing education at the University of Rochester with one of the longest established PhD programs in the country.

RESEARCH FUNDING

UR Nursing ranks among the top nursing schools in research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

ACTIVELY PRACTICING FACULTY

UR Nursing faculty maintain an active practice in clinical settings across the region and are leaders in their field.

Practice at the highest level of nursing

DNP Program

• No. 1 DNP program in Upstate New York 
• Flexible, part-time hybrid online program
• Nationally-recognized faculty advisors and practice mentors

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PHD Program

• Fully-funded PhD in Nursing & Health Science program
• A focus on health equity across four areas of research
• Located at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York

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How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD In Nursing?

Find your degree

Are you considering pursuing your PhD in Nursing? How long will it take to earn this degree? Find out in this article.

When you decide to advance your career by advancing your education, chances are that you’re already aware of how great of an investment that will be for your future, and you’re also aware that it will likely be a lengthy one. A Doctor of Philosophy, commonly known as a Ph.D., is the highest academic achievement one can obtain in our country’s education system, which means that it also takes the longest to complete. From the day you enroll in college for the first time to the day that you walk across a commencement stage for the final time, it typically takes eight years.

A Doctor of Philosophy degree takes roughly 8.2 years to earn, so about twice as long as it would take to earn a Bachelor’s degree from start to finish. However, there are several factors that can lead to you earning that degree in a shorter or longer amount of time based on your needs, goals, and decisions. There are several different ways that you could alter the pace of earning your degree, such as pursuing an accelerated program or choosing to study at a slower part-time pace. Because of the diverse options that exist, there is no clear-cut answer to the question of ‘how long does it take to get a PhD?’

The best way to figure out exactly how long it takes to get a Ph.D. in Nursing is to think about the process. The first step in this field, as well as any, is to get your undergraduate education. In nursing, there is also the added step of obtaining licensure as a Registered Nurse. The typical process is to start with an ADN or an Associate Degree in Nursing in order to become an RN, which usually takes about two years. From there, many nurses start working as they work on earning a Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is typically referred to as a BSN.

RN to BSN programs are offered at colleges all over America. You can choose to study in person or online. The online option is exceedingly common so that nurses can continue working as they study. Some such programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months, which already shaves some time off of the projected total of eight years.

Once a nurse has their BSN, that’s when they can look at their next step. There are a few programs (about 170) that are structured in such a way that you can go straight from RN to MSN. Typically, a Master of Science in Nursing has to be earned before entering a doctoral-level program, but there are some that are open to applicants who hold a BSN; most of the Post-BSN degree tracks are for students who want to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice rather than a Ph.D., though. MSN programs offered at a distance also have accelerated options that can be completed in just one year as opposed to the usual 2 to 3.

Nursing PhD programs are also available online from some of the top nursing schools, many of which feature similar accelerated tracks. Depending on your determination, it is entirely possible to earn a Ph.D. in Nursing in less than eight years.

Doctorate in Philosophy Nursing

Program description.

The goal of the doctoral program in nursing is to prepare scientists capable of conducting innovative research that results in new and significant contributions to nursing knowledge. The students engage in creative thinking, critical appraisal and synthesis of scholarly work in their field of interest using a wide range of philosophical, theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Course sequence

Program learning outcomes

Depth and breadth of knowledge.

• Integrate and critique a broad range of literature in nursing and other disciplines.
• Identify and appraise key debates and philosophies relevant to nursing.
• Comprehensively and critically review the literature associated with their research topic.
• Articulate the broader implications of their research within and beyond particular contexts of nursing and health

Research and scholarships

• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of a range of various quantitative, qualitative, and synthesis research approaches in relation to their research and to the discipline of Nursing.
• Design and conduct original research according to standards (e.g., ethics, reporting guidelines) and quality required to satisfy the peer review.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with academic integrity and the responsible conduct of research.

Level of application of knowledge

• Contribute new ideas, theories, skills, techniques, tools, and/or practices to nursing and relevant disciplines.
• Synthesize and integrate findings from research into scholarly activities.
• Demonstrate teaching and learning strategies.

Professional capacity/autonomy

• Engage and collaborate with academic and professional organizations related to their field of scholarship.
• Demonstrate leadership within their chosen field of healthcare.
• Model/facilitate the development of scholarship in novice and developing practitioners (inside and outside of the field).

Level of communications skills

• Communicate complex ideas, issues, arguments, and research findings clearly and effectively in both oral and written formats in a manner that is accessible and appropriate to a variety of audiences.
• Debate various types of knowledge and application of methods within nursing and other relevant disciplines.
• Disseminate findings to advance Nursing scholarship.

Awareness of limits of knowledge

• Recognize the limitations of one’s own work and discipline, of the complexity of knowledge, and of the potential contributions of other interpretations, methods, and disciplines.
• Recognize when and how to seek opportunities to collaborate with others to build knowledge.

Fees and funding

The estimated amount for  university fees  associated with this program are available. To learn about possibilities for financing your graduate studies, consult the  funding and financing  section.

Other graduate Nursing programs

• Diploma Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioners (PHCNP)
• Master of Science Nursing (MScN)
• Master of Science Nursing Diploma Primary Health Care for Nurse Practitioners
• Master of Science in Nursing Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies
• Fast-Track  (PDF, 195 Ko) from the MScN Program to the PhD program

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DNP vs PhD in Nursing: Which Is Better for Me?

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If you’re considering pursuing a doctoral program in nursing, should you enter a PhD program or a DNP program? Both are doctoral degree programs that will allow you to advance your knowledge of the nursing field, but they offer unique career opportunities including nursing education, research, advanced practice nursing, or leadership. Keep reading to determine the best nursing program for you depending on your career aspirations!

What is a DNP Degree?

A DNP nursing degree stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. It’s a degree that allows you to advance your clinical practice skills while furthering your nursing education. A DNP degree is a terminal degree, which means there’s no direct advanced training you can receive after finishing this degree. You could choose to return to pursue a nursing PhD, but a PhD is the same degree level as a DNP degree.

