Alabama Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Samford University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229.
Founded in 1841by Baptists in the Christian faith, Samford University (SU) is Alabama’s largest private university. The Princeton Review, Kiplinger and Forbes are just a few of the publications to rank the university among the best in the nation for academic quality and affordability.
The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing was established in 1922 and offers one doctoral degree program, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP program trains nurses to become leaders in the nursing practice capable of managing health care systems, implementing effective policy and overseeing a team to ensure high-quality patient care. Both an administration and advanced practice track are offered in the DNP program. Students in either DNP track may pursue additional training as a nurse educator to enhance career options, which include teaching in a nursing school. The DNP programs require one to two years of nursing education dependent upon the applicant’s choice of full or part time study.
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) prepared nurses are eligible to apply for the doctoral program. Admissions requirements to the DNP program include a masters degree from a school accredited by a nursing body (NLN-National League for Nursing or CCNE-Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Applicants to the DNP program should have a minimum 3.5 GPA in their Master of Science in Nursing degree program. A very unique application requirement is that students must submit an admission video interview via mycollegei.
The University of Alabama: DNP Program Review
The University of Alabama
739 University Blvd
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0166
The University of Alabama (UA) was founded in 1831, and is the first public college in Alabama. The US Alumni Association has awarded over 4 million dollars of scholarships to students pursuing higher education at the University of Alabama. The university is based in Tuscaloosa and also has campuses in Birmingham and Huntsville Alabama.
Capstone School of Nursing at the University of Alabama offers a CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredited DNP program. The same DNP program is offered in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (UABSON) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing (UAHCON).
A focus of the DNP program is preparing nurses to function in leadership and at an advanced level in clinical practice. Identifying policies and plans to provide care to underserved populations is a key focus of the DNP program at the University of Alabama.
Applying to the DNP program is a 3 step process. First applicants to the doctoral program must complete the application, draft a statement of purpose and submit verification of GPA and required testing (GRE or MAT-Miller Analogies Test). Second, applicants must provide proof of an RN (Registered Nurse) license and sufficient hours of RN experience, submit an outline of their potential scholarly project and attend an interview with a faculty member. The third step of the admission process is only necessary for successful applicants to the Capstone School of Nursing and includes submitting health requirements.
University of Alabama at Birmingham: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
1701 University Boulevard
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the Birmingham-based branch of the University of Alabama. The school also has campuses in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. Of the three University of Alabama campuses, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the only institution to offer both PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs.
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is for nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The DNP program prepares nurses to serve at the highest level of clinical practice. Admission requirements to the DNP program including a masters degree in an advanced area of clinical nursing practice with a minimum 3.0 GPA and licensure as both an RN (Registered Nurse) and APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).
Both BSN and MSN prepared nurses are eligible to apply for the PhD in Nursing program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The PhD in Nursing program focuses on preparing scholars who are experts in healthcare policy and also contribute to growing knowledge in nursing and healthcare. A minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE score of 1100 or higher and an MSN or BSN from an accredited institution are all part of the admission criteria for the PhD in Nursing program.
Several fellowship and traineeship scholarship programs are available for nursing students pursuing a doctorate. The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) and Leadership Education in Child-Health Nursing (LEECN) are opportunities for PhD in Nursing students. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students may pursue the NIH (National Institute of Health) Trainee Grant.
University of Alabama in Huntsville: DNP Program Review
University of Alabama in Huntsville
301 Sparkman Dr
Huntsville, Alabama 35899
An independent campus of the University of Alabama since 1969, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) enrolls over 7,500 students each year with an even distribution of male and female students in the student body. A bustling center of technology, Huntsville borders the Appalachian Mountains, is the headquarters of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and is home to the USA’s second largest research park.
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree program at UAH is available to MSN prepared nurses with one of the following advanced specializations: Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwifery, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Practitioner (NP). The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The DNP is offered online to allow students to have the convenience of studying around their busy schedule however; the program includes an on-campus orientation. Students applying to the DNP program must also submit a separate application to the UAH School of Graduate studies. In some cases applicants without an advanced specialization may be admitted to the DNP program, but may be required to take additional coursework to meet any deficits. The DNP program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville is a collaborative effort with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and the University of Alabama Capstone School of Nursing.
Troy University: DNP Program Review
Troy University
University Avenue
Troy, Alabama 36082-0001
Troy University is a four-year public university awarding associate’s through doctoral degrees. The college has campuses in Troy and Montgomery Alabama. There are Troy University campuses in Colorado, Georgia, and Virginia and also e-Troy, the distance learning campus. Established in 1887, Troy University has grown from a teacher’s college to a provider of education in over 60 affiliate locations in the USA and abroad.
Two DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) programs are offered at the baccalaureate level. Nurses with an MSN degree and advanced specialization may enroll in the post-masters DNP which requires just 35 academic credits of study.
Students with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) pursuing a DNP choose from a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization. In the DNP-CNS track, students choose both a specialization-Adult Health Nursing or Maternal-Infant Health Nursing- and a role-Educator or Administrator. The DNP-CNS track requires 74 academic credits. The DNP-FNP specialization requires 82 credits of study.
Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants should have a BSN or MSN from a CCNE or NLNAC (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) accredited program.
University of South Alabama Nursing: DNP Program Review
University of South Alabama
307 N University Blvd
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
Based in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama (USA) has awarded approximately 70,000 degrees since it was founded in 1964. The Baldwin County campus is home to several tracks for undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The university offers a unique variety of nursing programs and is home to the Mitchell Cancer Institute.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of South Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP degree program trains students to take leadership roles in nursing organizations. The DNP program features over 10 nursing education tracks at the BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Post Masters DNP level. The following tracks are offered in the nursing program:
Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with Cardiovascular Specialty
Advanced Emergency Nursing (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Dual Role)
Family Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult Health
“Traditional” Post Masters DNP Track
Public Health Nursing Administration
Not every specialization is available for the BSN to DNP and Post Masters tracks. However, some tracks offer further specialization. For example, the Traditional Post Masters DNP offers a Palliative Care, Cardiovascular or Nurse Educator specialization. The DNP program is offered online. Applicants to the BSN to DNP track should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a BSN degree. Applicants for the Post-Masters DNP track should have an advanced practice specialization. Nurses applying to the doctoral program with a master of science in nursing, but without an advanced specialization may apply to the BSN to DNP track.
Alaska Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Alaska Anchorage: DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs Review
University of Alaska Anchorage, UAA School of Nursing, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508-8030.
The University of Alaska Anchorage is part of the University of Alaska (UAA) system. The university was established in 1954. Other campuses in the University of Alaska system include the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Southeast.
The School of Nursing at the University of Alaska was established in 1971 with the AAS (Associate of Applied Science) program. Today the university offers associate through doctoral degree programs in nursing including mobility programs for nurses seeking to advance their education.
The University of Alaska hosts the only offered nursing education on a regular basis in the state of Alaska. In recent years, the state has had suffered from a severe nursing shortage. A doctoral program at the nursing level will train additional nursing professional which can help alleviate this shortage by providing highly skilled nursing leaders.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Alaska Anchorage is in development. The earliest students would be admitted to the doctoral program is Fall 2014. Initially the DNP will be for masters prepared nurses with a future option for BSN prepared nurses. Two specialties, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP) will be offered in the DNP. Both nurse practitioner specializations are currently offers at the masters level. Entry requirements, number of students admitted, and scholarships are still being determined as the doctoral nursing program develops. Prospective applicants to the DNP at the University of Alaska Anchorage should frequently review the nursing website where DNP information will be posted.
Arizona Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Arizona State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Arizona State University, 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281.
This University was founded in 1885. With a recent enrollment over 70,000, Arizona State University has one of the largest student bodies in the nation. ASU is a four-year, public higher education institution that awards bachelors through doctoral degrees.
The College of Nursing and Health Education at Arizona State University is home to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing program. The DNP is a practical degree for nurses who will continue working with patients, managing care and shaping healthcare systems at the highest level. Students that pursue a PhD in Nursing receive training in scholarly activities such as teaching in nursing education programs and conducting research in nursing. Both DNP and PhD in Nursing represent terminal degrees (the highest qualification possible) in nursing.
Three entry pathways are offered for nurses in the DNP program. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are eligible to apply for the DNP program. There is one nursing track for DNPs and two for nurses with masters degrees, one for DNP applicants with an advanced practice specialty and an additional track for masters degreed nurses without an advanced practice degree. The DNP is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The PhD in Nursing Innovation admits nurses with a bachelors degree or masters degree in nursing. The PhD in Nursing Innovation is a personalized program of study in which study can choose in which areas to focus their PhD education.
University of Arizona: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
1401 East University Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85721
The University of Arizona, based in Tucson, Arizona was founded in 1885, and is the first university in Arizona. The University of Arizona is a public, research institution that awards bachelors through doctoral degrees. An additional University of Arizona campus is located in Sierra Vista, Arizona.
A DNP and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) are offered at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Both students with a bachelors of science in nursing and masters of science in nursing are eligible to apply. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Students have the option of choosing several specialties in the Nurse Practitioner field. Students may also apply a dual degree DNP/PhD program with or without a nursing specialty. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the DNP program at the University of Arizona.
Nurses with a BSN and MSN may apply to the PhD in Nursing program. There is also a Post-DNP PhD in Nursing program for nurses who have already earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The GPA requirements for admission to the PhD in Nursing program are the same as those for the DNP specialization.
Students pursuing doctorate education at the University of Arizona will benefit from generous financial aid opportunities, including fellowships. In past years over 2 million in scholarships has been available to nursing students.
Arkansas Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences was founded in 1879. The higher education institution is part of the University of Arkansas system and is the only comprehensive, academic healthcare university in the state of Arkansas.
The PhD in Nursing program prepares students for a career in academic research and teaching. Admission requirements to the program include a valid RN (Registered Nurse) license. Masters applicants should have graduated from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Applicants are required to submit a written example of scholarly work. Applicants to the PhD program whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL exam to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to enroll in the program. The PhD in Nursing program may be completed on a full or part time schedule. The full and part time PhD in Nursing programs require 3 and 4 years of study respectively.
The University of Arkansas has a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available for students. In addition to doctoral-specific nursing scholarships, students may participate in a graduate assistantship in which doctoral students teach courses to undergraduate students for a small stipend which may be applied toward tuition.
California Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Azusa Pacific University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Azusa Pacific University, 901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000, Azusa, CA 91702-7000.
Established in 1899, Azusa Pacific University is a private Christian university in Azusa, located just a few miles outside of Los Angeles. In addition to the campus in Azusa, the university has several regional centers throughout Southern California including the High Desert, Murrieta, Inland Empire and San Diego.
Azusa Pacific University has PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, nurses must have a masters degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Additional application requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program include prior experience writing articles or other published work and a personal statement. Prerequisites for the PhD in Nursing program include graduate courses in statistics and nursing research. The PhD in Nursing can usually be completed in four years of study.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practical degree focusing on developing leaders who use research in nursing to manage patient care systems and health care institutions. Admission requirements for the DNP program include an MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective nursing students should note that submitting both BSN and MSN transcripts are part of the admission process. Education and training for the DNP program require approximately 2 years of post-masters study.
Brandman University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Brandman University
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine CA 92618
Brandman University is an Irvine based college founded in 1958. Brandman University is part of the larger Chapman University system established in 1861 and one of the oldest higher education institutions in California. Brandman University awards undergraduate and graduate degrees, and has campuses in California and Washington. Brandman University serves over 6,000 students.
Several DNP Programs are offered at Brandman University for students with a bachelor of science in nursing and master of science in nursing, all of which offer an NP (Nurse Practitioner) specialization. Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, students may take the certification exam to become an NP. The program options for the DNP are as follows:
BSN to DNP, Adult-Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP, Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP, Family Psych. and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
Post-Masters to DNP
To apply, nurses with a Masters Degree in Nursing should have an advanced practice nursing certification and specialty such as Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nursing Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Nurse Anesthetist (CNA). For applicants with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing, admission criteria include GPA and GRE scores, both of which must be submitted in order to apply.
California State University Fresno: DNP Program Review
California State University Fresno
Department of Nursing
2345 E. San Ramon
M/S MH25
Fresno, CA 93740
California State University Fresno is based in Central California and offers bachelors through doctoral degree programs. The university is part of the large California State University system which has over 20 universities in north, central and southern California. California State University Fresno was established in 1911. The university is also known as Fresno State University or Fresno State.
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at California State University Fresno is offered in collaboration with San Jose State University. Designed with the working nurse in mind, the DNP program is delivered primarily online, but does require students to attend on-campus sessions for some training. Technology training is provided to DNP students as several mediums are used to deliver coursework including Blackboard, Skype and Elluminate. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA, Masters Degree in Nursing and demonstration of experience necessary for study in a DNP program. Nurses who apply should also have an RN license, a copy of which must be submitted with the application.
The DNP program can be completed in 21 months of study. As part of the requirements for completion of the doctoral program, nurses complete a doctoral project which demonstrates that they have the knowledge necessary to become a clinical nurse leader.
Loma Linda University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Loma Linda University
11092 Anderson Street
Loma Linda, CA 92354
Loma Linda University (LLU) is a private university affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The university is known for its healthcare programs in dentistry, psychiatry and nursing and also houses a large hospital next to the campus. Loma Linda University was founded in 1905.
Both a DNP and PhD in Nursing are offered at Loma Linda University. The PhD in Nursing program may be completed by full-time or part-time study. The part-time study option allows nurses to complete courses during the summer. Loma Linda University is part of the NEXus (Nursing Education Exchange) which allows students to take courses in various nursing PhD programs in universities and transfer coursework to their home institution. The PhD program focuses on preparing nurses to conduct nursing research.
Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a minimum 3.5 GPA in the masters level nursing program, demonstrated scholarly publications and three letters of recommendation.
The DNP is a practice degree which offers the highest qualification possible in a clinical setting. Admission requirements for the DNP program include an MSN and BSN. The GPA for the Master of Science in Nursing degree must be 3.2 or higher. Applicants should have certification in management or an advanced practice role, dependent upon if they are pursuing the clinical or management track.
Samuel Merritt University: DNP Program Review
Samuel Merritt University
3100 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA, 94609
Samuel Merritt University is a public institution awarding bachelors and masters degrees in Oakland, California. The university was established as an institution for training nurses in 1909. Samuel Merritt University continues has over 1,400 students enrolled in various health science programs.
The DNP program is a clinical program designed to complement the nursing research role by offering a practical program which implements new findings in nursing practice. The doctoral program can be completed in two years of study, and is composed of 36 academic credits. Students are admitted to the program in cohorts each January. A cohort is composed of a group of students who will transition through the academic program together. Eighteen to twenty students are admitted to the cohort each year.
Prerequisite courses to the DNP program must be completed with a minimum grade of “B.” Prerequisite courses include a college level statistics course, which must have been completed within three years. Other admission criteria include a master of science in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and a master’s degree in a field other than nursing may be considered for admission on a case-by-basis. A GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score is not required for admission to the program. The DNP is delivered primarily online, with one campus visit required each year. The DNP program may be completed in two years.
San Jose State University: DNP Program Review
San Jose State University
1 Washington Sq
San Jose, CA 95112
San Jose State University was founded in 1857 as the first university of the 23 member California State University System. The university offers bachelors through doctoral degrees and is based in the southern portion of Northern California. San Jose state University began as a normal school, a teacher training institution.
San Jose State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in conjunction with California State University Fresno (also known as Fresno State University). The program is delivered primarily online with students completing select education and training at the San Jose State University and California State University Fresno campuses.
Students in the DNP program are uniquely prepared in teaching and scholarship. Students will complete curriculum development and pedagogy course and also have the opportunity to teach a class. An intensive scholarly session is part of the DNP, and trains students to complete a scholarly project. The intensive scholarship session is set according to guidelines of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Doctor of Nursing practice is designed to be completed in2 years (or 5 semesters) of study, which includes 1 summer session. Admission requirements include an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree with relevant specialization to the clinical or administrative track. Students with a master’s degree in a field other than nursing may be admitted and required to complete prerequisite courses.
University of California Los Angeles: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of California Los Angeles
A105, 110 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90095
The University of California Los Angeles (more commonly known as UCLA) is part of the 10 member University of California System, one of two public university systems located in California. UCLA is one of the more popular and selective campuses of the University of California system due to its award winning research and desirable location in Westwood, California. Westwood is located just miles from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and other desirable areas of Los Angeles.
The UCLA School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program. The PhD is a nursing research program, with an emphasis on clinical nursing research. The focus areas of the program include biobehavioral sciences, biologic sciences, health services and health disparities/vulnerable populations.
Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). Students with a BSN and masters degree in a field other than nursing are also eligible to apply.
Nursing Research and Statistics are both nursing course prerequisites and must be completed before the PhD program commences. An unofficial prerequisite, as no course is required, students should be comfortable using the computer for various tasks related to academic study and research.
University of California San Francisco: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of California San Francisco
Nursing Student Affairs Office
2 Koret Way, #N-319X
UCSF Box 0602
San Francisco, CA 94143-0602
The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is part of the University of California system. Other campuses in the University of California system include Los Angeles, Berkeley, Riverside, Merced, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Irvine and Davis. The University of California San Francisco offers graduate degrees only and focuses on careers in the health sciences including training for physicians and nurses.
The PhD in Nursing program focuses on scholarly inquiry and developing answers to research questions in the nursing profession. Students in the nursing doctorate program have the option of earning a Master of Science Degree in Nursing while completing doctorate coursework. This option is only available for nurses who have not yet completed a Masters of Science in Nursing degree.
Specific research areas in the PhD in Nursing program include:
Community Health Systems
Family Health Care Nursing
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Physiological Nursing
Admissions criteria for the PhD in Nursing program include a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA if applying for the program with a BSN or a 3.5 GPA if applying for the program with an MSN. Although not required, it is recommended that nursing have at least one year of professional nursing experience in their career background. An RN (Registered Nurse) license is required.
University of California Davis Health System: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of California Davis Health System
One Shields Avenue
Davis, California 95616-8678
The University of California Davis is part of the University of California System, and was founded in 1905. The University of California Health System campus is located in Sacramento with the main campus located in Davis, California. The University of California Davis is a public research institution that awards bachelors through doctoral degrees. In a report by NewsWeek, the University of California Davis is ranked among the 10 happiest colleges in the nation.
The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing offers a PhD in Nursing program on the University of Davis Health System campus in San Francisco. The application process for the PhD program requires submitting an application and transcripts
A BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or bachelor’s degree in a related field, three letters of recommendation, personal statement and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are admission requirements for the PhD in Nursing program. Applicants may be required to complete an interview as part of the admission process, though it is not necessary to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam).
The PhD in Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership is a four year degree program designed to be completed on full-time study. As with many doctoral programs, students will be required to complete an oral qualifying exam prior to commencing the dissertation.
University of San Diego: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
The University of San Diego is a private, Roman Catholic University founded in 1949.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the Hahn School of Nursing at the University of San Diego in the top 10% of nursing programs in the nation. The university offers comprehensive options for nursing study and both a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and PhD in Nursing program.
Both a Post-BSN DNP and DNP for nurses with a master’s degree and advanced practice specialization are eligible to apply for the DNP program. The DNP prepares clinical nursing leaders to lead and direct quality health care programs.
