Earn a BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. All PhD nursing programs will require a minimum of a BSN, and many will require a master's degree. Consider earning both degrees before pursuing the PhD. There are also programs that offer a combined master's and PhD program. Competition can be stiff for these programs, so it is especially important to do well in your BSN program.
Research graduate schools for nursing PhD programs. There are many to choose from and each may have specific requirements. Be sure to research what prerequisite classes are needed for entry into the program. A good place to start when looking at graduate programs is your guidance office where you earned your BSN. A good guidance counselor can help steer you in the right direction. There are also some good websites to find this information; a few of these are included in the Resources section.
Apply for admission to your selected program. To apply for admission you will need to submit an application and fee, official transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a professional writing sample and a personal essay describing the goals you wish to achieve with your PhD. You will also have to interview with the nursing department.
Pass the comprehensive nursing exam. The exam is taken after the student has taken all the required courses. It consists of all the information learned from previous courses. Successful completion of the exam allows you to advance to candidacy. This means you are ready to begin the dissertation process.
Complete your nursing dissertation. A dissertation is a formal research project. Students will complete courses during the program which will help guide them in dissertation research. They will also meet with dissertation advisers who will further assist them. Successful completion of the dissertation culminates in a oral defense of the research project before a panel.