Unlike a PhD which focuses on research, students pursuing a DNP degree receive additional education in evidence-based practice methods, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other areas.

At UCF, we offer three DNP degree programs:

• Nurse Practitioner, including Family Nurse Practitioner , Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks
• Nurse Executive
• Advanced Practice

How Long Does it Take To Get a DNP Degree?

A DNP degree is the end of a long educational path for a nursing doctoral student. Nurses typically start by obtaining their RN license through either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Getting an ASN degree typically takes two years, while a BSN degree takes four years to obtain.

After receiving their degree and beginning to practice nursing as an RN, nurses seeking to obtain an DNP can continue to go to nursing school with two options. First, they can first pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. An MSN degree can take anywhere from one and a half to four years to complete, depending on whether nursing students are pursuing the degree full- or part-time and their level of education upon entering the program. RN to MSN programs and direct-entry MSN programs (MSN programs for nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree) take longer, while BSN to MSN programs may only take one and a half to two years. A nursing professional with an MSN degree can work as a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner, among other career options. After completing an MSN degree, students can return to school to complete a post-MSN DNP program. Those programs generally take two to four years to complete beyond the MSN degree.

A second option is BSN to DNP programs, which skip the MSN degree. These programs typically take three to four years to complete. Additionally, 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours are required for any nurse obtaining a DNP degree.

The option you choose depends upon the career path you wish to pursue. For example, to become a nurse practitioner, you would choose a BSN to DNP program. For other career goals, it may make more sense to pursue your DNP degree by first obtaining an MSN degree.

Nurses with a DNP degree have access to a wealth of advanced nursing roles and positions, including clinical and non-clinical roles. Nurses wanting to continue their clinical practice might have jobs including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. They might be primary care providers or specialty providers, and they can provide evidence-based practice in inpatient or outpatient settings. Typically, nurses continuing to work in clinical settings at this level have a lot of autonomy, and they don’t require much supervision from other healthcare providers due to their strong clinical knowledge base.

Non-clinical roles in the nursing field could include a career in nursing leadership, administrative nursing, or education. They might be a nursing instructor, Chief Nursing Officer, or nursing home administrator, or they could go into public health nursing. While they may still work in a clinical setting, like a hospital or clinic, their job duties will be non-clinical. DNP nurses could also work in a variety of settings that aren’t clinical, including for a health insurance company, pharmaceutical company, or medical supply company.

What is a PhD in Nursing?

Like DNP programs, a nurse PhD program is typically pursued by a nurse who has already obtained their MSN degree. It can take four to six additional years of schooling to get a PhD in nursing degree. Unlike a DNP program, however, a PhD in nursing program doesn’t require clinical hours, so students can take courses full time if they’re looking for a shorter path to get their degree.

Some programs, including UCF’s online nursing PhD program, offer a BSN to PhD option that allows nurses to obtain their PhD in nursing without completing an MSN program first. This can also help an aspiring nurse scholar to obtain their PhD and start a fulfilling career in the field of nursing as quickly as possible in as little as four and a half years.

What Does a Nurse Do With a PhD?

A PhD-prepared nurse has a variety of career options available to them. Typically, nurses with their PhD don’t work in clinical settings. Instead, they might work in a leadership role at a university, in a laboratory, in public policy, or for a research institution. Due to their vast knowledge in nursing, these nurses might work as nurse scientists, nurse researchers, nursing professors, or in governmental positions. There are many career paths available to PhD-trained nurses, but some typical job responsibilities for these nurses include teaching, research, and writing proposals and health policy.

DNP vs PhD Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that roles filled by nurses with DNP degrees will grow anywhere from 32–45% by 2029, depending on the position. Since PhD-educated nurses work so many different roles, it’s difficult to quantify their expected job growth, but nursing careers across the board are in high demand . In a survey of nursing schools performed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , schools reported an average nurse faculty vacancy rate of 8.8%. This shortage is preventing nursing programs from accepting qualified students; in 2021 alone, 91,938 nursing school applicants were turned away due to insufficient faculty. Both DNP- and PhD-educated nurses have excellent job prospects.

DNP vs PhD Salary

Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That’s in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , DNP-prepared nurses make a median salary of about $123,000 per year, with nurses trained as nurse anesthetists earning the highest average salary. Nurses with their PhD who work in teaching positions earn an average of $77,440 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Nurse researchers earn a median wage of $81,500 a year according to PayScale .

Deciding Between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing

All nurses start in the same place—with an RN license—but where they end up varies based on the continued education they pursue. For those wanting to obtain the highest level of nursing education possible, there are two ways to earn a doctorate degree in nursing—a DNP degree program or a PhD in nursing program. Which doctoral degree is best for you depends on your career goals, clinical experience, and areas of passion.

Nurses passionate about the clinical practice of nursing may prefer a DNP degree, since clinical hours are a key element of this degree, even if they don’t practice clinically their entire career. Nurses more interested in teaching, research, or changing the field of nursing as a whole may prefer a PhD track, which focuses more on scientific knowledge and the theoretical foundations of nursing. Some nurses choose to obtain both their DNP and PhD degrees in nursing, giving them greater flexibility and the most advanced nursing knowledge.

Whatever Educational Path You Choose, UCF Has an Online Program To Get You There

Our online nursing program has core courses on nursing theory, scientific writing, and healthcare research to prepare you for a leadership position in a stimulating nursing career.

For those seeking a PhD in nursing degree, UCF offers two online degree options—a BSN to PhD track and an MSN to PhD track. We welcome students with various educational backgrounds working to achieve common goals.

If you’re interested in a DNP degree, UFC offers specialized options based on whether you intend to practice clinically or lead the field of nursing in a non-clinical role. Our online DNP Advanced Practice track prepares practicing nurses for engaging, rewarding clinical careers, while our DNP Nurse Executive track supports innovative, creative nursing students as they take on non-clinical leadership roles.