The deadline for priority consideration of the DNP applications is March of every year. Nurses from a variety of backgrounds and degree programs will find the BSN to DNP program a viable option. In addition to nurses with a BSN, nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may or nurses with a master’s degree without an approved advanced practice specialty may also apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program has specific entry tracks for nurses with a BSN, MSN or DNP. The PhD program prepares students for a career in scientific inquiry as it relates to the nursing profession. A variety of preparation methods are used and students have the flexibility to develop an individual area of focus and suit the program requirements to their individual needs.
University of San Francisco: DNP Program Review
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
The University of San Francisco (not be confused with the University of California San Francisco) is a Jesuit institution in San Francisco, California. Other campuses in the University of San Francisco include Santa Rosa, San Jose, and Pleasanton and Sacramento. The University of San Francisco is the self-proclaimed first university in San Francisco and was founded in 1855.
The School of Nursing and Health Professions offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a focus in Health Systems Leadership or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Both students with a BSN and MSN may apply to the DNP program. A DNP in executive leadership is offered specifically for nursing executives.
The admissions process at the University of San Francisco places equal importance on each student’s educational history, career background, experience and statement of goals. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a GPA of 3.0 or higher as an undergraduate. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency by taking the TOEFL exam.
The DNP program is held on the San Francisco campus. Students interested in the program may attend one of the campus information meetings or participate in one of several recruitment events which are held off campus. Interested students should contact the university for the recruitment schedule.
Western University of Health Sciences: DNP Program Review
Western University of Health Sciences
309 East 2nd Street
Pomona, CA 91766
Western University of Health Sciences is a private higher education institution offering graduate programs in various health professions including nursing, podiatry and pharmacy. Western University of Health Sciences was founded in 1977.
The DNP program at Western University of Health Sciences prepares students for a career as a leader in the clinical setting with the highest qualification for advanced practice nurses.
The Doctor of Nursing program is a full-time two year program completed through a hybrid method. Students participate in self-directed classes online and attend the campus two times each semester for on-campus training. DNP students may complete the required clinical practicum in their hometown.
To apply to the DNP program, nurses must meet the following admissions requirements:
-A scholarly writing sample (which may include work for a previous degree program, or simply a piece which demonstrates writing ability and the ability to think critically)
-an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) from a program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
-Completion of prerequisite courses in Biostatistics, Nursing Research, Nursing Theory and Epidemiology
Students will complete coursework online, which includes discussion groups and opportunities to connect with colleagues and professors. Students interested in receiving aid for the DNP program should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Colorado Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
American Sentinel University: DNP Program Review
American Sentinel University, 2260 South Xanadu Way, Suite 310, Aurora, CO 80014.
Established in 1988, American Sentinel University enrolls over 1,000 students in its various online programs which offer training in nursing, business, technology and related healthcare fields. The college is based in Aurora, Colorado and also Birmingham, Alabama though classes are delivered through online education programs.
American Sentinel University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program with a focus in education or leadership. The DNP in Executive Leadership trains nurses to become leaders in the healthcare setting. The doctoral program is unique in that students with a masters degree in fields other than nursing such as education and business are eligible to apply. However, in order to apply to the doctoral program, all applicants should be nurses with three years of senior level experience. Students with a masters degree in a field other than nursing should also have 3 years of experience in nurse leadership. Prerequisites for students without a Master of Science degree in nursing include a bridge course for transition into the program
The DNP Educational Leadership provides training to aspiring nurse educators. Admission requirements for the education-focused DNP program include being a nurse educator with a minimum three years of leadership experience. Applicants should note that this experience should be within the past 10 years.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: DNP Program Review
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was established in 1965, though the campus was established in 1876. The University of Colorado has campuses in Aurora, Denver and Boulder in addition to the Colorado Springs Campus. Over 7,000 students are enrolled at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
The DNP program offered at the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a 100% online degree program. The application deadline is annually in March, with the program commencing in August. Admission requirements for nurses seeking to apply to the program include a minimum GPA of 3.3 in undergraduate nursing degree program and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the previous graduate nursing program. Students should have graduated from an NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) Accredited Program. Additional requirements include 3 letters of recommendation from nurse educators, certification in the advanced specialization of Nurse Practitioner
(NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and an RN (Registered Nurse License). GRE scores are not required for admission to the DNP program.
The application process to the DNP program at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is very simple. To apply to the DNP program, students are required to complete the online application and mail a hard-copy of addition materials. An in-person or telephone interview may be required as part of the admissions process.
University of Colorado Denver: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
1200 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80204
The University of Colorado Denver campus was established in 1912. The college is part of the University of Colorado system, established in 1876, which includes the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
The University of Colorado Denver offers two doctoral programs, both a DNP and PhD in nursing program. The PhD in Nursing program is a hybrid program, allowing students to complete nursing courses online with limited campus visits. The doctorate nursing programs provides training to nurses who seek to disseminate knowledge through research activities. Through the NEXus (Nursing Education Exchange) program, nursing students at the University of Colorado Denver are able to pursue additional nursing training through elective courses offered through the NEXus program. Both nurses with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and Masters of Science in Nursing are eligible to apply to the PhD in nursing program.
As with the PhD in Nursing program, the DNP accepts applications from students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing. Students with a BSN will earn an MSN and develop an advanced practice specialization while completing the DNP degree. MSN applicants who already have a specialization will maintain their specialization throughout the DNP program.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship have been awarded to nursing students at the University of Colorado Denver in previous academic years. The benefits extend to out-of-state students who in some cases may be able to secure a reduction in tuition. Nursing scholarships are awarded according to a student’s future career goals and specific areas of focus in research and studies.
University of Northern Colorado: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
2101 10th Ave
Greeley, CO 80631
Based in Greeley, Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado offers training towards bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs. The university has an additional campus in the area of Lowry located in Denver, Colorado. The University of Northern, Colorado was founded in 1889.
The PhD in Nursing program at the University of Northern Colorado is focused in nursing education. As there is a current shortage of nursing educators, a career as a nurse educator is a viable option for graduates of PhD in Nursing Programs. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing Education program include a bachelors of science in nursing or masters of science in nursing (or related field) and GRE scores. Students from certain states are not eligible to apply for the PhD program, which is delivered primarily through online instruction. The minimum GPA required to apply to the nursing doctorate program is 3.0.
The DNP program admits both bachelors and masters students in two separate tracks. Students in the DNP program may pursue the Nursing Education certificate to obtain the training necessary to teach in nursing education programs. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA and graduation from a program that is accredited by a nursing body (CCNE or NLNAC).
Application deadline for all doctoral nursing programs is February each year.
Connecticut Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Fairfield University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Based in the New England city of Fairfield, Fairfield University is a private university offering bachelor’s through doctoral degrees. The university focuses on teaching. Fairfield University is a Jesuit institution founded in 1942. Though the university began as a higher education institution for males, it is now coeducational and serves over 5,000 students.
The School of Nursing at Fairfield University offers a DNP program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal degree for nurses seeking to work in clinical practice. The doctoral program at Fairfield University admits both BSN and MSN qualified nurses.
Students enrolled in the DNP program are trained in one of three specializations-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Anesthetist (CNA) or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP).
Nurses with a masters degree and an advanced practice certification may complete the DNP program in 2 years of part-time study.
Admission requirements for the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA for applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minimum GPA of 3.2 for nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing. In addition, masters prepared nurses should be eligible for advanced practice certification. BSN applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, but who hold an RN license are admitted to the DNP program on a case by case basis, though additional prerequisites may be required. Nurse Anesthetists have a slightly different admission procedure and should consult Fairfield University for additional information. Only students in the BSN- DNP Nurse Anesthetist track must take the GRE. BSN applicants with a GPA below 3.0 and MSN applicants with a GPA below 3.2 can bolster their admission application by submitting a good score on the GRE.
Quinnipiac University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Quinnipiac University
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
Quinnipiac University is a private, four year institution located in Hamden, CT, located within 2 hours of both Boston and New York City. Founded in 1929, the university awards bachelors through doctoral degrees.
A DNP program is offered at Quinnipiac University School of Nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice provides training for nurses to become specialists in a clinical area, but also clinical leaders in the field of nursing.
Nurses will benefit from a new and modern healthcare facility which provides the opportunity to simulate treating a variety of healthcare concerns. The nursing training facilities include an orthopedics laboratory, intensive care unit and over 20 teaching laboratories.
Nurses with a bachelors degree may apply to the Adult Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner DNP track. The post-masters DNP offers two additional doctoral tracks- Care of the Individual and Care of Populations.
The application process for the doctoral program includes submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of licensure as an RN in addition to the applicant’s nursing application, resume and personal statement. Nurses with a masters degree should also submit documentation of the number of supervised clinical hours from their MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program supervisor.
Nurses with a BSN or bachelors degree in a field other than nursing are eligible to apply to the DNP in addition to masters prepared nurses. In order to be admitted to the care of the individual DNP track, masters prepared nurses should have an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification (APRN).
University of Connecticut: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Connecticut
249 Glenbrook Road
Storrs, CT 06269
The University of Connecticut is a four year higher education institution which serves over 30,000 students. Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut is considered by many to be of Ivy League caliber, receiving the nickname the “Public Ivy.”
The School of Nursing at the University of Connecticut is designated as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing for promoting professional development for nursing faculty members. Students may choose from two terminal doctoral degrees at the University of Connecticut, both the DNP and PhD in Nursing.
The DNP program at the University of Connecticut is the first of its kind in the state. The doctoral program is designed to give nurses an alternative to the PhD program which focuses on nursing research. The DNP program prepares nurses to become clinical practitioners with the highest qualification possible. The DNP is open to both BSN and MSN qualified nurses. BSN students choose from one of the following specializations:
Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner: Acute Care
Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner: Primary Care
Family Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Acute Care: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Neonatal Acute Care: Nurse Practitioner
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at the University of Connecticut inspires students to advance the body of nursing research available and inspire new and better trends in nursing practice. Admission to the program is open to masters and bachelors prepared nurses as there is also a BSN to PhD track. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a masters GPA of 3.25 or higher, and a personal interview (in-person or by phone). The admission requirements for the PhD are unique in that applicants only must demonstrate eligibility for licensure as an RN to apply for the program. This allows recent nursing graduates who have not yet taken the NCLEX-RN time to take the exam while awaiting acceptance to the PhD in Nursing program.
Yale University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Yale University
246 Church St # 2
New Haven, CT 06510
A member of the prestigious Ivy League universities, Yale University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation, and to some considered the best. Yale University was founded in 1701 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut.
The School of Nursing at Yale University offers two terminal degree programs-the research based PhD in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice for nurses seeking the terminal clinical qualification.
For the DNP program, admission requirements include an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) or related healthcare degree such as a Masters in Public Health (MPH) or Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA). The class size of the DNP program is notably small, with classes growing from 12 students in years 1 and 2 of the program to 18 in year 3. The DNP at Yale University does not offer training for APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses), but rather seeks to develop additional professional expertise and training for nurses who are already skilled in their APRN specialization.
The PhD in nursing program focuses on developing educators and researchers. Admission requirements to the program include an MSN and an above average score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to produce a strong application. Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program are also required to submit an example of a scholarly work, such as a published article or literature review. Students will take 3 exams as part of the PhD program and are eligible to earn a Masters of Philosophy in Nursing upon completing two years of the doctoral nursing program.
Delaware Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Delaware: PhD in Nursing Science Program Review
University of Delaware, 401 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716.
The University of Delaware was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest higher education institutions in the nation. The university serves nearly 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Additional campuses of the University of Delaware are located in Dover, Wilmington, Lewes, and Georgetown.
The School of Nursing of the University of Delaware offers a PhD in Nursing Science. Admission criteria for the doctoral program include GPA, GRE scores, English proficiency and a personal statement. Applicants with a bachelors degree should have a minimum GPA of 3.0, while masters applicants should have a 3.5 or higher GPA. A combined score of 1050 is required on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.
Areas of research interest in the PhD in Nursing Science program include:
-Health promotion & risk reduction across the life span
-Health systems management, policy & education
-Management of chronic conditions
Financial aid for the PhD in Nursing Science program is funded by several external sources and is offered through Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships. Graduate students who receive financial aid are required to work up to 20 hours per work performing research or teaching undergraduates.
The PhD in Nursing Science requires 50 academic credits, which includes a 9 credit dissertation. Students in the PhD program take an oral and written examination in addition to the dissertation (writing) and its oral defense.
Idaho Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Idaho State University: DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs Review
Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, USA 83209.
Idaho State University is based in Pocatello, Idaho and has additional campuses in Meridian, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls. The university was founded in 1901. Idaho State University is a research university which holds the highly esteemed Carnegie research classification. The university offers several graduate programs, and is also in the process of developing new programs.
The School of Nursing at Idaho State University is under the Division of Health Sciences. The School of Nursing currently offers undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing programs at Idaho State University are in development. The university aspires to hold these programs in the near future. The DNP will replace the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The nursing doctoral programs at Idaho State University will likely have an option for bachelors prepared nurses as well.
Though not confirmed, teaching assistantships may be a viable way for aspiring doctoral students to pursue a PhD or DNP in Nursing. Idaho State University currently offers teaching assistant ships for students at the masters level.
Prospective doctoral students interested in pursuing a PhD in Nursing or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) should contact Idaho State University. The School of Nursing is currently taking a list of names for students interested in pursuing doctoral study. Admission information is usually updated each fall.
Illinois Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Governors State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484.
Governors State University is a public, research university based south of Chicago in University Park. Governors State University was founded in 1969 and enrolls over 7,000 students annually. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of three doctoral programs offered at Governors State University.
The DNP program at Governors State University is in the Department of Nursing under the College of Health and Human Services. Admission to the DNP program is competitive and selective. Students may apply to the nursing doctoral program after completing a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Master of Science in Nursing).
To apply to the DNP, nurses should have a BSN from an accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.5. Prerequisite courses include statistics, which also must be completed with a minimum grade of B. Nurses with international qualifications are eligible to apply, but should earn a satisfactory score on the TOEFL and have graduated from a program which meets the standards set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. All nurses enrolled in the DNP must have valid RN licensure. Nurses with an RN license from another state may apply, so long as practice requirements are completed in the state in which the nurse holds licensure.
Illinois State University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Illinois State University
Mennonite College of Nursing
Campus Box 5810
Normal, Il 61790-5810
Illinois State University is based in the town of Normal, Illinois. The university was founded in 1857 and neighbors the Illinois city of Bloomington. Illinois State University lays claim to being the oldest public university in Illinois.
The Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University offers a PhD in Nursing program. Nursing studies and research in the Doctor of Philosophy program focus on vulnerable populations, specifically aging populations.
To apply, nurses should have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and exam scores on the GRE. Nurses should have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing education or 30 hours of graduate nursing education. Students with a 3.4 or higher are exempt from taking the GRE. There are additional admission requirements for international students including satisfactory TOEFL and GRE exam scores. An application to the DNP program includes transcripts, a personal statement of goals, three references, a Curriculum Vitae (CV), and proof of licensure as an RN.
Career options for graduates of the PhD in Nursing program at Illinois State University are numerous and interdisciplinary. Nurses can serve as researchers, educators, and consultants in various settings in academia, government, business and healthcare institutions.
Rush University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Rush University
600 South Paulina Street
Chicago, IL 60612
Rush University is a private university in Chicago, established in 1972. The university is affiliated with Rush University Medical Center and offers medical and nursing programs. More than 2,000 students enroll at Rush University in one of over 30 academic programs.
Rush University offers Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science programs.
The PhD in Nursing accepts both BSN and MSN nursing graduates. The BSN-PhD and MSN-PhD programs prepare nursing graduates to become researchers specifically in the area of clinical nursing research as it relates to patient care. The doctoral nursing research program can normally be completed in three to four years of study. Though the PhD in Nursing Science is offered online, students are recommended to commit to full-time study.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practical degree designed for nurses who seek to earn the highest clinical qualification while remaining in practice. The DNP offers several tracks and advanced practice study options for nurses. Students enrolled in the DNP program may choose from one of the following specializations:
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care (AACNP)
Adult-Gerontology – Primary Care (AGNP)
Family (FNP)
Neonatal (NNP)
Pediatric – Acute Care (AC PNP)
Pediatric – Primary Care (PNP)
Psychiatric – Mental Health (PMHNP)
Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Adult-Gerontology
Adult-Gerontology Critical Care
Neonatal
Pediatric
Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN)
Leadership Tracks
Systems Leadership
Leadership to Enhance Population Health Outcomes
Rush University offers financial awards and scholarships for doctoral students according to specific criteria such as academic program or area of study. There are also more general awards for which doctoral students may be considered. In order to be considered for financial aid, students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing: DNP Program Review
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
511 NE Greenleaf Street
Peoria, IL 61603
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is a Catholic college of nursing in Peoria. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis own the college, which is also a part of the Order of St. Francis, St. Francis Medical Center. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing was established in 1905 as a nursing school for the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.
To apply to the DNP program, nurses should hold a masters degree. The doctoral program is delivered in a hybrid format with both campus-based and online coursework required. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program of study requires 39 credits.
Admission requirements to the DNP program include an essay, three letters of recommendation and a masters GPA of 3.2 or higher. The DNP program offers conditional admission for applicants who do not meet all of the admission criteria. As part of the conditional admission process, nursing students must complete a minimum of 12 credits with a grade of “B” or higher in all courses.
As part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, nurses complete a doctoral project which demonstrates understanding of evidence-based practice. Upon completing the DNP program, nurses take an exam to become a certified DNP.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: DNP Program Review
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
IL State Rte 157
Edwardsville, Illinois 62026-1001
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university founded in 1957. The university is based 20 miles from St. Louis, Missouri. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is ranked among the “Up and Coming Universities” by U.S. News and World Report.
The School of Nursing at SIUE offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program for masters prepared nurses. Rather than a dissertation, students complete a doctoral project as part of the degree requirements. The DNP is a professional doctoral degree for nurses.
Admission to the DNP is based on criteria including GPA; the nurse’s academic and research goals, and a personal interview. To apply, students should submit transcripts, resume, personal statement as it relates to academic goals, and letters of reference. Nurses should have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) with an advanced practice certification. Prerequisite courses include statistics and epidemiology, which must be completed with a grade of “B” or better.
In additional to the doctoral project, students enrolled in the DNP program will complete a 500 hour residency. One-thousand hours of clinical practicum experience are required to earn the DNP, and at most 500 clinical practicum hours may be transferred from previous nursing study at the graduate level.
The DNP program is designed to be completed in two years.
University of Illinois at Chicago: Doctor of Nursing Practice & PhD in Nursing Review
University of Illinois at Chicago
601 S Morgan
Chicago, Illinois 60607
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public research university located in the heart of Chicago near the public transportation system known as The Loop or The L due to the shape of its route. The University of Chicago was established as a combination of universities in 1982, though its roots date back to 1858 as the Chicago College of Pharmacy.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Illinois at Chicago prepares nurses for advanced roles, both working directly with patients and also managing care. The DNP program offers several entry options for nurses with a BSN, MSN, or a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Nurses can choose from among several advanced practice specialties such as Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), learn a new specialty, or direct their studies towards one of the leadership tracks.
Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accepted annually each February. The doctoral program begins in the fall.
