can you get phd in nursing

Top PhD in Nursing Programs

What is a ph.d. in nursing.

• Ph.D. in Nursing vs DNP
• Types of Programs
• Top Programs
• Program Overview
• Is a Nursing Ph.D. For Me?

The Ph.D. in Nursing degree opens career opportunities for nurses as researchers, forging new and cutting-edge nursing practices for future generations. This article explores this terminal nursing degree, how to get it, and the top Ph.D. in Nursing programs.

A Ph.D. in Nursing is the highest degree awarded to nurses and one of two terminal nursing degrees. Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, and Ph.D. in Nursing programs focus on evidence-based research.

Throughout their 4-6 year study, nursing Ph.D. students learn how to conduct, analyze, and publish nursing research. The degree culminates in students conducting an independent research project and writing a dissertation on it.

Ph.D. in Nursing and DNP Differences

A Ph.D. in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are both terminal nursing degrees. However, comparing a  DNP vs. a Ph.D. in Nursing reveals distinct differences. Notably, the Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for a science, academic, or research-focused career as opposed to a clinical one.

Key Ph.D. in Nursing vs. DNP Differences

>> Related:  Top Online DNP Programs

Types of Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

The United States is home to over 135 Ph.D. in Nursing programs, which you can attend in multiple formats at nearly every educational level. The types of Ph.D. in nursing programs include the following:

• BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: These Ph.D. in nursing programs allow nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to pursue a career in nursing research without first attending an MSN program.
• MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: Designed for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) trained nurses, these programs typically include core courses for the doctoral program, electives, and dissertation study.
• DNP/Ph.D. Dual Degree: These rigorous programs allow students to concurrently attain expertise in scientific inquiry and faculty practice and hone the practical skills of expert nurse clinicians. 

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Are Ph.D. in Nursing programs available online? The answer is yes; you can find several online options to pursue this degree. Since a Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on scientific inquiry, it doesn't have the same onsite practical hours as other nursing degrees. 

Program dependant, you may still need to show up on campus a few times each year. However, for the most part, all you need to earn a Ph.D. in nursing is Wi-Fi, good study habits, and determination.

Top Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Each Ph.D. in Nursing program is unique, offering its own benefits and features. We assembled the top five Ph.D. in Nursing programs nationwide following Nurse.org's proprietary ranking algorithm , which considers and ranks schools based on factors like:

• Tuition costs
• Program length
• Nursing school accreditation
• Admission requirements
• The variety of available programs
• Additional program accolades

 1. University of Pennsylvania

• Program Cost:  $46,934 per academic year
• Program Length:  4-6 years
• Application Due Date: Dec. 1st

The University of Pennsylvania boasts one of the top Ph.D. in nursing programs nationwide. To offset the expensive tuition, the university offers full-time students stipends during their first four years. In exchange, students may work as Teaching Assistants within UPenn's School of Nursing for up to 16 hours a week. 

Contact UPenn about this program:

• Phone: (215) 898-4271
• Email: [email protected]

Source: University of Pennsylvania

2. Duke University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 5 years)
• Application Due Date: November 30th

In 2023, U.S. News & World Report named Duke University the second-best graduate school for nursing. Duke's Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses to become stalwart scholars. Graduates will build nursing science by leading multidisciplinary research that determines the relationship between chronic illness and care systems.

Contact Duke University about this program:

• Phone: (919) 684-3786
• Email: Contact Request Form

Source: Duke University

3. Duquesne University

• Program Cost:  $1,765 per credit
• Program Length:  3-4 years
• Application Due Date:  February 1st

As the first fully online Ph.D. in Nursing program, Duquesne offers a highly flexible education option to many students nationwide. Additionally, students attending the program may get to study abroad at the Duquesne campus in Dublin, Ireland.  The 56-credit program culminates in a dissertation proposal and final defense in which students orally defend their research thesis to the dissertation committee.

Contact Duquesne University about this program:

• Phone: (412) 396-6219
• Email:  [email protected]

Source: Duquesne University

4. Columbia University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 3 years)
• Application Due Date:  November 15th

Ph.D. in Nursing student at Columbia choose one of three major areas to study, which include Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Analytical Foundations of Nursing Science, and Electives and Applications. The programming heavily focuses on publication, grantsmanship, presentation, and networking. In addition to their coursework, students participate in research experience and training.

Contact Columbia University about this program:

• Phone: (212) 305-5756
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Columbia University

5. Rush University

• Program Cost:  $1,344 per credit hour
• Program Length:  3-5 years
• Application Due Date:  March 4th

Rush University's Ph.D. in Nursing is fully online except for an on-campus orientation and summer intensive learning sessions. The program focuses on preparing nurses and non-nurses with graduate degrees to become leaders in clinical research and educators who influence healthcare policy. While many students keep working throughout the program, they often must take fewer hours while completing their dissertation.

Contact Rush University about this program:

• Phone : (312) 942-7100
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Rush University

What to Expect in a Ph.D. in Nursing Program

Nursing Ph.D. degrees focus on scholarship and nursing research. By the end of the course, you'll be able to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can alter the face of nursing practice and healthcare policy for future generations. 

Generally, these educational pathways combine graduate study and research activities and do not include clinical rotations. Instead, you will be required to complete a long-form research paper called a dissertation. To write your dissertation, you'll complete independent research based on a significant and relevant scientific inquiry in the nursing field. 

>> Related: The Best Nursing Research Topics

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

Ph.D. in Nursing programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in research and teaching, advanced clinical practice, health care administration, and policy.  Following graduation, your future may hold a career as a nurse scientist, as an administrator, as a nurse educator, or in establishing health policy.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

Healthcare workers who hold a Ph.D. in nursing earn an average annual salary of $100,00 or $60.45 per hour , according to Payscale . However, your nursing salary will vary depending on your career, employer, location, experience, and other relevant factors.

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Cost?

Ph.D. in nursing programs range from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at more distinguished institutions. However, several universities will fund your Ph.D. tuition itself or through a federal research grant. Most often, these funding opportunities are only available to full-time students, while part-timers must pay the full tuition costs.

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

Most Ph.D. in nursing programs take between 4-6 years to complete. Your educational timeline will vary based on your previous education and whether you attend full or part-time.

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

Since all Ph.D. degrees in nursing emphasize healthcare research, their curriculums will all share certain core elements, which include:

• The philosophical and historical foundations of nursing knowledge
• Review of existing and evolving nursing theory
• Methods and process of developing theory
• Research methodology and data management
• Academic, research, practice, and policy development

Your graduate nursing program will consist of several key milestones to reinforce your education. These include:

• Leadership strategies related to nursing, healthcare, and research
• Mentorship and working alongside faculty on their individual research programs
• Immersion experiences are designed to encourage leadership and scholarship.
• Each student will be required to complete a dissertation.

Ph.D. in Nursing Program Requirements

Each university sets its own entry standards, which vary based on the type of program . However, general Ph.D. in nursing admission requirements include the following:

• BSN, MSN, or non-nursing graduate degree
• Personal research statement
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Admissions interview
• Writing sample
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• Unencumbered RN license
• Official post-secondary school transcripts
• TOEFL or IELTS scores

Is a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Right for Me?

Your professional goals play a massive role in deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing. If you're interested in scientific and academic nursing research, healthcare policy, or becoming a nurse educator, a Ph.D. in nursing is an excellent option. Remember, it will not qualify you for APRN positions, so if you have clinical aspirations, a DNP is the right doctoral nursing option.

Next Steps to Enroll in a PhD in Nursing Degree Program

Ready to start your educational journey toward earning a Ph.D. in Nursing? You can start working toward those goals today with these simple steps:

• Research Universities: Find a program that suits you based on your budget, attendance needs (e.g., part vs. full-time and in-person vs. online), and interests.
• Plan Applications: Understand the program requirements and application deadlines for each school you're applying to. Then, make a plan to collect and submit all the necessary materials and documentation on time.
• Prepare Properly: If a university considers you for Ph.D. candidacy, you'll attend an admissions interview. Planning and practicing this interview and paying close attention to why you chose the program and your research interests will optimize your chances of admission.

