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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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Transform the future of health.

Advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery with a Johns Hopkins PhD in nursing. This program will provide you with the knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytical approaches that will enable you to conduct research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing science and health care. Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students receive 100% tuition funding and guaranteed compensation for the first four years of study.

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing specializes in eight Areas of Expertise . With access to world-renowned nursing faculty in these specialties, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with noted researchers throughout Johns Hopkins University, you’ll build the skills to develop and implement a scientific research program and launch your career. By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career.

A DNP Advanced Practice/PHD dual degree is also offered for students who wish to function at the highest level of nursing practice with focuses on both clinical practice and research.

Program Details

Tuition & fees.

Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students receive 100% tuition funding and guaranteed compensation for the first four years of study. Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,430 per credit See Cost of Attendance Details Financial Aid: There are numerous options for financing your education including grants, scholarships, and federal loans.  Learn more.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Fall entry: November 15

Requirements

Admission criteria.

Graduate of an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing Program ( if applicable. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing related discipline will be considered on an individual basis)

A written statement of research goals including reason for interest in Johns Hopkins

Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources

GRE scores are accepted but not required

A minimum scholastic GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)

Writing sample (publication or graded paper)

Resume or curriculum vitae

Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional)*

Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)

TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Information for applicants with international education

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

*References should be recent, written for the purpose of your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student or employers who know you as a professional in a job setting preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement. For PhD applicants, it is strongly preferred that a least one of your recommenders holds a PhD.

 No. 1 in the nation for its  Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)

No. 1 (tied) in the nation for its Nursing Master’s Program (MSN)

No. 3 nursing school in the world, according to 2024  QS World University  rankings

Each student completes a core curriculum and works closely with faculty advisors to complete an individualized course of study that fulfills the student’s goals and develops the basis for a program of research.

Full Curriculum

Philosophical Perspectives in Health

Scientific Perspectives in Nursing

Quantitative Research Design and Methods

Qualitative Research Design and Methods

Mixed Methods Research Design

Grant Writing Seminar

Measurement in Health Care Research

Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist

Statistical Methods in Public Health I

Statistical Methods in Public Health II

Statistical Methods in Public Health III

Theory and Concepts of Health Behavior

Symptom Evaluation and Management

Special Topics in Violence Research

Advanced Nursing Health Policy

Stress and Stress Response

The Evolving Roles of the Nurse Educator (online)

Statistical Methods in Public Health IV

Writing for Publication (online)

Advanced Seminar in Translational Research

International Health Systems and Research 3

Current Issues and Trends in Cardiovascular Health Promotion Research

Critical Applications of Advanced Statistical Models

Technology and eTools to Conduct, Facilitate, Implement and Manage Research (online)

• Scholarly Research Portfolio for PhD Students

Dissertation Seminar

Dissertation

Sample Course of Study

Statistical Methods in Public Health I & II

Research Residency – 15 hours per week

Comprehensive Examination

Dissertation Seminar*

Dissertation*

Electives (10 credits)

Research Residency – 20 hours per week

Teaching Residency – 10 hours per week

Activities and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist

Electives (9 credits)

Preparation for Doctor of Philosophy Board Examination

*PhD students having successfully completed the written Comprehensive Examination must be registered for at least three credits consisting of two credits dissertation advisement plus one credit dissertation seminar each semester they are progressing toward the degree. *Part-time students who have completed the Comprehensive Examination must register for two credits dissertation advisement plus one credit dissertation seminar each semester they are progressing toward the degree after completing half (10) the required elective credits.  *Up to a maximum of 6 credits can be transferred into the PhD Program. ** Per Doctor of Philosophy Board policy, students must either be registered during fall and spring semesters, or be on an approved leave of absence. ***Transfer of credit is granted on an individual basis. Please see the  transfer of credit policy  and ** complete the form  to make a request.

“Prior to joining the PhD program, I felt like I was spinning my wheels. Now I feel empowered to advocate for what I know will help patients and have the tools and soon will have the credentials to do that.” Emily Hoppe, MS, BSN, RN

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Virtual Info Sessions

See recordings of some of our recent virtual info sessons.

Tuition & Other Costs

Financial aid.

View the costs for the PhD Program. 2024-2025

Scholarships & Grants: Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit. Learn more.

Loans: Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The research area in an admission application should be well-defined but not overly rigid. Candidates should demonstrate a clear focus within their field of interest, outlining specific research questions or problems they aim to address. The proposal should show a solid understanding of current literature and gaps in knowledge, indicating how their research could contribute to the field. While applicants may have a general idea of their methodology and potential outcomes, there should be room for refinement and adaptation as they progress in their studies. The research area should align with the program’s strengths and faculty expertise. Overall, the essay should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the issue, and critical thinking skills, and potential for conducting meaningful research, while still allowing for guidance and development throughout the program.

Although contacting a faculty member in your research area is not required, it is an opportunity to become familiar with researchers in your area of interest and to ask questions not addressed on the school’s website. While it can be helpful to have a direct match, students often have great success in the program when a piece of the research overlaps with the advisor.   If there is a particular faculty member whose work interests you, you may discuss this as part of your application essay.   The best place to start is with the PhD Assistant Director of Recruitment , Laura Panozzo at [email protected] and with a review of our most recent PhD virtual information session at https://nursing.jhu.edu/admissions/index.html .

Once you are admitted to the PhD program and decide to matriculate, the PhD Admissions Committee determines who will be your advisor(s). Generally, one advisor is selected, but in some instances-depending on your research area-two advisors are assigned, one of them serving as the primary advisor and the second serving as a co-advisor. One of the faculty would be your primary advisor and the second would serve as a co-advisor. We try to match students with faculty members who have similar research interests.

The PhD program prepares the nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The program is designed to prepare nurses for careers as research scientists, often in academic or governmental positions.

The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles.   View Comparison Chart

View information about a unique opportunity to earn a dual-degree DNP/PhD.

The time needed to complete the program varies, depending on how fast you progress. Some students in our program finish their degree in three years, others take four years or longer.

Students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Johns Hopkins School of Nursing requires a minimum TOEFL-IBT score of 100 to be eligible for admission. More

The PhD program has a Biostatistics heavy curriculum so previous coursework in Biostatistics is helpful.  We encourage students that have not had previous coursework in this area, or have not taken the coursework in the past five years, to look for ways to strengthen that knowledge base before matriculating into the program.  Please reach out to Laura Panozzo, Assistant Director of Recruitment, at [email protected] for a list of resources to help you prepare while applying and before matriculating into the program. 

GRE scores are accepted but not required.

The PhD program is a full time, onsite program only. 

Students should expect to spend 15 hours a week on campus on their funded research residency in collaboration with their faculty advisor for all three years that they receive full funding.  Students should expect to spend an additional 15-20 hours per week on coursework.

Coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated and translated into US equivalencies.  Official transcript evaluations must be submitted as part of the application process, and applications will not be considered complete until all evaluations for any work completed outside the United States are received.  The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing recommends WES-ICAP .

Pathway to PhD Nursing Scholars Program

DNP VS. Ph.D. - 12 Key Differences Between DNP And Ph.D. In Nursing

Nursing is one of the few professions that’s associated with two different terminal degrees: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). The former degree is a clinical doctorate designed for advanced practice nurses who are actively working to improve healthcare outcomes in medical settings and who are championing the leadership role that nurses play in bringing about those outcomes. The latter degree is a research-focused doctorate designed to advance the science behind nursing practice. As of 2019, 40,271 nurses in the U.S. held DNP degrees according to statistics generated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing while 6,994 nurses held Ph.D.s in nursing. If you’re an advanced practice nurse who’s interested in reaching the highest echelons of your profession, the DNP vs. Ph.D. in nursing quandary may be one you find yourself thinking about frequently. Keep reading to discover 12 key differences between DNP and Ph.D. in nursing.

What is a DNP Degree?

What is a ph.d. in nursing degree, what concentrations are offered in a dnp degree, • family nurse practitioner (fnp):, • adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (agnp):, • pediatric nurse practitioner (pnp):, • neonatal nurse practitioner (nnp):, • women’s health nurse practitioner (whnp):, • psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (pmhnp):, • certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna):, • clinical nurse midwife (cnm):, • clinical nurse specialist (cns):, • nursing education:, • executive leadership:, • nursing practice:, • health policy:, • public health:, • nursing administration:, what concentrations are offered in a ph.d. in nursing degree, • clinical nursing research:, • public health policy:, • nursing science:, • healthcare innovation:, how many years does a dnp degree take to complete, how many years does a ph.d. in nursing degree take to complete, where can you work after earning your dnp degree, where can you work after earning your ph.d. in nursing degree, how much does a dnp graduate make.

How Much Does a Ph.D. In Nursing Graduate Make?

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

1. the dnp focuses on clinical practice while the ph.d. focuses on academic research., 2. the ph.d. includes a dissertation project; the dnp includes a capstone project., 3. nursing ph.d. programs often involve a mentored teaching experience., 4. ph.d. programs prefer letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s academic history while dnp programs prefer letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s clinical experiences., 5. it takes longer to earn a nursing ph.d.., 6. dnp programs require a greater number of credits for completion of the degree., 7. dnps typically earn higher salaries than nursing ph.d.s., 8. dnps have a greater assortment of employment opportunities than nursing ph.d.s., 9. unless a nursing ph.d. is a certified nurse practitioner, his or her scope of practice is limited to bedside nursing., 10. nursing ph.d. graduates do not have to go through a periodic recertification process., 11. most universities will not offer tenure track teaching positions to dnps., 12. nursing ph.d. students are not responsible for completing a minimum number of clinical hours., conclusion - dnp vs. ph.d. in nursing: which one should you pursue.

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Nursing, Ph.D.

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The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing's Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program prepares nurses as scholars and beginning nurse scientists who will contribute to the continued knowledge development of the discipline and profession of nursing.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program takes place in both a traditional classroom format and distance learning with live, real-time digital teleconferencing. 

The Valentine School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks our graduate program as a top program in their Best Graduate Schools survey.

Program Highlights

SLU's Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing features:

• Full- and part-time curriculum plans
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) entry options
• Responsive faculty who are nationally recognized for teaching excellence, nursing leadership, scholarly research and student mentorship
• Faculty advisors who are individually assigned to mentor each student throughout the program
• An online library
• An online writing center
• State-of-the-art teaching facilities

Curriculum Overview

Students can enter the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program through one of two programs: the post-baccalaureate to Ph.D. track (BSN to Ph.D.), or the post-master's to Ph.D. track (MSN to Ph.D.).

Both options offer the choice of taking classes on campus or at a distance. Distance students interact live with students on campus through online conferencing software.

Most doctoral-level nursing classes are offered on Friday mornings and afternoons during fall and spring semesters. The scheduled time for the class takes into consideration students in different time zones. The academic year also includes two shorter, intensive courses, taken over the summer on Fridays.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing includes doctoral coursework (plus a maximum of 18 credits accepted from a master's program) and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in nursing are prepared for careers as nurse scientists, nurse researchers and nurse educators.

Admission Requirements

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing adheres to the principles of a holistic admission process in which selection criteria are broad-based and linked to our University’s and school’s mission and goals. While we do consider academic metrics, we also look at applicant experiences, attributes, potential for success, and how applicants may contribute to the school’s learning environment and to the profession.

Ph.D. admissions faculty at the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing evaluate all applications and may request interviews with applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Post-M.S.N. to Ph.D. - Master's degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency
• Post-B.S.N. to Ph.D. - Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 system
• Current, unencumbered registered professional nurse licensure in the state/country of residence/employment or eligibility for licensure in the State of Missouri
• Evidence of high potential for scholarship and leadership in nursing

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Professional goal statement
• To apply for the Ph.D. program at the Valentine School of Nursing, go to https://nursingcas.org .

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate  English Language Proficiency
• Courses taken and/or lectures attended
• Practical laboratory work
• The maximum and minimum grades attainable
• The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
• Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadlines

The priority deadline is February 1st for international students and June 1st for domestic students.  

Review Process

Applicants are considered on a rolling basis. An application answer may be expected after two weeks. There is a deadline to accept an offer of admission.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans. For price estimates, please review the SLU Cost Calculator .

The Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers scholarship and graduate research assistantship opportunities to eligible graduate students. Additionally, most nursing students will participate in a tuition assistance program provided through their employer.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services .

Accreditation

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Valentine School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing . To achieve its educational objectives, the school uses the hospitals within SSM Health and many health care organizations in the greater St. Louis area.

• Graduates will be able to articulate multiple perspectives on knowledge development and a broad understanding of research methods.
• Graduates will be able to critique and synthesize nursing and interdisciplinary knowledge in a substantive area of inquiry.
• Graduates will be able to generate and disseminate nursing knowledge through research that is innovative, rigorously conducted, ethically sound and culturally sensitive.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate leadership by disseminating scientific findings and implications for future research practice and policy.

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Requirements

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact the School of Nursing's recruitment and enrollment staff:

Undergraduate Inquiries 314-977-8995  [email protected]  

Graduate Inquiries 314-977-8976  [email protected]

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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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-warnings-from-democrats-about-project-2025-and-donald-trump

Fact-checking warnings from Democrats about Project 2025 and Donald Trump

This fact check originally appeared on PolitiFact .

Project 2025 has a starring role in this week’s Democratic National Convention.

And it was front and center on Night 1.