The PhD in Nursing is a research-based academic program which prepares nurses for a role contributing to knowledge in the field of nursing research. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a BSN from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. Applicants may have an MSN or a masters degree in a related healthcare field. Students without a masters degree in nursing may be required to complete additional coursework for the PhD in Nursing.
University of St. Francis: DNP Program Review
University of St. Francis
500 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435
The University of St. Francis is a Catholic higher education institution based near Chicago. The university serves over 3,000 students. Established in 1920, the university offers over 55 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University of St. Francis University is one of several universities in Illinois to sign the Illinois Campus Sustainability Compact.
For the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, admission requirements include a masters degree from an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, certification as a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) or NP (Nurse Practitioner), and satisfactory completion of an interview with nursing faculty.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the DNP is designed to replace the Master of Science in Nursing advanced practice program by the year 2015. Salaries for students with a DNP range from $68,000 to over $150,000 for nurses in various academic roles. Career options for DNPs include nursing director, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and nursing faculty member.
The DNP program at the University of St. Francis is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The College of Nursing is designated an Edge Runner by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). The AAN recognizes the quality and effectiveness of the DNP’s advanced-practice training.
Indiana Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Ball State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306.
Ball State University is based in Muncie, Indiana. The university prides itself in offering cutting-edge, immersion-based learning experiences. Ball State University was established in 1917, and today serves over 20,000 students
The Doctorate of Nursing practice is a part-time nursing program which prepares students for a role in advanced nursing practice. The DNP program is designed for nurses with a masters degree and advanced practice specialization as a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), NP (Nurse Practitioner) or Nurse Midwife. The DNP program is a distance education doctoral nursing program in which students complete clinical requirements in their location. Though the program is delivered online, nurses in the DNP program are required to go to the Ball State University campus once each year.
Admission requirements include graduation with a minimum 3.2 GPA from a masters degree program accredited by a nursing body. Prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research and health assessment are required for the DNP program. Proof of a valid RN license and recent work experience in a clinical setting must be submitted with the application. Exam scores for the Graduate Record Exam are not required to apply for the DNP program.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program can be completed in as little as eight semesters of study and up to seven years from commencing the program.
Indiana State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Indiana State University
200 North 7th Street
Terre Haute, IN 47809
Based in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University has been recognized by the Princeton Review among their “Best in the Midwest” universities. The university serves over 11,000 students annually.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered in the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing at Indiana State University. The doctoral program is designed to prepare Family Nurse Practitioners, FNPs, for an advanced practice role in nursing.
Graduation from an MSN program for FNPs with a 3.0 GPA and accreditation by a nursing body is necessary to apply to the DNP program. Additional admission requirements include an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification) and completion of prerequisite courses in statistics and nursing research. Nurses are required to submit three letters of recommendation and a sample of written work as part of the application process. Applicants should have a minimum of two years clinical nursing experience. International students will be required to earn a satisfactory score on the TOEFL, an exam to assess English proficiency.
In lieu of a dissertation, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program complete a doctoral project. The DNP degree program is designed to be completed in two years of study and requires 39 academic credits. The required clinical hours are completed throughout the duration of the nursing program, beginning in the first semester.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana University School of Nursing
1111 Middle Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) awards degrees from both Indiana University and Purdue University. The university has over 11 schools and serves over 20,000 students in downtown Indianapolis.
The Indiana University School of Nursing is designed as a Center for Excellence by the National League of Nursing. The School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing Science. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing may also be completed as a BSN-PhD (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Philosophy) option.
The PhD in Nursing Science focuses on training research scientists and offers two tracks. Students can choose from a Health Systems or Clinical Nursing Science focus. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing Science include an earned BSN or MSN from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. Students with a BSN must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, while students applying with an MSN should have a 3.5 or higher GPA.
The DNP degree program focuses on improving the delivery of evidence-based healthcare. The DNP can be completed in 37academic hours of study and is offered to nurses with a masters degree. Additional admission requirements for the DNP program include completion of the statistics prerequisite, an MSN with a minimum 3.3 GPA earned from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program, and an RN license.
Purdue University: DNP Program Review
Purdue University
School of Nursing
502 N. University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2069
Purdue University (PU) is based in West Lafayette, Indiana and is one of the most prominent universities in the state. The university was established in1869. Purdue University in Lafayette is one of six universities in the PU system.
The DNP program at Purdue Universities accepts BSN and MSN graduates as well as current Masters of Science in Nursing students. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate study, a prerequisite course in statistics completed no more than 5 years prior to entering the program and an interview with a nursing advisor. Conditional admission may be possible for students who do not meet GPA requirements.
Students entering the DNP program with a bachelors degree are required to first enter the masters track for preparation. The Doctor of Nursing Practice may be completed in two to three years for nurses who have a masters degree. The program may be completed on full or part time study. Additional time is required for BSN students without a masters qualification to complete the DNP.
A variety of programs are available to assist nurses in completing their doctoral education. Graduate assistantships and both departmental and university scholarships are available in addition to a variety of external support programs.
University of Southern Indiana: DNP Program Review
University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Boulevard
Evansville, IN 47712
The University of Southern Indiana was established in 1965. The university serves over 10,000 students and is based in Evansville. Over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at the University of Southern Indiana.
Advanced Practice and Organizational Systems and Leadership are the two doctoral tracks in the DNP degree program offered by the University of Southern Indiana. The 36 credit doctoral program requires completion of a capstone project rather than a dissertation. The DNP program can be completed in five semesters of full time study or eight semesters of part time study. Both part and full time study options include study during the summer.
To apply to the DNP, students must submit applications to the Office of Graduate Studies and College of Nursing and Health Professions program individually. The DNP program accepts applications from masters prepared nurses with a minimum 3.25 GPA. As part of the application process, students must submit an essay, letters of recommendation and summary of the focus of their capstone project. The capstone project seeks to offer recommendations for improvement of a health care issue based on training provided in the doctoral program.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the DNP program at the University of Southern Indiana.
Each year the College of Nursing and Health Professions applies for a federal grant to assist in funding full-time study for DNP students. The grant for federal funds must be submitted and approved each year, and in past years funding has been available to doctoral students in the nursing program.
Iowa Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Allen College: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Allen College, 1990 Heath Street, Waterloo, IA 50703.
This College is based in Waterloo, Iowa and offers programs with a focus in healthcare studies. The college was founded in 1925 as a part of the Allen Memorial Hospital. Today the college offers undergraduate through graduate degree programs in nursing, radiography and health sciences.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Allen College prepares nurses to assume leadership roles in healthcare settings which affect change and maintain a high standard of care.
To apply to the DNP program, nurses should have a masters degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program and an RN license.
Admission criteria into the DNP program include an essay, letters of reference, GPA, and possibly an interview. Nurses should have a 3.25 GPA or higher in the masters program. Applicants must also submit a scholarly writing sample as part of the nursing application process. Prerequisite courses in statistics and nursing research are required for entry into the program. Completing a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical experience is a requirement for the DNP program. Nurses should have completed a minimum of 600 hours of clinical experience in the Master of Science in Nursing program, though students may be admitted if this is not the case. International students are required to take an exam which demonstrates English proficiency.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice can be completed in 33 hours of study.
Clarke University: DNP Program Review
Clarke University
1550 Clarke Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001
Clarke University is a four year university which serves over 1,000 students. Based in Dubuque, Iowa, the university is affiliated with the Catholic tradition. Clarke University was founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary which was started by Mary Francis Clarke.
Clarke University offers both BSN to DNP and DNP Bridge programs. The BSN to DNP trains nurses as competent caregivers who deliver care based on evidence-based practice. Admission requirements to the BSN to DNP program include a bachelors degree in nursing from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA or higher, three letters of recommendation, and an example of written work. Though the GRE is not required, it is recommended. A prerequisite course in statistics with a grade of “C” or better is required for the program. The BSN to DNP program admits 20 students each year. The doctoral program can be completed in 3 years.
The DNP-Bridge program offers a DNP in less time than three year program for nurses with an MSN-NP specialization (Masters of Science in Nursing-Nurse Practitioner). The program can be completed in 18 months. Each year approximately 10 students are accepted in the post-masters DNP program. In total 60 students are enrolled in the DNP-Bridge program each year, which also includes students enrolled in the three-year BSN-DNP program.
University of Iowa: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Iowa
School of Nursing
50 Newton Rd
Iowa City, IA 52246
The University of Iowa is a public university in Iowa City, Iowa. The university was founded in 1847 and claims to be the oldest university in Iowa. The campus of the University of Iowa spans 1,900 acres and includes 11 colleges of study.
The College of Nursing at the University of Iowa offers both DNP and PhD in Nursing programs.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses to be leaders in clinical practice and leadership. The doctoral nursing program admits both BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and MSN graduates. Graduation from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC with a GPA of at least 3.0 is the minimum requirement for admission to the nursing program. Applicants are required to submit information to both the graduate school and nursing program. Students can choose from a Nurse Practitioner (NP), CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) or Health Systems Leadership specialization. U.S. News and World Report ranks the Nurse Anesthesia program among the top six in the USA.
The PhD in Nursing trains nurses to become consultants, educators, researchers and leaders in the field of nursing research and application. Students are prepared with a foundational knowledge of nursing research. Admission requirements for applicants with either a BSN or MSN include a minimum 3.0 GPA in the BSN or MSN program and a prerequisite statistics course. A satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is also required as part of the PhD in Nursing application process.
Kansas Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Wichita State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Wichita State University, School of Nursing, 1845 Fairmount, Box 41, Wichita, KS 67260-0041.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Wichita State University trains nurses to assume leadership roles in healthcare settings. Nursing students can complete the doctoral program in 29 to 74 credits of study depending upon their highest nursing qualification at the time of entry into the doctoral program.
Both students with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) may apply to the Doctor of Nursing practice degree program.
Applicants should note that the deadline to apply differs for BSN and MSN applicants. For BSN applicants, the application deadline is in May for admission in the fall. Nurses with an MSN apply in October for admission in the spring. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in the BSN program and completion of a prerequisite course in statistics. To apply, students must submit a resume, proof of RN license in Kansas, and a 1,000 word statement on goals.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited the DNP program at Wichita State University for the maximum accreditation period allowed. The nursing department maintains a listserv, which lists career opportunities for graduates of the nursing program. Scholarship opportunities are available for nursing students at Wichita State University.
Kentucky Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Bellarmine University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Bellarmine University, 2001 Newburg Rd., Louisville KY, 40205.
The University is based in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1950 as Bellarmine College, the university is affiliated with the Catholic tradition. Bellarmine University offers over 150 study abroad programs.
The Donna and Allen Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program for nurses aspiring to earn the highest qualification available to nurses in clinical practice.
The DNP program at Bellarmine University offers two specialized tracks. The Advanced Practice Nursing Focus is for nurses who aspire to work directly with patients, while the Advanced Leadership Focus is for nurses who desire to work in executive and leadership positions managing care. The DNP program can be completed in 33 to 36 credits of study.
To apply, students are required to submit verification of post clinical hours of study, letters of recommendation, and transcripts along with the application. Nurses with a MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree are eligible to apply for the doctoral program. Applicants should be graduates from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited graduate nursing program with a 3.5 or higher GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics should be completed within 5 years of starting the DNP program. International applicants have additional requirements for the nursing program such as submitting proof of financial responsibility, something all international students studying in the USA must do. Students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores for the TOEFL, an English proficiency exam.
Frontier Nursing University: DNP Program Review
Frontier Nursing University
195 School Street
Hyden, Kentucky 41749
Frontier Nursing University offers distance education programs in nursing, and is based in Hyden, Kentucky. Frontier Nursing University was established in 1939 under the leadership and expertise of Mary Breckinridge. FNU is among the first universities to offer nursing midwifery education in the USA.
Doctoral study options are available for nurses with a bachelors degree or masters degree in nursing. Students in the DNP program are prepared as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives and earn an MSN in the course of the DNP program. Upon completion of the certification exam in the advanced practice specialty, nurses may continue in the DNP program or continue onto doctoral study.
The post-masters DNP trains nurses with a masters degree that have already earned an advanced practice specialization. FNPs (Family Nurse Practitioners), WHNPs (Women’s Health and Nurse Practitioners) and CNMs (Nurse Midwives) are eligible to apply for the post masters DNP program. The post masters DNP can be completed in 33 credits of study.
Admission requirements to the post-masters DNP include an MSN or MN (Masters in Nursing) from a program accredited by a nursing body. In addition to completing the application, nurses must submit proof of the RN license and advanced practice certification. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the masters program is desired for applicants to the DNP degree program.
Northern Kentucky University: DNP Program Review
Northern Kentucky University
1 Nunn Dr
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Northern Kentucky University offers certificate through doctoral degrees. The university is based in Highland Heights, Kentucky, which is less than 10 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio. NKU was founded in 1968 and today serves over 15,000 students.
The College of Health Professions at Northern Kentucky University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program in the Department of Advanced Nursing Studies. The DNP offers training in various areas of nursing including education, research, policy, and healthcare systems management. Nursing faculty in the DNP program include nurses with an EdD and PhD to provide a well-rounded approach to education for the DNP.
The DNP is delivered completely online. The 8 semester doctoral program requires 36 academic credits to complete. Nurses progress through the doctoral program in a cohort, with the same group of students. Students will also connect with the nursing faculty who provide support throughout the program. Due to the shortage of nursing faculty, DNP graduates may be eligible to serve as faculty members in nursing education programs, though additional training in education may be required.
Admission requirements to the DNP program include an earned MSN or MN with a minimum 3.25 GPA. Prerequisite courses in informatics and statistics should be complete with a minimum grade of “C.” Though many DNP programs require students to send academic writing samples, applicants to the DNP at NKU must submit an academic paper, no less than 5 pages on a specified topic related to pursing a DNP.
University of Kentucky: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Kentucky
College of Nursing
315 College of Nursing Bldg
Lexington, KY 40536-0232
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the University of Kentucky offers bachelors through doctoral programs. UK was established in 1865 as an agricultural college. Many of the academic programs at the University of Kentucky are featured in national rankings. Approximately 25,000 students enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Kentucky each year.
The College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky offers both Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing programs. The DNP is a clinical practice program, while the PhD in Nursing focuses on contributing to the body of knowledge in clinical nursing research. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing are eligible for admission to either doctoral program.
The DNP program is a hybrid program consisting of both online and campus-based study. The Post BSN DNP requires 3 years to complete, while the Post Masters DNP requires 2 years to complete. Students in the Post-BSN DNP will complete an advanced practice specialization and earn a masters degree as part of the DNP program. Post-MSN applicants should have an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification.
The PhD in Nursing can be completed in two to three years of full time study, though part time study is an option. An additional two semesters are required for each track to complete requirements for the dissertation. Applications for the PhD in Nursing program are accepted in mid-February and the beginning of October each year for the Post-MSN Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and in mid-February only for the Post-BSN PhD in Nursing.
University of Louisville: PhD in Nursing
University of Louisville
2301 South 3rd street
Louisville, KY 40208
Established in 1798, the University of Louisville claims to be the first city-owned public university in the United States. The university is based in Louisville, and has three campuses including the Belknap and Jefferson campuses. Louisville is an affordable, yet entertaining city in which college students can reside. One of Louisville’s most popular attractions is Churchill Downs which hosts the annual Kentucky Derby.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program at the University of Louisville offers a BSN to PhD and MSN to PhD doctoral program which trains nurses to become research scientists in a variety of settings and roles. Students in the BSN to PhD program complete masters level nursing coursework and progress to doctoral coursework in the following year. Nurses who enter the BSN to PhD program will earn a PhD, though not a MSN (Master of Science in Nursing).
Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA in all college coursework, a satisfactory score on the GRE and submission of at least three recommendation letters.
Students can progress through the PhD program in full or part time study. It is recommended that students pursue the PhD in Nursing full-time to obtain the most benefit from their learning experience as a nursing scholar. Nurses can customize the electives in their doctoral study program to obtain the most benefit from their studies.
Louisiana Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans: DNP Program Review
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, 433 Bolivar St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2223.
The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) New Orleans is the division of Louisiana State University that manages healthcare programs. The university enrolls over 2,500 students and is based in New Orleans. The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport also offers healthcare related programs.
Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Nursing Science degree programs are offered at the School of Nursing of LSUHSC. The DNP is a practical degree program which trains nurses to implement evidence-based healthcare principals. The DNP program is a post-masters program designed for nurses with a masters degree. Students in the DNP program may include nurses with an advanced practiced certification such as CNA (Nurse Anesthetist) or Nurse Practitioner (NP). The DNP program also serves community health nurses and nurse managers.
Like the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Science prepares nurses for a career in research. The Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) is a research degree with recognized focus similar to that of the PhD in Nursing. Admission criteria to the Doctor of Nursing Science include exam scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and a BSN and MSN from an accredited nursing program. Applicants to the DNS program should have a minimum 3.5 GPA in the previous graduate program.
Loyola University New Orleans: DNP Program Review
Loyola University New Orleans
6363 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118-6143
Loyola University New Orleans was founded in 1904 as Loyola College. The university is a private Jesuit institution located in New Orleans. Undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs are offered at Loyola University New Orleans.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Loyola University New Orleans is an online degree program. The doctoral program offers three tracks for both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. Nurses with a BSN are prepared to be Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). Upon completion of the Post-BSN to PhD program, nurses receive a DNP and are eligible to take the NP certification exam. Two masters entry options, both for nurses with APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) Certification and for nurses without APRN certification seeking an Executive Leadership focus are offered. The Post-Masters DNP can be completed in six semesters of study. The BSN to DNP program can be completed in 3 years of study.
To apply to the BSN to DNP program, students should have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the last 60 credits of their degree program. Masters degreed applicants should have a minimum 3.2 GPA and be a graduate of a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE.
Nursing traineeships and federal financial aid are available to nursing students to assist in funding their education at Loyola University New Orleans.
Southern University and A&M College: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Southern University and A&M College
Southern University Graduate Nursing Programs
School of Nursing
J. K. Haynes Bldg., Room 112
170 Swan Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA
Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (more commonly known as Southern University A&M College) was founded in 1890 and is part of the Southern University System. Southern University A &M College is based in Baton Rouge. Additional campuses in the Southern University System are in Shreveport and New Orleans.
The PhD in Nursing at Southern University and A&M College prepares students for a career in research. The PhD can be completed in three years of full time study, which includes summer terms. The last two semesters of the PhD program are dedicated to dissertation research. The doctoral research program has a focus on at-risk populations, specifically women and children. PhD students are trained to become leaders in nursing education, leadership and practice. Parts of the PhD in Nursing program are delivered online.
Admission requirements for the PhD in nursing include a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also submit an exam score report for the GRE with a score of 1200 or higher. Only one prerequisite course in statistics is required for the doctoral program. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement may receive conditional admission pending the completion of 12 credits with a grade of “B” or better in each course.
Maine Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Southern Maine: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Review
University of Southern Maine, 96 Falmouth Street, Portland, ME 04104.
The University of South Maine is based in Portland, Maine and offers bachelors through doctoral programs and certificates. The university was founded in 1878 and has additional campuses in Gorham and Lewiston. The University of Southern Maine is part of the University of Maine system.
Currently, the University of Maine offers a DNP program for masters prepared nurses with an advanced practice certification such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Anesthetist (CNA). Students in the DNP program are prepared for a career in advanced practice and must accumulate a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical nursing practice (including hours from MSN) to earn the DNP.
