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Getting Your Ph.D. in Nursing
Becoming a Ph.D. Nurse
What does a ph.d. nurse do, ph.d. nurse salary & employment, ph.d. vs. dnp in nursing, helpful organizations, societies, and agencies.
What Is a Ph.D. Nurse?
A Ph.D. nurse is one who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree. A Ph.D., or doctoral degree, is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. Different from a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which focuses on advanced clinical practice, a Ph.D. in Nursing program is a research and science-focused degree that prepares nurses for careers conducting important medical research that will advance the entire nursing profession and for teaching nursing at the college level.
In order to become a Ph.D. nurse, of course, nurses must complete a Ph.D. in nursing program, which generally takes 4 to 6 years to finish. An aspiring Ph.D. nurse must have a strong interest in conducting medical research and/or teaching future nurses. Strong leadership skills are also important, as many Ph.D. nurses go on to supervise and mentor other nurses, whether they work in scientific research, management, or teaching capacity.
What Are the Educational Requirements For a Ph.D. Nurse Program?
A Ph.D. in Nursing program is known as a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of education for the nursing profession (in addition to the DNP degree, another separate nursing doctorate program track). Prior to entering a Ph.D. program, nurses must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. In some cases, applicants to a Ph.D. in Nursing program must also complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which provides advanced education in nursing practice with courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical practice.
Educational Prerequisites
Specific requirements to complete a Ph.D. in Nursing program will vary slightly from school to school. Schools offer Ph.D. in Nursing programs in traditional classroom formats, as well as online and hybrid styles that combine in-person study with online coursework. In addition to a variety of formats for Ph.D. in Nursing programs, students can also sometimes opt to take these programs on a full-time or part-time basis to suit their personal schedules.
The curriculum for a Ph.D. in Nursing program is research-focused, with coursework in advanced scientific research principles, data analysis, and statistical measurement. Ph.D. programs generally culminate in a dissertation and original research project. As an example of Ph.D. curriculum, below is a selection of courses offered by the Medical University of South Carolina as part of their online Ph.D. in Nursing Science program:
- Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Advanced Statistical Methods for Nursing Research
- Advanced Study Design and Methods
- Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy
- Research Team Leadership
A Ph.D. nurse conducts scientific research that advances the nursing profession. The knowledge that Ph.D. nurses gather and present as a part of their scientific research powers positive change in the quality of patient care and outcomes in the entire nursing field. In addition to their role as nurse scientists, Ph.D. nurses also teach and mentor nurses at the college/university level, working to shape the next generation of nurses.
What Are the Roles and Duties of a Ph.D. Nurse?
The majority of Ph.D. nurses pursue careers in either the research or teaching fields, so their day-to-day duties will vary depending on which career track they have chosen.
For a nurse researcher , typical duties may include:
- Identify research questions, and design and conduct scientific research in partnership with other scientists from various fields
- Collect and analyze scientific data and publish reports detailing findings
- Write proposals and apply for grants to help fund their research
- Establish and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure the validity of their data findings
- Train and supervise laboratory staff and other nurses or scientists
For a Ph.D. nurse educator who has chosen to pursue a faculty position, typical duties may include:
- Plan, prepare, and revise curriculum and study materials for nursing courses
- Deliver lectures to undergraduate and graduate level nursing students
- Supervise students' laboratory and clinical work
- Grade students' classwork, laboratory, and clinical performance
- Mentor and advise students regarding their future work in the nursing industry
For faculty members who pursue department chair or administration roles, additional duties may include:
- Hire, supervise and conduct performance reviews of faculty members
- Assist with the scheduling of classes and professors
- Oversee department curriculum and provide quality control as to the content and materials of given nursing courses
Workplace Settings
A Ph.D. nurse can work in a variety of settings, depending on the career path he or she has chosen. A Ph.D. nurse may find employment at a hospital, medical laboratory, research facility, or university as a research scientist, or may work at a nursing school, college, or university as a faculty member or department chair. In some cases, a Ph.D. nurse may also work as a public health nurse in a government setting, helping to develop research-based solutions to public health issues.
Salaries for Ph.D. nurses vary based on the type of employment a nurse seeks after graduation. Nurse researchers, a primary career path for Ph.D. nurses, can expect a median salary of $90,000 according to Payscale.com. For Ph.D. nurses who pursue a teaching position, the median annual wage for post-secondary nursing instructors is $77,440 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2021. Geographical location, career length, and experience level are all factors that can influence a Ph.D. nurse's annual salary.
The nursing profession as a whole has a particularly bright employment outlook, with the employment of registered nurses projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030 according to the BLS. In addition, a large number of healthcare facilities are looking for nursing professionals with higher degrees, which means the demand for Ph.D. and DNP level nurses will continue to grow. In fact, the Institute of Medicine 's 2015 "The Future of Nursing Report" emphasized the need for more Ph.D. level nurses.
As there are two doctorate-level nursing program types to choose from, there may be some confusion as to the differences between a Ph.D. nursing program and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The primary difference between the two programs relates to nurses' career aspirations. A DNP program trains nurses to perform the highest level of nursing practice and to translate research into high-quality patient care, while a Ph.D. program prepares nurses to conduct cutting-edge research that will advance the science of nursing and patient care. In addition to research positions, a Ph.D. program prepares nurses for leadership and teaching positions at hospitals and colleges/universities. To simplify, a DNP is a nursing practice doctorate degree, while a Ph.D. is a research and teaching doctorate.
Other key differences between DNP and Ph.D. programs are curriculum and program length. A typical DNP program includes courses on advanced nursing practice, leadership, and management topics and requires patient care clinical hours as well as a final capstone project. A Ph.D. program includes coursework on research methodologies, data analysis, and healthcare leadership and policy, and requires students to complete original research and a dissertation. In general, a Ph.D. program takes longer to complete than a DNP program, with Ph.D. programs taking an average of 4 to 6 years to complete and a DNP program taking 3 to 4 years, but can be completed in as little as 2 years depending on the school and program chosen.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- American Nurses Association
- International Association of Clinical Research Nurses
- National Institute of Nursing Research
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.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
- DNP - Family NP
- DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- DNP - Women's Health NP
- DNP - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP
The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.
Enrollment: Nationwide
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