WATCH: Hauling large copy of Project 2025, Michigan state Sen. McMorrow speaks at 2024 DNC

“This is Project 2025,” Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, said as she laid a hardbound copy of the 900-page document on the lectern. “Over the next four nights, you are going to hear a lot about what is in this 900-page document. Why? Because this is the Republican blueprint for a second Trump term.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has warned Americans about “Trump’s Project 2025” agenda — even though former President Donald Trump doesn’t claim the conservative presidential transition document.

“Donald Trump wants to take our country backward,” Harris said July 23 in Milwaukee. “He and his extreme Project 2025 agenda will weaken the middle class. Like, we know we got to take this seriously, and can you believe they put that thing in writing?”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, has joined in on the talking point.

“Don’t believe (Trump) when he’s playing dumb about this Project 2025. He knows exactly what it’ll do,” Walz said Aug. 9 in Glendale, Arizona.

Trump’s campaign has worked to build distance from the project, which the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, led with contributions from dozens of conservative groups.

Much of the plan calls for extensive executive-branch overhauls and draws on both long-standing conservative principles, such as tax cuts, and more recent culture war issues. It lays out recommendations for disbanding the Commerce and Education departments, eliminating certain climate protections and consolidating more power to the president.

Project 2025 offers a sweeping vision for a Republican-led executive branch, and some of its policies mirror Trump’s 2024 agenda, But Harris and her presidential campaign have at times gone too far in describing what the project calls for and how closely the plans overlap with Trump’s campaign.

PolitiFact researched Harris’ warnings about how the plan would affect reproductive rights, federal entitlement programs and education, just as we did for President Joe Biden’s Project 2025 rhetoric. Here’s what the project does and doesn’t call for, and how it squares with Trump’s positions.

Are Trump and Project 2025 connected?

To distance himself from Project 2025 amid the Democratic attacks, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he “knows nothing” about it and has “no idea” who is in charge of it. (CNN identified at least 140 former advisers from the Trump administration who have been involved.)

The Heritage Foundation sought contributions from more than 100 conservative organizations for its policy vision for the next Republican presidency, which was published in 2023.

Project 2025 is now winding down some of its policy operations, and director Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official, is stepping down, The Washington Post reported July 30. Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita denounced the document.

WATCH: A look at the Project 2025 plan to reshape government and Trump’s links to its authors

However, Project 2025 contributors include a number of high-ranking officials from Trump’s first administration, including former White House adviser Peter Navarro and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.

A recently released recording of Russell Vought, a Project 2025 author and the former director of Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, showed Vought saying Trump’s “very supportive of what we do.” He said Trump was only distancing himself because Democrats were making a bogeyman out of the document.

Project 2025 wouldn’t ban abortion outright, but would curtail access

The Harris campaign shared a graphic on X that claimed “Trump’s Project 2025 plan for workers” would “go after birth control and ban abortion nationwide.”

The plan doesn’t call to ban abortion nationwide, though its recommendations could curtail some contraceptives and limit abortion access.

What’s known about Trump’s abortion agenda neither lines up with Harris’ description nor Project 2025’s wish list.

Project 2025 says the Department of Health and Human Services Department should “return to being known as the Department of Life by explicitly rejecting the notion that abortion is health care.”

It recommends that the Food and Drug Administration reverse its 2000 approval of mifepristone, the first pill taken in a two-drug regimen for a medication abortion. Medication is the most common form of abortion in the U.S. — accounting for around 63 percent in 2023.

If mifepristone were to remain approved, Project 2025 recommends new rules, such as cutting its use from 10 weeks into pregnancy to seven. It would have to be provided to patients in person — part of the group’s efforts to limit access to the drug by mail. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a legal challenge to mifepristone’s FDA approval over procedural grounds.

WATCH: Trump’s plans for health care and reproductive rights if he returns to White House The manual also calls for the Justice Department to enforce the 1873 Comstock Act on mifepristone, which bans the mailing of “obscene” materials. Abortion access supporters fear that a strict interpretation of the law could go further to ban mailing the materials used in procedural abortions, such as surgical instruments and equipment.

The plan proposes withholding federal money from states that don’t report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention how many abortions take place within their borders. The plan also would prohibit abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid funds. It also calls for the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that the training of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, omits abortion training.

The document says some forms of emergency contraception — particularly Ella, a pill that can be taken within five days of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy — should be excluded from no-cost coverage. The Affordable Care Act requires most private health insurers to cover recommended preventive services, which involves a range of birth control methods, including emergency contraception.

Trump has recently said states should decide abortion regulations and that he wouldn’t block access to contraceptives. Trump said during his June 27 debate with Biden that he wouldn’t ban mifepristone after the Supreme Court “approved” it. But the court rejected the lawsuit based on standing, not the case’s merits. He has not weighed in on the Comstock Act or said whether he supports it being used to block abortion medication, or other kinds of abortions.

Project 2025 doesn’t call for cutting Social Security, but proposes some changes to Medicare

“When you read (Project 2025),” Harris told a crowd July 23 in Wisconsin, “you will see, Donald Trump intends to cut Social Security and Medicare.”

The Project 2025 document does not call for Social Security cuts. None of its 10 references to Social Security addresses plans for cutting the program.

Harris also misleads about Trump’s Social Security views.

In his earlier campaigns and before he was a politician, Trump said about a half-dozen times that he’s open to major overhauls of Social Security, including cuts and privatization. More recently, in a March 2024 CNBC interview, Trump said of entitlement programs such as Social Security, “There’s a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting.” However, he quickly walked that statement back, and his CNBC comment stands at odds with essentially everything else Trump has said during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump’s campaign website says that not “a single penny” should be cut from Social Security. We rated Harris’ claim that Trump intends to cut Social Security Mostly False.

Project 2025 does propose changes to Medicare, including making Medicare Advantage, the private insurance offering in Medicare, the “default” enrollment option. Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans have provider networks and can also require prior authorization, meaning that the plan can approve or deny certain services. Original Medicare plans don’t have prior authorization requirements.

The manual also calls for repealing health policies enacted under Biden, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. The law enabled Medicare to negotiate with drugmakers for the first time in history, and recently resulted in an agreement with drug companies to lower the prices of 10 expensive prescriptions for Medicare enrollees.

Trump, however, has said repeatedly during the 2024 presidential campaign that he will not cut Medicare.

Project 2025 would eliminate the Education Department, which Trump supports

The Harris campaign said Project 2025 would “eliminate the U.S. Department of Education” — and that’s accurate. Project 2025 says federal education policy “should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated.” The plan scales back the federal government’s role in education policy and devolves the functions that remain to other agencies.

Aside from eliminating the department, the project also proposes scrapping the Biden administration’s Title IX revision, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It also would let states opt out of federal education programs and calls for passing a federal parents’ bill of rights similar to ones passed in some Republican-led state legislatures.

Republicans, including Trump, have pledged to close the department, which gained its status in 1979 within Democratic President Jimmy Carter’s presidential Cabinet.

In one of his Agenda 47 policy videos, Trump promised to close the department and “to send all education work and needs back to the states.” Eliminating the department would have to go through Congress.

What Project 2025, Trump would do on overtime pay

In the graphic, the Harris campaign says Project 2025 allows “employers to stop paying workers for overtime work.”

The plan doesn’t call for banning overtime wages. It recommends changes to some Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, regulations and to overtime rules. Some changes, if enacted, could result in some people losing overtime protections, experts told us.

The document proposes that the Labor Department maintain an overtime threshold “that does not punish businesses in lower-cost regions (e.g., the southeast United States).” This threshold is the amount of money executive, administrative or professional employees need to make for an employer to exempt them from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

In 2019, the Trump’s administration finalized a rule that expanded overtime pay eligibility to most salaried workers earning less than about $35,568, which it said made about 1.3 million more workers eligible for overtime pay. The Trump-era threshold is high enough to cover most line workers in lower-cost regions, Project 2025 said.

The Biden administration raised that threshold to $43,888 beginning July 1, and that will rise to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. That would grant overtime eligibility to about 4 million workers, the Labor Department said.

It’s unclear how many workers Project 2025’s proposal to return to the Trump-era overtime threshold in some parts of the country would affect, but experts said some would presumably lose the right to overtime wages.

Other overtime proposals in Project 2025’s plan include allowing some workers to choose to accumulate paid time off instead of overtime pay, or to work more hours in one week and fewer in the next, rather than receive overtime.

Trump’s past with overtime pay is complicated. In 2016, the Obama administration said it would raise the overtime to salaried workers earning less than $47,476 a year, about double the exemption level set in 2004 of $23,660 a year.

But when a judge blocked the Obama rule, the Trump administration didn’t challenge the court ruling. Instead it set its own overtime threshold, which raised the amount, but by less than Obama.

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CRNAs Will Need A Doctorate Degree By 2025

• Reasons for Changes
• Who Will This Affect?
• Affect on Current Master's Students
• Affect on Practicing CRNAs

Over the past few decades, the CRNA role has evolved into a popular career choice for nurses who are interested in critical care patient management and want to grow their scope of practice. 

Historically, CRNA certification required the successful completion of a master's degree. However, the landscape for CRNA entry requirements is changing, just as it has for RNs. If your goal is to become a nurse anesthetist, this changing landscape is something you must consider. 

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Enrollment: Nationwide

• DNP - Educational Leadership

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

• DNP - Family NP
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• DNP - Women's Health NP

RNs with an associate degree: Advance your nursing career with a supportive online RN to BSN program for women. Simmons University has been empowering nursing leaders for more than 100 years and offering innovative online degree programs since 2013. Up to 96 transfer credits accepted. Request information now.

As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4 RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).

Enrollment: FL

Why Are The CRNA Requirements Changing?

In the world of healthcare, more and more complex needs arise, which calls for more refined education. Many different healthcare practices — including Pharmacy and Physical Therapy — have recognized this, and have permanently moved toward a doctorate-level degree as the entry requirements to the profession.

The COA (Council on Accreditation) — the credentialing body for nurse anesthetists — is in support of raising the degree standard for CRNAs. Because of this, all schools are required to graduate only clinical doctorate educated CRNAs starting in the year 2025 .

>> Related: CRNA vs DNP & DNAP -- What's the Difference?

Who Will This Affect? 

This will affect all nurses applying to CRNA schools through the year 2022. Because doctorate nurse anesthetist programs are typically 3 years, this timeline will allow for the first graduating class to meet the new requirement of having a doctorate by 2025.

What If I’m Already Enrolled In A Master’s CRNA Program? Will I Need To Get A Doctorate Degree? 

If you are already enrolled in a master’s CRNA program, it will NOT be required of you to return to school and obtain a doctorate degree. It is important, however, to measure the benefits of continuing your education to obtain a doctorate degree.  

Questions to ask yourself include:

• Where do I want to work when I graduate?
• What are the typical credentials of the other applicants I will be competing with for the positions I want? 
• Will a doctorate  make me a more competitive candidate for these positions? 
• How do I see my career evolving? Will a doctorate help me achieve the career advances I hope to accomplish one day?

Many schools offer a post-masters DNP, which works as a bridge program for those nurses who already have their masters and wish to obtain a terminal degree in nurse anesthesia. See below for a breakdown of the schools and what they offer. 

>> Show Me CRNA Programs

I’m Already A CRNA, Will I Have To Obtain A Doctorate Next?

For licensure, current practicing CRNAs who obtained their license through a masters program will NOT have to complete a doctorate degree in order to have an active license. However, facility requirements may differ from institution to institution. It is possible that some facilities may require all their nurse anesthetists to have a doctorate  in order to be considered for the position. 

To keep up with degree requirements changes for CRNAs, follow the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists ( AANA ) or the Council on Accreditation ( COA ). To find a CRNA program for you, check out this list of CRNA schools by state. 

Find Nursing Programs

Mariam is a writer and travel nurse from El Paso, Texas. After three years in the ICU, she hit the road with her husband and two pups, living in San Francisco, Tennessee, and Los Angeles. Currently in New York City, Mariam is a nurse journalist for Nurse.Org. Catch her on Instagram @mariamcat.

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PhD Nursing Syllabus, Subjects, Semester Wise, Year Wise, Top Colleges, Online

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Content Curator

PhD in Nursing provides the chance to research on the ways the nursing profession can be improved. It gives a chance to the nursing professionals to give something back to the field. PhD Nursing syllabus mainly has 4 papers. Paper 1 consists of Research Methodology, Paper 2 consists of Biostatistics, Ethics, and Computer Application in Research, Paper 3 deals with Research and Publication Ethics and Paper 4 deals with Recent Advances and research in Nursing. 

Table of Content

PhD in Nursing Syllabus

1.1 Paper I

1.2 Paper II

1.3 Paper III

1.4 Paper IV

Online Courses Beneficial for Nursing Students

Top phd in nursing colleges, phd in nursing syllabus: faqs.

PhD in Nursing is a 4 to 6 year degree in the nursing field, especially framed for those who desire to become a nurse in future or pursue a career in the medical field. Check out the syllabus for the PhD in Nursing course as per its research papers.

• Paper I -  Research Methodology
• Paper II -  Biostatistics, Ethics, and Computer Application in Research
• Paper III -  Research and Publication Ethics
• Paper IV -  Recent Advances and research in Nursing

Paper I - Research Methodology

In the first phase of the first paper of the PhD in Nursing degree, candidates have to understand a concept of research, which includes reviewing literature, researching questions, and exploring the intro of scope and research. They explore various epidemiological studies and learn applied research tool construction.