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Doctor of philosophy (phd), ignite your future with a columbia nursing phd.

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

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

Program Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

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

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

Concurrent with Coursework

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

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

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

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

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

Dissertation

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

Scholarship Expectations

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

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

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

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

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

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

PhD Student Handbook

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

Request a PhD Student Handbook

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

Required courses (excluding electives).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Credits:

PhD Admissions

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing from a U.S. program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or an international program with commensurate standards is required for admission to the PhD Program in Nursing.

Post-baccalaureate Students

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing must demonstrate exceptional academic qualifications, have clear research-oriented career goals, and choose a dissertation topic congruent with the research program of a Graduate Faculty member in the School of Nursing. Applicants with baccalaureate degrees must complete a nursing research and a graduate-level statistics course.

Applying for Admission

The following admission materials must be submitted online to the  Duke University Graduate School . Prospective applicants should familiarize themselves with the Graduate School requirements.

Official, confidential transcript(s) of all college-level coursework.

Optional GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores - Applicants can submit GRE scores should they feel the scores enhance their application. [Taken within the past 5 years]. For a free online GRE guide, see  http://www.greguide.com / . For free online GRE practice tests, see  http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html . Or visit Go Grad for the GRE Guidebook .

Three letters of recommendation. These letters should be solicited from individuals with doctoral degrees who can address the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for doctoral study.

English language proficiency test scores. Foreign graduates must submit either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International Language Testing System (IELTS) accepted, but IELTS is preferred.

Personal Statement. Applicants should submit a paper (1 - 2 typed pages, 12-point font, single-spaced) indicating:

Purposes and objectives for undertaking graduate study

Research interests and career goals

Strengths and weaknesses in the chosen field

A description of a prior research project or research participation and how this has influenced career choice and desire to pursue graduate studies

Reasons for choosing Duke for PhD studies

Name(s) of PhD Nursing faculty members in the School whose research program most closely fits with the applicant’s research interests.

The application and the $95 application fee must be received by December 1.

Holistic Admissions

The Duke University School of Nursing PhD Program is committed to holistic admissions. A holistic review is a university admissions strategy that assesses an applicant’s unique experiences alongside traditional measures of academic achievement such as grades and test scores. It is designed to help universities consider a broad range of factors reflecting the applicant’s academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success both in school and later as a professional.

Holistic review, when used in combination with a variety of other mission-based practices, constitutes a holistic admission process. Many colleges and universities have employed a holistic admission process to assemble a diverse class of students with the background, qualities, and skills needed for success in the profession.

As part of the Duke University School of Nursing PhD Program holistic review process, faculty review principles of holistic admissions prior to reviewing applications. The PhD Program Admissions Committee utilizes an adapted version of the Duke University Center for Exemplary Mentoring holistic admissions review rubric to guide the evaluation of each applicant.

Personal Interview

Applicants may be asked to interview by Zoom or come to campus for an interview. The School covers the costs for campus interview travel except for international travel. International applicants are interviewed via Zoom.

Duke University's Annual Clery Security Report as Mandated by Federal Statute 20 USC § 1092

The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report include institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, as well as statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Duke University property and on public property adjacent to campus and fires that have occurred in residence halls. A copy of this Report can be obtained by contacting the Duke Police Department at 684-4602 or writing to 502 Oregon Street, Durham, NC 27708, or by accessing:  duke.edu/police/news_stats/clery

Technology Requirements

Learn more on recommended computer specifications and Duke Office of Information Technology-supported software here .

Students with Disabilities: Duke University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please get in touch with the Duke Student Disability Access Office  in advance of your participation or visit.

Nursing License

Students must hold a valid current nursing license in a U.S. state, preferably North Carolina. To obtain information about nurse licensure procedures for the State of North Carolina, consult the  Licensure/Listing Page of the North Carolina Board of Nursing website , or telephone the North Carolina Board of Nursing at (919) 782-3211. Exceptions to holding a U.S state nursing license for international students can be waived by the PhD Program Director.

All PhD in Nursing applicants are required to have a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or an international nursing program with commensurate standards.

Applicants are expected to have completed a graduate-level statistics course prior to starting the program. This course must have been completed within the last 5 years.

PhD Education

Find Programs

There is no doubt that education is the path for a nurse to achieve greater clinical expertise. At the same time, however, the nursing profession needs more nurses educated at the doctoral level to replenish the supply of faculty and researchers. The national shortage of faculty will soon reach critical proportions, having a significant impact on educational programs and their capacity to educate future generations of nursing students.

Although the number of doctorate programs has continued to increase, the total enrollment of students in these programs has remained fairly constant, resulting in a shortage of newly minted PhDs to renew faculty ranks.  As a result, approximately 50% of nursing faculty possess the doctorate as a terminal degree. Furthermore, with many advances being made in the treatment of chronic illnesses, there is a continuing need for research that assists patients in living with their illness.  This research requires individual investigators who are prepared on the doctoral level.

One reason there is a lack of nurses prepared at the doctoral level is that, compared with other professions, nurses have more interruptions in their careers. Many in the profession are females who work as nurses while fulfilling responsibilities as wives and mothers.  As a result, many pursue their education on a part-time basis. Also, the nursing profession traditionally has viewed clinical experience as being a prerequisite to graduate education. This career path results in fewer individuals completing the doctorate at an earlier stage in their career, thereby truncating their productivity as academics, researchers, and administrators. To reverse this trend, many nursing schools have developed programs that admit students into graduate (doctorate and master's) programs directly from their undergraduate or master's programs.

Nursing Research

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

In the last thirty years, advances in medicine have involved, for the most part, advancing treatment not cures. In other words, no cure for the illness has been discovered, but treatment for that illness has improved. However, sometimes the treatment itself causes problems for patients, such as the unwelcome side effects of chemotherapy. Nurses have opportunities to devise solutions to problems like these through research, such as studies on how to manage the illness and its treatment, thereby allowing individuals to lead happy and productive lives.

The Curricula

Doctoral programs in nursing are aimed at preparing students for careers in health administration, education, clinical research, and advanced clinical practice. Basically, doctoral programs prepare nurses to be experts within the profession, prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of academic and clinical settings, course work and research, students are trained as researchers and scholars to tackle complex health-care questions. Program emphasis may vary from a focus on health education to a concentration on policy research. The majority of doctoral programs confer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, but some award the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), and the Doctor of Education (EdD).

Doctoral nursing programs traditionally offer courses on the history and philosophy of nursing and the development and testing of nursing and other healthcare techniques, as well as the social, economic, political, and ethical issues important to the field. Data management and research methodology are also areas of instruction. Students are expected to work individually on research projects and complete a dissertation.

Doctoral programs allow study on a full- or part-time basis. For graduate students who are employed and therefore seek flexibility in their schedules, many programs offer courses on weekends and in the evenings.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for doctoral programs vary. Generally, a master's degree is necessary, but in some schools a master's degree is completed in conjunction with fulfillment of the doctoral degree requirements. Standard requirements include an RN license, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Students applying for doctoral-level study should have a solid foundation in nursing and an interest in research. Programs are usually the equivalent of three to five years of full-time study.

Selecting a Doctoral Program

Selecting a doctoral program comes down to personal choice. Students work closely with professors, and, thus, the support and mentoring you receive while pursuing your degree is as vital as the quality of the facilities. The most important question is whether there is a "match" between your research interest and faculty research. Many of the same questions you would ask about baccalaureate and master's degree programs apply to doctoral programs. However, in a doctoral program, the contact with professors, the use of research equipment and facilities, and the program's flexibility in allowing you to choose your course of study are critical.

