Nursing PhD Programs

by Judy Young

Searching for Nursing PhD Programs?

As with many career fields, the more education you have in the nursing field, the more in demand you will be in the job market. If you are looking to boost your career, you may want to consider earning your doctorate degree. There are a few different nursing PhD programs you can choose from.

Online Nursing PhD Programs

Currently, there are three post-masters programs in nursing available online: Doctor of Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing, and Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing.

Nursing Doctoral Programs

Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs

Which Nursing PhD Program is right for you?

Doctor of Nursing (ND)

The Doctor of Nursing (ND) programs take between three and five years to complete. The curriculum continues to build on the education you received as an advanced practice nurse.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is quickly becoming the preferred degree for executives in the nursing field. These programs take approximately three years to complete and focus on clinical practice leadership.

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)S

Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) programs prepare students to become nurse scientists. The focus is on honing investigative skills along with clinical leadership skills. Courses include health care economics, statistical analysis, and informatics.

Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD)

One of the more common doctorate program is the Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) program. This program is geared more toward scholars and researchers. Those with a PhD in Nursing go on to become professors, researchers, and policy makers.

Dual Master of Science in Nursing / Doctor of Nursing Philosophy Programs

A few schools are starting to offer dual MSN/PhD degrees. These are for highly qualified students who have a BSN. The program is intense and accelerated and can take up to five years to complete.

Whatever path you choose, getting a doctorate level degree can really jump start your career. If you are looking to go into research, higher education, or executive health care management, a doctorate level degree is a must.