Admission requirements for the DNP include an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. A minimum GPA of 3.35 is required in the masters program for students to earn admission to the doctoral program. A satisfactory exam score for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is also required. A prerequisite course in statistics should have been completed within the past five years. The 43 credit DNP program can be completed in three years of full time study.
Maryland Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Johns Hopkins University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21211.
Johns Hopkins University is a public research university based in Baltimore, Maryland. The university is famous for its state-of-the art-medical facilities. Johns Hopkins was named for philanthropist Johns Hopkins, a patron of the university. It was founded in 1876.
Generous financial aid opportunities are available, with most doctoral students receiving full tuition assistance for at least the first two years of study. The overwhelming majority of nursing graduates, more than 85%, are employed since completing their program according to the School of Nursing.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program prepares nurses to be leaders in nursing research. To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, applicants should have a BSN or MSN and a minimum 3.0 GPA. An exam score report for the GRE, letters of recommendation, an interview and writing sample are also required for admission to the PhD program.
Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice requires a BSN and MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA earned in the graduate program. Students in the program should have APRN licensure and complete an interview. Students with a masters degree in a field other than nursing may be considered for the DNP program. Students must be licensed in the location in which they will complete their clinical practice requirements.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Graduate School of Nursing
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences was established in 1972. The university serves nurses enrolled in the military or public health sector. Students seeking to apply to the program may be required to gain approval from their appropriate sector. The university, based in Bethesda, is in close proximity to Washington DC which offers endless opportunities for entertainment and cultural enrichment.
The Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences was established in 1993. The GSN at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. The DNP is a degree for nurses who deliver and manage healthcare in an advanced practice role. Both a post-masters DNP and post-bachelors DNP are offered. Prerequisite courses in biochemistry and statistics are required for the DNP program.
The PhD in Nursing emphasizes nursing research. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) completed with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students with a masters degree in a related healthcare field may also be considered for admission to the program. An interview, an exam report for the GRE no more than five years prior and a personal statement which indicates a shared area of interest with a faculty member is also required.
University of Maryland: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Maryland
University of Maryland School of Nursing
655 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
The University of Maryland is a public research university founded in 1856. Based in College Park, Maryland, the campus is over 1,200 acres. Famous landmarks on campus include the sundial and a statue honoring alumni Jim Henson who founded the Muppets.
The University of Maryland offers both a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy qualification.
A Dual DNP/MBA (Masters of Business Administration), BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) and traditional Post-Masters DNP are the three entry options available for the BSN to DNP program. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in an MSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Applicants must also submit proof of their clinical practice hours and a valid Maryland RN license.
As with the DNP, the PhD in Nursing offers a Post-BSN, Post-MSN and PhD/MBA program. Admission requirements for the Post-Masters PhD in Nursing include a minimum 3.0 GPA, active nursing license and exam scores for the GRE. To apply to the BSN-PhD program, applicants must be enrolled in the masters program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON).
Applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement may still be considered for admission to a doctoral program.
Massachusetts Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Boston College: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.
This College is a private university in Chestnut Hill founded in the Jesuit tradition. The university serves over 14,000 students, a third of which are graduate students. The Newton Campus is located in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. Boston College was founded in 1863. With over 150,000 alumni, the university claims to have the largest alumni association of Catholic universities in the world.
The William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College offers a PhD in Nursing degree program. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is a four year program. Nurses in the doctoral research program receive research training in a specific area with the support of faculty experienced in a variety of research methods.
To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, students should have a masters in nursing from a program accredited nationally. Applicants with a BSN may apply to the MS/PhD program which offers masters level training before earning the PhD. Applicants should also have a valid RN license and have completed a statistics course which is a prerequisite to the nursing PhD program.
Fellowship and scholarship opportunities are available and funds have even been increased for students. Financial aid is available for a variety of students from those who meet specific demographic criteria or demonstrate academic merit. Awards are competitive, but full time students can receive up to 100 percent funding for their tuition.
MGH Institute of Health Professions: DNP Program Review
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Charlestown Navy Yard
36 First Avenue
Boston, MA 02129-4557
Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions offers graduate degree programs in various healthcare fields such as nursing, physical therapy and medical imaging. The institute was established in 1977 as one of the first hospitals to award degrees. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at MGH Institute of Health Professions is among the first DNP programs in the state of Massachusetts.
Both the Post-Masters and RN-DNP (Registered Nurse to Doctor of Nursing Practice) doctoral programs are offered for nurses at MGH Institute of Health Professions. The institute also offers a DNP exclusively for executives. DNP programs can be completed in six to eight semesters depending upon the student’s current level of academic study.
Admission requirements to the DNP program for students in the RN to DNP option include prerequisite courses, exam scores on the GRE and letters of recommendation. Applicants to the DNP with a bachelors degree should complete a prerequisite course in statistics. Nurses with an RN and an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma are given more specific prerequisites which can be met through coursework or examination.
To apply to the DNP, masters prepared applicants should have a masters degree with an advanced specialization certification, though in some cases students without a specialization may be accepted and required to complete additional courses. Applicants to the DNP for nursing executives should have executive level nursing experience and also must meet admission requirements comparable with the Post-Masters DNP program.
Northeastern University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Northeastern University
400 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Boston-based Northeastern University is a private research university that prides itself in providing real-life application in their degree programs. Northeastern University was founded in 1898. The university has eight colleges and serves nearly 20,000 students. Northeastern University has a regional campus in Charlotte, North Carolina that was established in 2011.
A PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program are offered in the Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University.
Applications to the DNP program are accepted annually each March. Areas of study in the DNP program include informatics, policy, research and leadership. The DNP can be completed in approximately four semesters of full-time study, though additional time may be required to complete the capstone project. A part-time degree option is also available. In lieu of a dissertation, DNP students complete an evidence-based capstone project that contributes to nursing knowledge and is offered on a professional level.
To apply to the PhD in Nursing, students should submit their applications by the first of April. The PhD in Nursing can be completed on a full or part time study plan. Bachelors and masters prepared nurses are expected to complete the program in four and three years respectively of full-time study. Students in the PhD in Nursing program will explore a variety of issues in clinical nursing research with a specific focus on underserved, urban populations.
Regis College: DNP Program
Regis College
235 Wellesley Street
Weston, MA 02493
Regis College is a liberal arts institution in Weston, Massachusetts affiliated with the Catholic tradition. The college was founded in 1927 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Formerly a women’s college, Regis College has been coeducational and admitting male applicants since 2007. Students desiring a small campus community will appreciate that Regis College enrolls just over 1,500 students.
The first doctoral program offered at Regis College is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The DNP program is ideal for nurse leaders, executives and advanced practice nurses. The doctoral program is flexible, and designed to accommodate the working nurse professional. Students will take classes in a hybrid format, which includes online and campus-based courses offered outside of the traditional workday schedule. The DNP can be completed in three to seven years depending on the nurse’s individual program of study. Students select their DNP curriculum and program in collaboration with a faculty member.
In the DNP program, nurses choose from several specializations which include Gerontology, Informatics, Integrative Health, Nursing Education and Health Policy. Admission criteria to the DNP program include GPA, letters of recommendation and GRE or MAT exam scores. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in prior coursework is required of graduate level nursing applicants to the DNP.
Simmons College: DNP Program Review
Simmons College
300 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
Founded in 1899, Simmons College is a private college offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The undergraduate portion of the college is women’s only, while the graduate programs admit male and female students. Graduate students outnumber undergraduate students by an approximate 3:2 ratio. The college ranks among the best in publications by Kaplan and the Princeton Review.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Simmons College. There are three options for nurses seeking entry into the DNP program. Advanced practice nurses such as Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Anesthetist (CNA) with at least 5,000 hours of experience since earning the masters degree are eligible to apply for the program. Additionally, nurses seeking an FNP specialization may apply to earn the FNP certification in addition the DNP. Experienced nurse leaders with management experience are eligible to apply to the DNP Post-Masters DNP in Practice Leadership.
A minimum 3.5 GPA in an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) or related masters degree program is required to apply to the DNP degree program at Simmons College. A prerequisite course in statistics with a “B” or higher or completion of the Simmons College WEBStats course is required prior to the application process.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
School of Nursing
Skinner Hall
651 North Pleasant Street
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-9299
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the leading campus of the University of Massachusetts public university system. The university was founded in 1863, and now serves over 20,000 students. The university is based in Amherst, Massachusetts on a 1,450 acre campus. The University of Massachusetts Amherst hosts a fine arts center which showcases a variety of performances in the arts throughout the year.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing are the only terminal degree programs in the nursing profession. Both doctoral programs are offered at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Public Health Nurse Leader (PHNL) specialization. Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses are eligible to apply to the DNP program. In general, applicants to the doctoral nursing practice program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, though applicants who do not meet this requirement may be considered for admission. Though not required, applicants with a low GPA may submit GRE scores to enhance their application and demonstrate academic ability.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a PhD in Nursing program for the aspiring nursing scholar. The doctoral research program admits nurses with either a BSN or MSN. Nurses in the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program will work closely with a faculty member in a specific area of nursing research.
University of Massachusetts Boston: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd
Boston, MA 02125
The University of Massachusetts Boston is one of five universities in the University of Massachusetts system. The university is located on the oceanfront. Of the five University of Massachusetts campuses, UMass Boston is the second largest. Despite enrolling over 15,000 students, the campus strives to maintain a small student to faculty ratio of 16:1.
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers both a PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) from an accredited program. Admission criteria include GPA and exam scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Nurses should also submit proof of a Massachusetts RN license when applying for the PhD in Nursing program.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a program designed for advanced practice nurses. Nurses complete the program through distance education in a part time format and are required to make periodic visits to the campus. The DNP is completed in three to four years of study. The DNP is collaborative in that students will work with PhD students and students in other programs. Funding may be available for nurses pursuing the DNP. Prospective applicants can meet the DNP faculty and current students through an on-campus showcase at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) is based in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The university began in 1895 as a textile school. In 1991, what was formerly Southeastern Massachusetts University became part of the five-campus University of Massachusetts System as UMass Dartmouth. More than 35 graduate degree programs are offered at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
The PhD in Nursing program trains students in qualitative and quantitative research in addition to scientific theory. Admission to the PhD program requires a Bachelors of Science in Nursing or Masters of Science in Nursing, with at least one degree from an accredited program. Students should have a 3.0 and 3.3 GPA in undergraduate and graduate degree programs respectively. Prerequisite courses in nursing theory, nursing research and statistics are required in addition to familiarity with and ability to navigate computer-based programs.
Students in the DNP program function as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Adult Health Clinical Specialist or Community Health Clinical Specialist. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Exam scores for the GRE are not required to apply to the DNP program. The application deadline for the DNP is annually each March.
University of Massachusetts Lowell: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is part of the five-campus University of Massachusetts system. The university enrolls over 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and continuing studies students. UMass Lowell was founded in 1895 and became part of the UMass system in 1991.
The University of Massachusetts offers a PhD in Nursing for masters prepared nurses. The doctoral research program is delivered in a blended format with classes being offered online and on weekends. Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program will complete a 48 credit program in order to earn the DNP. In general, applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Applicants with a masters degree in a field other than nursing and substantive nursing background may also be considered for admission to the PhD in Nursing program.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at UMass Lowell is available to masters prepared Nurse Practitioners (NP). For admission, nurses should have certification as an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) and have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in their masters program. The DNP program provides nurses with the skills and training necessary to become leaders and innovators in the field of nursing. Students can pursue full or part time study in the DNP program. Classes in the DNP program are offered on weekends.
Michigan Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Eastern Michigan University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Eastern Michigan University, 000 College Place, psilanti, MI 48197.
Based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Eastern Michigan University is located less than 40 miles from Detroit and just a few minutes drive from Ann Arbor. The university was established twelve years after the state of Michigan in 1849. Today the university serves over 20,000 students. In addition to on-campus courses, classes are offered in a distance education format.
EMU’s School of Nursing is in the College of Health and Human Services. The School of Nursing offers a PhD in Education with a focus on Nursing Education. Though not a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, the degree prepares nurses who aspire to teach in the field of nursing. Furthermore, the PhD in Education with a focus in Nursing Education requires admitted students to be licensed RNs with nursing experience.
Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 or higher GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is also required. Students should submit a resume that highlights their professional and community experience which clearly supports their candidacy for their program.
The doctoral nursing program is collaboration between the School of Nursing and the Department of Teacher Education. The Nursing Education PhD focuses on providing a foundation in education and pedagogy. As part of the doctoral degree, students are required to complete a dissertation. Graduates of the Nursing Education PhD go on to be teachers, scholars and leaders in nursing education. The doctoral program has a focus on underserved communities.
Grand Valley State University: DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Program Review
Grand Valley State University
1 N Campus Dr
Allendale Charter Township, Michigan 49401
Grand Valley State University is based in Allendale, Michigan, located just over 10 miles from Grand Rapids. The university was founded in 1960. Grand Valley State University has additional campuses located throughout the state of Michigan in the cities of Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Holland and Traverse City.
The Kirkhof School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP offers specializations for clinicians and nurse executives. Students in either specialization are eligible and encouraged to take the national certification exam in their area upon completing the degree program. Bachelors and masters prepared nurses are both eligible to enroll in the DNP program.
Admission requirements to the DNP include licensure as an RN in the state of Michigan, exam scores for the GRE and a minimum 3.0 GPA in the BSN or MSN degree depending upon the applicant’s educational qualification at the time of being admitted to the program. Both of the nurse’s previous degrees should be accredited by a nursing body such as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. A personal statement and an interview may also be required as part of the admission process. International students will be required to submit English proficiency scores for one of the exams.
Madonna University: DNP Program Review
Madonna University
36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
Madonna University is located in Livonia, Michigan which borders the large city of Detroit. Madonna University is a private institution affiliated with the Catholic faith. The university was founded in 1937.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Madonna University is offered in the College of Nursing Health. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the DNP at Madonna University. The doctoral program can be completed in 36 academic hours of study, which requires about 2 years of study.
The DNP is a practical degree program designed for nurses who seek to earn the highest qualification possible while working in a clinical setting whether as a nurse with an advanced skill set or in an administration role which supports the clinical setting. The DNP program is designed for masters prepared nurses with APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification such as Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Admission requirements to the DNP include submission of transcripts showing an earned MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a personal statement, sample of scholarly written work, and a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV). An interview with the admissions committee may be required as part of the application process. The DNP program admits a limited number of students each year.
Michigan State University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Michigan State University
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Lansing-based, Michigan State University is among the most popular universities in the state of Michigan. The university was founded in 1885 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The university serves almost 50,000 students each year.
The PhD in Nursing at Michigan State University admits both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. The doctoral research program trains nurses to become experts in scientific research as it relates to nursing. Areas of research expertise in the PhD in Nursing program include oncology, obesity and gerontology.
A bachelors or masters degree is required for admission to the nursing program. International applicants will be required to receive a transcript evaluation to determine their previous coursework was completed at a level comparable to an American bachelors of masters degree. Students applying to the PhD in Nursing program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Exam scores for the GRE and a prerequisite course in statistics should be completed within the past 5 years for acceptance into the nursing program.
Applicants should note that online courses are not offered as part of the PhD in Nursing program. All coursework for the doctoral nursing program is completed in a campus-based setting. A limited number of scholarships are available, and therefore students should consult outside resources about funding their doctoral study.
Oakland University: DNP Program Review
Oakland University
2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309
Oakland University is a public university based in Rochester, Michigan. Over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at the university. Oakland University has a 1,200 acre campus that serves nearly 20,000 students.
The Doctor of Nursing practice degree program at Oakland University offers the majority of education online. The DNP program is offered to masters prepared nurses with or without an advanced practice specialization. Students who do not have an advanced practice specialization will complete the additional courses required to earn a specialized area of focus.
The DNP program requires 38 credits of study for masters prepared APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses). The admission deadline for the DNP program is annually in each July to begin in the fall of that same calendar year. Applicants to the DNP program should be graduates of CCNE or NLNAC accredited MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) program. Two letters of recommendation, proof of licensure as an RN within the USA, a personal statement and interview are also required for acceptance into the PhD program. International students applying to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program will have additional requirements such as submitting proof of English proficiency and also having transcripts evaluated if secondary education was not completed in the USA.
To earn the DNP degree, students must complete a minimum of 1000 clinical practice hours, which includes up to 640 hours from previous clinical experiences.
University of Detroit Mercy: DNP Program Review
University of Detroit Mercy
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221-3038
The University of Detroit Mercy is based in the city of Detroit, Michigan. The university maintains an affiliation with the Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus. The University of Detroit Mercy offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
The DNP at the University of Detroit Mercy is offered in the McAuley School of Nursing. Standards of the DNP program are set according to the guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Masters prepared nurses with an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification) are eligible to apply for the DNP program. Nurses seeking to study administrative aspects of nursing may also apply.
In addition to having a masters degree, additional requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.2 GPA earned in the masters degree program, three letters of recommendation, a CV, personal statement and submission of transcripts and proof of licensure as an RN (Registered Nurse).
The DNP can be completed in 4 and 6 semesters of full or part time study respectively. Curriculum for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program includes a clinical practicum and doctoral project instead of a research-based dissertation.
The DNP program requires 36 credits total and is seeking accreditation with Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
University of Michigan Ann Arbor: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
1009 Greene St
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public university in Ann Arbor, Michigan and part of the University of Michigan system. Other campuses in the University of Michigan system include Flint and Dearborn. Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan lays claim to being the oldest university in the state of Michigan.
The School of Nursing at the University of Michigan offers PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
The PhD in Nursing program at the University of Michigan prepares clinical nurses to function at the highest level of practice and develop findings to advance the nursing profession. Areas of focus offered within the PhD program include Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, Bio-Behavior and Women’s Health. Application requirements to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program at the University of Michigan include completion of a BSN or MSN program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree program that prepares nurses for a career at the highest level of clinical practice. Admission requirements for the DNP program include a BSN and MSN from a program accredited by a nursing body such as the CCNE or NLN (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission). Students in the DNP program will complete a scholarly project, residency and courses in scholarly research.
University of Michigan Flint: DNP Program Review
University of Michigan-Flint
Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library
303 E. Kearsley Street
Flint, MI 48502-1950
The University of Michigan Flint was founded in 1956 and is part of the three-campus University of Michigan system. Other campuses in the system include Ann Arbor and Dearborn. UM-Flint serves over 30,000 students annually.
The DNP offered at UM-Flint was developed from the MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program. Several pathways of entry are offered for the DNP. BSN and MSN prepared students are eligible to apply as well as RNs with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing.
The DNP offers distance education courses, with clinical experiences completed in the student’s locale. The four-year DNP is completed on a part-time schedule, which allows nurses some flexibility. Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program without a specialty area of advanced practice can choose from an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Though the BSN To DNP program may be completed in four years and 79 to 82 credits, students may complete the MSN to DNP program in as little as 2 years as it only requires 31 to 33 credits.
UM-Flint offers scholarships to nursing students each year in addition to federal financial aid programs for which students may qualify by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Wayne State University: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward Avenue #3101
Detroit, MI 48202
Based in Detroit, Wayne State University offers over 400 degree programs and serves more than 30,000 students. Wayne State University was founded in 1868. The thirteen colleges offer programs in engineering, education, and liberal arts and sciences.