Some questions to consider asking include: Are there opportunities to present research findings at professional meetings? Is scholarship of faculty, alumni, and students presented at regional and national nursing meetings and subsequently published? Has the body of research done at a university enhanced the knowledge of nursing and health care?

Other questions to consider include: Does the university consider research a priority? Does the university have adequate funding for student research? Many nurses with doctorate degrees make the natural transition into an academic career, but there are many other career options available for nurses prepared at this level. For example, nurses prepared at the doctoral level are often hired by large consulting firms to work with others in designing solutions to health-care delivery problems. Others are hired by large hospital chains to manage various divisions, and some nurses with doctorate degrees are hired to manage complex healthcare systems at the executive level. On another front, they conduct research and formulate national and international healthcare policy. In short, because of the high level of education and a shortage of nurses prepared at this level, there are a number of options.

Salaries are related to the various positions.  Faculty salaries vary by the type of institution and by faculty rank, typically ranging from approximately $80,000 at the assistant professor level to over $115,000 at the professor level.  Salaries of nurse executives also vary, with the lowest salaries being in small rural hospitals and the highest being in complex university medical centers. Consultant salaries are wide ranging but often consist of a base plus some percentage of work contracted. Clinical and research positions vary considerably by the type of institution and the nature of the work.  Needless to say, a doctoral education does provide individuals with a wide range of opportunities, with salaries commensurate with the type and level of responsibilities. 

• Partnerships

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

Advance the science of nursing through innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry .

The PhD in Nursing program at Northeastern University prepares future nurse-scientists to advance nursing through innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry to improve the health of individuals and communities. Graduates are expected to lead research initiatives that advance nursing science through knowledge development and interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry.

Students will study with nursing faculty who collectively have a variety of expertise and interests and whose research addresses questions that extend across a broad health spectrum.

In addition, students have an opportunity to study with faculty from other Northeastern departments, as well as with other Boston-area researchers. This collaboration allows students to work across disciplines and to access populations and sites essential for completing a dissertation

Degree: Nursing PhD Application deadline: June 1 GRE: Required Study options: Full-time/part-time

Video: Chelsea Kirker, MSN, CRNA describes why she is doing a PhD at Northeastern

Chelsea Kirker, MSN, CRNA describes why she is doing a PhD at Northeastern

Post-master’s students  (also referred to as Advanced Entry)  will build on their prior degrees and clinical foundations by completing  48 semester hours , including the dissertation. 

Post-baccalaureate  students will complete  60 semester hours , including the dissertation.

On a full-time basis, students entering with a master’s degree can expect to commit a  minimum of three years  to completing the program; if entering with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of four years. Both full- and part-time options are available to all students. Course descriptions can be found in the PhD Handbook.

Graduates are expected to lead multidisciplinary research initiatives that advance nursing and health care through knowledge development and interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry. Students will work with nursing faculty whose research address innovative questions that seek to advance knowledge for improvement of care. In addition, students will have an opportunity to collaborate with faculty across the broader Northeastern University community in addition to Boston area research and healthcare institutions. This collaboration allows students to work across disciplines and to access populations and research sites essential to the success of their original dissertation study.

The Baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Northeastern University School of Nursing are accredited by the  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ,  655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791

Handbooks and Manuals

Sample curriculum.

Sample curriculum, subject to change.

Prerequisites

Both post-BSN and post-MSN students are expected to show satisfactory completion of a basic statistics course . Note:  Post-BSN students will be required to take an epidemiology course as part of their PhD coursework.

Full-time Sample Curriculum

Research core.

8 courses, 3 credits each unless otherwise noted — 22 credits

NRSG 7700  Science of Nursing

NRSG 7705  Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations in Nursing Science

NRSG 7709  Qualitative Research Methods

NRSG 7712  Quantitative Research Methods

NRSG 7715  Measurement in Clinical Research

NRSG 7750  Health Care of Urban Populations

NRSG 7770  Research Colloquium (1 credit)

NRSG 7755  Intervention Research: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation

Research Practicum

2 courses, 1-4 credits each · 6 credits

NRSG 9984 Students are required to complete 6 credits of supervised research practicum with a seasoned researcher. The purpose of the practicum is to develop student research skills through engagement with an active research project. Students must have a viable MA RN license. Research practicum activities vary and may include any or all of the following aspects of the research process:

• Assisting/conducting critical literature reviews
• Developing proposals
• Developing human subjects guidelines
• Recruiting and consenting participants
• Collecting data
• Managing data
• Analyzing data
• Developing presentations
• Writing scholarly research paper(s)

Post-Bac Required Courses

In addition, post-baccalaureate students are required to take:

NRSG 5121  Epidemiology and Population Health

NRSG 7104  Foundations in Nursing Research (3

2 Elective Courses (6 credits)

Electives may be taken in nursing or in an area related to the student’s dissertation research, including appropriate methodology and statistics courses.

2 courses, 3 credits each · 6 credits

Cognates are courses that are taken outside the School of Nursing and should provide depth and breadth to the student’s phenomenon of interest.

PHTH 5210  Biostatistics

PHTH 6210  Applied Regression Analysis

Dissertation

4 courses, 3 credits each unless otherwise noted · 8 credits total

NRSG 9845  Dissertation Seminar 1

NRSG 9846  Dissertation Seminar 2

NRSG 9990/9991  Dissertation

Admissions Requirements

*Note: A Massachusetts RN license is required by matriculation in the PhD program in order to do the research practicum component of the program. If you are a registered nurse, you may enter the PhD program after completing a baccalaureate or a master’s degree. A degree in nursing is preferred.

To apply to the PhD in Nursing you will need the following:

Current U.S. RN License *

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Official transcript(s) of ALL college-level study-to-date resume

Personal statement  indicating applicant’s personal goals for obtaining a DNP and expectations of the program

A minimum GRE of 300 or equivalent  for the verbal and quantitative combined, should be taken within the last five years

Three letters of recommendation  that address your potential in a career in nursing research

Satisfactory completion of a basic statistics course

Personal Statement   describing your goals, your reason for pursuing a PhD in nursing and your research area of interest

For international applicants  TOEFL scores or IELTS scores

Got questions?

Amanda Choflet, DNP, RN, NEA-BC 617-373-3488 [email protected]

Graduate Admissions 617-373-2708

Past PhD Dissertation Topics

Utilization of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Postoperative Pain in Anesthesia Chris Gill

Understanding college students’ motivations for the use and discontinued use of fitness related technology in relation to their physical activity behaviors Jessica Wallar

Experiences of School Nurses Caring for Newly Arrived Immigrant and Refugee Children Jacqueline Brady

An Exploration of the Influence of Stigma and Trauma in the Illness Representations of those Veterans who Decided to Initiate Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Casey Garvey

Toward an Understanding of Suicidal Ideation Among Career Firefighters Elizabeth Henderson

Mold Exposure Levels in Inner-City Schools and Homes: An Examination of the Relationship Between Fungal Exposure and the Prevalence Rate of Asthmatic Symptoms Among Children Ages 5 to 15 Evin Howard

New-onset Delirium among Elderly Acute Care Orthopedic Trauma Patients: Sleep Disturbance and Nutritional Status as Modifiable Risk Factors Susan Maher

Stress, Resilience and Reintigration Among Post-9/11 US Veterans: A Holistic Investigation Anna Etchin

Exploring the Issues of HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis and Sexually Assaulted Individuals Meredith Scannell

Charting the Path from Diagnosis to Treatment: A Grounded Theory Study of Ovarian Cancer Rachel Pozzar

Frequently Asked Quesions

What’s the difference between the dnp and phd programs.

Northeastern offers two different doctoral degrees in nursing: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The PhD is a research-oriented degree, while the DNP is practice-oriented. Nurses interested in leadership might be interested in the DNP, whereas those interested in becoming nurse scientists would be a good fit for the PhD program.