Secondly, candidates will go through the development and research proposal stage, where they will learn various steps in research proposal, research design, review of literature, selection and statement of problem, hypothesis formulation, material and methods, etc.

In the third phase, i.e, in the conduction of research phase, candidates will go through phases such as Sampling & Data collection, Sampling & Data collection, Measurement Scales, Methods Of Data Collection, Sampling selection Methods, etc. In the last phase of the paper I,they will learn everything regarding elements of specific writing.

Paper II - Biostatistics, Ethics, and Computer Application in Research

In paper II, i.e., in Biostatistics, Ethics and Computer Application in Research, candidates will go through four stages including Data analysis/statistics in research, Ethics and administration, and Computer applications and Statistics. 

Overall, some of the common topics that candidates will explore in this course are Measurement of central tendency, Measure of dispersion, Hypothesis testing, Probability Theories, Importance of Ethics, Legal aspects of research:, Use of work processing, MS Excel, Database searches on internet and compilation platforms for literature search, etc.

Paper III - Research and Publication ethics

In the Research and Publication ethics, i.e., in Paper III, the major thing that candidates will learn is to secure awareness about the publication ethics and and publication misconducts. This course consists of 6 units and the papers focus on research integrity, philosophy of science and ethics, and publication ethics. 

Paper IV - Recent advances and research in Nursing

On the fourth and the final paper of the PhD in Nursing syllabus, candidates will explore recent advances and research in nursing. Candidates' performance in this paper will be judged based on seminars as well as classroom presentations.

Check out the top PhD in Nursing colleges in the table below.

Ques. Is a PhD in nursing a doctor?

Ans.  Both PhD in NUrsing and Doctors are considered as terminal degrees which are used for advanced practices of the nurses, however rooted in a very different practice. In general terms, DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice is a clinical degree, and on the other hand, PhD in Nursing is a research based degree.

Ques. How many years is PhD in nursing?

Ans.  PhD in Nursing is a research based course, whose course duration generally lasts for 4 to 6 years.

Ques. Can I open clinic after BSc nursing?

Ans.  Candidates can open a clinic only under the appointment of a qualified and certified doctor. Being a nurse, candidates can open nursing homes offering services like immunisation, dressing, etc.

Ques. What is the highest level of nursing degree?

Ans.  The highest level in the nursing field is DNP or Doctorate of Nursing Practice. It also trains candidates with providing them expertise with the nursing profession.

Ques. Can I do MBBS after BSc nursing?

Ans.  Yes. Candidates are very much eligible to pursue the MBBS degree following their completion of the BSc Nursing degree. A BSc Nursing degree candidates need to apply for the MBBS course, fulfill the MBBS eligibility criteria, and access the course either via entrance exams or can have direct admission in some colleges.

Ques. Can a nurse be promoted to a doctor?

Ans.  Yes. An RN registered nurse can become a doctor if he or she fulfils the education and other certifications needed to be a doctor. It is very much possible to get promoted from a nurse to a doctor, but candidates have to go through a lot of processes.

Ques. Can BSc nursing student apply for UPSC?

Ans.  Yes. A BSc nursing student is very much eligible to apply for the UPSC or IAS exam, completing his BSc Nursing program. IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service whose exam is regulated by UPSC or Union Public Service Commission.

Ques. Can I do MBBS after GNM nursing?

Ans.  Candidates completing their GNM degree are very much eligible to sit for the MBBS course. Generally admission to the MBBS course is done seeing the merit of the candidates in the entrance exams.

M.Phil. (Nursing)

Bachelor of homeopathic medicine & surgery [bhms], bachelor in medical laboratory technology [bmlt], bachelor of science [b.sc] (nursing), ph.d. (nursing) colleges in india.

Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences - [SIMATS]

Chitkara University - [CU]

Amity University

Jamia Hamdard University

Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth - [DPU]

Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University - [SOA]

SRM Institute of Science and Technology - [SRMIST]

Annamalai University - [AU]

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How to Become a Registered Nurse

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Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

• Steps to Become
• Education Options
• Licensure and Certification

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Registered nurses (RNs) provide essential patient care in various healthcare settings. Their scope of practice is broad, depending on where they work, and the field is experiencing faster-than-average job growth. In addition, most RNs command comfortable salaries with the option of overtime.

Explore the RN profession, including the steps and requirements necessary for entering the field.

How Long to Become 2-4 years

Degree Required ADN or BSN

Job Outlook for RNs 6% growth from 2022-2032

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

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

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse

All RNs follow similar steps to get their licenses, but the specific requirements vary by state . Certain states, such as New York, require RNs to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Learn how to become a registered nurse with this step-by-step process.

Complete the Prerequisites for an ADN or a BSN

Whether you choose an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN degree, you must complete liberal arts, math, and science prerequisites. Common prerequisites for nursing school include basic anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology, and statistics. Nursing schools often require that incoming students earn a minimum C grade in these courses.

Earn a BSN or an ADN Degree

You can start your nursing career with an ADN or a BSN degree. A four-year BSN degree offers in-depth education and training in leadership, interpersonal communication, and clinical nursing. A two-year ADN program covers nursing fundamentals and offers the fastest track to becoming a registered nurse.

If you start your nursing career with an ADN, you can earn a BSN later with an RN-to-BSN program . If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, an accelerated BSN program lets you graduate in as little as one year.

Pass the NCLEX

You can apply for licensure six weeks before graduating and then register for the NCLEX-RN . This computerized test includes a minimum of 75 questions and tests your skills in four areas: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. You have up to six hours to finish the exam.

Find Employment

No matter your degree path, be proactive in your nursing career search . That could mean contacting your college network and gathering job resources before graduating. It is also important to make a good impression during clinical rotations with potential healthcare employers.

Become Certified in Your Specialty

If you want greater recognition, more career opportunities, and higher salary potential, consider becoming certified in your nursing specialty . To qualify, you often need two or more years of full-time clinical RN experience in your specialty and a passing score on an exam.

What Is a Registered Nurse?

Registered nurses provide nursing care to patients across the lifespan. They have many responsibilities, including administering medication and treatment, assessing patients, maintaining medical records, and educating patients and their families.

An RN career is both flexible and diverse. As licensed medical professionals, RNs can work in a wide range of practice settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, patients’ homes, and even medical spas. RNs can work as leaders, inventors, and entrepreneurs, making this career path full of potential and growth.

Registered Nurse Schooling

Expect to spend 2-4 years completing the required education to become an RN. The exact timeline varies depending on whether you choose a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. Having prior college credits can speed up your completion time.

Discover the differences between an ADN and a BSN degree.

An ADN provides a quicker path to becoming an RN . However, some employers require or prefer to hire nurses with a BSN. RNs also need a BSN to apply for advanced nursing programs that allow them to become advanced practice nurses, such as clinical nurse specialists , certified registered nurse anesthetists , or nurse practitioners .

• Admission Requirements: Applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate to enroll in an ADN program. Schools may require a minimum GPA between 2.0 and 3.0. Required application materials may include personal essays, SAT or ACT scores, and transcripts.
• Program Curriculum: ADN courses include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, nutrition, health system concepts, growth, development, and aging. Programs also require clinical hours.
• Time to Complete: The length of an ADN program depends on full- or part-time enrollment and how many college credits are transferred to the program. Most students complete an ADN program in 2-4 years.
• Skills Learned: ADN courses provide learners with the nursing skills necessary to work in a clinical setting. ADN graduates can deliver nursing care across diverse populations, such as older adults, children, and infants.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

How much does nursing school cost? Nursing school tuition depends on many factors, such as degree level and location. Learn more about nursing school expenses.

Best-Paying Nursing Jobs With an Associate Degree in Nursing

Earning your ADN can pay off. Discover the highest-paying associate degree in nursing jobs to advance your career.

The Best ADN Programs

This page covers some of the best ADN programs in the country, recommendations on what to look for in a school, and tips on navigating the application process.

ADN-to-BSN Degree

An ADN-to-BSN degree allows RNs with an ADN degree to complete a BSN in roughly half the time of a traditional program. Many schools offer this bridge program entirely online. Students are required to complete clinical hours, which they can arrange in their local area.

• Admission Requirements: Prospective RNs need an ADN degree from an accredited program, an unencumbered and active RN license, and the required application materials, which may include a personal essay and an official transcript. Most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.3 to 3.0.
• Program Curriculum: Students who have not completed general education courses must complete those before beginning the program. Nursing courses include leadership, informatics, working with vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and a capstone experience.
• Time to Complete: Full-time students can complete an ADN-to-BSN program in nine months. Part-time students may take up to two years to complete the coursework.
• Skills Learned: Students learn leadership and management skills and problem-solving to lead change. Graduates have sharpened professional, clinical reasoning, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

10 Reasons Why RNs Should Pursue their BSN Degree

Considering an RN-to-BSN program? Here are the 10 best reasons for RNs to earn their BSN.

The Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs of 2024

Are you an RN interested in completing your undergraduate nursing education? These top RN-to-BSN programs can be completed in just 12-24 months.

Nursing Scholarships and Grants

Nurses deserve a break. These scholarships and grants offer financial awards to nursing students.

While a BSN takes longer to earn, the program provides a broader education in leadership, critical thinking, coordinating patient care with doctors and other healthcare professionals, and specialized knowledge of medical conditions.

• Admission Requirements: Students enter a BSN program straight from high school or after completing an ADN program. BSN admissions requirements often include SAT or ACT scores, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and three letters of recommendation.
• Program Curriculum: A BSN degree teaches students leadership and management in nursing, cultural awareness, evidence-based nursing practice, and contemporary issues in healthcare.
• Time to Complete: Traditionally, a BSN degree takes four years to complete. However, transferring in general education credits can shorten the completion time to three years. It may take up to six years to graduate at a part-time pace.
• Skills Learned: BSN students gain fundamental nursing skills in leadership, research, and public health. Students can also develop specialized knowledge in areas like psychiatric nursing and community health nursing.

The Best Online BSN Programs

Pursuing a BSN online provides flexibility for aspiring nurses. Explore this guide for a list of the best online BSN programs.

The Best BSN Degree Programs

A bachelor’s-level program provides nurses with the critical thinking and leadership skills needed to administer nursing care in a variety of settings. Read here to learn more about the best colleges for nurses.

Guide to Financial Aid and Scholarships for Nurses

Paying for nursing school can be a challenge. Discover financial aid options for nursing school in this guide.

ABSN Degree

Those with a bachelor’s degree in another field can earn an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree (ABSN) and graduate in 12-18 months. This route may appeal to those who want to switch careers quickly to become registered nurses. However, the program’s rapid pace can be challenging, and the admissions process can be rigorous.

• Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and a 3.0 GPA. Prospective students must also complete all prerequisites with a minimum C grade. Online applications typically must include personal essays, letters of recommendation, and resumes.
• Program Curriculum: ABSN degrees cover research methods, assessments and interventions, healthcare ethics, and leadership and management. Labs and clinical rotations allow students to apply nursing theories and gain experience in areas, such as pediatrics, mental and behavioral health, and acute and critical care.
• Time to Complete: The programs are typically challenging and can be completed online or in person in 1-2 years. These programs are fast-paced, and working full-time while in school may be challenging.
• Skills Learned: Students learn nursing skills like assessment, medication administration, treatment, and counseling. They also learn cultural competency, communication, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

Registered Nurse Credentials

After completing your nursing education, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. Nurses who meet the educational, clinical, and exam qualifications can get licensed in their state.

While not required for employment, certifications acknowledge an RN’s expertise in specialized areas, such as pediatric acute critical care or cardiac nursing . It can also boost an RN’s career in terms of pay and responsibility.

Earning licensure is the last step to becoming a registered nurse. Prospective RNs can get licensed by their state board of nursing after earning their degree, completing clinical hours, and passing the NCLEX-RN.

Each state board sets different standards and may require additional training courses to qualify for a license. RNs must typically renew their license every two years. Individuals must complete training courses and continuing education hours to renew their RN license .

Certification

Registered nursing does not require certifications, but getting these optional credentials can provide greater opportunities for professional development. Having a credential demonstrates your skills in a specialized area to potential employers.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and other nursing organizations offer certifications for RNs. Qualifying RNs must complete a specific number of clinical hours and pass an exam. Nurses can become certified in specialties, such as emergency care , pediatrics , and intensive care.

Where Do Registered Nurses Work?

Nursing students find positions through their schools, hospitals, medical offices, or popular job boards. The American Nurses Association also offers career centers where members can find open positions.

RN salaries vary depending on degree, specialization, and the workplace. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2023, RNs earn a median salary of $86,070.

Many RNs work in hospitals, physician offices, nursing facilities, and outpatient care centers. RNs in outpatient care centers earn a mean salary of $102,640, which is higher than the average salaries for nurses in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)

RNs work in every hospital unit. Depending on their interests, RNs might work in the operating room , intensive care unit , or neonatal unit . They administer medication, complete patient assessments, establish patient care priorities, and intervene in emergencies to save lives.

• Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 59%
• Average annual salary: $96,830

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

In nursing and residential care facilities, RNs work day and night shifts. They advise patients and their families, implement infection-control policies, administer medication and treatments, coordinate care plans, and monitor residents.

• Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 6%
• Average annual salary: $87,430

Outpatient Care Centers

Sometimes called ambulatory care nursing , RNs work mostly the day shift and assess a patient’s overall health, monitor vital signs, administer medications, educate patients and their families, and help manage pain.