The PhD in Nursing program at Wayne State University offers a post-BSN and post-MSN option. The doctoral research program seeks to prepare scholars, scientists and leaders in the nursing profession. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program require students to submit exam scores for the GRE, three letters of recommendation, a statement of goals and transcripts from previous study. Graduates of the PhD in Nursing program have pursued careers as professors, academic deans, researchers, and research journal editors. Applicants to the PhD in Nursing program should have common interests with a member of the faculty in order to have an appropriate supervisor for the dissertation and doctoral research.
The DNP program is for bachelors and masters prepared nurses. There are three tracks in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP with an advanced practice certification and MSN to DNP without an advanced practice certification. The DNP program can be completed on a full or part time study schedule. Admission criteria include GPA, GRE scores and a personal statement indicating the applicant’s goals for the DNP program.
Minnesota Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Capella University: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
Capella University, 225 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402.
This University is a for-profit educational institution. The university provides mostly online educational programs for non-traditional students who have pursued careers and are now returning to school to earn a degree. Capella University is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is owned by Capella Education Company.
Students studying nursing at Capella University have access to a number of resources. The nursing program takes an interdisciplinary approach to nursing study, with nurses learning from professionals in other areas of healthcare practice in addition to nursing. Capella University partners with outside organizations to offer career opportunities for students.
Capella University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. The DNP is not clinical in nature, but rather focuses on leadership roles in the healthcare system. The Doctor of Nursing Practice does require a minimum of 1000 experience hours to be completed prior to earning the degree. Admission requirements for the DNP include an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Some restrictions are placed on students from select states. Before submitting an application, prospective applicants should verify eligibility to earn the online DNP from Capella University in their state.
Though a PhD in Nursing is not offered at Capella University, students may pursue a PhD in Education with a focus in Nursing Education. The PhD program is ideal for nurses seeking a career as an academic or professor in a higher education institution.
Walden University: DNP Program Review
Walden University
155 5th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Minnesota-based Walden University awards bachelors through doctoral degrees. The university delivers instructions to students online. The university was founded in 1970, in order to provide an opportunity for working professionals to pursue doctoral degrees. Academic fields of study include nursing, public policy and administration and education.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University prepares nurses to take advanced leadership roles in nursing practice. The doctoral program is delivered online and examines topics from information systems and technology to improving healthcare delivery.
Resources are available for nurses at Walden University to assist in funding their education and advancing their career. Through the “Nurses of the Year” program, Walden University offers scholarships from $5,000 to full-tuition. Free continuing education courses in nursing are offered to nurses at Walden University.
In order to earn the DNP degree, nurses are required to complete 47 academic credits of coursework and an additional one to six credits of practicum experience. The DNP program may be completed in as little as six hours of study including the practicum experience, though additional time may be necessary. To earn the DNP, students must have a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical experience accumulated since earning a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing). Of the total 1000 hours, nurses must earn at least 500 hours as a doctoral student.
College of St. Scholastica: DNP Program Review
College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
The College of St. Scholastica is a private higher education institution founded in 1912 by Benedictine Sisters. In addition to degree programs in nursing, the college offers degree programs in teaching and business administration. The College of St. Scholastica is based in Duluth, Minnesota and also has campuses in St. Paul, Brainerd, Rochester and St. Cloud.
The Doctor of Nursing practice is a clinical program which offers several specialization options for advanced practice study including clinical nurse specialists in adult nursing, adult/geriatric nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult psychiatric nurse practitioner and family psychiatric nurse practitioner. Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses are eligible to apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Masters nurses seeking entry into the DNP should already hold APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification.
Students can choose from three different options for taking courses in the DNP program. Courses are offered at the Duluth campus, a part-time FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) DNP is offered at the St. Cloud campus, and students also may complete some coursework through online study.
The College of St. Scholastica recently removed its GRE requirement for the DNP program. Admission requirements to the DNP include a 3.0 or higher GPA and prerequisite courses in statistics, research, community health nursing and health assessment. It is recommended though not required that applicants have experience working as an RN.
Metropolitan State University: DNP Program Review
Metropolitan State University
1450 Energy Park Dr
St Paul, MN 55108
Metropolitan State University is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The public university is based in Minneapolis-St. Paul (known as the “Twin Cities”) and was founded in 1971.
The Metropolitan State University Department of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The doctoral program is open to nurses with either a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Students with an MSN should hold APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification or be prepared to enter the track for nurse leaders and executives. There is also a track for masters prepared nurses without a specialization. Admission requirements to the program include submitting an application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation and an essay. Students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have graduated from a NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredited program.
Students enrolling in the BSN to DNP option will complete a clinical program to become a FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner). Students in the Post-Entry Level Masters option will also become a FNP upon completion of the program. Students will benefit from studying alongside experienced and well-trained faculty in the DNP program, all of which hold a doctoral degree in their field of study.
Minnesota State University Mankato: DNP Program Review
Minnesota State University
117 Centennial Student Union
Mankato, MN 56001
Minnesota State University (MSU) Mankato is part of the Minnesota State College and Universities System. The university was established in 1868 and has a student population of over 15,000 students. Minnesota State University Mankato is located approximately 75 miles from the twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The DNP program is offered in the School of Nursing. The BSN to DNP (Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Post-Masters DNP are the two tracks to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Though offered in a distance learning format, students will gain expertise in a variety of areas affecting the nursing practice from leadership to applied research. The DNP can be completed in five semesters of coursework followed by a clinical project, which is the equivalent of a dissertation, but used for the clinical degree.
The DNP admission process consists of submitting applications to both the nursing and graduate programs along with transcripts and letters of recommendation. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) or other bachelors degree from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are also required to provide exam scores for the GRE. Applicants to the DNP should also include information about honors and awards, leadership activities and professional activities related to their profession.
Minnesota State University Moorhead: DNP Program Review
Minnesota State University
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
Minnesota State University Moorhead is based in Moorhead, Minnesota. This branch of the Minnesota State Colleges and University system was founded in 1887 and serves over 7,000 students. MSUM is located in close proximity to other states and territories including Canada, North Dakota, South Dakota and also the large Minnesota city of Minneapolis.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree was offered at Minnesota State University Moorhead through a collaboration of degree programs between Minnesota State University Moorhead and Mankato, Winona State University and Metropolitan State University. The MnSCU DNP as it was called has suspended admission to the consortium program, as each university will now offer an independent DNP program specific to each university. It is anticipated that the universities will collaborate in some way to offer doctoral nursing education. Some universities which were part of the consortium DNP program have already established their DNP program.
The DNP program is planned to include admission options for a BSN-DNP (Bachelors of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) as well as a Post-Masters DNP option for nurses that have already earned a masters degree.
The consortium DNP program maintains strict requirements and requires DNP students to hold a 3.0 or higher GPA, and allows a maximum of 2 courses to be earned with a grade of C+, C- or C. Students must also have a recent statistics course in order to maintain sufficient research knowledge to understand nursing research concepts in the DNP program.
St. Catherine University: DNP Program Review
St. Catherine University
2004 Randolph Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
St. Catherine University (known informally as St. Kate’s) is a private women’s university with campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The university is affiliated with the Catholic tradition and was established in 1905 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. St. Catherine University enrolls over 5,000 students in its liberal arts based undergraduate and professional graduate programs.
The Henrietta Schmoll School of Health houses graduate nursing programs including the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). The School of Health has associates through doctoral degree and certificate programs.
The DNP program at St. Catherine’s University is open to both male and female nurses with a masters degree and advanced practice certification. The Doctor of Nursing is a clinical practice focused doctorate which requires nurses to complete a minimum of 540 practicum experience hours at the DNP level.
The DNP program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). In addition to pursuing careers in nursing education, graduates of the DNP program can pursue a career as a clinical nurse leader, nursing executive, or director of a healthcare clinic or department.
A MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLANC earned with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the DNP program. Nurse Anesthetists should be graduates from an accredited CNA (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) program.
University of Minnesota: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Minnesota
Graduate Admissions
101 Pleasant Street SE
309 Johnston Hall
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0421
The School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota has been in operation since 1909. The university is home to a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including the Doctor of Nursing Practice Innovation Center. The university has campuses in Minneapolis-St. Paul (Twin Cities) and Rochester.
The DNP, with both BSN to DNP and Post Masters Entry Options prepares nurses for a career in healthcare utilizing nursing research to reform and improve the healthcare system. A total of 14 specialties are available in the DNP program including Public Health Nursing, Health Systems Innovation, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Midwifery, Nurse Anesthesia, and Pediatrics among others. Interested students may attend information sessions, usually offered on the Twin Cities campus.
For admission to the BSN to DNP program, applicants should have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) with a minimum 3.4 GPA, three references, a nursing license and a total of three admissions related essays. Admission requirements for the Post-masters DNP are similar. Applicants are required to submit exam scores for the GRE only if the majority of their masters coursework was completed in a pass/no pass system.
A PhD in Nursing program with a BSN to PhD and post-masters PhD in Nursing is also offered. The PhD in Nursing is a research focused degree. Admission requirements for the program include a bachelors or masters degree in nursing or a closely related field. Though a specific GPA requirement is not listed, it is a key admission criterion for admission to the program. Past applicants admitted to the program usually have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Winona State University: DNP Program Review
Winona State University
175 West Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987
Founded in Winona, Minnesota in 1858, Winona State University serves nearly 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university is based in the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley. Wisconsin, the Twin Cities and Rochester are all within a nearby driving distance of the university. The university has two campuses in Winona (the Main and West Campuses) and an additional campus, Winona State University-Rochester. Winona State University is the oldest institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
The Department of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences hosts nursing programs at Winona State University. Graduate programs in the Department of Nursing have been in operation since the 1980s. The university offers ANP (Adult Nurse Practitioner) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduate nursing programs. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Winona State University was established in 2007.
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) at Winona State University is not admitting students at this time. The DNP program was part of the MnSCU DNP Consortium with other universities in Minnesota (Minnesota State University Mankato, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Metropolitan State University). The DNP consortium was suspended in favor of the universities each developing separate DNP programs that lead to a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree for bachelors and masters prepared nurses.
Mississippi Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Mississippi Medical Center: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the medical campus of the University of Mississippi. The medical center campus was established in 1973. The University of Mississippi Medical Center serves over 2,000 students.
The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) degree programs. The DNP and PhD are terminal degree options for nurses seeking to earn the highest qualification available in nursing education. The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the only academic campus dedicated specifically to doctoral study.
The DNP prepares nurses to function at the highest level of clinical practice. Students studying at the University of Mississippi Medical Center will benefit from healthcare resources unparalleled in the state, including a pediatric hospital and trauma center. In addition to the resources available at the UMMC campus, partnerships with other Mississippi-based healthcare institutions make collaboration feasible for nurses studying almost any area of practice. Admission requirements include an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), with at least one degree earned in nursing), a GPA of 3.2 or higher in the masters program and three letters of recommendation.
The PhD in Nursing program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is a collaborative program with the University of Southern Mississippi. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program offers two healthcare tracks-human experiences in health care or a biological/physiology track. The PhD in Nursing program has been in operation since 1997. Students in the Doctor of Philosophy program can pursue careers in nursing education, leadership and policy.
University of Southern Mississippi: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
The University of Southern Mississippi (also known as Southern Miss) is a public research university based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The university was established in 1910. Over 15,000 students from every state in the nation attend Southern Miss.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a PhD in Nursing Program in collaboration with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A BSN to DNP (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice) Nurse Anesthesia program and traditional DNP program are also offered.
The DNP program is designed for masters prepared advanced practice nurses to function at the highest level of nursing practice. The DNP is a consortium program with various universities. As a consortium the universities share faculty, distance education resources and other learning materials. Admission requirements to the DNP include a minimum 3.5 GPA in the graduate program and also satisfactory GRE scores for an exam taken within the past five years.
The USM NAP (University of Southern Mississippi Nurse Anesthesia Program) is an entry level doctorate accepting students who have completed a BSN and requires 36 months to complete. Approximately 20 students will enroll in the program each year.
The PhD in Nursing is designed for masters prepared nurses with at least two years of experience as a nurse. The doctoral research program prepares nurses to contribute to the body of developing nursing research including development of nursing theory. As part of the admission process, applicants are required to submit a portfolio of scholarly work and also complete an interview. Career options for graduates of the PhD in Nursing program include faculty positions at universities or other leadership positions in healthcare organizations.
Missouri Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College, 4483 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.
This nursing school, formerly Barnes Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health, is based in St. Louis, Missouri. The college offers healthcare programs in nursing at the undergraduate and graduate level. The institution was founded in 1902 as Jewish Hospital School of Nursing.
The college is a union between Barnes College and Jewish Hospital School of Nursing. The School of Nursing bears the name of benefactor Alvin Goldfarb.
The Goldfarb School of Nursing offers a unique dual degree program which awards nurses both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing qualification. The degree program claims to be the only nursing PhD/DNP dual degree program in the nation.
Entry options are available for both bachelors and masters prepared nurses seeking to earn a DNP/PhD. The college uses the term “practice scientists” to describe its graduates which are uniquely prepared to work in both a practice and research setting.
The Post-MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) DNP normally requires 84 academic credits.
Post-MSN admission requirements to the DNP/PhD program include a minimum 3.5 GPA from a masters program accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).
A variety of financial aid opportunities including scholarships and federal financial aid are available to students pursuing nursing education at the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College.
Graceland University: DNP Program Review
Graceland University
1401 W. Truman Road
Independence, MO 64050-3434
Graceland University is a private university established in 1895. The university has campuses in Iowa and Missouri, the Lamoni and Independence campuses respectively.
Graceland University offers online degree programs in several academic fields including nursing, religion and education.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the first doctoral program to be offered at Graceland University. The DNP is offered through distance learning and requires two on-campus sessions in the course of the program. In the course of the nursing doctoral program, students will learn to use nursing theory, research findings and other relevant knowledge to inform clinical practice.
The DNP at Graceland University is a student centered program. Students in the program will benefit by learning from and interacting with the DNP’s nursing faculty of all of which are prepared with doctoral qualifications. Furthermore, the program is offered online to cater to the needs of working nurses.
The DNP has a focus in Organizational Leadership, and does not prepare nurses for APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification. The nursing program does offer the opportunity to take a 12 credit Nurse Educator certificate to prepare students interested in a faculty program.
Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Nursing practice program at Graceland University. The program does not currently offer admission to nurses with a BSN and masters in a field other than nursing. Doctoral programs are being developed for a BSN to DNP and PhD in Nursing Education.
Maryville University: DNP Program Review
Maryville University
650 Maryville University Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141
Maryville University is a private, research university located in St. Louis, Missouri. The university was established in 1872. Maryville University’s 130 acre campus is located in the suburbs and surrounded by creeks, lakes and walking trails. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in Maryville University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Financial aid is offered to over 90% of full-time students at Maryville University.
The DNP program at Maryville University prepares nurses for advanced practice in the nursing profession. The Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on training nurses to utilize an evidence-based practice approach to healthcare by using research to understand and improve various functions in the healthcare system. The Post-Masters DNP can be completed in 5 semesters and requires 500 clinical practicum hours in addition to coursework.
Admission requirements for the Post-MSN and Post-BSN DNP programs include a BSN or MSN from a nursing program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. A minimum 3.5 GPA (3.25 for Post-BSN applicants) in the previous nursing degree program, three letters of recommendation, CV and an admission essay are additional admission criteria. Select applicants may be required to participate in an interview as part of the admission process. Masters prepared applicants are required to have APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification, while applicants to the post-BSN program need only a valid RN license obtained in the USA.
Saint Louis University: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
Saint Louis University
School of Nursing
3525 Caroline Street
St. Louis, MO 63104-1099
St. Louis University, founded in 1818, claims to be the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. The university was founded by Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg and is affiliated with Catholic and Jesuit religious traditions. St. Louis University is located in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for nurses who desire to remain in practice in a healthcare setting, but function as leaders either through improving programs or managing patient care. Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Masters DNP programs are offered. The majority of coursework for the DNP is delivered online, with students required to attend campus twice during the course of the program, with each visit less than five days. Nurses enrolled in the DNP program complete clinical program requirements in their area.
For nurses who desire an academic role in the nursing profession, which involves exploring nursing research and contributing to the body of nursing knowledge, the PhD in Nursing is a viable option. Students can choose from online or campus-based courses. Nurses interested in online courses should note that students watch classes live, and are therefore required to access the internet at specified times. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a minimum 3.25 GPA, an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) and satisfactory GRE scores within the past five years. Financial aid is available to students in the PhD in Nursing program.
University of Missouri: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Missouri
S246 School of Nursing
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
The University of Missouri has campuses in Columbia, St. Louis, and Kansas City. The flagship campus of the university is located in Columbia and was founded in 1839. The University of Missouri, informally referred to as Mizzou, is part of the University of Missouri system.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are offered in the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri. The most obvious difference between the PhD in Nursing and DNP degrees is that the PhD is ideal for nurses seeking a career in research and academia, while the DNP is a practice-focused degree for nurses seeking to remain in clinical practice through managing care or in a leadership role.
The deadline to apply to the DNP program is annually each November 1, though the Sinclair School of Nursing accepts applications for the DNP year round. Admission requirements include a bachelors degree in nursing and a prerequisite course in statistics completed with a grade of “C” or better. Masters prepared nurses can complete the program in two to three years, while nurses with a BSN will require five to six years to fulfill the requirements to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice qualification.
The PhD in Nursing is offered both on-campus and through distance education. International students are also eligible for both attendance options. Admission requirements for the PhD include a BSN with a 3.2 or higher GPA or an MSN with a 3.5 or higher GPA. Applicants to the doctoral research program are required to take the GRE.
University of Missouri Kansas City: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Missouri
5100 Cherry St
Kansas City, MO 64110
The University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) is based in Kansas City, Missouri and is part of the University of Missouri system along with campuses in Columbia and St. Louis. The university has received many accolades and honors for its green campus, programs in innovation and management, affordable education and being a veteran-friendly institution. The University of Missouri Kansas City was established in 1929.
The PhD in Nursing program at the University of Missouri takes a modern and interdisciplinary approach to nursing education. The PhD program begins in summer, and includes at least two summer sessions. Students in the doctoral program complete most of their coursework via distance education, but are required to attend several on campus seminars throughout the year. The online nursing program meets the needs of working nurses who manage multiple interests in addition to education. In addition to taking core nursing courses in research and nursing, nurses in the PhD program will also take courses in an additional field of study related to their research interests. The PhD program offers both bachelors and masters entry pathways for nurses.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program prepares masters qualified advanced practice nurses with additional training necessary for a terminal degree in nursing, while the BSN to DNP program prepares nurses as APRNs in addition to providing doctoral education. Both programs are offered online or on-campus. The BSN to DNP offers four specializations- adult and family nurse practitioner programs to be completed on campus and women’s health or pediatric nurse that are completed online.
University of Missouri St. Louis: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Missouri St. Louis
1 University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
The University of Missouri St. Louis is based in St. Louis, Missouri. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 16,000 students are enrolled at the University of Missouri, with most students, whether undergraduate or graduate, receiving a form of financial aid.
