Online PhD in Nursing

Interested in an Online PhD in Nursing?

Many  professional nurses that have been practicing in the field for awhile are looking to advance their careers even further. A PhD in nursing opens doors in health care leadership, administration, and management.

If you cannot take time out from your busy professional career, there are many quality online PhD in nursing programs available.

Online PhD in Nursing

Let’s take a look at the two accredited universities currently offering an online PhD in Nursing: Walden University and Capella University.

Walden University  Online PhD in Nursing

Walden University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible.

Walden University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, as well as several other health services doctoral programs. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, Walden helps you reach the highest level of nursing practice and discover how to promote a more effective and efficient health care system.  The DNP program will give you the credentials you require to assume a greater leadership role and it can also help you contribute to improved patient outcomes and health care delivery.

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

Capella University – Online PhD Degree Programs

Capella University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible.

Capella University offers a PhD in Nursing Education online and a few other health services doctoral programs. Capella’s doctoral degree with a specialization in Nursing Education is designed to prepare nurses holding a master’s degree to meet the growing need for nursing educators and to advance the field of nursing through doctoral research.

Read more or get a program guide from Capella University.

PhD in Nursing vs. Doctor of Nursing Practice

There are two different doctorate avenues to pursue and the best one for you will be dependent on what you plan to do after you graduate. There is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a professional degree similar to that of a Juris Doctorate for a lawyer.

There is also a PhD in Nursing that is designed for those that want to go into research or academia. Both programs are similar in nature with the main difference being the emphasis placed on research courses.

Each program consists of a series of courses and a dissertation project. DNP programs like the one offered by Walden University focus on advanced nursing practice and knowledge but also include operational courses as well.

Operational classes include administration, marketing, management, and information technology. PhD in Nursing programs like the one offered by Capella University typically include courses in nursing leadership, advanced nursing theory, critical thinking, and administration.

Most programs will require that you pass a comprehensive exam prior to starting the dissertation piece of the curriculum. The dissertation must include an original research project, and the findings will be defended in front of a university committee.

Getting your online PhD in nursing can open many doors for you. You will be looked to as an expert in your field.