For students seeking to become a nurse practitioner, UCF also offers hybrid classroom-online BSN to DNP degree nurse practitioner programs in primary care, acute care, and family nurse practitioner.

UCF’s Online Nursing Degrees

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• Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals
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• Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track
• Nursing, BS
• Nursing, MSN
• Nursing, PhD

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Doctoral Degrees

Know How to Go from an MSN to a PhD

Home » PhD and DNP Degrees » Know How to Go from an MSN to a PhD

With many nursing schools nationwide facing a faculty shortage, the demand for qualified nursing educators continues to grow.

In addition to the personal satisfaction of educating a new generation of nurses, nursing educators and scholars play a vital role in groundbreaking scientific research to fight disease and improve patient outcomes.

While the master’s degree in nursing is typically the minimum education required for a nursing educator, the PhD in nursing is gaining momentum as the preferred standard for nurses looking to advance their career in higher education and research. Moving from an MSN to PhD in nursing can have several benefits for nurses who want to make the transition from the bedside to the classroom.

Why get a PhD in Nursing?

If you already have a master’s degree in nursing, you may wonder, “Why do I need a PhD?” The answer is: If you’re looking to become a nurse educator or researcher, your chances of landing one of those coveted roles greatly improves with a doctorate in nursing education.

One reason to choose the MSN to PhD path is that most nursing schools are looking for PhD-trained nurses when hiring faculty.

A survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found a nursing faculty vacancy rate of almost 8% at nursing schools nationwide. But even with the current faculty shortage, the AACN survey found 56% of the vacancies were for faculty positions requiring a doctoral degree, and another 34% were for positions that preferred PhD candidates. A PhD in nursing certainly gives faculty candidates a leg up over the competition when applying for nursing faculty positions.

Transitioning from an MSN to PhD in nursing also can bolster one’s research credentials. Nursing graduates with a PhD in nursing are better prepared to conduct important nursing and other healthcare research related to disease prevention and treatment and methods for improving patient care.

“When nurses do research on their doctorate, many people tend to think that it primarily focuses on nurses and nursing care,” according to the AACN . “In reality, nurses carry out clinical research in a variety of areas, such as diabetes care, cancer care and eating disorders.”

Nursing educators with doctoral degrees have opportunities to publish the findings of their research in scholarly journals, write grant proposals and might be asked to speak as experts at healthcare meetings or conferences.

And while a career in higher education might be the most common career path for those with a PhD in nursing, it’s not the only option. A research-focused doctoral degree in nursing can pave the way for nurses to conduct clinical research in hospitals, research laboratories or in public health and public policy, as well as to move up into executive and leadership positions in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Other benefits of a PhD in Nursing

Getting a doctorate in nursing education can have other less tangible but equally important benefits for those looking to pursue careers as nurse educators. The National League for Nursing listed some of the top reasons to consider a career as a nurse educator, including:

• Working in an intellectually stimulating environment.
• Having greater autonomy and flexibility.
• Being able to teach from virtually anywhere, using technology.
• Conducting important research that advances the field.
• Shaping the future of healthcare.
• Educating and mentoring a new generation of nursing professionals.
• Teaching a love of nursing to others.

And while a career in academia can be challenging, the working conditions may be appealing for nurses who are looking for a change of pace from their roles in direct patient care settings. Many nursing faculty work nine months a year with summers off, and nurse educators typically do not have to work long 12-hour shifts or overnight hours like clinical nurses often do.

Finding the right PhD program

Many MSN to PhD programs are available for master’s educated nurses, and there are several factors to consider in choosing the right program.

Selecting a doctoral program comes down to personal choice, but important things to consider include the quality and accessibility of faculty and the program’s commitment to research.

In choosing a PhD program, students can consider several questions that could tip the balance toward the perfect program. For instance, students may want to consider whether they have opportunities to work one-on-one with a faculty member on an independent study or individually designed project and whether they can publish alongside faculty. Also, can students participate in research projects or other professional initiatives.

Students also need to decide whether they want to pursue their degree in a traditional on-campus environment or online.

Online MSN to PhD programs can be an attractive option for master’s trained nurses who want to continue working while pursuing their doctoral studies. Many MSN to PhD programs can be completed in as little as two to three years of coursework, but a dissertation or research project also is required, which usually takes at least another year. Students should carefully review the requirements of the programs they’re considering — including number of required credit hours and cost — when making a decision about a doctoral program.

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Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree: The Ultimate Guide

• Last Updated: January 24, 2024

If you’re interested in having a positive impact on patient outcomes or making policy changes as a hands-on nursing leader, the DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) is an essential qualification.

The DNP, along with the PhD, is the highest level of nursing education you can attain. The degree prepares you for a variety of positions in both leadership and administration and direct patient care.

Whether you’re looking for a nursing role with more responsibility and a higher salary, or you’re simply passionate about having a big impact on the healthcare facility you work at, you should definitely consider going for your DNP.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Doctorate of Nursing Practice to help you decide if it’s the right educational pathway for you.

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A DNP, or Doctorate of Nursing Practice , is a terminal-level nursing degree.

Terminal level degrees are the highest level of education, so a DNP is the most advanced nursing education you can get. 

While there are other types of terminal nursing degrees, like the PhD, a DNP is a practice-focused pathway designed to prepare students for leadership positions in a clinical setting.

With a DNP, you’re able to take on nursing roles in which you’re responsible for implementing changes to improve patient outcomes and organizational policies. 

Additionally, many DNP-educated nurses practice as Nurse Practitioners. Better yet, they can practice with a greater degree of autonomy than their BSN- and MSN-educated counterparts, and they even play a key role in filling gaps left by nursing and physician shortages.

A DNP-educated professional is a nurse, not a medical doctor. 

While nurses with a DNP can take on more advanced responsibilities and leadership positions than their ADN-, BSN-, and MSN-educated counterparts, their scope of practice falls outside that of a medical doctor.

However, DNP nurses and nurse leaders are still a critical part of any healthcare facility and play a key role in improving patient outcomes.

DNP nurses typically fulfill at least one of the following responsibilities: leadership and administration or direct patient care.