• Percent of nurses who work in this setting: 18%
• Average annual salary: $102,640

Becoming a Registered Nurse: FAQ

Can you become an rn in two years.

Yes, you can become an RN in two years if you complete a two-year ADN program. If you have a degree in another field, you can complete an accelerated BSN program in 1-2 years, depending on the number of transfer credits. Both programs allow you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and get your nursing license.

Is it hard being a registered nurse?

Nursing is a challenging profession that requires you to be diligent, detail-oriented, and clinically aware for long periods, typically 10-12-hour shifts. Working night shifts and having less flexibility regarding your schedule (e.g., having to work weekends and holidays) might also be a tough adjustment for some.

How hard it is to be an RN depends on how well you can develop a work-life balance. While the profession is physically taxing and emotionally charged, becoming an RN offers job stability, and it can be vastly rewarding to help others.

What are the steps of being an RN?

You first need to complete your prerequisite college courses for an ADN or a BSN nursing program. Then, you finish your nursing coursework and clinical hours. After admission and completion of an accredited program, you must apply for an RN license, pass the NCLEX to obtain your license, and find employment. For more career opportunities, consider becoming certified in your specialty after you gain nursing experience.

Is becoming an RN hard?

Nursing programs are challenging , require dedication, and are not for everyone, but the answer to this question varies for each student. During school, you learn time-management skills and studying strategies, and gain experience through classwork and clinical hours. However, after graduating, you can develop a rewarding and flexible career with job stability, higher-than-average earning potential, and options to advance.

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Page last reviewed on June 21, 2024

Can I do a PhD after masters? How long does it take to get a PhD / Doctorate

A common question that many graduate students have is whether they can pursue a PhD after completing their master’s degree.

The answer is yes, it is possible to continue your academic career by obtaining a doctoral degree in your field of study.

There are several factors that need to be considered before embarking on this path.

This article will provide an overview of the key factors students should consider when deciding whether to pursue a PhD after completing their master’s degree.

Should I get my PhD after my masters? What about industry?

Deciding whether to pursue a PhD immediately after a master’s degree or enter the workforce first depends on personal goals, interests, and circumstances.

A PhD typically requires around five years of self-directed effort, similar to starting a business. If passionate about research, it might be best to begin right away.

Working in industry before pursuing a PhD can lead to habits that may not benefit academia and can take longer to adjust back to a scholarly environment.

Long-term relationships are essential in academia, and aggressive industry tactics might not be well-received.

Starting a PhD earlier allows for more time to produce research and establish a successful career, particularly for those considering a long-term academic path.

PhD pursuit offers flexibility in research topics and projects, enabling exploration across various subjects and building connections with professionals from different fields. This leads to unique opportunities and experiences that may not be available when working for a single company.

Considering factors like personal goals and readiness for the workload and demands of a PhD program is crucial.

Weigh the potential benefits of advancing education against the time, cost, and personal demands of a doctoral program. If a PhD aligns with one’s career aspirations and personal goals, it may be a worthwhile pursuit.

However, if the investment required outweighs the potential benefits, it might not be the best choice.

It’s always possible to try a PhD program for a year or two and then make a more informed decision based on individual experiences.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD or Doctorate? Time to complete everything

Leading up to getting a PhD there are many qualifications you need to get. Here is the amount of time a typical US Doctorate can take to achieve including all of the previous qualifications. It can take up to 13 years to complete

The length of time to complete a PhD varies depending on several factors.

On average, in the US it takes about six years, with three years dedicated to coursework and another three years for the dissertation project.

Factors that can influence the duration include:

• prerequisites of the program,
• program format,
• the student’s motivation,
• prior knowledge,
• Personal circumstances, such as being an international student, can influence the time it takes to complete the doctoral program.
• Funding and scholarship stipend can significantly affect the years of study and the time it takes to earn a doctorate degree. 
• field of study,
• dissertation topic,
• Support of the graduate advisor can be a crucial factor in minimizing the time it takes to complete a doctorate degree.

The range can be as short as three years or as long as seven to eight years , depending on the individual and the circumstances.

Do you need a master’s for a PhD? A shorter career path that doesn’t take so long.

In certain fields, such as clinical psychology, it is possible to pursue a PhD without obtaining a master’s degree first.

To do so, one must demonstrate a strong academic and research background, as well as a commitment to the field.

Here are the most important attributes if you are thinking about going straight into a PhD without a master’s:

• Strong academic and research background: Ensure that you have excelled in your coursework and maintained a high GPA.
• Undergraduate research experience: Engage in research projects during your undergraduate studies, preferably with a thesis component.
• Clinical exposure (if applicable): Gain relevant experience in the field to showcase your practical knowledge and commitment.
• Leadership experience: Participate in activities that demonstrate your ability to lead and work effectively within a team, as this can be advantageous in the years of study required to earn a doctorate degree.
• Interpersonal skills: Develop strong communication and collaboration skills, which are essential for success in a PhD program.
• Clear determination: Express your dedication to pursuing a PhD directly from your undergraduate studies, highlighting your commitment to the field and how quickly you aim to earn a doctorate.
• Assess your certainty: Be sure that you are confident in your goals and prepared to invest the necessary effort to be competitive without a master’s degree.

By satisfying these requirements, you can better assess your eligibility to apply for a PhD without a master’s degree and potentially save time and money in the process.

Earn a Doctorate without a Masters – How Does It Work? 

Obtaining a PhD without a master’s degree is not a common path, but it is possible under certain circumstances.

Typically, a PhD candidate has an undergraduate degree with high grades, a master’s degree, and relevant research skills.

However, there are exceptions where individuals have successfully transitioned from their undergraduate studies directly to a PhD program.

One such scenario involves having a strong rapport with a potential PhD supervisor, perhaps from your undergraduate program, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to earn a doctorate.

This relationship can help compensate for the lack of a master’s degree, but it’s not a guarantee.

Another example is being an exceptional student with a first-class undergraduate degree and a dissertation closely aligned with the advertised PhD project.

Demonstrating an outstanding attitude and performance during your undergraduate project may give you an edge over other applicants.

In applied PhDs, practical experience can also be beneficial, particularly if it includes valuable contacts in the field.

For instance, if your PhD is related to professional sports and you have numerous connections within the industry, it may facilitate recruitment and collaboration, enhancing your chances of acceptance.

However, as with the other examples, this is not a sure-fire way to secure a position.

While securing a PhD without a master’s degree is challenging, it is not impossible.

The best approach is to pursue a master’s degree, as it will better prepare you for a PhD program. – Dr Andy Stapleton

Nonetheless, if you are determined to bypass the master’s route, perseverance and strategic networking can potentially lead to success.

What after Masters: MPhil or Doctorate Degree?

After completing a Master’s degree, you may be considering whether to pursue an MPhil or a PhD.

Here are the differences between the two:

A PhD, being the highest academic title awarded for independent research, offers a broader scope and deeper engagement with complex topics than an MA or MPhil.

It can be thought of as an apprenticeship in planning and conducting your research.

The program duration ranges from three to seven years, depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time.

Entry is competitive, as candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of academic success.

PhD students attend research workshops, writing classes, and work in groups to explore each other’s studies.

They have opportunities to discuss their research across the university, in graduate school, and other classes, which can be particularly beneficial for an international student. A PhD involves a multi-year project based on independent research, with support from supervisors and training that contributes to the chosen field of study.

It’s essential to have a clear idea of the topic you want to explore in-depth and the methods you plan to employ before applying for a PhD program.

Doing a PhD can be both intellectually and emotionally demanding.

However, working in a department with dedicated and talented staff, excellent supervisors, ongoing training, and support from fellow students can make the experience enjoyable and rewarding.

It is crucial to choose the right supervisor and have a good working relationship with them, as this can significantly impact your PhD journey and the time it takes to complete it.

Wrapping up PhD programs after a masters – how long does it take to complete?

Pursuing a PhD after a master’s degree is a common path for those looking to advance in academia or research-intensive careers.

While obtaining a PhD requires a significant commitment of time and resources, it can lead to prestigious positions or high-paying jobs. It is crucial to consider personal goals, interests, and the job prospects in the field before enrolling in a doctoral program.

For those considering a PhD without a master’s degree, it is essential to demonstrate a strong academic and research background and commit to the field.

The decision between an MPhil and a PhD depends on the desired scope, depth, and career impact of the research. Ultimately, individuals should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the time it takes, cost, and personal demands of a doctoral program before making a decision.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

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Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet

• Nursing is the nation's largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. Of all licensed RNs, 89% are employed in nursing. 1a  
• The median age of RNs is 46 years. More than one-quarter of registered nurses report that they plan to leave nursing or retire over the next five years. 1  
• Considering racial backgrounds, the breakdown of RN population in 2022 was 80% White/Caucasian; 7.4% Asian; 6.3% Black/African American; 2.5% more than one race; 0.4% Native American or Alaska Native; and 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. In addition, 6.9% of the RN workforce report their ethnicity as Hispanic. 1  
• From 2020 to 2022, the percentage of men in nursing increased from 9.4% to 11.2%. 1  
• The federal government projects that more than 203,000 new registered nurse positions will be created each year from 2021-2031. 2  
• Registered Nurses comprise one of the largest segments of the U.S. workforce as a whole and are among the highest paying large occupations. Nearly 55% of RNs worked in general medical and surgical hospitals, with an average salary of $77,600 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2  
• Nurses comprise the largest component of the healthcare workforce, are the primary providers of hospital patient care, and deliver most of the nation's long-term care.  
• Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031. Growth in the RN workforce will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives. 2  
• Most healthcare services involve some form of care by nurses. Registered nurses are in high demand in both acute care and community settings, including private practices, health maintenance organizations, public health agencies, primary care clinics, home health care, nursing homes, minute clinics, outpatient surgicenters, nursing school-operated clinics, insurance and managed care companies, schools, mental health agencies, hospices, the military, industry, nursing education, and healthcare research.  
• Though often working collaboratively, nursing does not "assist" medicine or other fields. Nursing operates independent of, not auxiliary to, medicine and other disciplines. Nurses' roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures, and directing complex nursing care systems.  
• With more than four times as many RNs in the United States as physicians, nursing delivers an extended array of healthcare services, including primary and preventive care by nurse practitioners with specialized education in such areas as pediatrics, family health, women's health, and gerontological care. Nursing's scope also includes services by certified nurse-midwives and nurse anesthetists, as well as care in cardiac, oncology, neonatal, neurological, and obstetric/gynecological nursing and other advanced clinical specialties. 3  
• Most registered nurses today enter practice with a baccalaureate degree offered by a four-year college or university, or an associate degree offered by a community college. As of 2022, 71.7% of the RN workforce earned a baccalaureate or higher degree as their highest level of nursing education. 2  
• Employers are expressing a strong preference for new nurses with baccalaureate preparation. Findings from AACN latest survey on the Employment of New Nurse Graduates show that nearly 28% of employers require new hires to have a bachelor’s degree while 72% strongly prefer baccalaureate-prepared nurses. 4  
• In 2022, 17.4% of the nation's registered nurses held a master's degree and 2.7% held a doctoral degree as their highest educational preparation.  The current demand for master's- and doctorally prepared nurses for advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research roles far outstrips the supply. 1

1. Smiley, R.A., Allgeyer, R.L., Shobo, Y., Lyons, K.C., Letourneau, R., Zhong, E., Kaminski-Ozturk, N., & Alexander, M. (April 2023). The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey . Journal of Nursing Regulation, 14(1), Supplement (S1-S90). 1a. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2024). Active RN Licenses .

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022).  Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses.

3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022 ). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.

4. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022).  Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses.

Updated: April 2024

Robert Rosseter [email protected]

#1 Duquesne University Graduate School of Nursing is Ranked #1 for Veterans by Militaryfriendly.com for 7 years running

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Forensic Nursing
• Nursing Education and Faculty Role
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Leadership
• Admissions & Aid
• About Duquesne
• Why Duquesne Online?

Online Nursing Degrees

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Duquesne University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

Rise as a nurse leader at Geisinger.

As a nurse at Geisinger, everything you do is about providing the best possible care for your patients. Geisinger has a long-standing tradition as a teaching hospital, emphasizing continuing education and seeking ways to transform health care through research and innovation. Geisinger and Duquesne share the mutual efforts and goal to provide excellent patient care.

No matter where you are in your nursing career, there’s always more to learn. That’s why Duquesne offers a suite of online graduate nursing programs — each designed to help you advance as a caregiver and a leader. We offer you a unique educational experience at every level – one that takes advantage of new technologies to enrich clinical and online learning. We’ve led the way in nursing education for more than 80 years, now let us lead you into the next phase of your nursing career.

Geisinger Tuition Discount Program

Your work is essential for ensuring the health of our communities, and we want to support you in furthering your nursing education by offering a  30% tuition discount  on our online graduate nursing programs at Duquesne University. You must be a registered nurse, an employee of Geisinger, and enroll as a full-time or part-time graduate student in order to qualify.

100% online coursework

3 start dates per year for most programs

No GRE required

Tuition discounts available

Find the program that’s right for you.

Master of science in nursing (msn) tracks.

• Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Tracks

• Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management (Post-Bachelor’s)
• Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management (Post-Master’s)

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Why choose duquesne for your online graduate nursing degree.

