Florida Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs

Barry University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) & PhD in Nursing Science Program Review
Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695.
Located in Miami Shores, north of Miami, Barry University is a Catholic higher education institution that has a strong identification with the liberal arts. The university was founded in 1940 and serves over 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Both a DNP and PhD program are offered at Barry University. The PhD program focuses on current issues in the field of nursing and incorporates an international perspective. Applicants to the PhD program should have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program. Nurses with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and masters degree in a related field may also apply to the doctoral program though they may be required to take additional prerequisite courses.

The DNP program offers both a Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Master’s option for nursing students. Both the DNP and PhD program require a minimum 3.3 GPA in the applicant’s previous bachelors or masters degree program. The DNP program may be completed in 38 to 80 credits for masters and bachelors prepared nurses respectively. The PhD in Nursing program requires 45 credits.

Several preadmission exams are required for both applicants to the PhD and DNP programs. Students should submit scores for the GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) and also take the English Assessment Test (EAT). Students who meet certain GPA requirements may be exempt from taking the preadmission exams.

Florida Atlantic University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Rd

Boca Raton, FL 33431

As part of the State University System, Florida Atlantic University (FAU or Florida Atlantic) is a four year institution serving over 29,000 students in Boca Raton, Florida. Other campuses of Florida Atlantic University are based in Jupiter and Fort Lauderdale among other cities in Florida.

Working nurses will appreciate the flexibility that the DNP program at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers. The DNP course delivers training in the hybrid method, with both online and weekend courses. Graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are prepared to lead and implement change in the healthcare system to improve the quality of patient care. Various forms of financial aid including scholarships, traineeships and stipends are available for students in the DNP program, though resources are limited. To apply to the DNP program, applicants should have a minimum 3.5 GPA, GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores and a personal statement for the DNP program.

The PhD in Nursing program focuses on nursing research. A limited number of GAANN Scholarships and an internal stipend program are available for PhD students. Submitting transcripts, a writing sample from the masters degree scholarly project and GRE or MAT scores are part of the application process for the PhD program.

The DNP and PhD in Nursing program offer tracks for BSN prepared nursing students in addition to the post-masters options.

Florida International University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Review

Florida International University

11200 SW 8th St

Miami FL 33174

Florida International University (FIU) was founded in 1965 as the self-proclaimed first University in Miami. Students at Florida International University will not only benefit from the arts, culture and beautiful beaches of Miami, but also partake in community service and internship programs.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University offers a PhD in Nursing for students seeking to advance their career in nursing research and a DNP for nurses seeking to practice at the highest clinical level. Nursing programs at The College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Core admission requirements to the doctoral research program include a master’s degree from an accredited program with a minimum 3.3 average GPA and GRE scores within the past 5 years. The PhD in Nursing program may be completed in 4 years full-time. ABSN-PhD (Bachelors of Science to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) program is also available for students without a masters degree.

Seeking to accommodate working professionals, the DNP program at Florida International University requires limited on-campus time and strives to make scheduling flexible for the working nurse. Admission requirements to the program include a Masters Degree in Nursing with an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification.

Florida State University: DNP Program Review

Florida State University

College of Nursing

Vivian M. Duxbury Hall

98 Varsity Way, MC 4310

Tallahassee, FL 32306

Florida State University is part of the State University System of Florida. The university is famous for its athletic rivalries with other State System Schools, particularly the University of Florida. Florida State University is based in Tallahassee and serves over 40,000 students.

The College of Nursing at Florida State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program for aspiring nurse leaders. The DNP program offers training as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and in Health Systems Leadership, which gives the student the option to choose between a clinical or leadership focused track. Students in the program will take 6 online courses and all of the remaining courses through video technology in Panama City, Sarasota or Tallahassee

Admission requirements to the DNP program include a Bachelors Degree in Nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution. Students should also complete the GRE and MAT (Miller Analogies Test) with a competitive score. Applicants with a masters degree will have their transcripts evaluated to determine how many credits may be transferred to the program up to the allowable 42 credits.

To graduate from the DNP program, students must complete 90 credits of coursework, maintain a 3.0 overall GPA, and earn a grade of “B” or better in all specialty courses. The DNP program may be completed in 8 or 16 semesters of full or part time study respectively.

Nova Southeastern University: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review

Nova Southeastern University

3301 College Avenue

Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33314-7796

Nova Southeastern University is based in Fort Lauderdale and was founded in 1964. Serving over 25,000 students, Nova Southeastern University is a private research institution with both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Nurses interested in pursuing a graduate degree through online study may enroll in the PhD in Nursing program at Nova Southeastern University. The PhD program focuses on nursing education and admits students with a masters degree. Keeping in mind the nursing shortage, students in the Doctor of Philosophy academic program at Nova Southeastern University will be prepared to not only conduct research, but teach in nursing education programs. Admission criteria to the PhD in Nursing program include a Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Master of Science with a major in Nursing. Students should have a nursing license and a minimum 3.5 GPA in their masters program.

For nurses seeking a practical terminal degree, the DNP program also offers flexibility and quality graduate education. Students will learn from faculty with advanced nursing qualifications.

The DNP program prepares nurses to be clinical leaders in advanced nursing practice. To apply, students are required to submit letters or recommendation, documentary proof of post-BSN clinical experience, transcripts demonstrating an earned MSN with a minimum 3.5 GPA and a proof of an active nursing license. A limited number of credits may be transferred from other nursing graduate work, no more than six.