When it comes to leadership and administration, DNP roles can include:

• Nurse managers
• Organizational or executive leadership
• Health policy
• Health informatics

With direct patient care, their roles may include:

• Nurse Midwives
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
• Nurse Practitioners

While not every position listed above requires a DNP degree, many of them do. Additionally, a DNP will better prepare you for any of these positions by giving you the leadership knowledge and tools you need to be successful.

Why Get A DNP Degree?

Entering a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree program can be a big time and financial commitment, so it’s key that you’re aware of why you’re going for your degree.

The following are some of the key reasons to consider earning your DNP.

While the average salary for a BSN-educated nurse is $80,010, the average salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $118,040.

While it’s true that you only need an MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner, earning your DNP prepares you to practice with an even greater amount of autonomy. Additionally, DNP Nurse Practitioners will tend to earn above the average salary for an NP, while MSN NPs will more likely make less than the average.

A DNP also provides you the educational foundation for executive-level positions.

For example, if you’d like to become a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), you’ll need to get a terminal degree. The average salary for a Chief Nursing Officer in the United States is $248,610 per year, far surpassing the average for RNs and NPs.

Since there’s a projected shortage of both nurses and physicians in the coming years, DNP nurses may be able to fill the gaps between the two.

Additionally, education requirements at hospitals are steadily becoming more intense. For example, CRNAs will require a doctorate-level degree by 2025.

By earning your DNP, you won’t have to worry about shifts in educational requirements. It will also help you stand out from MSN-educated nurses applying to advanced nursing positions.

By enrolling in a DNP program, you’ll learn how to translate theories and research into actionable policies to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

Unlike a PhD nursing program, this practice-focused degree concentrates more on how to implement research, as opposed to conducting the research itself. If you’re more interested in academia and developing theories, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree may be a better option for you.

However, if you want to put theory into practice and work in a more traditional healthcare setting, a DNP is definitely the way to go.

As we’ve mentioned a few times, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice prepares students to take on leadership positions at healthcare facilities. DNP-educated NPs can practice with more autonomy, while others with this degree may take on executive-level leadership positions.

While this additional responsibility may seem a little overwhelming at first, it does come with added benefits, like a higher salary and job security.

More responsibility also means you can make a bigger impact on the lives of patients and your fellow nurses. If you care about having a positive influence on your healthcare facility, earning your DNP will be essential.

One more reason to consider earning your DNP is that most programs are designed with working nurses in mind. This gives you the option to complete your degree on a flexible schedule.

Many schools now offer online DNP programs, meaning you can learn where and when you want.

Finally, these online programs also tend to be less costly than traditional, on-campus degree programs, making them a more time- and cost-efficient way to get your degree.

How To Get Your DNP Degree

There are several different routes you can take to earn your Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree depending on your current level of education and nursing experience.

Below, we detail how to earn your DNP starting from zero experience.

The first step in obtaining your DNP is to become a Registered Nurse.

While the minimum requirement to become an RN is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), we recommend you go for your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) . Not only does a BSN make you more employable as a nurse, but it also sets the academic foundation that will be key to your success in advanced degree programs.

There are tons of BSN programs you can choose from, but we recommend checking out our rankings of the best online BSN programs to get started.

Once you complete your BSN program, you’ll be able to take the NCLEX. If you pass, you’ll officially be a Registered Nurse.

After becoming a Registered Nurse, you’ll be eligible to apply to nursing positions at healthcare facilities. 

While some students may opt to skip this step and go straight for their Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) , we recommend getting some hands-on experience as a nurse first. Better yet, you can earn your MSN online while you work as an RN.

This allows you to get a feel for the day-to-day lives of most RNs. If you hope to take on an executive leadership position down the road, it’s key that you understand the roles and responsibilities of nurses at all levels. 

While there are some BSN-to-DNP programs available, most aspiring DNP students earn their MSN after completing their BSN and gaining some experience as an RN.

Fortunately, like many DNP programs, there are lots of affordable and flexible online MSN programs . The MSN prepares students to take on a number of advanced nursing roles, like Nurse Practitioners or Nurse Administrators.

Additionally, the MSN sets the academic groundwork for getting a terminal nursing degree.

However, if you want to attain the highest positions possible, like Chief Nursing Officer, you’ll need to eventually go for your DNP.

Finally, once you’ve earned your MSN degree, you’re ready to begin applying to Doctorate of Nursing Practice programs.

To enroll in a program, you’ll want to carefully research universities and program offerings. As we mentioned before, many programs offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to work while you complete your degree.

If you want to get your degree in the quickest and most flexible way possible, we recommend you look into online DNP programs.

Finally, you need to complete your DNP coursework to earn your degree. Once you do this, you’ll have the educational and practical foundation to take on the most advanced roles in the field of nursing.

It typically takes anywhere from one to three years to earn your DNP degree. This usually requires around 33 to 43 credits in addition to 500 hours of clinical practicum.

For those enrolled in a full-time program, it usually takes about one to two years. If you’re enrolled in a part-time program, it will likely take two to three years.

The exact number of credits and time required to earn your degree depends on which school and speciality you decide to pursue. It’s key to research these programs so you know exactly what to expect.

While DNP admission requirements vary from school to school, there are a few standard prerequisites to keep in mind. For example, you almost certainly need:

• A prior nursing degree
• RN licensure
• English proficiency
• Practice experience
• An updated resume

Additionally, some schools may have more requirements. For example, UCSF School of Nursing’s admission requirements also include:

• At least one year of experience as an APRN
• A goal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• An application fee
• Completion of a college-level statistics course

Some schools may also require that you provide them with GRE scores.

Since admission requirements are different for each school, it’s critical that you do some research before applying to any program.

Like admission requirements, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice curriculum will vary from school to school. However, most programs should provide you all the knowledge you need to achieve your goals.