Our students choose Duquesne for many reasons, including our reputation as a leader in nursing education, the support we offer and the long-term relationships they are able to create with our expert faculty. Our graduate nursing programs are CCNE-accredited* and have been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing by the National League for Nursing (NLN).

*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Duquesne University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

U.S. News & World Report 2020 ranks Duquesne University:

• No. 45 in the nation for “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs”
• No. 57 “Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice”
• No. 51 in “Best Value Schools”

As a Geisinger employee pursuing your graduate education at Duquesne University, you’ll experience a high level of student support.

• New student orientation programs
• Specialized academic advising
• Research support from the Center for Research for Underserved and Vulnerable Populations
• Technical support for Blackboard from Computing and Technology Services
• Online writing support from the Writing Center
• Extensive health care resources and assistance via the online Gumberg Library

We’ve spent the past 80 years serving as a pioneer in nursing education.

Duquesne University’s online graduate nursing programs are designed to help you achieve the clinical and leadership skills needed to care for patients across all health care settings. Compassion and service are at the core of our nursing curriculum and remain a critical component in our approach to education. No matter where you are in your career, we have the experience and support to ensure you grow as a person, care provider and nursing leader.

• Established one of the first forensic nursing programs in the country.
• First university in the nation to offer an online PhD in Nursing.
• First university in Pennsylvania to grant a BSN degree.

*Tuition discount offerings are subject to change at any time.

About Duquesne University

Who we are today has a lot to do with who we were yesterday. Founded more than 130 years ago by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne was built on a core set of values that guides us even now.

As one of the nation’s top Catholic universities, our Spiritan tradition means a lot us. You’ll see it in the way we treat one another, in the way we learn and in how we view the world. We strive to provide a well-rounded education that will challenge you academically while nourishing your spiritual and ethical development.

Today, Duquesne is home to 10 schools of study and serves more than 10,000 students. We boast a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, with 80 undergraduate programs, 85 master’s, doctoral and professional programs, and 22 post-graduate certificate programs.

About the Duquesne School of Nursing

We’ve spent the past 80 years serving as a pioneer in nursing education:

• First university in the nation to offer an online Ph.D. in nursing (1997)
• First university in Pennsylvania to grant a BSN degree (1937)

Today, our school is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence, and our degree programs are consistently ranked among the nation’s best by  U.S. News & World Report .

Compassion and service are at the core of our nursing curriculum and remain a critical component in our approach to education. No matter where you are in your career, we have the experience and drive to ensure you grow as a person, care provider and nursing leader.

Online Nursing Programs – Admission Requirements

Online master of science in nursing programs.

To qualify for our online MSN, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Hold a BSN from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Have at least 1 year of full-time work experience as an RN (prior to registration in clinical or specialty courses)
• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license
• Completion of an undergraduate-level statistics course.

Admission process:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement (2 pages) Please include: • Reasons for pursuing your MSN degree. • Relate your past experiences to advancing career. Include the purpose for pursuing your graduate studies, why you wish to study at Duquesne, and your professional plans or career goals. • Past achievements in nursing (organization memberships, awards, scholarships, certifications etc). • Describe any special circumstances applicable to your background and professional history.
• Two electronically submitted references: one academic (professor, instructor) and one professional (in a supervisory role)
• Official transcript(s)

Online Post-Master’s Certificates

To qualify for our online PMC programs, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Hold a BSN (preferred) and MSN (required) from an accredited college or university
• Professional goal statement (2 pages) Please include: • Reasons for pursuing your Post-Master’s Certificate • Relate your past experiences to advancing career. Include the purpose for pursuing your post-Master’s studies, why you wish to study at Duquesne, and your professional plans or career goals. • Past achievements in nursing (organization memberships, awards, scholarships, certifications etc). • Describe any special circumstances applicable to your background and professional history.

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

To qualify for admission into our online DNP program, you must:

• Hold an MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0
• * Applicants who hold a non-nursing master’s degree will be evaluated for admission on an individual basis. This process may entail review of a portfolio or other evaluative mechanisms, and may require completion of some master’s level nursing course(s).
• Have completed an undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a “B” or better
• Complete a phone interview with a DNP Admission Committee member
• Goal statement (2-3 pages). Please base your responses on the  Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice  and include: • Reasons for pursuing your DNP degree. • Professional plans and career goals. • Your DNP Practice Project topic or idea. • Any past experience that relates to your area of interest or advancing career. • Past achievements in nursing (organization memberships, awards, scholarships, certifications etc).
• Three electronically submitted references: academic (professor, instructor) and professional (in a supervisory role)

Online Nursing Programs – Tuition

• Undergraduate Tuition (2018-2019) is $921 per credit hour. To learn more about undergraduate tuition and financial aid,  click here .
• Graduate Nursing Tuition (2018-2019) is $1,376 per credit hour. To learn more about tuition and financial aid for our graduate programs,  click here .

If accepted, a nonrefundable $500 deposit is required to reserve your place in our RN-BSN program. A nonrefundable $250 deposit is required if accepted into our graduate programs.

Tuition Discounts

• Duquesne University offers a 30% tuition discount for our graduate programs to RNs currently working either full-time or part-time at one of our  tuition discount partners . This tuition discount is also extended to all active duty and reserve personnel.
• Duquesne also offers a 55% tuition discount for adjunct clinical instructors who are also enrolled in one of our graduate nursing programs.  Click here to learn more .

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Family Nurse Practitioner

Admits in fall and spring

Our Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is designed to provide the clinical skills and academic knowledge to promote health and treatment of physiologic and psychologic health, disease prevention, advanced physical assessment, and management of common acute and chronic illnesses.

In many states, including Colorado, FNPs can practice independently, including the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illness and the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests across the lifespan. FNPs also practice in a variety of clinical settings such as primary care, home health, urgent care, ambulatory care, school-based clinics, retail health clinics, and community health departments and clinics.

• Plans of Study
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Family Nurse Practitioner plans of study.

• MS: FNP Plan of Study (PDF)
• BS-DNP: FNP Plan of Study (PDF)
• Post-Graduate Certificate: FNP Plan of Study (PDF)*
• Masters requirements
• BS to DNP requirements
• Post-Graduate Certificate requirements

A post-graduate certificate is available in this specialty.

Gainful Employment and Program Statistics for Post-Graduate Certificate

For more information regarding graduation rates, the median debt of students completing our certificate programs, and other important information, please visit the University of Colorado Denver Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness .​​​​​​​​

Program Highlights

• Online coursework with on-campus intensives
• Cohort model encourages student connections and community building
• Clinical placements are provided for students who live in the Denver metro area​
• Global health opportunities and interprofessional learning activities​
• Outstanding record of first-time pass rates on FNP national certification exam
• Graduates find employment quickly

Graduates of this specialty track are eligible to apply for national certification by examination. You will learn more about the certification organizations appropriate for this specialty during the completion of your program. Upon successful completion of the certification examination, Family Nurse Practitioners are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, including Colorado (visit the Colorado Board of Nursing APRN application forms page), where licensure is granted as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and is required for practice.

​When do you accept applications?

How long will it take to complete the family nurse practitioner program (fnp)​.

Please see the posted FNP Plans of Study.

• FNP MS Program is completed in less than 2.5 years (8 semesters) as a full-time student.
• FNP BS-DNP program is completed in a little more than 4 years (12 semesters for Spring admits, 13 semesters for Fall admits). Students are able to receive their MS at less than 2.5 years (8 semesters) into the BS-DNP program and are then eligible to sit for the national certification examination.
• FNP Post-Graduate Certificate program is completed in just over 1 year (5 semesters).

The FNP program is completed full-time in a cohort, meaning in the Fall and Spring, students admitted enroll in the program at the same time, complete all courses in a sequence together, and graduate together.

Is the FNP programs offered completely online or in class?​

Will i be required to travel to colorado, ​does the fnp programs have a clinical requirement, ​do i have to find my own clinical placement.

The University of Colorado College of Nursing is responsible for ensuring adequate and sufficient clinical experiences for students in all programs, including students enrolled in distance programs. Clinical placements are arranged by the College of Nursing for students who live in the Denver Metropolitan Seven-County area (Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Broomfield, and Boulder counties.)

For those who live outside of the Denver Metropolitan area, the students are asked to take the primary role in identifying their preceptors. The Specialty Director will assess the preceptor qualifications and student learning needs and will make the final determination regarding student- preceptor match.

In the unusual situation that a rural or out-of-state student is unable to find a clinical preceptor, a student may be required to complete clinical experiences in the Denver Metro (seven counties) area to assure timely academic progression.

This process can take several months to achieve an affiliation agreement, so we highly recommend providing information about an institution to your Specialty Director shortly after program admission. However, if a rural or out-of-state student is unable to find a clinical preceptor(s)/site, the College of Nursing will provide a clinical site, which may NOT be in the geographic location of the student but will provide the student an adequate experience to meet the program outcomes.

Additionally, if there is a concern of a clinical practice, a student may be asked to complete the clinical time in the Denver Metropolitan area for more direct observation and assessment by the College of Nursing faculty/Specialty Director.

Will this prepare me to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification?​

Can i take a course before i apply​.

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Most community college students plan to get 4-year degrees. Few actually do

Dylan Peers McCoy

[WFYI] Community college transfer numbers 

Ever since he was a kid, Tyre’k Swanigan dreamed of going to Indiana University. But after he graduated from high school, he decided to start at community college. He figured he could keep his full-time job and transfer to IU later to earn his bachelor’s degree.

At first, Swanigan, now 23, did well. Then, he said he heard from an IU recruiter that some of his community college credits might not count toward his degree.

College is hard enough — try doing it while raising kids

“I was like, why am I wasting my time at a two-year community college when I know that I need at least a bachelor’s to do anything that I want to do?” said Swanigan, who wants to work in a leadership role at a school.

Swanigan eventually withdrew from the community college. And he’s not alone.

Community college is often touted as an affordable start for students who want to earn bachelor’s degrees. Yet only 13% of community college students actually go on to earn degrees from four-year institutions within eight years, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Education in 2023. Indiana has one of the lowest community college transfer success rates in the nation.

“It's ridiculous,” said Swanigan, who attended Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. “It pisses me off honestly, because I was at Ivy Tech, right? And this is me. Like, this number — I’m a part of that.”

With their open enrollment policies and low tuition, community colleges offer crucial access to higher education. They educate 41% of all U.S. undergraduates, according to the Community College Research Center . And when those students enroll, 83% plan to transfer to four-year schools, according to the Center for Community College Student Engagement.

But that transfer process can be fraught with challenges, including structural barriers that force students to spend time and money taking extra classes.

“Most students leave empty-handed,” said Huriya Jabbar, a professor of education policy at the University of Southern California. “There are bureaucratic hurdles. There are really opaque transfer policies. There's not enough information about … which courses will transfer.”

How the deck is stacked against transfer students

Jabbar co-wrote a book, which will be published in September, about community college transfer students . Her research focused on Texas, where policies vary by institution and major.

“When a student enters community college, they need to know not just what major — area of study — but which university they plan to transfer to,” Jabbar said, “because what they do at the community college to transfer will vary.”

The new kids on campus? Toddlers, courtesy of Head Start

College advisers are supposed to help students prepare to transfer, making sure they have the right credits for the degree they’re pursuing, and facilitating a smooth transition to a four-year school. But in Texas, Jabbar found that these advisers had large caseloads, which limited their ability to help students. Advisers also struggled to keep up with changes in degree requirements at different institutions, Jabbar said. Sometimes they gave students information that was outdated or wrong.

According to Jabbar, one common problem transfer students face is being forced to take extra classes. That happens when four-year schools don’t give students credit for all the classes they took in community college, or the courses are counted as electives instead of major requirements.

When students lose credits, it’s time-consuming and expensive, said Lorenzo Baber, director of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Office of Community College Research and Leadership.

“That's money,” he said. “That's a couple thousand dollars, which matters.”

Two-thirds of community college students take classes part time . And they often juggle jobs, caregiving and other obligations that can disrupt their education.

Because of that, Baber said, improving transfer success is not just up to higher education institutions. It requires investments in social supports ranging from child care to broadband access to health care. Someone might be forced to leave school, for example, to provide for a sick family member who has limited health care access.

“You could have the best designed programs,” Baber said, “but that gets rendered meaningless if somebody needs to stop out because they need to take a job to pay the bills of their household.”

A transfer policy that could help

Research suggests statewide policies to make transferring easier can help students earn bachelor's degrees and avoid taking unnecessary classes .

In Indiana, where Tyre’k Swanigan lives, community colleges and universities are trying to improve.

Changing Face Of College

In 'never too late,' finally, a guide for adults going to college.

About a decade ago, Indiana lawmakers required public colleges and universities to create transfer pathways for students who complete associate degrees. If an Indiana student earns an associate degree in nursing, for example, they can transfer to a public, four-year university without losing credits, said Mary Jane Michalak, a vice president at Ivy Tech Community College, where Swanigan started.

"Whenever possible we direct students into those pathways,” Michalak said, “because by state law then those credits are supposed to transfer seamlessly as long as it's within the same program."

Other states have created similar transfer policies. In 2010, California created a special associate degree that’s supposed to make it easier for students to transfer. In 2021-22, almost half of the community college students who transferred to four-year colleges in California had those diplomas .

Some Indiana universities and community colleges have partnered up to help make transferring easier for students, an approach that institutions in other states have used . This year, Ivy Tech announced a new dual admission agreement with Indiana University Indianapolis .