The PhD in Nursing program focuses on developing and studying research to further knowledge in the nursing practice. To apply, prospective applicants should have earned a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) from an accredited nursing program. The BSN GPA requirement is 3.2 or higher and a 3.5 or higher GPA is required for masters prepared applicants. In addition to submitting transcripts, exam scores for the GRE, letters of reference, a personal statement of research interests and GRE scores are all required for the PhD application.
The Doctor of Nursing practice is a terminal nursing practice degree which trains nurses to perform evidence-based practice, utilizing research to improve healthcare outcomes. Admission criteria for the DNP program include an earned MSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA, letters of reference, a proposed research project that demonstrates a match with faculty research interests, completion of a prerequisite course in statistics and an APRN certification valid in Missouri.
Montana Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Montana State University Bozeman: DNP Program Review
Montana State University Bozeman, College of Nursing, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173560, Bozeman, MT 59717-3560.
Part of the Montana State University system, Montana State University Bozeman is based in the city of Bozeman, Montana. Other campuses in the Montana State University system include MSU-Billings, MSU Northern and MSU Great Falls College of Technology. MSU Bozeman enrolls over 14,000 students and was founded in 1893.
As with many universities throughout the nation, Montana State University is in the process of developing a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Since the American Association of Colleges of Nursing designated the DNP to replace the MSN qualifications by 2015, universities have rapidly began to phase out MSN programs in favor of the DNP.
Currently, Montana State University offers BSN and MSN programs. The university plans to transition its current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) offerings to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. The current APRN offerings are FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP).
The DNP program is likely to be offered beginning Fall 2013. Currently the program is in the process of obtaining approval from the Montana State Board of Regents. The Doctor of Nursing Practice will require approximately 3 years of study.
Financial aid may be available in the form of nursing traineeships, which are available only to students enrolled in the NP program.
Nebraska Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Creighton University: DNP Program Review
Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178.
This is a private, Catholic institution based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in 1878, Creighton University offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university is named in honor of John and Mary Creighton, which provided the funds necessary to establish the university.
Creighton University offers BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Post-Masters DNP (PM-DNP) programs for nurses aspiring to earn the highest qualification available in clinical practice. Comprehensive specialization options are available for students enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Students in the Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) specializations may further specialize in Oncology, Cardiology or Gerontology. Clinical Systems Administration, Advanced/Global Public Health, Certified Nurse Midwife and Certified Nurse Anesthetist are other specialization options available to DNP students. Students may also take courses in nursing education in order to pursue a career as a nurse educator.
Admission requirements to the DNP program include graduation from a BSN program accredited by a nursing body with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam. Three letters of recommendation and working experience as an RN are also required for admission. Applicants should have completed prerequisite courses in statistics and physical assessment.
University of Nebraska Medical Center: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Nebraska Medical Center
UNMC College of Nursing
985330 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-5330
Established in 1880, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has been a part of the University of Nebraska system since 1902. UNMC’s graduate programs are ranked nationally, with nursing, pharmacy and medical education being among the top programs. The nursing program has been in operation since 1917.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is for aspiring nurse leaders in clinical practice, administration and informatics. The doctoral program focuses on improving quality of care, health systems, and the delivery of care in the nursing practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice requires 35 academic credits and may be completed on a full or part time basis. In addition to completing nursing courses, students complete courses in the College of Public Health. As part of the requirements for earning the DNP, nurses enrolled in the program must complete at least 500 hours of clinical practice, though more may be required for nurses who do not have sufficient practice hours.
The nursing PhD program prepares nurses for a variety of career roles in nursing education, research and policy. Both bachelors and masters qualified nurses are able to pursue the PhD in Nursing degree program. For admission to the nursing doctoral research program, students should have a 3.2 or higher GPA and at least a score of 1000 on the GRE.
Washington DC Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Catholic University of America: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) & PhD in Nursing Science Program Review
Catholic University of America, 3600 John McCormack Rd., NE, Washington, DC 20064.
Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private university founded in 1887. The university is based in the District of Columbia, and is a four year institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university is the self-proclaimed “national university of the Catholic church in the United States.”
The School of Nursing at Catholic University of America offers both a PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Both degrees are terminal qualifications in the nursing profession.
The DNP program at Catholic University of America focuses on training nurses to provide evidence-based care based on research findings. Though graduates of the DNP program may teach in nursing education programs, the DNP program at Catholic University of America does not prepare students for teaching positions. The post-masters DNP may be completed in 34-37 credits, while the post-BSN DNP requires 71 to 89 credits.
The PhD in Nursing program at Catholic University of America trains advanced nursing professionals to become clinical researchers. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program requires an exam, a dissertation and successful dissertation defense to earn the PhD in Nursing qualification. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a BSN and MSN from a nursing program that is CCNE or NLNAC accredited. Applicants are encouraged to have at least a 3.5 GPA in previous undergraduate and graduate nursing programs for a competitive PhD in Nursing application.
George Washington University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Review
George Washington University
800 21st Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20052
George Washington University is a private university founded in 1821. The university is located in the District of Columbia. George Washington University has three campuses- Foggy Bottom Campus, the Mount Vernon Campus and the George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus.
The School of Nursing of George Washington University offers a DNP program. For nurses who want to stay in practice and pursue additional education and training, the DNP provides management and leadership education in nursing. Admission requirements include a BSN or MSN with a 3.3 GPA or higher from an accredited university. In addition, masters prepared applicants should have advanced certification in the area of Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Nursing Leadership and Management or Nursing Administration. Students in the NP requirement should hold NP certification. Masters students should also have a graduate level statistics course, and are not required to take the GRE.
The DNP program is delivered primarily online, with students required to attend an orientation, and seminars or project preparation.
Specialization options for BSN applicants include:
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Adult Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nursing Leadership & Management
Specialization options for MSN applicants include:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Health Care Quality
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
The Post BSN DNP requires 60 to 69 credits, while the Post MSN DNP requires 36-47 credits. The amount of time required to complete the DNP will depend on the student’s area of specialization.
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.
Nevada Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Touro University Nevada: DNP Program Review
Touro University Nevada, 874 American Pacific Drive, Henderson, NV 89014.
This University is based in Henderson, Nevada minutes from the popular tourist destination of Las Vegas. Founded in 2004, Touro University Nevada enrolls nearly 1,500 students.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Touro University is unique in that it offers three start dates in the spring summer or fall. The DNP program is a six-semester, 39 credit program that may be completed on full or part-time study. Students can focus their clinical practice component in one of several areas including informatics, health information systems, or population-based studies. Though mostly online, students will gain interaction with faculty and colleagues through required on-campus intensive meetings.
In order to apply to the DNP program, nurses should have a masters degree, though it does not necessarily have to be in nursing. At least one degree, bachelors or masters should be in nursing. The minimum GPA for consideration to the DNP program is 3.0. Prerequisite courses include nursing theory, nursing research and a statistics course which should have been completed within the past 5 years. A key component in the application process for the nursing program is the DNP application portfolio. Nurses must submit a nursing portfolio which includes a resume, personal statement, research statement, academic essay on a topic given by the admissions committee and other forms.
University of Nevada Las Vegas: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Nevada Las Vegas
School of Nursing
Bigelow Health Sciences (BHS)
Room 419
4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453018
Las Vegas, Nevada
89154-3018
The University of Nevada Las Vegas is one of two universities in the University of Nevada system, the other university being located in Reno. The university is located in Paradise, Nevada, less than two miles from the Las Vegas strip. UNLV was established in 1957 and serves over 25,000 students.
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers both Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing programs. The School of Nursing PhD program (SON PhD) offers two areas of focus, urban sustainability and nurse educator. The nursing doctoral program is delivered online, but requires students to attend campus once each year prior to the start of fall semester. Out of state students are eligible for a tuition discount. Applications to the PhD in Nursing program are due annually in February in order to be admitted in the fall. Students may complete the doctoral nursing program in as little as three years, though up to six years of study is permitted. Admission requirements to the nursing PhD include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and MSN or other healthcare oriented masters degree. GRE scores and prerequisites courses in statistics and research are required.
The DNP program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is offered as a collaborative program with the University of Nevada Reno. The UNDNP (University of Nevada (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program is offered online, with some course attendance required as with the PhD in Nursing program. Nurses may choose from an advanced practice or nurse executive/administrator focus. Nurses with a Masters of Science in Nursing are eligible to apply for the UNDNP program.
University of Nevada Reno: DNP Program
University of Nevada Reno
1664 North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557
The University of Nevada Reno was founded in 1874, and is one of the oldest universities in the area. The university of Nevada system includes campuses in Las Vegas and Reno. More than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students are served each year at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR).
The Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada Reno offers the UNDNP, which is offered in collaboration with the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The UNR/UNLV Doctor of Nursing Practice is an online DNP program, which requires nursing students to attend on-campus sessions for a few days each year. The DNP program consists, of cohorts which go through the entire doctoral program together. Each cohort includes 14 to 15 students. The DNP program is 39 credits and may be completed in two years of full-time or three years of part-time study. Students who apply and enroll in the UNDNP program through the University of Nevada Reno will earn the DNP from the University of Nevada Reno campus.
To be admitted to the DNP program, students must have a masters degree in nursing or a related healthcare field. Applicants should hold a BSN or MSN, at least one degree should be in nursing. DNP applicants do not need to take the GRE to be considered for admission to the doctoral program, but should have a masters GPA of at least 3.5.
Georgia Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Emory University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30329
Atlanta-based Emory University was originally founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of Oxford. Emory University is a private, research university that grants bachelors through doctoral degrees. More than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students are educated at Emory University each year.
The Nell Hogdson Woodruff School of Nursing offers a comprehensive PhD in Nursing program, which trains students to become researchers and teachers. Three tracks are offered in the PhD program-BSN-PhD, BSN-PhD/NP and MSN-PhD. Students with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing or Masters of Science in Nursing are eligible to enroll in the PhD program. Nurses with a BSN have the option of earning a PhD along with a Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification.
Admission to the PhD program is competitive; as little as three applicants are admitted each year. The PhD program offers a highly individualized program of study for aspiring PhD in Nursing students.
To apply, applicants must submit GRE scores, transcripts, and a statement outlining research interests. Previous research experience is not necessary to apply to the doctoral program. To be competitive, nurses should have similar research interests with at least one faculty members as students work with faculty on research projects from the first year of the program.
Georgia College and State University: DNP Program Review
Georgia College and State University
231 W. Hancock St.
Milledgeville, GA 31061
Georgia College and State University (more commonly known as Georgia College) is a public research university founded in 1889. The university is based in Milledgeville, Georgia. The majority of students at Georgia College and State University receive some form of financial aid.
Georgia College strives to provide a balance between theory and practice in their academic offerings. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program integrates evidence based research into nursing practice. While a PhD in Nursing often trains nurses to work outside the healthcare setting in academic institutions or with government agencies, the DNP is designed for nurses who seek to remain in clinical practice.
It is recommended that DNP applicants have at least a 3.5 GPA or higher though a GPA of 3.2 is required to apply. As a prerequisite, nurses should have completed a statistics course. Additional application requirements include verification of 500 hours of clinical supervision at the master’s level. Pre-entrance exams such as the GRE are not required. The DNP at Georgia College is a post-MSN program, open to students with at least a Master’s Degree in Nursing.
The doctoral program is delivered primarily online with a two-week intensive which offers nurses the opportunity to continue working while attending the DNP program. The DNP can be completed in 2 years (5 semesters of full time study).
Georgia Health Sciences University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Georgia Health Sciences University
1120 15th Street
Augusta GA 30912
Georgia Health Sciences University is a higher education institution in the University of Georgia system, which specifically houses degree programs for careers in healthcare. GHSU was established in 1828 and is one of the 15 oldest medical schools in the nation.
DNP and PhD in Nursing terminal degree programs for nurses are offered at Georgia Health Sciences University. The DNP program also has tracks specifically for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners or Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Several on-campus learning centers and resources are available to students pursuing a PhD in Nursing at Georgia Health Sciences University. The Center for Nursing Research, Interdisciplinary Simulation Center and Health Disparities Research Center all offer opportunities for nurses to explore research and identify with specific areas of specialty in nursing. To apply, PhD in Nursing applicants should meet admissions requirements which include an MSN degree or international equivalent, a BSN, and a 3.0 and 3.2 for the undergraduate and graduate degree respectively. Students with only a Masters of Science in Nursing may be considered for admission on a case by case basis.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Georgia Health Sciences University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP can be completed full or part time, which allows nurses to pursue their careers and higher education simultaneously. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate and graduate education and both a BSN and MSN.
Georgia Southern University: DNP Program Review
Georgia Southern University
332 Southern Drive
Statesboro, GA 30458
Georgia Southern University is a public research university with the community feeling of a small campus. Based on a 700 acre campus in Statesboro, Georgia, GSU is a residential university in which students can live while studying. Over 100 degree programs in fields such as nursing, business and education are offered in the various bachelor’s through doctoral degree programs.
Georgia Southern University’s School of Nursing is under the College of Health and Human Services. Two online tracks are offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The DNP is Georgia Southern University’s 5th doctoral program and focuses on preparing nurses to be leaders in administration and implementation of policy for individuals, communities and populations. The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Each year, ten students are admitted to the DNP program. Admission requirements include having a masters degree in nursing and an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification. There is also a Post-BSN DNP (Post Bachelor of Science in Nursing) track.
The DNP program can be completed in 8 semesters of study. Students in the DNP program have the option of pursuing a Nurse Education certification and taking the certification exam in Nurse Education as part of their doctoral training. The DNP is designed for the working nurse and may be completed online.
Georgia State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Georgia State University
Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
Atlanta-based Georgia State University is among the four universities in the state of Georgia’s public university system. GSU serves approximately 30,000 students and offers more than 250 degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Georgia State University was established in 1913.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is offered in the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions. The PhD in Nursing is offered in a hybrid format, with both web-based and online coursework and assignments. Both BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) prepared nurses are eligible to apply for the doctoral program.
The Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions has very specific instructions for students applying to the DNP program. Applicants are required to gather and submit all application materials at one time, with the exception of exam scores. Applicants who do not apply as specified and do not submit all of their application materials in one packet (including transcripts and recommendations) will risk not being considered for admission. The application deadline for the PhD in Nursing is annually each February.
Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include three letters of recommendation, a personal statement which includes research goals, writing sample and a resume or CV. Additional requirements include submitting GRE scores and two official transcripts from all previous institutions. For the post-master’s PhD in Nursing, an MSN degree is required to apply, though students with a BSN and a master’s degree in a field other than nursing may be considered if they meet certain requirements. The PhD in Nursing is a 60 credit doctoral program. A BS to PhD program is also offered for nurses who would like to get an early start on their research career.
Kennesaw State University: DNS (Doctor of Nursing Science) Program Review
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Kennesaw State University is based in Kennesaw, Georgia and part of the state system. KSU was established n 1963, and today serves over 20,000 students, though it began as a community college serving just 1,000 students. Kennesaw State University offers approximately 80 bachelor’s through doctoral degree programs.
The Wellstar College of Health and Human Services offers a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) program. The DNS is a practical degree, which trains nurses for leadership in the healthcare setting.
Admission requirements to the DNS program include a master’s degree with a major in nursing, 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a valid RN license which allows nurses to practice in the USA. Applicants with international nursing qualifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. GRE scores, a minimum of 3.5 on writing and a score of 500 in each of the verbal and quantitative sections is also required for exam requirements. Prerequisite courses include a course in statistics and also nursing.
The DNS program is 60 credits; up to 15 credits may be transferred towards the program. Nurses in the doctoral program will split the coursework evenly between online and on-campus study. The DNS may be completed in three or four years of full or part time study respectively.
Mercer University: DNP and PhD in Nursing Program Review
Mercer University
1400 Coleman Avenue
Macon, GA 31207
Mercer University is based in Macon, Georgia with additional campuses in Savannah and Atlanta. Mercer University is a private university established by Baptists in 1833. The university serves over 8,000 students and has been ranked by both U.S News and World Report and the Princeton Review among the best universities in the nation.
The Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at Mercer University offers both PhD in Nursing and DNP programs. The DNP at Mercer University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on care for individuals and groups and trains nursing leaders in management, providing quality care and understanding and implementing nursing policy. The doctoral degree program can be complete in five or eight semesters depending on the student’s plan of study.
At minimum, nurses should have a master’s degree and a specialization with national certification to apply. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Anesthetist (CNA), Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Nurse Midwife are acceptable areas of national certification. Exam scores for the MAT or GRE are not required, though applicants must have completed a prerequisite course in statistics.
The PhD in Nursing prepares nurses for doctoral research at the highest level of practice. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing include a master’s degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA in a program that is accredited by a nursing body, acceptable scores on the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and a valid US nursing license. Prerequisites courses include nursing theory, nursing research and statistics. Applicants who meet certain criteria including a minimum score of 1000 on the GRE and a 3.5 GPA may be given preference in the nursing application process.
Hawaii Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Hawaii at Manoa: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2500 Campus Road, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (also spelled the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa) is the leading institution in the University of Hawaii system. The university serves over 60,000 students. The University of Hawaii at Manoa is based in the Hawaiian capital of Honolulu. Flagship
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers both a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program for nurses seeking terminal degrees. To apply to either doctoral nursing program, applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a masters degree.
Both the DNP and PhD in Nursing degrees are rigorous, but differ in the length of study required. The DNP requires 2 years and 30 credits to complete, while the PhD in Nursing requires 45 credits and 4 years to complete. Both doctoral programs require nurses to enroll in courses over the summer. Courses in the nursing doctoral program Nursing doctorate programs at UHM are drafted according to standards set by the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing).
The DNP and PhD in nursing are different in academic focus, providing terminal degree options both for nurses who would like to remain in practice or work at the policy level. The DNP is ideal for nurses who seek to create and implement systems of care based on an evidence-based practice model. The DNP requires students to complete a final project related to their area of study.
Nurses in the PhD in Nursing program will complete a research-based assignment under the direction of a faculty member. The doctoral research program prepares nurses for careers in academia or other research-oriented environments.
Oregon Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Oregon Health and Science University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239.
Oregon Health and Science University has campuses in Portland and Hillsboro. The public university also includes two hospitals on the campus. Established in 1974, Oregon Health and Science University is the only university in Oregon dedicated to health sciences.
Oregon Health and Science University offers a doctoral nursing research program, the PhD in Nursing. Approximately 40 students are enrolled in the nursing PhD program each year. Past dissertations in the doctoral nursing program have explored healthcare in specific hospital departments as well as patient issues and treatment. Students in the nursing PhD program at OHSU tend to focus on social and behavioral aspects of health in addition to methods and measurement in the healthcare setting. Most students complete the PhD in Nursing at Oregon Health and Science University in just over 5 years.
Nearly $200,000 in funding and aid have gone towards tuition funding at the OHSO School of Nursing. About 25 students enroll in the DNP program annually, and choose from a variety of healthcare specialties including Health Systems Leadership, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwifery. Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses are admitted to the DNP program. Admission requirements to the Post-BSN DNP include submitting exam scores for the GRE, proof of a completed statistics prerequisite with a grade of “B” or higher and a 3.0 GPA.
University of Portland: DNP Program Review
University of Portland
5000 North Willamette Boulevard
Portland, OR 97203
The University of Portland based in Portland, Oregon is the sister school of the popular University of Notre Dame. Both universities are private higher education institutions founded by the Congregation of the Holy Cross. The University of Portland was founded in 1901 and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic tradition.