To give you an idea of the types of courses you may complete over the duration of your program, here is a selection of courses taken from the DNP curriculum at Vanderbilt School of Nursing :

• Evidence-Based Practice I: The Nature of Evidence
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
• Scholarly Writing
• Statistics in Health Sciences
• Evidence-Based Practice II: Evaluating and Applying Evidence
• DNP Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice
• Epidemiology and Population Health
• Health Care Economics and Finance
• Informatics for Scholarly Practice
• Management of Organizations and Systems
• Health Policy
• Legal and Ethical Environment

The courses in this sample curriculum are split into three courses per semester over five semesters, in addition to two elective courses. However, keep in mind that your DNP curriculum could look different and take more or less time depending on the school and program you choose.

According to a study conducted by DoctorofNursingPracticeDNP.org , the average cost to complete a post-master’s (MSN-to-DNP) DNP program is between $21,318 and $38,912. 

Meanwhile, the average cost to complete a BSN-to-DNP degree is between $40,953 and $74,752.

The study also found that, on average, earning your DNP costs:

• $561 per credit for in-state students at public universities
• $968 per credit for out-of-state students at public universities
• $1,024 per credit for private universities

As with any degree program, the cost of getting your DNP will vary depending on the school you choose. The cost will also be affected by factors like whether you’re:

• Attending an in-state or out-of-state university
• Enrolling in a public or private university
• Completing a BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP program

Also, keep in mind that the costs we’ve mentioned so far only account for the price of tuition. Keep in mind that you may also need to pay for things like university fees, textbooks, and travel expenses.

However, one way to mitigate the cost of traditional, on-campus DNP programs is to earn your degree online. Online degrees can be completed for less money and time and are typically much more flexible than traditional programs.

How Much Does A DNP Make?

According to ZipRecruiter , the average DNP salary in the United States is around $117,412. However, keep in mind that ZipRecruiter data is not the same as data from an official source like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and it’s likely that the average DNP is actually higher.

While this is on par with the average salary for Nurse Practitioners (some of which are MSN-educated and some of which are DNP-educated), DNP nurses have a higher earning potential because of their qualifications to fulfill more advanced nursing roles and leadership positions.

For example, as we mentioned earlier, to become a Chief Nursing Officer, it’s recommended that you earn your DNP. The average salary for this nursing role is $248,610 per year.

The following table breaks down the average DNP salary in each state according to data obtained from ZipRecruiter .

According to the data from ZipRecruiter, the state with the highest average DNP nurse salary is Washington, where DNP nurses can expect to earn around $135,356. This breaks down to:

• $11,279 per month
• $2,603 per week
• $65.08 per hour

After Washington, the next four highest-paying states for DNP-educated nurses are:

• New York ($127,220)
• Idaho ($121,632)
• California ($121,359)
• New Hampshire ($120,450)

As we noted earlier, these figures likely underestimate the average DNP salary.

Keep in mind that earning your DNP in any state will boost your earning potential, because you’ll be qualified to take on more advanced roles and leadership positions.

While earning your DNP does require a commitment of your time and money, there are two main things that make it worth it: higher salary and more influence.

As we just mentioned above, a DNP qualifies you to take on more advanced nursing roles. Since these positions require a greater level of knowledge and skills, these roles also pay a higher salary.

Additionally, because a DNP qualifies you to take on leadership positions, you’ll may have the ability to implement policy changes to improve patient outcomes, nurse job satisfaction, and a lot more.

If you’re passionate about taking research and putting it into practice to make healthcare facilities better, getting a DNP degree is definitely worth it!

3 Best Online DNP Programs

There are an overwhelming number of Doctorate of Nursing Practice programs you can choose from. 

To help you start your search, here are some of the best online DNP programs.

One of the best online DNP programs is offered by Grand Canyon University . 

To earn your degree, you’ll need to complete 36 credits. Each course lasts eight weeks, and each one is worth three credits.

Some of the core courses you’ll complete in this program include:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Emerging Areas of Human Health
• Population Management
• Patient Outcomes and Sustainable Change
• Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice

Additionally, GCU offers a DNP in Educational Leadership. This pathway allows you to complete the regular DNP curriculum and take an additional three courses focusing on the role of the educator in nursing.

The additional courses for the Educational Leadership cover topics like:

• Teaching strategies
• Curriculum development
• Student assessments

Another great option for getting your online DNP degree is Purdue University Global.

This program requires you to complete 48 to 57 credits, which is equivalent to 32 to 38 semester credits. 48 of these credits are core courses, and you can complete up to nine elective credits.

Some of the courses you may complete in Purdue University Global’s DNP program include:

• Scientific Foundations for Practice Doctorate
• Epidemiology and Social Determinants of Population Health
• Ethics, Policy, and Advocacy for Population Health
• Clinical Decision Making for Practice Doctorate
• Transforming the Health Care Organization

Additionally, Purdue provides a seamless pathway to earn both your MSN and DNP with its MSN-to-DNP track. While you need to complete your MSN before you can advance to DNP courses, this is a straightforward way to earn your DNP at the completion of your master’s degree.

The university also offers a Nurse Educator Postgraduate certificate to prepare students to:

• Teach patients and families
• Provide staff development
• Evaluate programs
• Instruct undergraduate nursing students

Finally, Purdue offers a Nursing Executive Leader Postgraduate Certificate to prepare students for roles involving health facility administration and public health and policy.

The last school on our shortlist of best DNP programs is Walden University.

This program requires the completion of between 45 and 53 credits depending on the number of incoming practicum hours. The credits you complete throughout the program consist of:

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Foundation Course (five credits)
• Core Courses (40 credits)
• Field Experience (up to eight credits for those with less than 600 documented clinical hours)
• Completion of a DNP Project

Some of the courses you can expect to take over the duration of this program include:

• Foundations and Essentials for the Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Leading Organizations for Quality Improvement Initiatives
• Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology
• Healthcare Policy and Analysis

Additionally, you’ll have the option to specialize your DNP in one of six areas:

• Executive Leadership
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

It’s also worth noting that Walden offers both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways for each of the specializations above.