But Indiana doesn’t yet know if the state’s efforts to improve transfer success are working. That’s because the federal data published in 2023 — which found that only about 7% of Indiana community college students earn four-year degrees — follows students for eight years. The people it tracked started back in 2014, the year before the state's new transfer pathways kicked in.

Tyre’k Swanigan started college in 2019, and even with the state changes, it hasn’t been easy.

Swanigan almost went back to school this summer. But tuition was expensive. He started a new job. And he was pulling himself out of a difficult relationship.

“The longer I wait and life happens and issues come up,” Swanigan said, “the harder it is to get back into school.”

Five years after Swanigan started college, he’s still determined to earn his bachelor’s degree — eventually.

Standard B.S.N. Program - Sioux Falls

About the program.

Students who wish to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree can receive SDSU's high-quality nursing education in Sioux Falls. We also offer the program in Rapid City and Brookings . The standard B.S.N. program in Sioux Falls begins each January and is completed in five consecutive semesters, which includes two summers. Students graduate in August of the following year, i.e., January 2021 through August 2022. Students take coursework and participate in lecture, on-campus labs and clinical rotations in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Classes meet on the campus of Southeast Technical Institute in the Terrance Sullivan Health Science Center. We also offer a 12-month accelerated program in Sioux Falls.

Students can take their prerequisite courses at SDSU or another institution and still receive their nursing degree from SDSU. Reach out to a professional academic advisor to learn more.

Main Information

Before applying to the professional nursing major, keep in mind that students must:

• Apply for general admission to the university (if you are not already an SDSU student).
• Complete the prerequisite courses listed the curriculum plan .
• Meet the technical standards and eligibility requirements.

Please contact a professional academic advisor before applying or registering for classes to ensure courses are completed in the appropriate sequence.

The application to the standard B.S.N. program in Sioux Falls is available on the application page , about a month prior to the application deadline. The application deadline for spring admission is Sept. 25. Any changes or updates to this deadline can be found on the application page .

Tuition Information

» Estimated cost is based on 2024-2025 BOR tuition/fees.

» Additional costs will be incurred throughout the B.S.N. program, including but not limited to textbooks, background checks, AIT bundle, etc.

Financial Aid

SDSU is committed to helping students find the resources available to help pay for college — our Office of Financial Aid is here for you.

Students admitted to the professional nursing major must:

• Purchase a laptop computer that meets our computer requirement (unless you already have one).
• Complete the undergraduate nursing compliance requirements .

Ready to take the next step?

Application Checklist

Admitted Student Statistics

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If you're looking for a close-knit, supportive community, professors with firsthand experience and simulation labs with state-of-the-art technology, schedule a visit. You'll love what you see.

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Our Nursing Student Services team is ready to help you find a path to meet your nursing goals. Fill out this online form and our staff will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions.

Getting a PhD in Your 50s and 60s: The Ultimate Guide

There’s a significant rise in the number of mature students returning to university to complete postgraduate degrees. You plan to be one of them. But you find yourself asking if it is feasible to start getting a PhD in your 50s and 60s. 

It’s never too late getting a PhD in your 50s and 60s because there’s no age limit in the pursuit of higher education. To give you a head start on this exciting new endeavor, we present to you the ultimate guide to getting a PhD in your prime years.

It is critical to know what to expect, such as the challenges and benefits of reviving an academic existence as a mid- or late-career student, so you can plan for the years ahead. Read on to find out how.

Why You Should Pursue a PhD at a Later Stage in Life

Why would anyone in their right mind regurgitate a period of woe and misery in their golden years when they should already be relaxing? Well, many people, not just nerds, love studying. 

There’s an entire population dedicated to life-long learning. They form the bulk of those going back to school to complete degrees that were halted mid-life due to the untimely arrival of kids, financial downfall, death in the family, or other unfortunate circumstances. These mature students don’t need a reason to return to school. Their passion drives them.

For others, the purpose is economical. Those in the middle of their career embark on a PhD to change its direction, improve their prospects, upgrade their qualification set, or to accrue further knowledge. In fields like teaching and research, a doctorate is a veritable advantage.

Nina Grunfeld , founder of Life Clubs , a network that helps people achieve life changes, explains that many, particularly women, want to return to study because they’re disgruntled or have a desire to improve themselves, revive their career, or discover new passions.

“A milestone age is often a trigger,” Grunfeld adds.

“At the Open University , favored by many part-time learners, numbers of postgraduate students over the age of 45 have been increasing steadily for the past three years, with the greatest rise (32%) in students over 65.”

Others undertake a PhD to crown a significant achievement or just to prove they can do it. This writer’s friend did it to slap her diploma in the face of her wealthy future sister-in-law, who denigrated her economic status. Education, after all, is one of the world’s greatest equalizers. 

Most crave a PhD for the prestige the three letters can add to their names. If, however, you have a natural yearning for knowledge and in-depth study of a subject you’re passionate about, the heck with your age. Go for it!

Reasons Not to Get a PhD

Thoroughly assess your reasons for pursuing a PhD, because although it’s fulfilling academically, it’s also a huge financial commitment. If you’re dissatisfied with your current job, or you think it would just be fun to be a student again, neither will give you the strength to withstand the rigors of extreme study.

On the other hand, if you’re sure that gaining this qualification will fit in with your life goals, then forge ahead!

The Benefits of Pursuing a PhD

Do you want a research doctorate, or do you want to teach? Both are the standard reasons for undertaking PhD studies. Once completed, a PhD will make you an expert in your chosen field, possibly even beyond borders!

Apart from aspects previously mentioned, especially beneficial for older people is the fact that learning builds new neural connections that improve cognitive ability, memory function, and problem-solving ability. Education is also good for boosting one’s spirit. Classroom or online learning is a social endeavor that breaks isolation and fosters social connections. 

According to the American Council on Education , social connection with teachers and peers is one of the reasons mature students over 50 pursue higher learning.

There are retirement communities (some located on campus) that partner with colleges and universities to offer residents post-secondary courses. Most of these are on the East Coast, but there are a couple in California and Florida.

Political scientist Chris Blattman explains how a PhD intangibly molds an individual: “A PhD program doesn’t just teach you, it socializes you. It gradually changes what you think is interesting and important, the peer group you compare yourself to, the value you place on leisure and family over career, and the kind of life you will value when you emerge.”

How Long Does It Take to Complete a PhD Program?

Most full-time students can complete theirs in five to six years. Part-timers can take as long as eight to 10 years. Students with a master’s degree complete their PhD in four or five years.

Some programs, like the MACRM (Master of Arts in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods) at the University of Chicago’s Harris Public Policy , offer a combination of methods. This master’s program provides intense and applied research training plus the option of a PhD at the end.

Study Methods

Studying for a PhD here is different compared to Europe. Our students are usually in direct contact with their professors. They’re expected to do a lot of teaching and marking, which encroaches on their free time off-campus. The earlier you accept this, the better you’ll cope and adopt solutions.

According to the World Economic Forum , the USA had the most doctoral graduates in 2017: 71,000. Germany and the UK followed, with 28,000 each.

In 2016, about 14% of all doctoral recipients were over age 40, per the National Science Foundation . Educators see increasing enrollment in doctoral programs by students in their 40s and 50s.

At Cornell University , women drive the trend . “The number of new female doctoral students age 36 or older was 44% higher in 2015 than in 2009,” says Barbara Knuth , senior vice provost and dean of the graduate school.

What Are the Requirements?

Generally, a PhD applicant should have completed a relevant undergraduate degree. Ideally, he should have also secured a master’s degree (with substantial research) in a related subject. Thankfully, this is optional here. Most PhD programs in the US, unlike in the UK, don’t require a master’s degree for admission. Students can move straight to doing a PhD with an undergraduate degree.

Here’s a sample of PhD requirements from the University of California, Berkeley , a public research university regarded as one of our most prestigious. This is a list of their graduate programs and application deadlines. We chose Berkeley as an example, because it had the highest number of top-ranked doctoral programs nationwide, according to a National Research Council report .

Required documentation includes, but isn’t limited to official transcripts, course descriptions from previous institutions attended, proof of language proficiency, references, and cover letters.

How to Apply

For admission to your chosen institution, visit its website. Check its rankings, course listings, faculty, and requirements specific to your field of study. Talk to other students and professors, learn about your desired department, and uncover the social scene.

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs are usually between December and February. You’ll get an answer by April. Most institutions recommend that you apply way in advance to give both parties plenty of time for arrangements. They require international students to have a TOEFL score of around 90, but this varies depending on the institution.

In Europe, students choose their PhD subject area before they apply. Here, potential PhD students can take up to a year or two deciding on their research subject while attending classes at a graduate level. Students normally apply to more than one institution—and separately because there’s no central organization that processes applications.

Students in Europe are expected to apply with existing knowledge of the subject via a master’s degree. They begin PhD studies right away. Here, universities accept that students don’t have an in-depth understanding of their subject and permit them to decide later.

Tips to Get a (Slight) Advantage

Get the best quality general research pre-training possible. Apply to as many top schools as you can. Visit all the institutions that accepted you. Narrow down your choices according to fit and quality.

Applying to many places is crucial because the admissions process is competitive and random. Whittling 100 promising candidates down to 30 is subjective. Even outstanding candidates might not be admitted.

Institutions are more likely to admit you if you demonstrate a good fit with their faculty. That’s why you have to research the faculty and their work, and explain how you fit in. Mention in your cover letter the staff members you see as complementary to your research. Note that deciding committees in politics programs take cover letters more seriously than their counterparts in economics.

Strive to gain entry into one of the top 10 schools in your field because it gives you a better chance at an academic job. This is true in economics, the most hierarchical field in social science.

Which University Should You Attend?

Rankings shouldn’t be the main deciding factor, but they’re an excellent indicator of educational expertise. To choose the best from the 4,000 nationwide, see this list of our best universities in 2020 and how they feature in worldwide rankings. The top five are Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Princeton.

How to Choose the Right Institution

Consider these factors.

Your field of study, their programs, specialties, facilities, and faculty rating. Your choice depends on your preferred career and the course credit you’ve accumulated. 

If you’re certain about your field of interest and feel confident it will sustain you for the entire program, you’ll have a greater chance of getting accepted.

Researching their specialties will tell you if they’re appropriate for your area of study. See what areas they’ve worked in, their study focus, what they’ve published, and how well their work has been received. Also, investigate the quality of their student-faculty, as a postgrad study is collaborative and intense. You need to have the right people in your group.

What is the university best known for? Choose one renowned in the field you’re interested in to ensure you have the appropriate experts on hand to help you. Evaluate the kinds of research projects done in the university.

Choosing a venue depends on your circumstances. Staying near your home allows you to work part-time while studying. Most PhDs require only occasional visits to the university, so you may opt to take the course far from home, then travel when necessary. Alternatively, you could move closer to your university for greater immersion into the social scene and a closer connection to the student community.

If you choose to study away from home, contact your chosen university’s accommodation office first. Many university towns have student accommodation in place, but spots tend to go quickly, so apply early. Next, research on- and off-campus accommodation. Check online local listings and bulletin boards for private rentals.

Social Life

Check out student life on social media. What organizations do they have? Are they the sort you would want to join?

Staff/Student Ratio

The more staff available to each student, the better.

Choose From These Categories of Institutions

• Public Universities (aka state colleges)—open to anyone who qualifies. They’re funded by state governments. Being larger, they can accommodate many students and offer a wide variety of degree programs. Some offer scholarships.
• Private Non-Profit Colleges —their tuition is much higher than that of state universities or community colleges, but they don’t profit from it. As they’re smaller, they offer specific courses and specialized degrees. They receive funds only from tuition fees and donations.
• Private For-Profit Colleges —similar to non-profits in course study and general cost, but they’re set up as a business. This affects the type of degree programs offered.
• Liberal Arts Colleges —offer one expansive area of study rather than specific degree tracks. As they’re smaller, instructors give you more attention. Though most focus on undergraduate education, some offer good postgraduate degree programs too. Campus culture is quite different from that of a traditional university.
• Online Postgraduate Colleges —perfect for those juggling jobs and family as it offers flexibility in assignment completion. Most coursework and classroom discussions are held online, but you may have to go to a physical classroom part of the time, especially as you get closer to graduation. An online degree is as valuable as one you physically attend.

Ask Your Intended University These Questions

• What are my chances of finding a job after graduation? See the career prospects below.
• How flexible is your program? This depends on the subject area. The Humanities and the Arts offer a greater degree of flexibility than science-oriented ones. North American institutions offer slightly less flexibility than their European counterparts. See whether you can pick and choose components, or if the whole program is indelibly fixed from beginning to end.
• What research resources are available? Decent computer networks and an equipped library are not enough. Serious research requires office-based administration support, reprographic services, and essentials of a proper business center. Disregard any institution that lacks support.
• How versatile is your department? Some departments prefer one research method. Others favor newer ones, non-traditional teaching styles, or a radical approach. Extensive departments offer a wider spectrum of methods and potential areas of study. You may thrive better with a broader tradition of research methodologies or value the security of knowing what is expected of you.
• What are your non-academic amenities? Also, check out other facilities, like leisure programs, for maintaining a work/life balance. Small universities in remote towns offer lesser cultural or social options.