What financial support is available for students?

A select number of competitive Graduate Assistantships are available for doctoral students. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and include a stipend in exchange for working 20 hours/week as a research or teaching assistant.

NOTE: Graduate Assistantships are awarded each academic year.

Can I transfer credits towards the program ?

You may be able to transfer in up to 9 credits that have not been previously used towards another degree and were taken at the graduate level for a grade of B or better. Students must receive approval from the program director prior to transferring courses and must be enrolled in the program in order to begin the transfer process.

More information about Northeastern University’s transfer policy can be found in the  Bouve Transfer Policy.

Can I attend the program on a part-time basis ?

Full-time or part-time enrollment is available. Students who attend full-time complete the degree in five continuous semesters (21 months).

Students who attend part-time usually complete the degree in three years . Students must consult with the financial aid office to assure PT status is acceptable for loan eligibility . All students (full-time or part-time) must take the NRSG7100 Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice course as the first course which is offered in the Fall.

Can I speak with faculty in the PhD program that share my research interests ?

Yes, we would be happy to put you in touch with our faculty. Please send your query along with a description of research interests so that you can be appropriately matched to:

Dr. Rhonda Board Program Director [email protected]

Connect with us

Have more questions about Bouvé? We’re here to help.

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PhD in Nursing Science 

Drive the future of nursing through scientific discovery.

• School School of Nursing | Graduate School
• Duration 4 years, full-time
• Format Hybrid
• Enrollment Fall
• Tuition Fully funded, stipend provided

About the Program

Conduct multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research that will transform nursing with Vanderbilt’s PhD in Nursing Science degree . This four-year, full-time program prepares diverse scholars to lead the nation in nursing research, education and policy.  

The program is delivered predominantly online with limited campus visits once a semester, and its state-of-the-art curriculum emphasizes both clinical and health services research. All students receive a customized plan of study tailored to their specific research interests. Research is organized into the following signature areas: Acute and Chronic Illness, Data Science and Health Technologies, Palliative Care Science, and Pregnancy Outcomes and Mother, Infant, Child and Family Health.     

Student tuition for the program is fully funded, covering up to four years of research and coursework, and students receive annual stipends.    

Facts & Stats

• #8 U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings of Best Value School
• #13 U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings of National Universities
• 26% Ethnic racial student enrollment across all VUSN programs in 2020

Key Takeaways   

• Bene f it from a blended learning format that pairs online classes and coursework with periodic campus vi sits  
• Receive competitive financial awards, including fully funded tuition and an annual stipend  
• Conduct cutting-edge , multidisciplinary r e search alongside nationally and internationally recognized faculty w ho have a wide range of research foci  
• Learn with a n advanced curriculum that emphasizes both clinical and health services research   
• Launch your research or academic career with strong faculty mentorship and a personalized plan of study  

Who Should Enroll ?

The PhD in Nursing Science program is designed for diverse nurse scholars who are interested in pursuing research and academic careers in public or private health care. Admitted students seek to advance nursing through scientific discovery, and they hold bachelor’s degrees in nursing (or BSN equivalent) and master’s degrees in nursing (or a related field) or doctoral degrees in nursing (or a related field).   

Admission to the program is competitive and requires research and career goals that are in alignment with the School of Nursing’s research efforts and faculty expertise.   

Home / Getting Your Ph.D. in Nursing

Getting Your Ph.D. in Nursing

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

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

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

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

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

Educational Prerequisites

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a nurse researcher , typical duties may include:

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

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

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

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

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

Workplace Settings

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

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

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

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

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

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

• DNP vs. PH.D. Nursing Compared

Duties and Responsibilities

• Education and Certification

Salary and Career Outlook

• Which Is Best?

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a DNP?

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

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

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

Source: Payscale

Popular DNP Programs

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

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

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

What Can You Do With a DNP?

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

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

After earning a DNP, nurses’ responsibilities may include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Education Prerequisites

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

How to Earn a DNP

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

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

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

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

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

How to Earn a Ph.D. in Nursing

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

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

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

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

$107,000 Average Annual DNP Salary

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

DNP in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

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

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

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

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Pages

Why Get a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP)?

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

Online DNP Programs of 2024

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

Types of Nursing Degrees and Levels

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

Page last reviewed: May 6, 2022

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The Research Doctorate in Nursing: The PhD

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

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The research-focused doctorate in nursing prepares nurse scientists to lead the field and to advance the science of nursing. In addition to conducting independent research and developing their own programs of research, nurse scientists will also likely work in multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams to achieve broad research outcomes. They design and conduct studies to answer certain aims. These aims can be in response to theoretical questions, as well as to questions that derive from clinical practice or focus on individual, group, or population characteristics and behaviors—to name only a few prompts for inquiry. The findings of the inquiry are disseminated through scholarly publication and presentation, are likely to prompt additional research, and will ultimately inform an evidence base for practice, policy, and advocacy.

Historically, before doctoral degrees in nursing were available, nurses who pursued doctoral degrees did so in fields related to nursing (e.g., health education, public health, psychology, economics). However, the first doctorate that was available to nurses was established in 1924. This was the doctor of education (EdD) degree, awarded by the Teachers College of Columbia University in New York, New York. The EdD degree continues to this day, and it is a research-focused doctorate with an emphasis on education.

PhD programs in nursing began toward the end of the 20th century. However, in the 1970s, Boston University began the doctor of nursing science (DNS) degree. Further complicating the matter, Margaret Newman of New York University later promoted a purely practice-focused nursing doctorate (ND) (Schneckel, 2009). The first of these ND programs was offered in 1979 by Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio (Reid Ponte & Nicholas, 2015).

The intent of the DNS or DNSc degree was to combine research with clinical practice rather than research with theory development and application (Loomis, Willard, & Cohen, 2006). Ultimately, the DNSc degree was considered to be equivalent to the PhD degree. The curricula, program design and expectations, and dissertation and research requirements were nearly the same across programs. For that reason, many colleges and universities have changed their DNSc programs to PhD programs, and many have allowed recipients of the DNSc degree to convert those degrees into PhDs. At the close of the 20th century, the vast majority of research-focused doctoral programs were PhD programs (79%), with the remaining shared among DNSc, DNS, or DSN programs (17%) and ND programs (5%) (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2001). As of 2013, the most recent year for which data are available, 132 research-focused doctoral programs, with 5,145 enrolled students, existed in the United States (AACN, 2014).

As of fall 2014, 81 U.S. colleges and universities also offer baccalaureate to research-focused doctoral programs (AACN Research and Data Services, 2015). These programs, designed for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, do not confer a master’s degree. Instead, they combine master’s and doctoral level course content, culminating in a PhD degree in nursing. Completion of these programs typically requires 85–90 hours of course and dissertation work.

Program Considerations

Nurses should commence the decision-making process by considering their professional goals, among other issues (see Figure 1). They should also search online for PhD programs in nursing, pull up the program web pages for several schools, and take a careful look. Many pages will include the program’s curriculum or a sample course of study. For programs that have specific foci of research, the program home page likely will offer details about research topics of interest and current work. In addition, faculty profiles will often provide details about each professor’s particular research interests, current work, grant funding, and publications. Programs will typically have coordinators and faculty contacts with whom potential students can talk. Many programs will have similar curricula (see Figure 2). Interested nurses should also seek out PhD-prepared nurses in their organizations and professional circles for their advice, guidance, and mentorship. Like most aspects of a nursing career, the opportunities for education are many, and the research-focused doctorate in nursing may lead nurses in directions they cannot begin to imagine.

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Educational Technology

All research-focused doctoral programs will use some elements of technology (e.g., message boards, interactive whiteboards, chat rooms, email, computers). However, some programs are delivered entirely online. Much or all of this content may be asynchronous and computer-based learning. This approach and type of learning requires that students be disciplined, focused individuals who can commit to computer-based learning without significant human interaction.