A Family Nurse Practitioner specialization is offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Portland. The university has replaced the MSN NP programs with the DNP. Both BSN and MSN students are admitted to the DNP, though masters prepared nurses should already hold an APRN (Advanced Practice Nursing Certification), which they will maintain throughout the course of the DNP program. A key focus of the doctoral nursing program at the University of Portland is caring for the poor.
Designed to allow nurses to maintain a professional schedule, the DNP at the University of Portland utilizes a hybrid format using both campus-based and online coursework. Students in the doctoral nursing practice program meet once each month on a weekend, and are notified at least one semester ahead of class meetings.
To apply to the DNP, students must submit competitive GRE or MAT scores, ideally have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, submit a well-written personal statement and enthusiastic letters of recommendation preferably from practicing nurses.
Pennsylvania Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Carlow University: DNP Program Review
Carlow University, 3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Carlow University is a private Catholic institution. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. In both the undergraduate and graduate student population, women comprise approximately 90% of the student body. Carlow University was founded in 1929 as Mount Mercy College by the Sisters of Mercy of Carlow, Ireland.
Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Carlow University can complete their degree in as little as 16 months. The doctoral nursing program is also offered on a part time schedule that allows students to take one course each semester. The DNP offers a hybrid online, in-person format, which requires nursing doctoral students to attend classes on the weekends.
It is recommended that students apply to the nursing doctoral program by April 1. Documents to be submitted included a personal statement, three letters of recommendation and proof of RN licensure. To be admitted to the DNP program at Carlow University, students should have a BSN, and an MSN or masters degree in a related healthcare field with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
In addition to federal financial aid which is provided through grants and loans, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program may apply for a graduate assistantship. Graduate Assistantships provide tuition assistance and in some cases a living stipend in exchange for teaching undergraduate students, assisting with faculty research or performing administrative tasks. Financial aid in the form of graduate assistantships is available to a limited number of students.
Chatham University: DNP Program Review
Chatham University
College for Continuing and Professional Studies
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Formerly a women’s college, Chatham University is now a co-educational higher education institution, which admits both male and female students. Chatham University was established in 1869 and is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chatham University is a small institution with a student to faculty ratio of 10:1 and just over 2,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs combined.
A low-residency, online program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice allows nursing students to complete their degree primarily through distance education. The DNP program at Chatham University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education along with the BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree programs.
The admission cycle period for the DNP program for the fall and spring terms is in April and September respectively. Along with their application, prospective doctoral nursing students should submit transcripts from all previous schools attended and two letters of recommendation. The DNP program is for masters prepared nurses with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
A limited number of scholarships are available for doctoral nursing students in addition to federal financial aid. Students interested in aid to complete the DNP program should complete the FAFSA. The DNP is a 27 credit program that can be completed in three to five semesters of study. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program can be completed on a full or part time basis.
DeSales University: Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Review
DeSales University
2755 Station Avenue
Center Valley, PA 18034
A private Catholic institution, De Sales University was founded by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The mission of the university is to offer a quality higher education in the Catholic tradition. Just under 2,500 students are enrolled at DeSales University.
DeSales University based in Central Valley, Pennsylvania offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program for working nurses. The DNP has a focus in leadership. A key aspect of the program is the value that the nursing department places on developing professional relationships with faculty and colleagues. Students in the DNP program will benefit from scheduled mentoring opportunities with nursing faculty.
Admission requirements to the DNP program include possessing a BSN and MSN from a program accredited by a nursing body, GPA of 3.3 or higher, valid nursing license and at least one year of clinical nursing experience. Prospective students should have completed several undergraduate and graduate prerequisite courses. An undergraduate course in statistics should be completed with a grade of “C” or better and graduate prerequisites to be completed with a “B” or better include epidemiology with biostatistics, advanced pharmacology and physical assessment and pathophysiology.
The nursing department of DeSales University does not have DNP scholarships at this time, and most students fund their education through loans. It is recommended that doctoral nursing students view scholarships resources listed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and other external organizations.
Drexel University: DNP Program Review
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Drexel University is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known as the “City of Brotherly Love.” Drexel University was established in 1891, and has a focus on cooperative and hands on learning opportunities for it students.
Four specialization options are offered in the Dr.NP program at Drexel University. Students can choose from an educator, clinical scientist, clinical executive or practitioner role. Applicants should note that the Dr.NP offered at Drexel University is a clinical research degree that differs from the DNP in that it requires a dissertation, though it is still a practical degree. The Dr.NP program is one of very few offered in the country.
Though delivered online, the Dr.NP is a rigorous doctoral program with features similar to the PhD in Nursing. The doctoral nursing program requires a dissertation, though not quite the scale of a doctoral research program. Students in the Dr.NP program also have the option of participating in a short term study abroad program in their second year of study.
In order to be considered for admission to the Dr.NP students should submit copies of all transcripts and certifications including the nursing license along with a personal statement, resume or curriculum vitae and two letters of recommendation. International students and students whose first language is not English must have licensure as an RN in the USA and take an English placement exam.
Duquesne University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Duquesne University
School of Nursing
5th Floor Fisher Hall
600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Duquesne University is composed of 10 schools and nearly 200 degree programs. The university enrolls more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year.
Duquesne University was established in 1878 by Spiritans and continues in the Catholic tradition today.
Both the Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing programs at Duquesne University are online. If you are considering pursuing a DNP or PhD in Nursing out of state, consult the College of Nursing and Health Professions as students from certain states are restricted from online degree programs.
In order to ensure the nursing PhD student’s learning experience is a success it is essential that the student find a faculty mentor with similar research interests. Prior to applying, prospective nursing students are invited to contact faculty members regarding their research interests.
Though delivered primarily online, the PhD program does have on-campus components, including a mandatory orientation. To be admitted to the nursing PhD program, students should have a nursing license, BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and ideally a masters degree in nursing earned with a 3.5 GPA or better.
Applications to the DNP program at Duquesne University are accepted annually each February. Admission requirements include a BSN and MSN with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Prior to entering the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, students should have completed several prerequisites including statistics and nursing research methods. The DNP is a full-time program which requires in-person attendance twice during the course of the program.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
1011 South Drive
Indiana, Pa. 15705
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is a private university established in 1875 in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The campus boasts a performing arts center, arboretum and a picnic and concert every Wednesday among other extracurricular socialization opportunities for students.
IUP offers a PhD in Nursing program with a focus on Nursing Education. Students in the doctoral nursing program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania are prepared for a career in academia by studying quantitative and qualitative research methods. The nursing PhD program is delivered online and holds classes twice each month, which allows working nurses to pursue higher education while maintaining their nursing career.
Each year 15 to 20 nursing students comprise a nursing PhD cohort. The cohort program allows nurses to pursue PhD education with the same group of students. Admission requirements to the nursing PhD include GRE scores, a GPA of 3.5 or higher, submission of a writing sample, transcripts and letters of recommendation. Applicants to the PhD in Nursing program should have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) or masters degree in a related field.
Nursing students can pursue an employment position as a graduate or teaching assistant to offset the cost of tuition and receive a stipend. Assistant positions are limited. Scholarships and federal aid are also usually available.
La Salle University: DNP Program Review
La Salle University
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
La Salle University is a private, Catholic school founded in 1863. The university was founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle who founded the Christian Brothers organization, which operates La Salle University. More than 7,000 students are enrolled at La Salle University. Nursing is among the university’s top three graduate programs with the highest enrollment.
La Salle University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a full or part time option. Clinical practicum experience is a key part of the nursing program. The doctoral nursing program at La Salle University is designed for masters prepared nurses with 750 or more hours of clinical practice experience.
Students may be admitted to the DNP program based on two different study patterns, an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) with APRN certification or an MBA or MHA (Masters of Health Administration) with an APRN certification. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.7 are not required to submit GRE scores. Letters of recommendation are also required.
Nurses who have completed their MSN education before certain curriculum requirements and the 500 clinical hour practicum requirement should consult with the DNP director regarding their particular case. In addition, nurses who have been out of graduate school for more than five years should seek letters of recommendation from professional colleagues rather than their former nursing professors.
Penn State University Hershey: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Penn State University Hershey
500 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
Penn State University Hershey is one of 24 campuses in the Pennsylvania State University system, known more commonly as Penn State University. The Hershey campus offers nursing and other healthcare programs including a School of Medicine. The Penn State University Hershey campus was established in 1963 with funding from the Hershey foundation.
Both a BSN to PhD and Traditional PhD program are offered at the Penn State School of Nursing. The nursing PhD program is interdisciplinary in nature and offers the opportunity for each student to develop an individual plan of study in the PhD in Nursing program which focuses on a specific area of study.
To apply to the Traditional PhD in Nursing program for nurses with an MS in Nursing, applicants should have a 3.5 in their bachelors and masters level nursing programs. Three letters of recommendation and a valid nursing license in Pennsylvania, another state or a country abroad are also required. References submitted on behalf of the applicant should be positive and not allude to any reasons why the applicant would not succeed in the doctoral nursing program.
A curriculum vita which demonstrates the nurse’s professional experience and scholarly writing sample that shows a strong writing ability though does not necessarily need to be published is also part of the admissions criteria to the nursing PhD program.
Pennsylvania State University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Pennsylvania State University
201 Old Main, University Park
Pennsylvania 16802
Founded in 1855, Pennsylvania State University is one of two flagship public universities in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University, which is more commonly known as Penn State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Penn State University began as an agricultural college and has grown to over 24 campuses and holds a reputation as one of the most well-respected academic institutions in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State University offers two nursing PhD programs, a nursing PhD for BSN to PhD students and a PhD in Nursing with a focus in interdisciplinary studies. The interdisciplinary studies nursing PhD includes courses in research methods, statistics and nursing science. Students take interdisciplinary courses related to an area of specialization or pursue independent nursing study with a faculty member.
Admission requirements for the nursing PhD program include a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) depending on the track the student is applying to enter. In either case, students should have a GPA of 3.5 or above and GRE scores above the 50th percentile. Letters of recommendation should ideally come from both professional and academic settings from a person with higher academic qualifications than the applicant.
The BSN to PhD program is for exceptionally qualified baccalaureate prepared nurses. The nursing PhD is composed of an individualized plan of study for each student. The Post BS to PhD program requires approximately 5 years of study.
All doctoral nursing students are eligible to receive full funding for the first two years of the nursing PhD program by working as a faculty assistant.
Robert Morris University: DNP Program Review
Robert Morris University
6001 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA1510
Robert Morris University was founded in 1921 for its namesake Robert Morris, the man believed to have funded the American Revolution. The university was first established as Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Robert Morris University was the first in the state to be certified by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Two tracks are offered in the DNP program at Robert Morris University. A BSN to DNP degree program prepares nurses with training as an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) and awards the DNP degree. Masters prepared nurses with an advanced practice certification such as NP, CNA, CNM or CNS can enter the DNP Completion program to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
To apply for the DNP completion program, nurses should have a BSN and MSN earned with a 3.25 GPA or higher, at least one year of experience as a nurse and advanced practice certification. Admission requirements for the BSN to DNP program include a minimum 3.25 GPA in a BSN program and at least one year of professional nursing experience.
Information provided by the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Robert Morris University indicates that highly qualified nurses are and will likely continue to be in high demand. There is currently a nursing shortage both in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. NPs with a doctorate degree can earn more than $80,000 dollars a year, and have an average annual salary higher than most bachelors prepared nurses.
Temple University: DNP Program Review
Temple University
2129 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Temple University is a public university that serves over 30,000 students in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university awards associate through doctoral degrees including professional practice degrees in dentistry and medicine. Additional Temple University campuses are located in Fort Washington, Harrisburg and Center City. Temple University was founded in 1884 as Temple College.
A Post BSN DNP is offered for the bachelors prepared nurse as well as the Post APRN DNP for masters prepared nurses with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification. Either DNP program can be completed full or part time. Students complete their DNP with an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification.
The application deadline for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is April 15 of each year. Students should have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) with a minimum 3.0 GPA for consideration to the Post BSN DNP track and an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) with a minimum 3.0 GPA to be admitted to the Post APRN track. Applicants with a GPA below 3.33 should submit competitive GRE scores in the 50th percentile or above for admission consideration.
Prospective DNP students who do not meet admission criteria or who would like to take up to two courses in the program as a non-degree student may do so through a separate admission process.
Thomas Jefferson University: DNP Program Review
Thomas Jefferson University
1020 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Founded in 1824, Thomas Jefferson University was first called Jefferson Medical College. The university offers a variety of healthcare degree programs. The university was renamed in 1969 to represent the inclusion of two additional colleges and the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree offers several completion options, including a two, three and four year program of study. The DNP may be completed over five years of study if required. The doctoral nursing program requires 36 academic credits.
Applicants to the DNP program at Thomas Jefferson University should have an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) earned with a 3.2 or higher GPA. Applicants that do not meet the GPA requirements should also submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam. Three letters of reference and a portfolio demonstrating scholarly work are also required for consideration in the DNP program. Applicants will be required to complete an interview for the final round of consideration.
To obtain more information about the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, prospective students may register for an information session on campus. The event will allow prospective DNP students to tour the campus, discuss prerequisite and admission requirements as well as the DNP curriculum.
University of Pennsylvania: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Pennsylvania
1 College Hall 34th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
The University of Pennsylvania is the only Ivy League university in the state of Pennsylvania. The university was founded in 1749 with the urging of Benjamin Franklin’s Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth. Over 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students pursue full time studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Nursing programs at the University of Pennsylvania have been in operation for over 125 years. The university offers undergraduate through post doctoral academic programs.
Admission requirements to the Penn School of Nursing are highly detailed. A letter of recommendation is required from an academic, professional and employment reference. GRE scores, an RN license and transcripts from all previous universities must be submitted as part of the admission process. International applicants to the nursing PhD program whose first language is not English must take an English proficiency exam. Nurses with an MSN may apply to the nursing PhD program, though applicants with a masters degree in a related field may also be considered.
Students in the doctoral nursing program may also choose to pursue a joint Masters degree in Bioethics or Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Nurses pursuing a masters degree may concurrently enroll in the nursing PhD program. Teaching and research residencies are among the financial aid opportunities that can assist doctoral nursing students in funding their education.
University of Pittsburgh: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Pittsburgh
738 William Pitt Union,
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Initially a private university, the University of Pittsburgh has been a public institution since 1966. The university was established in 1787, and is located on a132 acre campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh holds several accolades and honors such as being ranked in the top 10 of best graduate schools and top of 5 of institutions that receive research funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Nearly a quarter of nursing faculty members are Fellows in the American Academy of Nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Administrator specializations are offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Pittsburgh. Admission criteria to the DNP program include an RN license and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree with an above average GPA. Applicants with a masters degree in nursing (in any area except anesthesia) and a GPA of 3.5 or higher are not required to take the GRE. Applicants to the BSN to DNP program should take the Graduate Record Exam.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program has entry tracks for both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. Areas of research study in the PhD program include behavior management, patient management, genetics, informatics and technology. A variety of teaching, research and assistant positions are available to provide tuition assistance and a stipend to doctoral nursing students. Admission requirements include a BSN or MSN from a program accredited by a nursing body and a competitive GRE score from an exam taken no more than five years prior.
Villanova University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Villanova University
800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
Villanova University was founded in 1842 by the Augustinians, a religious group affiliated with the Catholic religion. The university continues educating students in the Catholic tradition to this day. More than 10,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the university.
The School of Nursing at Villanova University is designated a Center of Nursing Excellence by the National League for Nursing. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs are offered at Villanova University. Established in 1953, the School of Nursing was recognized by the National Student Nurses Association as a Stellar School.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Villanova University is a four semester degree program delivered in a hybrid format, in which students take online and campus-based courses. The DNP is designed to be completed on a full-time plan of study plan. To be considered for admission to the DNP, nurses should have an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) with a 3.5 or higher GPA and also an advanced practice certification.
The PhD in Nursing is a 51 credit program which offers evening courses and distance learning opportunities. International students have the option of attending an on-campus PhD in Nursing program at the Villanova University campus. Loans and nursing traineeships are forms of financial aid available for nursing students.
Waynesburg University: DNP Program Review
Waynesburg University
51 W. College Street
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370
Waynesburg University is a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian tradition of the Christian faith. Established in 1849, the university is based one hour from Pittsburgh in Waynesburg and also has three off campus centers including the Monroeville Center, North Hills Center and Southpointe Center. Service learning and study abroad opportunities are important at Waynesburg University as the university is only one of two institutions in Pennsylvania affiliated with the Bonner Scholar program that provides scholarships for community service learning projects.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is 36 credits and can be completed in three or four years of study. The doctoral nursing program is for masters prepared nurses and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Distance education is utilized throughout the program, which meets one weekend bi-monthly each semester. Nursing students will have the opportunity to build relationships with other students, as classes meet with cohorts of 8 to 15 students.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Waynesburg University admits nurses with a BSN and MSN in nursing or a related healthcare field. Nurses with doctoral degrees in other areas are particularly encouraged to apply. Admission criteria include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a portfolio of professional experience and letters of recommendation. Applicants to the DNP program that meet all admission criteria will be interviewed.
Widener University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Widener University
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
Widener University is a private research university established in 1821. The university was recognized by Newsweek for its commitment to civic engagement and various service learning and spring break service programs. The campus, located less than a half hour’s drive from Philadelphia, is based in Chester, Pennsylvania. Widener University has additional campuses in Wilmington, Delaware and Harrisburg and Exton Pennsylvania.
The School of Nursing at Widener University was established in 1966. Students in the School of Nursing will benefit from a student to faculty ratio of 8:1. Both the DNP and PhD in Nursing are offered at Widener University. The DNP and PhD programs at Widener University are offered on a full and part time schedule in order to accommodate the working nurse. While the DNP is for nurses seeking to remain working in a clinical setting, the PhD in Nursing focuses on training nurses for careers in research, academia and teaching.
Masters prepared nurses are ideal candidates to the DNP program. Admission requirements to the DNP include a 3.2 or higher GPA, one reference letter each from an employer and educator and a prerequisite course in epidemiology. In addition to holding an RN license, applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program should have licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program at Widener University have gone on to hold senior academic posts in academia both in the USA and abroad. Admission criteria for the PhD in Nursing program include graduation from a nursing masters degree program accredited by a nursing body with a 3.5 or higher GPA. Applicants should also submit competitive scores on a GRE exam taken no more than five years prior to applying to the nursing PhD program.
Wilkes University: DNP Program Review
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
Wilkes University is based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, less than 3 hours from Manhattan, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university is named for John Wilkes, a supporter of the cause of the Revolutionary War who lived in England. Wilkes University is a private institution founded in 1933.
Prospective students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program can choose from five specialization areas- Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology CNS, Psychiatric/Mental Health CNS and Nurse Executive. There are two tracks, both a BS-DNP (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Post Masters DNP for nurses with a masters degree.
All students in the DNP program at Wilkes University will benefit from one-on-one advising in a small private school setting. The doctoral nursing program is online and can be completed in 30 to 70 credits of study depending if the student has a bachelors or masters qualification when entering the program.