If you’d like to get a more research-focused degree as opposed to a clinically-focused degree, Walden University offers a PhD in Nursing. With the PhD, you can specialize in areas like:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Administration
• Interdisciplinary Health
• Population Health

Finally, if you earn your DNP, you can also opt for Walden’s Bridge Option, which allows students who hold a DNP to earn their PhD in Nursing in less time.

Other Types of Terminal Nursing Degrees

The DNP isn’t the only type of terminal nursing degree. 

In fact, there are several different terminal degree pathways you can consider, with the DNP and PhD being the most common.

The PhD in Nursing , or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing , is a terminal-level degree preparing students to develop and conduct scientific research relevant to the field of nursing.

The main difference between a DNP and PhD in Nursing is that the DNP is more clinically focused, while the PhD is more research focused. In other words, PhD nurses tend to develop research and theories, while DNP nurses tend to implement research from leadership positions in healthcare facilities.

So, someone with a PhD in nursing tends to work in academic and governmental settings, while someone with a DNP usually works in a more traditional healthcare setting.

Unsurprisingly, the coursework for a PhD is different than a DNP. For example, some of the core courses for University of Pennsylvania’s PhD in Nursing program include:

• Inquiry and Nursing
• Evolving Nursing Science
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Qualitative Paradigm Empirical Nursing Research
• Nursing Doctoral Teaching Residency

If you’re passionate about conducting research, enjoy analyzing data, and want to have an impact on the theoretical foundations of nursing, a PhD in Nursing may be the right choice for you.

The primary purpose of the Ed.D. in Nursing , or Doctor of Education in Nursing , is to prepare students to become nursing professors and educators.

While a PhD in Nursing also prepares students to become educators, the PhD leans more heavily on learning how to conduct original and independent research. Meanwhile, the Ed.D. in Nursing Education focuses more on:

• Applying research
• Developing effective instructional methods
• Implementing new solutions for educational challenges

While many students who get this degree pursue faculty positions at universities, there are also roles available in healthcare organizations. For example, the Ed.D in Nursing would also prepare you to take on a role like Director of Hospital Training Programs.

To get an idea of the coursework requirements for this type of degree, here are some sample courses from the Ed.D in Nursing program at Columbia University :

• Nursing Knowledge in Nursing Education
• Curriculum Development in Nursing Education
• Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education
• Innovations in Nursing Education
• Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
• Simulation in Nursing Education

If you’re more interested in teaching than conducting research, and if you’d like a quicker option than the PhD in Nursing, the Ed.D in Nursing may make a great option.

The Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice , or DNAP , is a terminal-level degree preparing students to practice as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. 

The difference between the DNAP and DNP with a specialization in anesthesia is a bit confusing. Both degrees prepare you to practice as a CRNA. Right now, an MSN degree is the minimum requirement to practice as a CRNA. However, beginning in 2025, all CRNAs will need either a DNP or DNAP to practice.

The key difference between the two degrees is that the DNP is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , while the DNAP is accredited by the Nurse Anesthetists Council of Accreditation .

Additionally, it appears most of the DNAP programs we looked at are aimed at BSN-educated nurses, allowing students to complete both their master’s and doctoral work in one seamless pathway. The DNP, alternatively, seems to more frequently target MSN-educated nurses.

To summarize, either a DNAP or DNP is sufficient to practice as a CRNA. If you want to become a CRNA, the best degree type will depend on your own preferences and current level of education. 

Do a little research into both DNAP and DNP with a specialization in anesthesia programs before making your final choice.

The Doctor of Nursing Science , DNS , DNSc , or DSN , is a research-oriented, terminal-level nursing degree equivalent to the PhD in Nursing. 

The DNS has been discontinued in most, if not all, universities. Instead, students interested in a research-focused nursing degree should pursue a PhD in Nursing.

Since there’s very little information readily available and it doesn’t appear that universities are still offering the DNS degree, we won’t say any more about it.

Since it’s the highest level of nursing education you can attain, the DNP can open up a host of new and exciting opportunities in the field of nursing.

You’ll be well-prepared to take on leadership positions and make a positive impact on the healthcare facility you work at. Additionally, the added responsibilities and leadership duties will earn you a higher salary than your BSN- and MSN-educated counterparts.

If you’re ready to get your DNP and become a hands-on nursing leader, click here to discover a DNP program suited to your needs and interests!

Nurse Luke is a CRNA who specializes in Nursing content and still enjoys a very busy career with Locum, Per Diem and Travel nursing in the greater midwest. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field and received his CRNA masters degree from the Mayo Clinic School of Healthcare. He is passionate about helping nurses explore the options of becoming a travel nurse as well as spending time with his Family. 

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Best Nursing Schools in Colorado: Top 15 Options For 2024

The Centennial State boasts lots of ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP programs to choose form. Discover the best nursing schools in Colorado here.

Best Nursing Schools in Miami: 13 Top Options For 2024

Looking to start or advance your nursing education in a vibrant city? Then check out this list of the best nursing schools in Miami.

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UT Tyler Graduate Programs

Ut tyler school of nursing, graduate programs.

Welcome to the nationally recognized graduate nursing programs at The University of Texas at Tyler!

• Focusing on Health in Communities
• Preparing Nurse Leaders, Educators, Advanced Practitioners and Researchers of the Future
• Addressing the Challenges of a Changing Healthcare Environment

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the MSN degree or post-graduate certificate program, the student will be able to:

• Integrate scientific knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines into advanced nursing practice;
• Apply organizational and systems leadership principles and methods for the promotion and evaluation of quality, ethical, and safe patient care;
• Translate, integrate, and disseminate scientific evidence into practice;
• Utilize technologies to deliver, enhance, integrate, and coordinate communication, education, and patient care;
• Intervene at the systems level through the policy development process and employ advocacy strategies to influence health care;
• Manage care through collaboration with other health care professional as a member and leader of health care teams; and
• Integrate organizational client centered concepts to provide preventive and population-based care.