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Some schools have leveraged advanced technologies to deliver real-time classroom experiences via live teleconferencing and the use of program sharing via web-based systems. These programs are synchronous and bring together a cohort of students with like interests. This style of presentation and learning, in which learning involves live engagement with faculty and other students either in person or via videoconferencing technology, is many times more engaging than that which is asynchronous and the student is alone with only non-live, computer-based interaction. The College of Nursing at the University of Utah offers one example of a research-focused doctoral degree program that has delivered its content successfully via these methods. Several of the cohorts have been oncology focused.

The pursuit of a research-focused doctoral degree is intensive, rewarding, sometimes challenging, and always self-revelatory. Imagine the changes that can occur during the span of four to six years. Now, imagine those changes with the added context of experience and growth in a particular field of inquiry; exposure to the minds, works, and support of faculty, advisers, and dissertation chairs and members; and the shared learning with peer students. Picture the networks that will be built, the collaborations that will be fostered, and the body of work that will be produced and contribute to the science of nursing. Earning a research-focused doctorate in nursing is an amazing experience that will consistently inform the personal lives, interpersonal relationships, and the professional journeys and achievements of those who pursue it.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2001). Indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs in nursing. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/20tdKF7

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2014). Annual report 2014: Building a framework for the future. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1VQKilS

American Association of Colleges of Nursing Research and Data Services. (2015). Schools offering baccalaureate to research-focused doctoral programs, fall 2014 (N = 81). Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1nPAaiL

Loomis, J.A., Willard, B., & Cohen, J. (2006). Difficult professional choices: Deciding between the PhD and the DNP in nursing. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 12, 6.

Reid Ponte, P., & Nicholas, P.K. (2015). Addressing the confusion related to DNS, DNSc, and DSN degrees, with lessons for the nursing profession. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47, 347–353. doi:10.1111/jnu.12148

Schneckel, M. (2009). Nursing education: Past, present, future. In G. Roux & J.A. Halstead (Eds.), Issues and trends in nursing: Essential knowledge for today and tomorrow (pp. 27–62). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

About the Author(s)

Rice is the director of Professional Practice and Education at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA. No financial relationships to disclose. Rice can be reached at [email protected] , with copy to editor at [email protected] .

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The PhD in Nursing & Health Science program at the University of Rochester sets itself apart by offering close mentorship from  nationally-recognized faculty . Plus, the collaborative learning environment is enriched by interaction with researchers across many disciplines — all of which allows you to learn how to make meaningful discoveries and innovations in a changing health care landscape.

Choose from three pathways to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing and Health Science. Full-time students are awarded assistantships that provide full tuition waiver, health insurance, and stipend support.

As part of the University of Rochester Medical Center , the School of Nursing engages in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research through collaborative partnerships with nurses and other health care practitioners across the campus, region, and nation. The University of Rochester School of Nursing has a long history of research innovation and continues to pioneer new breakthroughs in:

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Quotation Mark What keeps me going is the notion that I'm helping patients. That in the future I will hopefully help more people with my research. And the support of the faculty, really. They know how to mentor, to push and challenge me as a student and to explore things that I might not recognize within myself. Faith Lambert, MS, RN, FNP-BC Research Interests: Adolescent & adult health, health disparities, HIV Meet PhD Students

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Top Careers for RNs with a Doctorate in Nursing

Home » PhD and DNP Degrees » Top Careers for RNs with a Doctorate in Nursing

Nursing is a calling for most RNs , and many want to continue their education to further their careers and take an even greater leadership role in the field. A doctorate in nursing is the terminal degree for nurses who want to expand their current roles, move into management and leadership positions, conduct clinical research or pursue employment in higher education.

A number of career possibilities exist for nurses with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Here are some of the top jobs that are available for nurses with a doctorate in nursing.

Nurse faculty

A career in nursing education is a great option for nurses who want to prepare future nurses and are interested in nursing research. The shortage of qualified nursing faculty has been well documented by nursing organizations and in professional research.

A survey released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in October 2018 found a total of 1,715 vacant faculty positions at 872 nursing schools, with a national vacancy rate of 7.9%. More than 90% of those vacancies were for faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree, the survey found.

A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused degree and is generally the most common doctoral degree for nurse faculty, although some nurse educators hold a DNP in nursing. The average salary for nursing instructors and teachers in higher education was $81,300 in 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while those on the higher end of the pay scale can make $130,000 or more.

While salaries for nurse educators may not go as high as some occupations with advanced nursing degrees, faculty members typically work shorter hours and may face less stress than most practicing nurses.

Nurse anesthetist

One of the more lucrative career options for advanced practice registered nurses with a doctoral degree is that of nurse anesthetist. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) administer anesthesia to patients for surgical and other medical procedures and are the sole anesthesia providers in nearly all rural hospitals, according to the AACN.

The average annual salary for nurse anesthetists was nearly $175,000 in 2018. In several states, such as Montana, California, Iowa, Oregon and Wisconsin, average annual wages for CRNAs top $200,000, according to BLS.

The most common doctoral degrees for nurse anesthetists are the DNP or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). By 2025, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs , which accredits nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, will require all new CRNAs to have doctoral degrees.

Nurse practitioner

A doctorate in nursing also is very valuable to those who are looking to become nurse practitioners . NPs are “clinicians who assess, diagnose and treat acute chronic illnesses, as well as counsel, coordinate care and educate patients regarding their illnesses,” according to the website of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners .

NPs work in a variety of settings , including private practice, hospital outpatient clinics, inpatient hospital units, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, community health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Working as a nurse practitioner comes with many benefits. NPs have greater authority in diagnosing and treating patients and prescribing medications, and many states now allow nurse practitioners to practice independently without physician oversight.

Nurse practitioners also make significantly higher salaries than other nurses, with average annual earnings of about $110,000. While a doctorate in nursing is not required to become a nurse practitioner, the AACN supports moving the standard preparation level for advanced nursing practice from a master’s to a doctoral degree. A growing number of students that are considering careers as NPs are enrolling in DNP programs.

Nurse leader

Nurses who want to move into top management and leadership roles in hospitals, nursing homes and other health systems can benefit from a doctorate in nursing.

Some of those positions include CNO, chief nurse executive, director of nursing, nursing administrator, nurse manager and health system president or CEO. A 2019 survey of nurse leaders conducted by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership found that most nursing leaders’ annual salaries ranged from $90,000 to $169,000, with those at the top end of the pay scale earning more than $250,000 a year.

While a doctorate in nursing may not be required for all of these positions, it can certainly help improve a nurse’s chances of moving into leadership or management roles.

Nurse scientist/researcher

Nurse scientists or nurse researchers are dedicated to the study of nursing research. They conduct scientific studies, collect data and present their findings, often partnering with researchers from other fields, such as medicine, pharmacy and nutrition to address complex healthcare questions or problems, according to an article .

While nurse researchers often work as faculty at colleges and universities, they also can work at hospitals, research laboratories or other healthcare facilities. Many of these jobs require a PhD in Nursing or DNP degree. The average salary for a nurse scientist is about $95,000.

Nurse informatics

For nurses with an interest in information technology and analytics, a career in nurse informatics may be a good option. Nursing informatics is “a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice,” according to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society .

A doctorate in nursing is not required for all nurse informatics roles, but it could be beneficial when applying for higher-level positions such as chief nurse informatics officer. Salaries vary for nursing informatics roles depending upon skill level and geographic area, but the average salary for a chief nursing informatics officer is $109,072, with those in some areas of the country making upward of $200,000.

While these are some of the potential roles for nurses with doctoral degrees, many other career options are available. Some of the other roles that can benefit from an advanced nursing degree include clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife (CNM) and public health and public policy nurses.

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Is earning a Ph.D. in nursing worth it? MCN faculty say yes.

