Doctorate practice-based programs are constructed to help students implement the latest developments in nursing and use evidence-based information to improve their skills. Focuses include community-centered care, infection prevention for at-risk populations and hospital administration. Students are required to complete 1,000 or more hours of clinical experience. Research-based programs are devoted to creating new resources to serve as reference material for practicing professionals and to prepare students for careers as teachers or independent researchers. Students become proficient in nursing theory and philosophy.
All doctorate programs in nursing require a master's degree. Though it does not have to be in nursing, it is often preferred. Students should be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation; letters from nursing professionals or Ph.D.s carry more weight. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is required, which outlines work and academic history. Prospective students will have to write a personal statement that spells out their philosophies on nursing and their career goals. Most programs require a copy of your current Registered Nursing license and adequate Graduate Record Exam scores.
Nursing doctorate programs offer a number of learning schedules tailored to fit on-campus, off-campus and working students. Programs like the University of Miami offer classes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the year, for students with full-time jobs. Some programs combine online and in-class learning (University of San Francisco), while others, like Loyola University, conduct classes online but require students to make periodic trips to the campus for seminars, lectures and presentations. There are programs with minimum course credits per semester or quarter.
Incoming students can choose a doctoral program that prepares students for a career in research or university-level teaching or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), with a clinical focus. Students can choose to specialize in areas like Neo/Natal Care, Patient Safety, AIDS/HIV Infections or Minority Health Issues. The Ph.D. and D.N.P. both require students to submit a dissertation (Ph.D.) or Practice Portfolio (D.N.P.) to qualify for graduation. Specialty programs are often funded by private or government grants.