Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Overview
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is a terminal degree that typically prepares nurses for careers in research or higher education. A PhD in Nursing focuses on the skills needed to conduct important research that is designed to expand nursing knowledge, address complex health issues, improve patient outcomes, promote health equity/inclusion, and inform health policy.
In academia, PhD-prepared nurses may teach all levels of nursing students, from undergraduate to doctoral. In research, a nurse with a PhD may help design research methodologies, conduct original research investigations, and synthesize and distribute study findings.
PhD in Nursing Requirements
Admission requirements for PhD in Nursing programs will vary slightly depending on whether the program was created for BSN-prepared nurses versus MSN-prepared nurses. However, most programs will generally require the following:
- A BSN or MSN degree from an accredited nursing program
- An unencumbered RN license
- A minimum undergraduate (and/or graduate) GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended
- GRE scores (if applicable)
- A professional resume or curriculum vitae
- A personal statement essay
- Letters of recommendation
- A face-to-face faculty interview
Nurses who wish to pursue a PhD must have a deep interest in conducting research and/or teaching nursing students. Strong leadership skills are also crucial, since many PhD-prepared nurses go on to supervise, instruct, and mentor others, whether they be other colleagues or students. Nurses pursuing a PhD should also be prepared to disseminate their new research across disciplines and within their communities, including to the general public and political representatives.
PhD in Nursing Curriculum
Unlike the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the PhD in nursing is a research-based degree. This means that clinical hours are not required to fulfill degree requirements, and the program can usually be completed entirely online.
The curriculum for PhD in Nursing programs typically focuses on scholarship and nursing research. Coursework is heavily geared toward advanced scientific research principles, data analysis, and statistics. While PhD in Nursing program curriculums may vary slightly, they usually share many similar core elements, designed to prepare students to become leaders and experts within the nursing profession.
These core elements often include:
- Nursing theory
- Research methodology and study design
- Statistics
- Data collection and evaluation
- Leadership strategies
- Health policy
Students are expected to conduct their own independent research regarding topics that will advance the nursing profession and improve care delivery and nursing practice. This research must then be published in a reputable scientific journal for the benefit of the greater community and to lead additional research going forward.
Toward the end of the program, students must submit a dissertation. A dissertation is a detailed document that explains the student’s original theory or hypothesis, and then summarizes their new research findings. PhD students work on their dissertations throughout the majority of the program, and they are often hundreds of pages long upon completion. The student must usually “defend” the dissertation before a faculty panel of experts, who will judge the quality of the research and whether or not the student’s dissertation has met all requirements to be awarded a PhD.
PhD in Nursing Program Length and Cost
PhD in Nursing programs usually take between three to six years to complete. This largely depends on which degree you start the program with and if you pursue full- or part-time study. After completing foundational courses in research methodology, the majority of your time in the program will be spent working on your original research project and dissertation.
Dissertations are largely self-paced, so a lot of self-discipline is required to stay on track with your projected program completion date. The length of time it takes to complete the program can also vary based on the type of research project you have chosen and how many revisions you must complete prior to your final dissertation defense. Revision recommendations are often made by your faculty at certain intervals throughout the program.
PhD programs are almost entirely funded by the institution itself or through federal grants which support the research that is being conducted. PhD programs can cost anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000 out of pocket, although the price can often be reduced through attending a fully funded PhD program or by agreeing to teach or perform research at the institution after graduation.
PhD in Nursing Earnings and Careers
Most PhD-prepared nurses go on to pursue careers in academia, research, administration, or health policy. They often work at colleges/universities, research facilities, hospitals, or government agencies. PhDs are not limited to non-clinical nurses, however. Some advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) choose to obtain their PhD in Nursing, yet continue to work in the clinical setting caring for patients.
Typical work duties for PhD-prepared nurses will vary based on which career path they have chosen.
For example, nurse researchers will often design and/or conduct scientific research, analyze data, and publish reports. They may also write grant proposals, establish quality assurance programs, and train and supervise staff.
Nurse educators typically create or modify nursing curricula, deliver lectures and exams, and teach and supervise students during laboratory and clinical time.
Responsibilities for nurse administrators can vary widely, but usually include interviewing and hiring staff, conducting staff performance reviews, and managing the budgetary needs of the department or facility.
According to Payscale, the average base salary for a nurse with a PhD is $97,000/year. However, salaries for nurses with a PhD depend on several factors, including type of occupation, level of experience, and geographical location.
Pursuing your PhD is a huge commitment, but the rewards are significant. Earning your PhD in Nursing unlocks career opportunities and earning potential that you would not otherwise have access to. If you have a passion for leadership, research, or teaching, a PhD in Nursing could be a worthwhile endeavor.