• Author By Bryanna Tidmarsh
• March 26, 2021

It’s a story every nurse knows: the need for nurses is growing. Worldwide, health care faces growing nursing provider and educator shortages. One of the most important ways nurses can address this dire need is by earning a Ph.D. in nursing. 

Only 13% of nurses in the United States currently hold a graduate degree. Fewer than 1 percent hold a doctorate. That means that just 13 percent of the nursing workforce is eligible to become nursing faculty at all, and less than 1 percent is eligible to teach at the highest level.

A Ph.D. prepares nurses to be experts in their field and to pursue a research-focused career. We need more PhD-prepared nurses now more than ever: to educate future nurses, to lead nursing teams, and to develop research that improves best practices. MCN’s Ph.D. in nursing aims to uplift nurses in their profession, preparing them to take on leadership roles and perform cutting edge research that shapes the health care landscape. 

Who should consider a Ph.D. in nursing?

In short: everyone. Nursing is one of many fields in health care that are moving towards requiring masters and doctorate-level education. 

Designed for those who want to focus on education and research, the doctorate of philosophy degree prepares nurse researchers with expertise in vulnerable populations. Many graduates of MCN’s Ph.D. program return to teach and conduct research, such as Dr. John Blakeman ‘20. 

Take it from Blakeman: “With a PhD, we are expected to affect the whole nursing profession: how we shape practice and policy and education.”

Is research not for you? Consider earning a doctorate in nursing practice via MCN’s DNP program .

What can I do with a Ph.D. in nursing?

The PhD-prepared nurse serves the public by designing and conducting research on relevant clinical, educational, health systems, and/or health policy topics. Following graduation, a nurse with a PhD may pursue a research career in the academic, business, government, or industrial setting. Nurses with a PhD may also serve as educators and/or administrators and develop or consult on health care policy in a variety of settings.

Become a nurse educator —in a university or on the hospital floor.

As the field works to usher in more nurses, it lacks sufficient nurses who are trained to teach them. With a Ph.D. in nursing, you will be prepared to educate nursing students or take on an education role within a health care setting, helping to train current nurses in new research and best practices. with the latest research in best practices.

With a Ph.D. in nursing, you will be prepared to review health care policy, test it, and make recommendations for federal or state regulations. An example would be to study the need for annual flu vaccinations for health care staff and whether or not requirements are evidence-based. With a Ph.D. in nursing, you will be prepared to evaluate symptoms of health issues, such as: fatigue prior to heart attacks, exercise needs of rural post-menopausal women, or pain assessment of older adults. A PhD-prepared nurse could also work with a coroner to analyze older adult falls and community recommendations to prevent future falls.

Become a nurse researcher —a critical role to keeping health care facilities up-to-date with the latest research in best practices.

Advance your career. The Ph.D. opens up career opportunities such as serving as a nurse researcher, administrator, policymaker, leader, or educator.

“With a PhD in nursing, you are better positioned to be a leader in the area of nursing education or be hired as a full-time faculty member,” says Dr. Seon Yoon Chung, Associate Dean for Academics. “The Ph.D. allows one to be part of advancing the science of nursing education by generating and applying evidence and promoting evidence-based teaching.”

In what settings will a Ph.D. in nursing be applicable?

No matter what nursing role you’re in, the knowledge and skills you gain in the Ph.D. program is applicable, including in practice, in teaching, in your research, and in administrative roles. Nurses often encounter tough questions, whether from patients, our community members, our families, or even our own interests in learning how to improve nursing practice. A Ph.D. program gives you the space to pursue topics that interest you, and it provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to answer these questions in ways that are systematic, valid, and reliable.

One growing need for Ph.D.-prepared nurses is the rising impact big data has in health care practice. “We are now living in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Soon, it will be necessary to know how to deal with data—that is, generate and/or use existing data to inform your practice, teaching, research, administration,” says Chung.

She emphasizes the ways in which core competencies gained from MCN’s Ph.D. program are transferable to the real world.  “The Ph.D. prepares you to be friends with data and information and understand how data-driven decisions are made. To be a leader who transforms health care and improves individual and population health, knowledge and skills acquired in a rigorous PhD program will be critical.”

How can I balance a Ph.D. program while working full-time and/or honoring my commitments to my family?

MCN’s Ph.D. program can be completed part-time, making it conducive for those balancing work, family, research, and education.

“The faculty all understood that we had full-time jobs. Most of us were either teaching, working as a nurse on the floor, or working as a clinical nurse. The faculty were able to maintain the appropriate amount of rigor and expectations while also granting students grace,” says Blakeman.

“The decision to complete a Ph.D. program is a commitment to yourself and your discipline,” affirms Melissa Moody, MCN’s academic advisor for post-licensure programs. “You may be balancing this new and exciting endeavor among many other obligations.  The key to your success will be early planning, staying organized, managing your time well, maintaining open communication with faculty and staff, and staying the course—one day at a time.”

She adds, “MCN faculty and staff are here to guide and support you on the path. We share a common goal: we want to see you succeed.”

MCN’s PhD program offers a professional, efficient, supportive environment. With both online and in-person requirements, the coursework is designed to work around nurses’ busy schedules with work and family. In MCN’s program, the coursework and research projects are customized around the needs and interests of our Ph.D. students.

Students also benefit from the expertise of MCN’s faculty. From advisement to knowledge of current research in the field, our faculty provides individualized attention for each student in the program.

Dr. Kim Astroth notes how important it is to MCN faculty that they give their students the time and attention. “It’s what sets MCN apart,” says Astroth. “Our faculty are attentive, flexible, and giving, working to empower our students. And our students are prepared to create high quality work as a result.”

Blakeman agrees. “I wasn’t just one number in a large group of people,” he says. “The faculty really knew us and cared about our personal lives—and so did our classmates. There was a close sense of community.”

So, is the Ph.D. in nursing worth it?

A Ph.D. program gives nurses the opportunity to pursue their research and make a difference in the health care landscape. MCN’s Ph.D. program is flexible in order to serve the needs of working nurses with busy lives while still providing the rigorous training necessary to becoming an expert. Nurses with Ph.D.s are prepared to make a huge difference in their communities, in their workplaces, and in the larger landscape of health care.

“A Ph.D. opens doors to a wide variety of practice areas,” says Associate Dean of Research Mary Dyck. “I’ve had the opportunity to chair a board of directors at a retirement community where I impacted the care for all of the residents. I’ve testified as a legal expert on quality of care. And I’ve worked with students as they’ve implemented major projects in health care institutions in the area. The Ph.D. allows nurses to have a much broader impact on the quality of care.”

Ph.D.-prepared nurses help shape health care policy and practice, and they are crucial to addressing the nursing shortage. We need nurse leaders to rise to the challenge and meet this call. 

At MCN, we ask: why not you?

MCN is providing leadership in nursing. Learn more.

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PhD/MPhil Nursing / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require:

• An honours degree (minimum Upper Second (2:1)) or the overseas equivalent in a relevant subject
• AND a very good MSc/MPhil/MRes degree from a recognised institution
• OR satisfactory work at postgraduate level (which must include some research training) undertaken for the equivalent of at least one year full-time.

NB In exceptional circumstances, we may consider an application from a student without both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. For example, if they have a first/distinction and research experience. 

We also have a four-year programme which is strongly recommended for anyone who:

• has not studied in the UK before;
• has not completed specific research methods training at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
• has not completed a research dissertation at master's level and received 'very good' grades;
• has not scored at least 6.5 in all areas of the IELTS (or equivalent) if English is not their first language.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

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Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250
• PhD (full-time distance learning) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time distance learning) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

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Programmes in related subject areas.

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Why Choose Nursing as a Career?

Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, seeking security, or craving a meaningful profession, nursing could be a great career for you.