University of Central Florida: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

University of Central Florida

4000 Central Florida Blvd

Orlando, Florida 32826

The University of Central Florida serves over 55,000 students and is based in Orlando, Fl. Orlando is home to the state’s most famous attractions which include Disneyworld and Universal Studios Amusement Park.

The DNP program at the University of Central Florida is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The DNP program at the University of Central Florida is composed of four academic tracks. The Post-BSN DNP prepares students in advanced nursing practice, offering the opportunity for certification as an Adult, Gerontological or Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Adult or Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Masters prepared nurse may enroll in the online Nurse Executive Track or APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) track designed for nurses who already possess APRN specialization.

To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, students should submit their applications by the beginning of March each year. Both first-time international doctoral students and transfer applicants have earlier application dates. The doctoral program has a strong focus on both preparing nurses for a career in research and also nursing education. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a competitive GRE score, and an MSN (Master of Science Degree). Students can complete the program on full or part time study in 3 or 4 years of study respectively.

University of Florida: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program

University of Florida

355 Tigert Hall

Gainesville, Florida 32611-3115

Known for the mascot Gator, the University of Florida is one of the most prominent four year universities in Florida. The university is part of the State University System and was established in 1853 and claims to be the oldest university in the state. The University of Florida is spread out of over 2,000 acres and includes over 900 buildings. The northeast portion of the campus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The university offers comprehensive nursing doctoral programs for both BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) prepared nurses.

In contrast to the PhD program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on education that is practical and evidence based rather than focused on the growing body of nursing research. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the DNP is set to replace the MSN as the preferred qualification for advanced practice nurses by the year 2015.

The BSN to DNP program can be completed in 2.5 to 5 years of full or part time study respectively and requires 93 credits for completion. Students in the BSN to DNP program will choose from focusing on one several advanced practice specialties.

A PhD in Nursing Science is offered at the University of Florida in collaboration with the North Florida PhD Nursing Consortium, which includes other institutions of higher education in North Florida. Admission criteria include a minimum 3.5 GPA in the masters degree program and a BSN or MSN from a program accredited by a nursing body. Students are also required to submit scores on the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Nurses with a masters degree and GPA of 3.2 may apply to the program with a higher (minimum 600 for verbal and quantitative sections) GRE score.

University of Miami: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

University of Miami

5501 San Amaro Drive

Coral Gables, FL 33146

Over 15,000 students are enrolled at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. In addition to the main campus in Coral Gables, the university has several other campuses including the Medical Campus, Rosenstiel Campus, South Campus and Richmond Campus. The university was established in 1925 during a period of vast growth in Miami.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers two terminal degree programs for nurses. While the PhD in Nursing program prepares students for careers in teaching and research, the Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses to be leaders and innovators in the healthcare setting.

The flexible DNP program, allows nurses to maintain their work schedule and attend classes one Friday, Saturday and Sunday out of the month. Students in the DNP program at the University of Miami are given the best training possible with faculty members of other disciplines taking a part to teach aspects of the program related to their expertise. A variety of scholarship, fellowship and related opportunities are available to doctoral students at the University of Miami.

The PhD in Nursing program addresses the need for more nurse educators, by preparing graduates of the doctoral program to not only research, but teach in nursing education programs. Competitive applicants to the PhD in Nursing program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and GRE score of 1000 or higher to match the profile of previous admitted applicants.

University of North Florida: DNP Program Review

University of North Florida

1 University of North Fl Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32224

Jacksonville based University of North Florida is a member of the State University System of Florida. UNF is a public research institution that was founded in 1969. The university maintains a commitment to protect the environment by engineering new buildings to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

The School of Nursing is one of various departments in the Brooks College of Health. The DNP program in the School of Nursing is ideal for masters prepared nurses with a specialty certification. The Doctor of Nursing Practice will train its graduates to improve healthcare systems through evidence based practice.

The DNP program hosts approximately 20 students each year, as the program attempts to admit all applicants which meet the criteria of the doctoral program. Nurses must submit exam results for the GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test). The DNP program does not have specific prerequisite courses.

While the DNP program does not expressly prohibit students from working, the DNP at the University of North Florida is not designed for the working nurse. Nurses aspiring to maintain their career while pursuing education should be careful to consider their finances and job responsibilities.

The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

University of South Florida: DNP & PhD in Nursing Reviews

University of South Florida

202 East Fowler Avenue

Tampa, FL 33620

A public, research institution, the University of South Florida is based in Tampa. The university is part of the State University System along with other campuses in locations including Gainesville and Jacksonville. The University of South Florida was established in 1956 and offers over 230 degree programs.

The College of Nursing in the USF Department of Health offers comprehensive nursing options. Nurses interested in doctoral studies have the option of the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), BS-PhD or MS-PhD programs. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Requirements for admission to the DNP program include a masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, competitive GRE scores, APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) licensure within the state of Florida and specialty certification. Additionally, students are required to complete select courses including Pathophysiology, Research and Theory with a grade of “B” or higher.

To apply for the MS-PhD program, students must meet the same testing and GPA requirements as the DNP program. However, MS-PhD students must also complete an interview with a faculty member and demonstrate research capability in their application. Admission requirements for the BS-PhD program are the same, with students being required to have a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) rather than a masters degree.