According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there are two main types of doctoral nursing programs: research-based programs and practice-based programs.The doctoral programs that are focused on research grant the degree of a PhD in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Science. The Doctor of Nursing Practice, which is becoming an increasingly popular degree, is the degree conferred upon those interested in a practice-based program.
According to Carol Anderson of Ohio State University, while admission standards vary you should typically expect to submit your GRE scores, college transcripts (a master's degree is typically required), letters of recommendation, an essay and proof of your RN license. Each individual program may have slightly different requirements, so it is best to consult their website and/or talk with an admissions representative to ensure you are submitting the necessary information.
Both types of nursing PhD programs let you choose from a variety of emphases, ranging from health education to policy research. You can expect to learn about the socio-cultural climate of the field, the philosophy of nursing and the history of nursing, as well as conduct advanced research and/or advanced practice in your specialization. The standard PhD students are expected to complete a dissertation, while DNPs conduct a project that is practice-based to complete their degree.
Most programs allow students to work full-time or part-time, with some even offering night and weekend classes for practicing RNs. Full-time students can expect to graduate in three to five years, with part-time coursework taking longer.
Anderson states that Nursing PhDs who intend to be faculty can expect to make from $50,000 to $100,000 a year, and nursing executives can make well over $100,000 and often reach $200,000 a year. Nurses with this type of experience can also obtain positions as consultants, or continue to practice in the medical field, with more responsibilities and better pay.
Many schools offer PhD programs in nursing, and it is best to choose the program based on your own individual needs, such as if the school offers full- and part-time options, if it specializes in your research interest, if it has a good employability rate and if it perhaps offers financial assistance. The following is a brief list of well-known programs offering nursing PhDs: University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, UNC Chapel Hill, UC San Francisco and Yale University.