Nursing offers many professional and moral advantages, making it a very popular career path. But is it right for you? In this article, we'll run through the basics of nursing, this career's potential benefits, how you become a nurse, and more to help you decide what your next steps should be.

What Are a Nurse’s Main Responsibilities?

First, let's run through what it's like to be a nurse. These care providers' main responsibilities include: 

• Assessing and observing patients.
• Administering medications and treatments.
• Creating and implementing patient care plans.
• Performing wound care.
• Assisting in medical procedures.
• Drawing blood and taking urine samples.
• Educating patients and family members about care plans and answering questions.
• Supervising vocational nurses. 
• Documenting detailed and accurate patient records.

It's important to note the emotional aspect of a career in nursing. You’ll work with people experiencing varying levels of challenges, meaning you’ll also provide emotional support to them. This is especially true when dealing with severe illness, injuries, or difficult medical decisions.

Ultimately, no two days will ever look the same, but what remains constant is a nurse’s responsibility to patients' health and well-being, no matter what. 

What Are the Advantages of Becoming a Nurse?

Despite the challenges you'll encounter as a nurse, there are tangible benefits to this line of work. Let's break down just a few of the many.

Significant Contribution to Society

Nursing allows you to make an immediate, positive impact on patients' lives. You can offer hope to those who are nervous or struggling via essential medical advice. Despite the challenges nurses encounter, professionals in this field report high levels of job satisfaction because of the sense of accomplishment they get from their work.

High Salaries

Nursing salaries will vary based on where you work, but they tend to be competitive wages. You can earn a nursing degree in two to six years, which means you're looking at an extremely advantageous salary with very little time required to learn. As of May 2022, registered nurses' median annual wage was $81,220, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Flexibility With Work Scheduling

A huge benefit to becoming a nurse is the flexibility within a weekly work schedule. As you begin your nursing career, you may work more hours or be required to work the night shift until you’ve gained enough experience to have more autonomy in your career. To be a full-time employee, you must work at least 36-40 hours per week, but part-time hours are also available to those looking to be on-call for less than 36 hours. 

Many Opportunities for Specialization and Growth

You don't need to stop at the registered nurse role. While a rewarding role on its own, if you're interested in focusing your nursing career in a specific area, there are several paths to choose from, such as critical care, pediatrics, and oncology. You can start as a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse and pursue advanced degrees or certifications to become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist, among other roles. 

Nurses Are Needed Everywhere

When you graduate with a nursing degree, the world is your oyster. That's because nurses are needed around the globe. Should you choose to become a travel nurse, either for a short- or long-term period, you could enjoy competitive compensation packages, making this decision even more rewarding beyond the opportunity to practice in new locations.

What To Expect From Nursing School

If everything sounds appealing to you so far, it's time to discuss what your nursing education would be like. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, several degree options will prepare you for a career in the nursing field .

Undergraduate Nursing School Programs

Bachelor of science in nursing - accelerated.

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) is an accelerated 32-month program that helps students gain real-world experience while studying and accomplishing nursing courses. The BSN program covers a wide range of materials, from biology and chemistry to pharmacology and community health. What normally takes four years can be accomplished in three, enabling students to jump into their careers even faster than a traditional pathway. Those who complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain the skill sets necessary to enter the nursing field. This 16-month program allows students to work alongside professionals during clinical experiences in both classroom settings and within prestigious healthcare centers. The intensive curriculum covers nursing theory, clinical skills, pharmacology, and other essential nursing knowledge areas. Upon completion of this program, learners are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge Program - (RN to MSN)

Through the Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge Program - (RN to MSN) , students can build on their associate’s degree without needing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This allows a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate-level coursework. The three-year, part-time program offers clinical experience as students expand their collegiate nursing education. They widen their understanding of the professional nursing industry and move from the bridge program into the MSN-FNP portion of their study, ultimately allowing them to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam upon completion. 

Master and Doctoral Nursing School Programs

Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner.

A Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is a 24-month, part-time course of study that provides students the flexibility to work while earning a nursing diploma. Like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate program, the Master of Science in Nursing - FNP path offers students the opportunity to advance their bachelor’s degree with a specialty in family nursing. Students become advanced practice registered nurses who are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families across a range of ages. From delivering primary patient care services to diagnosing and treating a variety of health care concerns, nursing students learn more about what it takes to become an FNP. 

Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program allows learners to achieve a specialty in psychiatric mental health in just 24 months. This part-time, online program helps nursing students build a firm, foundational knowledge of dementia, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Students also dive into the doctor-patient relationship and learn about counseling best practices. After two years, learners are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a program that helps students earn an advanced degree in the hopes of achieving the highest level in the nursing profession. This 24-month, online doctoral program focuses on organization and systems leadership. Those who wish to enter this program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which will give them the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in this course of study. Over four semesters, they'll cover information about local and global healthcare policies, study different methods and procedures in population health, and choose from doctoral-level courses within the School of Nursing. 

Nursing Job Outlook 

After completing your education, you can expect a healthy job outlook for years to come due to several factors, including current professionals switching careers or retiring, as well as an aging population needing increased medical attention. Per the BLS, opportunities for registered nurses are expected to rise by 6% through 2032.

Get Started at MCPHS

MCPHS has helped hundreds of students enter fulfilling careers in the medical sector. Our students take nursing courses from a wide range of industry professionals, allowing them to learn from the very best. 

Here are just a few of the great comments current or past students have shared about their time at MCPHS:

“The educators here set up the labs to be as realistic as possible” - Allan St. Pierre, BS in Nursing. 

“I’m a first-generation student, so school has been everything to me. I think MCPHS has really prepared me for a career. The professors and the students here are all really amicable. The support is there, and it’s felt.” - Michele Bravo-Moran, BS in Nursing.

“I’m a very independent person, and I wanted more autonomy in my career. My work now can be difficult, but it’s very rewarding. I’m helping people rehabilitate their lives.” - Jennifer Onwuka, Doctor of Nursing Practice.

If you think nursing could be a great career for you, start on the right path by applying to our nursing program  today. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the program or the nursing sector.

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Ways to get a BSN degree 

By Michael Feder

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

Reviewed by Raelene Brooks , Dean, College of Nursing

In this article

• How to get your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
• BSN admissions requirements
• BSN coursework
• Skills you’ll learn in a BSN degree program
• Earning a BSN at University of Phoenix

Registered nurses (RNs) are a vital part of the healthcare system and can pursue numerous specializations. (The field has Many types of nurses , including charge nurses and travel nurses, for example.) From patient advocacy to hands-on treatment, they provide essential care in hospitals, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, public healthcare settings and more.

To become an RN, you can take a variety of paths. You can complete a diploma nursing program or earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then obtain licensure. You can continue your education and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), to enhance your career and explore new opportunities.

Ready for the challenge? Maybe it’s time to pursue an RN to BSN degree

Ultimately, the difference between an RN and a BSN is that RN describes a professional role that requires a license, whereas a BSN is a nursing degree program that allows RNs to grow their skill set, such as in leadership, and potentially adopt new roles within the nursing field.

If you’re an RN who wants to take the next step in your career, an online nursing degree can help prepare you for your nursing journey. Let’s explore how to earn a BSN, including why competency-based RN-BSN programs can streamline the process for working RNs who hold an active license.

How to get your BSN degree 

Despite the ways online coursework can make earning a degree more feasible for working adults, completing your BSN takes time and dedication. University of Phoenix is committed to removing as many barriers to education as possible by offering online programs and flexible scheduling, but it’s still essential to research all pathways before deciding which makes the most sense for your situation.

RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and who want to enhance their careers can consider an option outside of the BSN. Nurse bridge programs , like the one offered by University of Phoenix, provide licensed nurses with an avenue for additional education and career enhancement through a Master of Science in Nursing.

An MSN program at UOPX is a post-licensure nursing program designed for nurses with current RN licensure who desire to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization, such as Administration, Education, Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health.