Flexible and Student Focused

• Online and Hybrid Courses
• Built Upon a Model of Strengths
• Outstanding Faculty Dedicated to Student Success
• Sensitive to Diverse Populations
• Encouraging Students to Study and Solve Problems in the Communities in Which They Reside
• Highly competitive, affordable tuition with scholarships/financial aid available.

Numerous Study and Career Options

• Administration
• Coordinated MSN Administration/MBA
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Informatics, Quality & Safety
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Post Baccalaureate Nursing Informatics, Quality & Safety
• Post Master's Administration
• Post Master's Education
• Post Master's Family Nurse Practitioner
• Post Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Opportunities

• Nursing Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
• Free 1.5 Hour CE Learning Experience

Out of State Student Clinical Requirements

The University of Texas at Tyler is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for the MSN Administration, Post-Master’s Administration Certificate and MSN/MBA coordinated degree programs.

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Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Graduate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Stepping stone to your master’s degree.

Our 100% online graduate certificate provides the academic requirements you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator 1 .

In our Nursing Home Administration courses, you’ll dive into management and long-term healthcare topics – and fulfill the academic requirements to obtain your NHA license 1 .

From ethical and legal issues, to finance, gerontology, and human resource management, our NHA online courses will cover every aspect needed to prepare you for your career. You will be equipped to distinguish between the social, biological, and psychological issues of aging and demonstrate an understanding of the management processes used in nursing homes.

By earning your graduate certificate of advanced studies in long-term care administration, you will be qualified to work in nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, or long-term care facilities once obtaining licensure.

Program Benefits

• NHA graduate certificate fulfills two of the six-course requirements for licensing in New York .
• Seeking licensure from another state? Utica’s NHA certificate may fulfill your state’s requirements. Check the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards for additional information.
• Earn 15 graduate-level core course requirements.
• Complete intensive graduate-level NHA certificate work that can be used toward earning your master’s degree.

Cost per Credit

Credit Hours

Online Delivery

Nursing Home Administrator Career Outlook

As the nursing home and long-term care industry continues to modernize and evolve, so do the career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that medical and health services managers are projected to increase much faster than average, at a rate of 28 percent from 2022 through 2032. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or who exit the labor force, through retirement or attrition 2 . With your Nursing Administrator certificate requirement completed, you will be able to pursue New York State licensure 1 and work in nursing home administration in long-term care, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and more.

Take the Next Step

Distinguished faculty with decades of experience.

Our nursing home administrator graduate certificate faculty members have a robust background in the healthcare administration and related fields. You will gain practical knowledge and comprehensive skills from experts with decades of experience leading healthcare and related organizations.

From finance to human resources, our educators hold distinguished awards and honors within the healthcare industry. You will be able to directly benefit from their instruction and prepare to continue toward your nursing home administration licensure.

Benefits of Being an Online Student

Whether you are advancing your career or beginning a new path, Utica University’s online course gives you the chance to learn from the unique perspectives of your faculty and fellow students. You’ll get the same high-quality education, credentials, and faculty support without slowing down your life.

Planning Your Budget

Paying for an online education doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve compiled helpful resources that can get you well on your way to financing your education. Learn more about our tuition and financial aid .

NHA Certificate Curriculum

15 TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED

Our 15-credit online Nursing Home Administrator certificate fulfills the education requirement for licensure 1  in the state of New York. The NHA certificate courses will cover the academic topics necessary for you to move forward with a career in this growing field.

Utica University coursework also satisfies the New York State Department of Health’s academic requirements to become a Nursing Home Administrator.

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NHA Online Program Admission Requirements

To apply for the Nursing Home Administrator certificate online program from Utica University, you’ll need:

• Completed application
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Personal statement
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or above*
• Official transcripts from schools attended

*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement are encouraged to apply and may be admitted at the discretion of the director.

Tuition and Financial Aid

This 15-credit online NHA certificate program costs $690 per credit. Utica University is dedicated to making advanced education accessible and affordable.

1. In some states, such as New York, the curriculum of Utica University’s online Nursing Home Administration Certificate meets the course requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure. Potential applicants should check with their state’s licensing agency or contact an enrollment counselor at (315) 732-2640 or toll-free at (866) 295-3106 to verify the necessary coursework. Faculty advisers are available to work with students to offer guidance and help them meet the academic requirements of this field. 2. Medical and Health Services Managers – Occupational Outlook. (2022). Retrieved March 26, 2024, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm 3. State authorization page

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Seven Things You Can Do With a Bachelor's in Nursing

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The nursing field has no shortage of opportunities for professionals who want a flexible career with wide-ranging options for advancement. However, as a registered nurse with an associate degree, you may find it challenging to pursue leadership or specialty roles that require additional education

Not only that, more hospitals are requiring bachelor’s-level degree nurses in their facilities. According to the latest AACN survey on the Employment of New Nurse Graduates , 28 percent of employers require a bachelor's degree among new hires, while 72 percent strongly prefer it.

But what can you do with a bachelor's in nursing, and will the investment offer professional benefits? Here’s an overview of rewarding career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and the impact of this education.

Download our guide to discover which nursing degree is right for you.

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

A bachelor’s (BS) degree in nursing is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides the skills and knowledge to work as a registered nurse (RN).

“A bachelor's degree in nursing gives nurses a more well-rounded education as they move forward in their career,” says Deborah Roy, Director of Regis College’s RN-to-BS in Nursing degree program.

Students can pursue this degree after earning a high school diploma or through a bridge program after obtaining a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

While an associate degree is the minimum requirement to become a licensed RN, a bachelor's degree program develops clinical skills with a focus on:

• Critical thinking
• Public health

“This allows them to address more complex issues within the healthcare arena,” Roy continues.

A BS in nursing also makes nurses eligible for more career advancement opportunities down the line. This is because healthcare facilities require staff to hold a four-year degree for nursing leadership positions and specialized fields.

If you’re committed to the nursing field and want to continue growing in your career, consider these seven advanced nursing roles that are available to professionals with a BS in nursing degree.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Nursing?