How to Get Into a Top Institution

Entry into the top 10 or 15 schools is extremely competitive. Focus on getting exceptional recommendations, experience, grades, and GRE scores. Most departments appoint a small committee of four to six faculty members for admissions. The committee changes every year, so results are hard to predict.

Work on research projects with professors. Try before you commit. Become a research assistant (RA) in your department or secure RA jobs with professors in top departments in your area. This will help with references and your statement.

How to Fund Your Studies

The cost of traditional programs can vary between $20,000 to $60,000 per year. Shorter programs are cheaper. If a PhD is going to drown you in debt, think twice. Attend an institution with full funding if you can. This is often a barter deal: free tuition in exchange for research and teaching.

Another reason for applying in advance is to give plenty of time to arrange funding. Deadlines for application for funding can be as early as December for studies beginning in the fall. Many students can get part or full funding through scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, loans, and government assistance. Help is also available for parents, such as childcare subsidies, single-parent grants, bursaries, and free school meals for children.

Some PhD students will receive a university stipend with an assistantship position, but this varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. This is an example from Cornell University . Many government schemes like The Fulbright Program offer scholarships.

You can also obtain bursaries from abroad. An example is the Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries in the UK, open to all nationalities. In Canada, senior citizens can have their tuition waived for one undergraduate and graduate degree.

What to Do After Admission

Once you’ve secured funding and accommodation, these are the next steps:

Find a Supervisor

Write your research proposal if you’re self-proposing your PhD. Then find an institution and a supervising academic to support you during your research. Choose those with whom you’ll work well. To achieve this, you must network and meet people in your field of research.

Apply for an Assistantship

Doctorate assistantships are advertised on university websites and wherever academic jobs are advertised. Applications for these are very competitive, so apply for several.

Clarify Duties in Your Department

While researching and writing, many PhD students take on additional responsibilities, such as helping professors and lecturers with their classes or marking and evaluating undergraduate work. These extra tasks may be paid or not.

Prepare for Your Dissertation Early

A dissertation is a means to contribute new knowledge, theories, or practices to your field. Introduce an entirely new concept, develop it, and defend its worth. Your dissertation should be around 70,000 to 100,000 words.

Your subject area will determine if you have to write your dissertation while attending classes or do so after research completion. Regardless, preps always help at crunch time.

You are expected to defend your dissertation with a public presentation. Afterward, you will have a private session with the dissertation committee to evaluate if you’ve earned your doctorate. This is why it’s important to have a positive relationship with faculty, peers, and supervisors.

Career Prospects 

What type of job can you expect after graduation?

Traditionally, graduate school hones students to become future scholars and live an intellectual life, produce innovative research, and become professors at four-year institutions. Fulfilling research careers are plentiful, but there are other ways PhD recipients can use their degrees to benefit society. For instance, they can pursue alternative academic careers in K-12 administration or the nonprofit sector.

The top 10 to 20 schools staff the top 100 to 200 universities. So PhDs outside the top 30 schools are unlikely to lead to careers in research universities, though this varies by discipline. Graduates of lower-ranked programs can work for the government or at teaching universities, international institutions, and think tanks. Job satisfaction rates are usually high.

If you aim to teach in a business department in a community college or a four-year school, an MBA may be enough. You need a doctorate, however, for a full-time job at a four-year teaching-focused school. Community colleges may hire you full-time with just a master’s, but you’ll be competing against those with doctorates.

Jobs should properly compensate you for the time spent completing your PhD. Ask your targeted institutions what the employment rate is for their graduates and their links to prospective employers. Institutions with strong ties to private companies offer more chances of future employment.

Ultimately, it boils down to your chosen subject matter. Some PhD courses like law will definitely enhance your career. Non-vocational fields like Greek mythology, however, are less likely to improve your future earning capacity or alter your career trajectory. Intellectually, of course, the reward is priceless.

Advantages of Being an Older Student

The obvious one is that your decision to return to university is likely the result of planning over several years, not a rushed, uneducated hack at the dartboard. This gives you ample time to choose your field of study.

Your work experience, professionalism, people skills, and ability to manage multiple commitments will prove invaluable throughout your studies. Course tutors also treat older students differently than their younger, undergraduate counterparts—in a good way.

Keeping Up With the Young Ones

Despite there being no age barriers in a PhD entry, age makes a difference somewhat on campus. The gap in the life experience of a young adult and a mature student is vast. The ramifications for the latter have to do with social life, interactions during class discussions and group projects, and how older students are treated by professors and non-academic staff.

For an Equal Footing…

Join organizations, societies, and sports clubs. These aren’t exclusive to undergraduate students. Not all activities are drunken, drug-crazed meet-ups. Being a part of a campus association could benefit your career development in the way of learning a unique skill or developing a new interest.

Maintaining a Balance

Many mature students return to school juggling study with family and work commitments. This makes prioritizing studies challenging. Some, especially working moms, feel guilty about not giving everyone equal attention. So they study part-time or employ creative means to manage their time.

Avenues of Support

As a mature student, you may wonder how you’ll cope with the demands of scholastic life as you’ve been out of academia for many years and can’t remember the last time you wrote an essay.

Fear not. Most universities run workshops on topics like researching, essay writing, referencing, and library use—usually at the start of the academic year. Approach your university for help with matters off-limits to family and friends. Ask your tutor for advice. Your cohort group is also a source of support and shared experiences.

The Value of Networking 

Although a PhD elevates academic achievement, it doesn’t guarantee employment in your field. Networking adds value to your career and provides growth opportunities. Relationships ease career transitions needed to pursue better opportunities. Give back by sharing your connections and expertise.

Ageism and Sexism in Academia

US universities may not be perfect, but education-related discrimination is minimal compared to many countries. Be thankful for this, and take advantage of the privilege. To illustrate what women PhD applicants have to deal with in other countries, in China , you cannot apply for a PhD after age 40.

In the Philippines, admissions departments ask invasive questions and request antiquated requirements, such as copies of marriage certificates. These are requested from both foreign and local applicants but ONLY WOMEN. You may think this requirement is from a patriarchal provincial college, but it’s an item from actual requirement lists from two of the country’s Ivy League universities, which are supposed to be progressive.

The pursuit of a PhD is a life-changer. We trust the pathways we presented will help you make the right choice based on your needs and preferred course of study. Good luck with your aspirations in higher education, which will hopefully lead to your dream career. The fulfillment will surely be unparalleled. 

A Scottish student in her 50s encapsulates the postgraduate sentiment impeccably: “There is value to being an older PhD student, and there is value to universities having us. There just needs to be more of us.”

• PhD Studies: Three Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late to Get a PhD
• The New York Times: Taking On the PhD Later in Life
• The Independent: Real late starter—age is no obstacle if you’re motivated
• World Economic Forum: Which countries have the most doctoral graduates?
• The World University Rankings: Best Universities in the United States 2020
• The World University Rankings: World University Rankings 2020
• Berkeley Graduate Division: Graduate Programs & Deadlines to Apply
• Berkeley News: National Research Council ranks UC Berkeley’s PhD programs among nation’s best
• Thesis Rush: Can You Get A PhD Without Masters? Let’s Find Out!
• Senior Living Blog: University-Based Retirement Communities
• Inside Higher Ed: Receiving Your Doctorate to Work at a Community College?
• Quora: What is the lowest accepted GPA for Harvard admission?
• How to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary
• Save the Student: 10 ways American unis are different from UK unis
• Postgrad: PhD in UK
• Postgrad: PhD in USA
• Postgrad: Graduate School USA
• Postgrad: How To Get A PhD
• Postgrad: Studying for a PhD—the basics
• Postgrad: 5 Steps to Getting Ready for Postgrad Study in the USA
• Postgrad: Common PhD Myths
• Postgrad: What? Where? Why? When? How? Is A Phd Right For Me?
• Postgrad: 5 Things To Ask When Looking For A Phd
• Postgrad: What Are the Different Types of Postgraduate University in the US?
• Postgrad: PhD Studentships

Hey there, my name is Anja, I’ve seen and supported my mom’s incredible transformation in her fifties. Seeing how my mom “awakened” and took full control over her life really impressed me. I got inspired and started dreaming about how we could inspire more people, especially women, to open up and create a second life for themselves. That’s how the idea of aginggreatly.com came to life…

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PhD Nursing: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

PhD in Nursing in India is a full-time doctorate degree which deals in the field of Nursing for the betterment of Health care facilities. PhD Nursing is a research level program, where PhD Nursing course duration ranges from 3 to 5 years. Upon completion of this research level program, students will be able to find employment as a Director of Nursing, Rehabilitation Specialist, Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Manager, Community Health Specialist etc.

Table of Contents

About phd nursing, how to get admission in a phd nursing, popular entrance exams for phd nursing, top 10 phd nursing colleges in india, fee structure for phd nursing, syllabus and subjects for phd nursing, why choose phd nursing, salary of a phd nursing graduate, career options after phd nursing, skills that make you the best phd nursing graduate, phd nursing course details.

This program helps students integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes from the areas of management, clinical practice, and generic areas of Nursing, and this is a major reason why get a PhD in Nursing. The course falls under the umbrella of PhD .

According to Wikipedia, "Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.” 

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Nursing

The minimum eligibility for PhD in Nursing in India is a master's degree M.Sc./ M.Phil in Nursing with a minimum of 55% aggregate in the discipline passed from a recognized university. The candidates who have passed Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery from any institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council are also allowed to join provided they have sufficient professional experience. Selection of the candidates for admission in PhD is done on the basis of entrance examination or merit. There is no age limit for the course.

To get admitted into the best universities for PhD Nursing, students must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility criteria. The PhD Nursing admission 2023 is generally on the basis of an entrance exam which is followed by a personal interview round conducted at the university or the college. Mentioned below is the general guidelines for the admission process:

How to Apply?

Students can understand the admissions process by going through PhD Nursing course details and descriptions online. Candidates can either reach the official website of the institute or can reach out the office of the institute to fill the application form. Candidates need to fill the application form and upload all the necessary documents which are asked in the form.

Selection Process

PhD in Nursing admission 2023 is strictly offered to only those candidates who clear the minimum cut-off. After completion of the process of application, go for the counselling round and attend the personal interview round to get your desired college. And the interview decides whether the candidate is allotted a seat or not.

The applicants need to qualify the entrance examination conducted by UGC or state to secure a seat in top PhD Nursing colleges in India. Some of the top entrance exams students must give for admission to PhD Nursing are:

A Quick Glance at the PhD Nursing Entrance Exams

To get into the top PhD Nursing college in India, a candidate should clear the test. To prepare for the entrance exams, the candidates should know the course details, the syllabus, the question pattern, and should prepare according to it.

• Exam Pattern: It is divided into objective and subjective type questions of a total of 100 marks and total time duration is of 2 to 3 hours.
• The questions are asked from topics related to what they have studied at the time of your post-graduation.
• Students must have an exact idea of the syllabus of the entrance test and the type of questions that might be asked in the question paper
• The examination is subjective in nature and is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Students can opt for the top government colleges for PhD Nursing in India or most premium colleges in India depending upon their ranking. Here is the list of PhD Nursing colleges in India for aspirants reference:

The average PhD Nursing fees is around INR 10,000 to 2 LPA depending on the colleges or the universities offering PhD Nursing in India. The PhD nursing course fees may vary according to the college or university based on the type of institute, location, infrastructure, faculties, and facilities available. Listed below is the average annual fee for some colleges:

There are both online Nursing PhD programs and part time PhD Nursing programs available for the graduates along with the full time course. PhD Nursing is a research-based doctoral course which involves researching in a particular domain of nursing. At the end of the course, the candidates will have to submit the research thesis to attain their PhD degrees. PhD in Nursing duration for three to five years. Some of the subjects covered in this course include Current Health Issues and Policies, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Theories etc. Some of the compulsory subjects are:

• Nursing Leadership
• Nursing Informatics
• Nursing Theories and Theory Development
• Pathology and Genetics
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Community Health Nursing

Read More: PhD Nursing Syllabus and Subjects

Students often wonder about PhD Nursing details before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students come across queries like, "What is a PhD Nursing course?" and "Why choose PhD Nursing?”. To clearly understand the answers to these questions, we have framed the following three pointers:

What is PhD Nursing All About?

PhD Nursing courses in India is a three to five years full-time doctorate programme within the field of Nursing. This course contributes towards the development of knowledge and analytical skills of students and enhances their action and decision-making skills, which in turn provides them with a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

What Does a PhD Nursing Graduate Do?

After completion of this course, students easily get jobs as a Nursing Officer or Assistant Nursing Officer in numerous healthcare organizations or they can also choose to work as a Community Health Expert or Rehabilitation Specialist in a Rural/ Urban setting. With this program, aspirants will get a large number of opportunities to develop your own learning techniques through a series of educationally useful and challenging learning experiences

Assistant Nursing Officer: An Assistant Nursing Officer works under the directions of the Chief Nursing Officer to create an environment in which nursing staff will be able to perform their duties effectively.

Reasons Why PhD Nursing Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

There are a large number of benefits of PhD in Nursing courses. The completion of a PhD Nursing degree program is a notable achievement and is valued very highly both inside and outside of academia.

Career Scope and Options: Students can opt for jobs in numerous sectors such as Public Health Departments, Hospitals, Community Organizations, Wellness Centers, School Systems, Rural/ Urban Settings etc. on completion of this course. Successful professionals of this course are usually hired as Chief Nursing Officer, Rehabilitation Specialist, Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Manager, Community Health Specialist etc. 