How to go from RN to BSN 

Nurses who have graduated with a nursing diploma or an ADN and who have obtained their RN licensure, can earn their BSN through the University of Phoenix’s traditional RN to BSN program track.

For nurses who have at least one year of full-time, post-high school, clinical RN work experience and who thrive in self-governed educational settings, University of Phoenix offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based) program track.

Competency-based (CB) programs are structured differently from traditional degree programs. At UOPX, for example, students in non-CB programs usually take one class at a time. But the University’s CB programs allow taking four classes at a time.

More importantly, students in CB programs work with faculty advisors to focus their education on learning skills and knowledge they don’t already have. By scheduling regular competency assessments according to their needs and in conjunction with faculty advisors, students can spend more time learning what they don’t know and less time proving what they do know.

Students can complete the competency-based BSN program in as little as 12 months. 

How to go from an ADN to a BSN 

Nurses who hold an ADN and who have completed their RN program and NCLEX licensure, can also earn their BSN through University of Phoenix’s RN to BSN program . You will only need experience if you are looking to take the competency-based RN to BSN program .

read similar articles

Understanding competency-based (CB) education

Bsn admissions requirements .

University of Phoenix’s BSN programs require candidates to hold an active, unencumbered RN license in each jurisdiction in which they have licensure.* As mentioned, applicants for the CB track must have at least one year of nursing work experience.

*Other admissions requirements include proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. There’s no SAT/ACT or essay requirement, and UOPX can usually request your transcripts at no additional cost. The University accepts eligible credits from more than 5,000 accredited institutions.

Expected BSN coursework 

UOPX’s BSN program aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials to deliver the necessary curriculum and expected competencies. In addition to general education coursework to help develop your knowledge of health, wellness and nutrition, you’ll complete coursework that focuses on:

• Public health fundamentals
• Healthcare policy and financial management
• Professional nursing leadership perspectives
• Ethical and legal considerations
• Research outcomes management

The degree program includes 11 core nursing courses and 47 general education credits. Students must also complete 90 direct care clinical hours. While you can take all of the instructional courses online, the clinical hours must occur in person in a community setting.

Hard and soft skills you’ll develop when earning a BSN 

The hard and soft skills you’ll learn when earning a BSN go beyond the basic skills needed for nursing , like how to administer medication and insert an IV. You’ll learn how to practice evidence-based care that reflects your knowledge of health and wellness. You’ll demonstrate professional standards of ethics and legal conduct within the healthcare industry, and you’ll learn how to better communicate within the health setting, whether that’s with patients or peers.

Skills you’ll acquire during the program include the following:

• Communication
• Critical thinking and holistic nursing
• Compassion in population health
• Professionalism
• Coordination of safe care
• Information management and communication
• Quality improvement and case management

Many of these skills can even translate to additional alternative careers to nursing , further setting you up for career success.

Potential careers after earning a BSN 

Earning your BSN can prepare you for additional career opportunities for RNs. Given that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster than average job growth for registered nurses between 2022 and 2032, ensuring you have the right credentials could help prepare you for your career journey. Depending upon your role and experience, nursing salaries across the country can vary.

The BSN from University of Phoenix prepares for the following roles:

• Charge nurse: Charge nurses are RNs who oversee administrative duties and coordinate between hospital leaders and general nursing staff. Their role often involves patient care as well. Many charge nurses provide crucial guidance to nurses and coordinate schedules among their teams.
• Public health nurse: Public health nurses promote and protect population health with knowledge gained from nursing, social and public health sciences. Rather than treat acute health problems, a public health nurse’s primary responsibility is to prevent disease and disability among the people in their community. Public health nurses can work in research facilities, outpatient clinics, community health clinics and other institutions. The BLS doesn’t differentiate between PHNs and other types of RNs; earning potential for this role falls in line with other RN roles.
• Director of nursing: Directors of nursing incorporate years of experience to handle the duties of overseeing an entire department’s nursing operation. In many cases, they implement policies, set budgets, manage staff and help triangulate information between administration and nurses. The BLS includes nursing directors as medical and health services managers, which can lead to increased earnings; in May 2023, salaries for this role landed between $86,080 and $157,640 .

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Earning a BSN at UOPX 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs available at University of Phoenix are excellent ways for RNs to learn relevant skills that can enhance their careers.

RNs can choose from the following bachelor’s degree programs:

• Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing : Dive into relevant topics like nursing roles and practice, research outcomes, and health information technology during this traditional, online 120-credit program.
• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing– Competency-Based: Earn your BSN in as little as a year by leveraging your work experience, skills and self-discipline in this self-paced program.

No matter where your RN career takes you, a BSN from University of Phoenix can help you gain valuable skills that may help you achieve your future goals. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

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

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

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

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

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

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

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

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

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

• Critical thinking
• Public health

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

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

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

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

1. nurse manager.

Nurse managers coordinate the nursing operations of a healthcare facility.

This can include:

• Staff management
• Resource allocation
• Regulatory compliance

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

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

2. Nursing Research

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

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

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

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

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

3. Telemedicine Nurse

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

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

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

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

4. Quality Assurance Manager

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

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

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

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

5. Nurse Educator

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

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

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

6. Clinic Manager

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

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

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

7. Nurse Informaticist

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

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

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

The Impact of a Bachelor’s Degree on Career Advancement

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

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

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

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

Choosing the Right Bachelor’s in Nursing Program

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

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

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

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Practical Nursing

Practical nursing program.

Diploma in Practical Nursing

Program at a Glance

15 Month PN Diploma 48.5 Total Credits

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Practical Nursing Overview

The Practical Nursing (PN) program is an introduction to nursing. Licensed Practical Nurses provide patient care under the supervision of senior healthcare practitioners. After earning the diploma, a graduated practical nurse must sit for the NCLEX exam. Once passed, the practical nurse is eligible for licensure to become a PN. Our Practical Nursing diploma program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical reasoning, effective communication and collaboration, and nursing theory.

ECPI University’s College of Nursing , Medical Careers Institute, offers a Practical Nursing program that can prepare you to become an important part of the healthcare team, working under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. After completing the program, graduates should be able to:

• Participate in the delivery of care to clients and families
• Use critical thinking skills to safely perform necessary cognitive, psychomotor and effective nursing skills
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and members of the healthcare team

If the nursing profession is calling you, consider ECPI University’s College of Nursing, Medical Careers Institute (MCI). Through MCI’s year-round program, you could earn a Licensed Practical Nursing diploma in as little as 15 months.

Practical Nursing Possible Career Track

Practical Nursing graduates work in a variety of healthcare settings including:

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• Corporate Occupational Health

Practical Nursing Outcomes

The Practical Nursing diploma program prepares the student for a foundation of life-long personal and professional learning built upon liberal arts, science and nursing theory courses. The program includes classroom, laboratory/simulation, and evidence based client-centered care learning experiences across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings. All practical nurse graduates must successfully pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) before being able to practice as a LPN.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student is expected to:

• Function within the role of the practical nurse in the delivery of care to clients and families.
• Communicate with clients, families, and members of the health care team.
• Use critical thinking to safely perform requisite cognitive, psychomotor and affective nursing skills.
• Integrate ethical, professional, legal responsibility and accountability into actions and decisions.
• Assume responsibility for personal and professional growth.

Practical Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates

Practical nursing curriculum, practical nursing program requirements for virginia and south carolina class, core curriculum 48.5 semester credit hours.

Contact Hours: 1,696. Diploma Program Length: Minimum weeks of instruction: 60 weeks. Maximum satisfactory time frame completion: 90 weeks

Practical Nursing Program Requirements for North Carolina class

Core curriculum 48.5 semester credit hours.

Contact hours: 1,736. Diploma program length: minimum weeks of instruction, 60 weeks. Maximum satisfactory time frame for completion is 90 weeks.

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