1. nurse manager.

Nurse managers coordinate the nursing operations of a healthcare facility.

This can include:

• Staff management
• Resource allocation
• Regulatory compliance

Nurse managers are an integral part of the leadership team at a healthcare facility, responsible for implementing policies that improve patient care and create a safe environment. As a result, nurse managers earn an average annual salary of $104,830 .

Nurse managers need a BS in nursing to develop the leadership skills needed to effectively manage nursing teams. The curriculum covers critical areas of healthcare management that are essential for this role.

2. Nursing Research

Nurse research is an exciting field that offers many career opportunities. For example, a nurse researcher conducts studies, collects data, and investigates healthcare issues to continually improve and optimize best practices in nursing. These findings are published in scholarly journals and academic publications like the Journal of Advanced Nursing and the American Journal of Nursing .

This particular role requires extensive education though. Nurse researchers often hold a doctoral degree—either a PhD or DNP. However, if you’re interested in entering the research field, you will need to gain additional education with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Research topics can cover a variety of topics in nursing care, such as:

• Clinical interventions
• Patient outcomes
• Aging populations
• Nursing education

Nurse researchers can expect to earn a rewarding annual average salary of $97,088 , while assistant positions earn an average wage of $70,000 per year.

3. Telemedicine Nurse

With such a steep rise in telehealth visits , there’s a greater need for more effective coordinated virtual care. As a result, telemedicine nurses are becoming more in-demand over the years .

A telemedicine nurse collaborates with healthcare providers to deliver remote patient care. By communicating with patients online and by phone, nurses can assess symptoms, provide treatment recommendations, and offer assistance with tasks like managing medication and accessing medical services.

The average salary of a telemedicine nurse is $93,248 a year, but this often depends on your work experience.

Telemedicine nurses need a BS in nursing to navigate the complexities of delivering healthcare remotely. The curriculum ensures nurses are comfortable working with digital health tools and methods in providing high-quality, virtual care.

4. Quality Assurance Manager

Hospitals are increasingly adopting quality assurance methods focused on improving patient safety. This is why quality assurance managers are becoming a common role among nursing staff.

A quality assurance manager helps to maintain optimal patient care in a healthcare facility. They monitor the quality standards and adherence to safety protocols in the healthcare environment. The goal of quality assurance is to address care deficiencies, performance issues, and regulatory risks in a timely manner.

As a result, the role offers a competitive average annual salary of $88,469 .

Nurses aspiring to become quality assurance managers need a BS in nursing to understand the various healthcare policies, standards, and practices essential to the role. This is because BS in nursing coursework explores evidence-based practices and patient safety protocols, which are essential to effectively leading quality improvement initiatives.

5. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators provide training and mentorship for prospective nurses and continuing education for experienced professionals. After working in hands-on roles in clinical settings, nurse educators have the insight to develop curriculum, monitor student progress, and give lectures that encourage other nurses to think critically about best practices in patient care.

Professionals in nursing education careers typically earn an average salary of $84,180 a year.

Since many seasoned nurses transition into this role, it might be puzzling why a BS in nursing degree is needed. However, nurse educators need at least a BS in nursing to gain the academic knowledge and methodologies needed to effectively teach nursing. In addition, nurses need to earn a BS in nursing before enrolling in an MSN program—the educational requirement for most nurse educator positions.

6. Clinic Manager

A clinic manager is in charge of a healthcare facility’s daily operations, such as patient appointments, staff schedules, and budgeting. They also make sure the facility meets all required standards of cleanliness and safety and oversee administrative tasks, such as communicating with other healthcare providers.

A clinic manager’s average salary is $80,442 per year, depending on factors like the size, location, and specialization of the facility.

Clinic managers need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to acquire the comprehensive healthcare management skills and in-depth knowledge of nursing practice required to efficiently oversee clinic operations and ensure high-quality patient care.

7. Nurse Informaticist

Nurse informaticist roles combine health science with information technology and data analytics. Using a variety of software and databases, they design efficient systems for managing health records, create tools to support decision-making, and analyze data sets to identify trends or areas of improvement.

As gatekeepers of patient data, these skilled professionals are also responsible for protecting sensitive health data security, which earns them an average annual salary of $58,250 .

Since this role moves away from clinical work, it isn’t surprising that nurses need a BS in nursing to obtain this position. As a result, the BS in nursing curriculum aims to help students understand the integration of nursing science with information management and analytical sciences.

The Impact of a Bachelor’s Degree on Career Advancement

Working as an RN can be an incredibly satisfying career that never runs out of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients. However, associate-level nurses are often barred from exciting opportunities to take their careers to the next level.

Earning a bachelor's degree, on the other hand, can increase your earning potential and open up a world of new career pathways that allow you to combine nursing experience with other professional interests. Even if you’re unsure what specialization interests you, this degree program can help you discover subject areas you’re passionate about.

“In a bachelor's degree program, we go into more detail as to, what are we doing this for?” Roy continues. “How do we interpret this data? How do we apply that to how we're going to care for our patients? Nurses learn critical leadership behaviors on how to build teams, how to communicate, and how to deal with things like instability in the workplace.”

No matter what roles interest you, getting an advanced education makes it possible to compete for jobs in specialized departments and at top-tier, magnet-status healthcare facilities.

Choosing the Right Bachelor’s in Nursing Program

Choosing the right bachelor’s degree in nursing program ensures you develop the right skills for your professional goals. As you compare programs, consider factors like student services, job placement rates, and opportunities for internships or research experience since these directly impact your ability to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

The online RN-to-BS program at Regis College is designed for current RNs with an associate degree who want to develop their existing knowledge and skills. The curriculum emphasizes emerging trends in healthcare, leadership, and advanced health assessment methods to equip you for the next phase of your nursing career.

To learn more about what you can do with a bachelor's in nursing, consult an admissions counselor and find out how Regis faculty members work with students to create a personalized curriculum plan.

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Looking to earn your degree? Discover how Regis College can prepare you to succeed at a magnet hospital.

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