Read More: PhD Nursing Job Opportunities & Scope

Preparation Tips for PhD Nursing

Having a PhD Nursing degree opens thriving career opportunities. Some tips for entrance exams are:

Get To Know The Syllabus: The syllabus of the course is something that a student should know, this helps the student to know how to perform at the time of the examination.

Time Management: This is the most important aspect of one’s preparation, so students must pay attention to this. Aspirants are advised to make a proper timetable and follow the same strictly to boost their preparation and perform well in the entrance test.

Practice Makes Perfect: Go through all the subjects and the modules that are taught in the duration of the course.

The salary of a PhD holder will differ with field and position. As a fresher, the average salary ranges around INR 2 - 4.5 LPA [Source: Glassdoor]. It will increase up to INR 5 - 12 LPA [Source: Glassdoor], depending upon your skills and experience. This value is variable due to many factors like job designation and location.

Read More: PhD Nursing Salary

There are a large number of job opportunities for Nurses qualified with a Nursing Degree. With a PhD degree in Nursing, students will be able to find jobs in the primary care, travel sector among several others. Here are some job positions available after PhD Nursing:

• Infection Control Nurse
• Nurse Manager
• Nursing Assistant Supervisor
• Junior Psychiatric Nurse
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Assistant Nursing Officer
• Critical Care Nurse

Just like every profession, there are some skills that aspirants need to have in Nursing. Must have skills are:

• Analytical Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Good Management Skills
• Good Organizational Skills
• Research and Problem Solving Skills
• Strategic Communication Skills

how many years is a phd in nursing

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Typically, the average number of years to earn a doctorate degree online usually takes eight years to complete or twice as long to earn a bachelor’s degree.

However, the length of time required for full Ph.D. program completion varies according to your university, discipline, and program.

There are also academic institutions that accommodate students who are employed during the course of their enrollment. This can impact their schedule and result in extended periods in the Ph.D. program.

Which one is best for your needs? Ph.D. vs. Doctorate

Completion Times Vary

Did you know that a Ph.D. in the hard sciences usually takes a shorter time to complete than a doctorate degree in education, history, and humanities, which could take about 13 long years? Core requirements include full-time coursework, qualifying or comprehensive exams, a research course starting with a doctoral dissertation proposal, and finally, a successful defense of the dissertation.

Like campus-based teaching, reputable online doctorate programs that are regionally accredited require students to take core and elective courses. You will still do research, as well as write, present, and defend your dissertation, Your online school may also require internships and immersion programs.

While the numerous facets of online doctorate programs are similar to the conventional on-campus ones, certain accredited online schools offer doctorate degrees that can only take as little as four years, or five years at most, to complete.

This estimated period of completion is dependent upon many factors, including your field of study, your focus of research, and the committee or faculty overseeing the research. As with on-campus programs, your personal schedule and availability should also be considered.

Online Options

There are online Ph.D. courses that are 100% online, which means students are not required to be on campus. Meanwhile, some online programs adopt a hybrid model consisting of different residency levels. You can expect your online doctorate program to promote holistic academic growth, just as those in a brick-and-mortar academe do.

If you’ve earned your master’s degree upon application to an online Ph.D. program, you may have an edge in terms of academic credits. A master’s degree also helps if you are changing fields or if your undergraduate credentials don’t meet the standards of the doctorate program.

The Importance of Accreditation and Online Ph.D. Programs

Verify Accreditation

If you are applying to an online doctoral program, get specific, useful information first. Work with your academic adviser and speak with current and past students. An accredited online program may mean less time spent in university; however, this is by no means a shortcut.

To Sum It Up

In conclusion, the length of time you will spend completing your online doctorate degree is highly dependent upon a list of factors. Consider focusing on the study and program structure, requirements, and credit-transfer policies. Your personal circumstances also play a key role in your academic progress.

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Phd In Nursing Admission 2024, Cutoff, Application Form, Check Previous Years Cutoff and Category-wise Cutoff

Doctorate of Philosophy

Admission Enquiry

• Name: PhD in Nursing
• Full Name: Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
• Duration: 3 Years
• Eligibility: Postgraduate Degree in a Relevant Discipline With Minimum 55% Marks ( 50% for SC/ST Candidates )
• Type: Doctorate Degree Courses

PhD Nursing,Highlights, Entrance Exam, admission, Eligibility, Duration, Selection Criteria, How to Apply, Application Form, Application Process, fee, Syllabus,Salary and Jobs,career opportunities

A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree program designed to prepare nurses to become independent researchers, scholars, educators, and leaders in the nursing profession. The program typically takes around 3-5 years to complete and requires students to complete a significant amount of original research.

The program's curriculum typically includes courses in nursing theory, research methods, statistical analysis, and healthcare policy. Students are also required to complete a dissertation that involves conducting original research in a specific area of nursing. Some of the areas of research that PhD nursing students may focus on include health promotion, chronic illness management, patient safety, and nursing education.

Graduates of a PhD nursing program are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. They may work as researchers, educators, administrators, or policy-makers, helping to advance the field of nursing and improve patient outcomes.

Overall, a PhD in Nursing is a rigorous and demanding program that prepares students for careers at the forefront of nursing research and innovation. It requires a high level of commitment, dedication, and intellectual curiosity, but for those who are passionate about nursing and healthcare, it can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path.

PhD Nursing,highlights

Some potential highlights of obtaining a PhD in Nursing may include:

Advancing the field of nursing: Pursuing a PhD in Nursing provides individuals with the opportunity to contribute to the field of nursing by conducting original research, developing new theories, and proposing innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges.

Specialization: Nursing PhD programs typically offer a range of specializations, such as gerontology, pediatrics, mental health, community health, and nursing education. Students can choose a specialization that aligns with their interests and career goals, allowing them to develop specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area.

Increased career opportunities: A PhD in Nursing can open up a variety of career paths, such as research, academia, leadership, policy development, and consulting. Graduates may work in hospitals, universities, research organizations, government agencies, and private industry.

Personal and professional growth: Pursuing a PhD in Nursing requires a significant amount of dedication, hard work, and self-discipline. It can be a challenging but rewarding experience that helps individuals develop a range of personal and professional skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and collaboration.

Potential for impact: Nursing research has the potential to improve patient outcomes, inform healthcare policy, and contribute to the overall advancement of healthcare. By pursuing a PhD in Nursing, individuals have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the field and on the lives of patients and their families.

PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree program that prepares nurses to become scholars, researchers, and educators in the field of nursing. The admission process for PhD Nursing programs may vary depending on the institution, but here are some general details regarding eligibility, entrance exams, admission process, duration, and selection criteria:

PhD Nursing Eligibility Criteria:

An applicant must hold a Master's degree in Nursing or a related field from a recognized institution.

Applicants should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in nursing or healthcare-related work.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is usually required.

PhD Nursing Entrance Exam:

Many PhD in Nursing programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a similar standardized test.

Some institutions may also require specific subject area tests in Nursing or related fields.

PhD Nursing Admission Process:

Applicants should review the requirements for each program and gather necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Apply to the program(s) of interest through the institution's online application portal or mail it to the admissions office.

Pay the application fee.

PhD Nursing Duration:

The duration of a PhD in Nursing program typically takes 3-4 years of full-time study.

Part-time study options may also be available, but the duration may be extended.

PhD Nursing Selection Criteria:

Admission committees may review the applicant's academic performance, research experience, professional experience, and letters of recommendation.

Personal interviews and essays may also be used to evaluate the candidate's potential for success in the program.

PhD Nursing How to Apply:

Identify institutions offering PhD in Nursing programs.

Review the eligibility criteria and admission process for each program.

Prepare and gather the necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Complete and submit the online application or mail it to the admissions office with the application fee.

Wait for the institution's decision and follow up with any necessary steps to confirm admission.

Overall, obtaining a PhD in Nursing requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for advancing the field of nursing through research, teaching, and leadership.

 PhD Nursing Application Form and Application Process:

Candidates can download the application form from the institution's website or obtain it from the admissions office.

Fill out the application form with accurate details and attach all necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Pay the application fee through the online portal or by sending a demand draft to the institution's admissions office.

Submit the completed application form and documents before the application deadline.

PhD Nursing Fee:

The application fee for PhD in Nursing programs may vary from institution to institution. The application fee typically ranges from $50 to $100.

PhD Nursing Syllabus:

The PhD in Nursing curriculum typically includes advanced coursework in nursing theory, research methods, statistics, health policy, ethics, and leadership. The program also requires students to conduct original research in their area of interest and write a dissertation.

PhD Nursing Salary and Jobs:

PhD in Nursing graduates have a range of career opportunities in academia, research, administration, and leadership roles. Some potential job titles and average salaries include:

Nurse researcher - $95,000 per year

Nursing professor - $90,000 per year

Healthcare administrator - $110,000 per year

Nursing director - $105,000 per year

PhD Nursing Career Opportunities:

Nursing research: PhD in Nursing graduates can work as nurse researchers, designing and conducting studies to improve patient care and outcomes.

Academia: Graduates can pursue academic positions as professors, lecturers, or researchers in universities, colleges, or nursing schools.

Leadership and Administration: Graduates can work in healthcare organizations, hospitals, clinics, or government agencies as administrators, directors, or policy analysts.

Consulting: PhD in Nursing graduates can work as consultants for healthcare organizations, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, advising on nursing practice, research, and policy.

Overall, a PhD in Nursing is a highly specialized degree that provides opportunities for advanced research, teaching, and leadership roles in the field of nursing. Graduates of PhD in Nursing programs can make significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare through research, teaching, and leadership.

Ph.D. (Nursing) is a doctoral level course. The doctoral course introduce candidates to content and knowledge from both the nursing and public health fields. In this course candidates develop specific skills pertaining to the facilitation of health gain, and the preservation of health status, enhancing each graduate nurse's employability and adaptability relevant to nursing employers across a variety of healthcare settings.  This Ph.D. course enables candidates to amalgamate (and inter-related) knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the areas of management, clinical practice and generic areas of professional nursing, and then apply them to practice. Candidates with this degree have various job opportunities in many fields. It  give to the development of knowledge and analytical skills of candidates and enhances action and decision making skills, providing a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

Ph.D. (Nursing) Admission Process:

Admission to the Ph.D. program shall be based on the students marks obtained in the entrance test conducted by the respective department or school of the particular university or institute. Those candidates who have complete GATE/NET/SET/ M.Phil/JRF Examination in the pertinent subject of the apex bodies as CSIR/UGC/ICAR/ICMR/DBT will be exempted from the Entrance Test. While giving the exemption, the Departmental Committee of the institute may consider research work/earlier Ph.D./experience done by the student. If a student already holds a Doctors degree in a relevant subject from a UGC Approved University or Institute, he/she may be exempted from entrance exam and pre Ph.D. coursework. After clearing the both steps the student will be eligible to pay course fee or registration fee. Only the predetermined number of candidates may be admitted to Ph.D. programme.

Ph.D. (Nursing) Employ Zone;

• Public Health Departments
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospitals, Community Organizations
• Wellness Centers
• School Systems
• Faith Communities
• and Rural/Urban Settings

Ph.D. (Nursing) Job Scopes:

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Assistant Nursing Officer
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Critical Care Nurse
• Paramedic Nurse
• Nurse Manager
• Educator/Instructor/Lecturer
• Community Health Specialist

PhD in Nursing: Subjects of Study (Syllabus)

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How many years does it take to get a PHD in nursing?

Table of Contents

• 1 How many years does it take to get a PHD in nursing?
• 2 Do DNP get paid more?
• 3 What is a DNP vs NP?
• 4 What is a DNP salary?
• 5 How long does it take to become a registered nurse?
• 6 How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?

Ph. D. in Nursing programs can be pursued on either a full-time basis or a part-time basis and are also available online. Most take three to five years of full-time study to complete.

Do DNP get paid more?

DNP salaries are generally higher than NP salaries, reflecting their additional training. However, nurse anesthetists, even those with MSNs, often earn more than family practice DNPs. Individual salaries depend on specialty, location, experience, and many other factors.

Can you get a DNP in 2 years?

Accelerated DNP programs may take two years or less to earn, and they often take place online. Some DNP programs admit nursing students with a BSN. But, candidates who have earned an MSN may be able to earn the degree in less time. These may include nursing research or advanced practice roles like Nurse Practitioner.

Is it worth getting a DNP?

A nurse with an advanced degree, however, can make six figures annually, depending on your specialty and years of experience. One of the biggest reasons why a DNP is worth it is that it offers great financial rewards. On average, having a DNP translates to $104,353 annually or 52.63/hour.

What is a DNP vs NP?

The main difference between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is that a DNP is a terminal degree in the field of nursing and an NP is a nursing occupation or career.

What is a DNP salary?

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for DNP holders is $102,000 as of 2019. The DNP salary varies by specialization. ARNPs, for example, earn $94,961 annually on average, with the highest paid averaging $119,000 and the lowest paid averaging $79,000.

What can a DNP do that a NP Cannot?

What can a DNP do that an NP cannot? A DNP-prepared nurse has a deep knowledge of evidence-based care and the ability to apply this knowledge in practice. A nurse with a DNP degree can influence healthcare policies, take on administrative roles and provide clinical education for nursing programs.

How long does it take to get a doctorate degree in nursing?

How long does it take to become a registered nurse?

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner.

How long does it take to become an ADN nurse?

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