Applicants to the DNP with an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) should have a 3.5 GPA and APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification as an Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Anesthetist (CNA) or Nurse Midwife (CNM). Bachelors prepared nursing applicants should have a BSN earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
York College of Pennsylvania: DNP Program Review
York College of Pennsylvania
441 Country Club Road
York, PA 17403-3651
Based in York, Pennsylvania, York College of Pennsylvania is located two hours from Philadelphia and four hours from New York City and Pittsburgh. The college has been nationally ranked for its affordability compared to other private colleges in the area. York College of Pennsylvania was founded in 1787 as York County Academy, a teacher training institution.
The DNP Program at York College of Pennsylvania is a six semester, 37 credit program. Nurses in the doctoral nursing program will complete a minimum of 240 hours of clinical practicum experience during the course of the program depending on the number of clinical hours they hold when entering the program. Classes are divided into intensive sessions throughout the semester.
In order to apply to the DNP program at York College of Pennsylvania, prospective nursing doctoral students should have an RN license and a nursing degree from a program accredited by a nursing body, either the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Nurses seeking to enter the graduate program should have at least 12 months of professional experience as a nurse.
As a final component in the DNP program, nursing students are required to complete a scholarly project. The scholarly project can be performed in the nurse’s current healthcare setting and must demonstrate the nurse’s knowledge of evidence-based practice.
Rhode Island Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Rhode Island: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Rhode Island, College of Nursing, White Hall, 2 Heathman Road, Kingston, RI 02881-2021.
The University of Rhode Island is a public research university located in Kingston, Rhode Island. Other URI campuses include the Feinstein Providence Campus located in the Rhode Island City of Providence, the Narragansett Bay Campus located in Narragansett and the W. Alton Jones campus in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. The University of Rhode Island serves over 14,000 students and was established in 1892.
The University of Rhode Island offers the only terminal nursing degree programs in the state of Rhode Island, and is one of very few universities to offer doctoral nursing programs in New England. Both a PhD in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice are offered for nurses seeking roles within or outside of the clinical setting.
The PhD in Nursing at the University of Rhode Island prepares nurses for careers in research that explores the healthcare environment and examines issues related to nurses and patients. Admission requirements to the program include a bachelors of science in nursing earned from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and also an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing).
The DNP program offers the opportunity to specialize as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in one of several areas including gerontology, psychiatry-mental health and the family. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practical degree that requires nurses to earn at least 510 clinical practice hours as part of the program. Prospective DNP students should have a masters degree.
South Carolina Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Clemson University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Clemson University, 109 Daniel Dr., Clemson, SC 29631
This is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. More than 17,000 students enroll at Clemson University each year. The university is named for Thomas Green Clemson who spearheaded educational and economic development in South Carolina.
Clemson University offers a PhD in Healthcare Genetics, a terminal qualification ideal for healthcare practitioners including nurses. The nursing PhD program is interdisciplinary in nature as students will receive direction from faculty in several academic disciplines including genetics, political science and psychology. Students in the PhD in Healthcare Genetics will further specialize by choosing from one of three roles-interventionist, ethics and health policy or bench science.
Admission requirements for the PhD in HealthCare Genetics include a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation and a satisfactory score on the GRE. Acceptable scores on the GRE include a 3.5 on the writing section and 450 each on the verbal and quantitative sections. Students who have taken the GRE prior to its most recent scoring change should consult the program for acceptable scores. Additionally, prospective students may contact the program about possible early entry dates for admission to the program.
Career options for students in PhD in Healthcare Genetics option are numerous and include becoming a research scientist, conducting genetics research and working in bioethics. Nurses are particularly suited to careers in education and teaching.
Medical University of South Carolina: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Medical University of South Carolina
171 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425
Established in 1824, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers a variety of programs in healthcare. The university began as a private college solely for the purpose of educating physicians. Students at MUSC will benefit from learning in a joint hospital/academic setting as the university is part of a medical system that includes a hospital. Medical University of South Carolina offers online PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice doctoral degree programs.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Medical University of South Carolina is specifically designed for bachelors or masters prepared nurses. The DNP program awards both a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Career options for graduates of the DNP program at Medical University of South Carolina include working in nursing schools, hospitals and research centers. General admission requirements to the DNP program include a BSN for the post bachelors entry or a BSN and MSN for post masters entry. A minimum 3.0 GPA is recommended for applicants to the DNP program.
Students in the PhD in Nursing program are prepared to explore needs of individuals and communities, specifically as needs relate to vulnerable populations. BSN to PhD and MSN to PhD entry options are offered in the nursing PhD program. A minimum GPA of 3.5 or better is the preferred GPA for applicants. Nursing PhD applicants should have a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body, either the CCNE or NLNAC.
University of South Carolina: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of South Carolina
USC College of Nursing
1601 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208
The University of South Carolina (USC) is one of the leading universities in South Carolina. The university was founded in 1805 and offers over 300 academic programs. Over 30,000 students are served on the Columbia campus of the university. There are several other campuses of the University of South Carolina including Aiken, Beaufort and Lancaster.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at the University of South Carolina trains nurses to develop and evaluate theories in the field of nursing. Three entry pathways are offered into the nursing PhD program. Bachelors prepared nurses, Masters prepared nurses, and nurses with a masters degree in a field other than nursing are eligible to apply to the PhD in Nursing degree program. Admission requirements to the doctoral nursing program include satisfactory GRE scores, an admission interview, three letters of recommendation and writing samples.
As with the nursing PhD, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program admits both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. The DNP for masters prepared nurses is a clinical program for nurses with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification. Students in the DNP for bachelors prepared nurses choose from an Acute Care or Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Admission requirements include letters of recommendation from nurses with a doctorate degree, satisfactory GRE scores and an interview.
South Dakota Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
South Dakota State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Degree Program
South Dakota State University, Graduate Nursing Department, Wagner Hall 217, Box: 2275, Brookings, SD 57007.
It is the largest university in the state of South Dakota. South Dakota State University is one of very few universities in the area to offer doctoral nursing programs.
Over 12,000 students are enrolled at South Dakota State University including approximately 1,500 graduate students. South Dakota State University was founded in 1881.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers both CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialties. Areas of clinical specialization in the doctoral nursing program include Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. Both a Bachelors to DNP and Masters to DNP entry options are available in the DNP program.
Masters prepared nurses can expect to complete a minimum of 60 credits to complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. Admission requirements to the nursing PhD include an RN license valid in the USA or a US territory, an MSN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program and a GPA of 3.3 or higher in the nursing masters program. International applicants should complete a test of English proficiency. The PhD in Nursing program can be completed in three to five years depending on the individual nurse’s lifestyle and personal goals.
New Jersey Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Fairleigh Dickinson University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
Fairleigh Dickinson University has campuses in Teaneck and Madison, New Jersey and abroad in the United Kingdom and Canada. The Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck is home to the DNP degree program. The Florham campus is based in Madison. Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university established in 1942.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is offered through the Henry Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health. The DNP program at Fairleigh Dickinson University is a 36-credit executive education program that prepares nurses for advanced practice in clinical care or leadership. Students in the DNP program choose from a clinically focused or organizational leadership focus. Nurses can complete the doctoral program on full or part time study. Because it is an executive education program, nurses can maintain their work schedule and complete the majority of DNP coursework online.
There are several admission requirements including a masters degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body (CCNE or NLNAC), RN and APRN licenses, an interview, writing sample and three references. Nurses seeking admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program should have relevant experience as an advanced practice nurse. Students with a masters degree in a field other than nursing may complete the DNP through a bridge program.
Scholarship opportunities for nurses are available at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Monmouth University: DNP Program Review
Monmouth University
400 Cedar Avenue
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Though it began as a community college, Monmouth University now offers bachelors through doctoral degree programs. The university was established in 1933 and is based in the city of West Long Branch in New Jersey. Monmouth University is a private university composed of 8 schools and is situated on a 156 acre campus.
The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. The DNP is the first doctoral level program at Monmouth University.
Like other fields which offer terminal degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Monmouth University is a terminal practice doctorate for nurses. The doctoral program is delivered in a hybrid format, with students completing most coursework online and attending several weekend sessions throughout the semester. The DNP program can be completed in two years of study. Areas covered in the DNP program include health systems, evidence-based practice and effective interpersonal communication.
The DNP program is for masters prepared nurses. Admission requirements include an RN license and certification as a NP (Nurse Practitioner) or Nurse Administrator. Applicants should have a 3.2 or higher GPA in their previous degree program. The deadline to apply for the DNP program is annually each February 15. Students begin the nursing doctoral program in the summer and progress through the course with a cohort.
Rutgers University: DNP &PhD in Nursing Program Review
Rutgers University
249 University Avenue
Blumenthal Hall
Newark, New Jersey 07102
Rutgers University is a public university based in Newark, New Jersey. The university also has campuses in New Brunswick and Camden. With students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, it is natural that Rutgers University would be recognized for its diversity by U.S. News and World Report. The university serves over 50,000 students.
The College of Nursing at Rutgers University offers both a PhD in Nursing for the research-oriented nurse, and for nurses who desire to remain in the healthcare setting, the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Both a Post-BSN and Post Masters DNP program are offered for nurses aspiring to a terminal degree in nursing practice. Students in the BSN track will choose from a specialization as an NP (Nurse Practitioner) or in Nursing Leadership. Students enrolled in the NP specialization can choose from several specializations including Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Adult, Gerontology, Psychiatric/Mental Health and Acute Care. The PhD in Nursing is a viable option for nurses seeking a career generating evidence to inform and support nursing practice.
A two to three year program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses for careers as leaders in the healthcare system. The program can be completed full or part time, and completion time depends on a nurse’s standing upon entering the program.
The PhD in Nursing is a 67 credit program which includes nursing and research courses. Additional time is required to complete the nursing doctoral dissertation. Students are required to take 6 academic credits outside of the College of Nursing. The PhD in Nursing can be completed on a full or part time basis. Course Prerequisites include nursing theory, research and statistics.
Saint Peter’s College: DNP Program Review
Saint Peter’s College
39 Glenwood Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Saint Peter’s College is a private, Catholic college in New Jersey founded in the Jesuit tradition. The college was established in 1872 by the Society of Jesus. Saint Peter’s College has two campuses in Jersey City and Englewood Cliffs. Students at Saint Peter’s College can choose from more than 50 degree programs at the bachelors through doctoral level.
Students in the DNP program at Saint Peter’s College may enroll in the Direct track focused on clinical duties or Indirect track focused on nursing administration and leadership roles. The DNP is offered at the Englewood Cliffs campus of Saint Peter’s College.
Offered in a non-traditional format to accommodate the working nurse, students take evening courses one night each week. The 36 credit DNP program can be completed in 3 to 3.5 years. Prospective applicants for the course should be masters prepared nurses with APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification in either a clinical or administrative area. Other admission requirements include a Master of Science in Nursing accredited by a nursing body. An earned MSN degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA, RN and APRN licensure and submission of an essay, resume, transcripts and three letters of recommendation. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program culminates with the completion of a capstone project demonstrating knowledge in a learned area of nursing practice.
Seton Hall University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Seton Hall University
400 South Orange Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079
Less than 15 miles from New York, Seton Hall University is a private, Catholic institution in South Orange New Jersey. Established in 1856, Seton Hall University lays claim to being the oldest university affiliated with diocesan tradition in the United States.
Seton Hall University’s College of Nursing offers a PhD in Nursing program designed to prepare nurses for a career in leadership, and also a practice doctorate with both Post-BSN and Post-MSN entry options.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program ranges from 36 to 72 credits for masters and bachelors prepared nurses respectively. In addition to completing doctoral coursework in nursing, students will complete coursework in other departments as well as a clinical practicum. Masters prepared nurses in the doctoral program choose from an APN (Advanced Practice Nursing) or HSA (Health Systems Administration) area of focus. Bachelors prepared nurses will become an Adult or Pediatric APN. Masters applicants should already have APN certification.
Students in the PhD in Nursing program select an area of research interest on which to develop their dissertation. Students are guided by an individual faculty member and a larger academic committee. Graduates of the PhD in Nursing program will produce research that affects policy, practice, administration and academic environments. The nursing doctoral research program allows an interdisciplinary approach as students may complete up to 9 credits towards the PhD in Nursing outside of the College of Nursing.
University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
UMDNJ – School of Nursing
65 Bergen Street, Room 152
University Heights
Newark, New Jersey 07107-3001
Formerly the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) was established in 1970. The university has four campuses in Newark, Stratford, Camden and Piscataway/New Brunswick and a fifth campus, Scotch Plains, which is a branch of the university. The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey has over 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
A post bachelors and post masters DNP in addition to a PhD in Urban Systems is offered at the University of Medicine and Dentistry.
Students in the BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science to Masters of Science in Nursing) program can choose a Pediatric or Psychiatric-Mental Health focus when earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Admission criteria to the DNP program include an earned BSN accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Applicants to the program should have a 3.4 or higher GPA.
Offered in collaboration with Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the College of Nursing offers a PhD program in Urban Educational Policy, Urban Health or Urban Environment. Though not a PhD in Nursing, the Urban Health PhD is suitable for applicants with a nursing background seeking a career in healthcare administration. Most applicants have a masters degree and experience in their field. To apply to the doctoral program in nursing, applicants should include a portfolio which includes a resume, personal statement including motivation to earn the PhD and career goals. Applicant should have competitive GRE scores.
William Patterson University: DNP Program Review
William Patterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Wayne, New Jersey based William Patterson University serves over 11,000 students through five colleges focused on Arts and Communication, Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and Science and Health. William Patterson University (WPU) was established in 1855. The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System has recognized William Patterson University with the best university radio station award.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares nurses for clinical roles in a practice setting. The part-time nursing doctoral program is 41 credits and includes two specialized tracks. Nurses with a clinical certification may complete the advanced nursing track while nurses seeking experience in healthcare leadership, a clinical practice track.
An MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) with a 3.3 or higher GPA and Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies test score taken no more than five years prior to applying for the doctoral nursing program are required for admission to the DNP. Other requirements include at least one year of nursing experience, an RN license and prerequisite courses in statistics and research. Prospective applicants should be prepared to submit transcripts, three letters of reference and a personal statement related to their background in nursing and goals for the nursing doctoral program.
A scholarship program is available for nursing students at William Patterson University.
Tennessee Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
East Tennessee State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
East Tennessee State University, 807 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37614.
This institution is based in Johnson City, Tennessee. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs of study. East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 and serves over 15,000 students. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at East Tennessee State University offers entry options for bachelors and masters prepared nurses.
The DNP program may be completed on a full or part time plan of study. Areas of focus offered within the DNP program include Family, Adult and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) as well as Executive Leadership.
Admission requirements for the DNP include a BSN or MSN for nurses applying to the post bachelors and post masters options respectively. Applicants with a GPA below 3.2 are also required to submit test scores for the GRE. Prospective students for the DNP masters track should have a certification in one of the areas of specialty or a minimum of one year experience for the Executive Leadership track. Ideally, all DNP applicants will have at least two years of experience as a nurse.
The PhD in Nursing is offered in a blended format, which utilizes online and campus-based study. Admission criteria to the PhD in Nursing program include GPA (ideally a 3.0 or higher), GRE scores, writing ability and clear goals for PhD study. Since a primary focus of the program is serving rural and underserved populations, prospective students should also demonstrate interest in these areas.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
UTHSC College of Nursing
877 Madison Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee 38163
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (also called UT Health Science Center and UTHSC) offers degree programs in various healthcare fields. The University of Tennessee system has three campuses in Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville. UT Health Science Center was established in 1911.
The UTHSC School of Nursing is a result of a merger between the university and Memphis General Hospital. Though the nursing school can trace its roots back to 1887, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has operated the nursing school since 1927.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP is delivered in a hybrid method using both web and campus-based instruction. The doctoral nursing practice program is offered on a full time plan of study. Specialty areas within the DNP include Primary Care; Acute Critical Care, Forensic Nursing, Psychiatric/Family Nurse Practitioner, and Public Health Nursing. To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, applicants should have a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) or MSN with a Clinical Nurse Leader specialization. Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA overall or a 3.2 or higher GPA in their most recent degree program.
Full and part time study options are available for nurses pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing, a research focused nursing degree. To enroll in the part time option, applicants should have a masters degree. The nursing PhD is offered in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Knoxville and other departments within the College of Health Sciences. To apply, prospective nursing doctoral students should have a BSN or MSN with a 3.0 GPA and a score of 1,000 or higher on the GRE.
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga: DNP Program Review
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga
School of Nursing
615 McCallie Avenue, Department 1051
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is one of several campuses in the University of Tennessee system. Other campuses include Memphis and Knoxville. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was established in 1886 as Chattanooga University and formerly operated as a private institution. In 1969, the university merged with the University of Tennessee system.
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program for masters prepared nurses. As of fall 2014, a DNP for bachelors prepared nurses is also available. A direct care track for nurses who seek to practice with APRN certification (NP, CNS, CNA or CNM) is offered along with an indirect care track for nurse administrators and educators.
The DNP program utilizes distance education as a means of completing DNP coursework. Students are required to complete work at certain times (synchronous) and are allowed to complete other assignments on their schedule (asynchronous). Students in the DNP are required to come to the UT Chattanooga campus for an interview and also the program orientation; no further visits to campus are required for the DNP program.
To apply to the DNP, applicants should have an MSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may submit scores on the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test for consideration.
The University of Tennessee Knoxville: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Tennessee Knoxville
College of Nursing
1200 Volunteer Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37996
The University of Tennessee Knoxville is the leading campus of the University of Tennessee system. Founded in 1794, the university was established before the state of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is part of the UT system along with campuses in Chattanooga and Memphis.
The UT College of Nursing was established in 1971. Fifty students are enrolled in nursing doctoral programs which include the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The DNP can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years of study depending on a full or part time study plan. Prospective students to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program should hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a program accredited by a nursing body.
The PhD in Nursing is offered in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. The nursing PhD program allows students to earn a minor in statistics, gerontology or a certificate in health policy. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing requires 5 semesters of coursework followed by additional semesters in which students complete the doctoral dissertation. To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, applicants should have a masters degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nursing body. A 3.3 or higher GPA should be earned in the MSN program. A scholarly writing sample is also required for admission consideration among other things.
Union University: DNP Program Review
Union University
1050 Union University Drive
Jackson, TN 38305 |
Union University is a private university in Jackson, Tennessee affiliated with the Christian faith. Hendersonville and Germantown are home to other Union University campuses. Nearby metropolitan cities include Memphis and Nashville. The university was founded in 1823 and grants undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Union University offers three tracks-Executive Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse Practitioner. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is designed to be full time. Masters prepared nurses are eligible to enroll in the DNP. Delivered in a hybrid format, doctoral nursing students will participate in on campus study programs as well as online learning. Students complete a final clinical project in an area nearby.
To apply to the DNP program, applicants should hold a bachelors and masters degree in addition to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students with degrees in a field other than nursing will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students interested in the Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthesia track should have NP or CNA certification. Each year,15 to 20 students are admitted to the DNP. Other admission requirements include letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Financial aid for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is available in the form of Federal Stafford loans, a type of aid which must be repaid upon completing the doctoral nursing program.
Vanderbilt University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Degree Programs
Vanderbilt University
School of Nursing
Godchaux Hall 207
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
Vanderbilt University is based in Nashville, Tennessee. The University serves near equal amounts of graduate and undergraduate students, approximately 6,000 each, for a total of 12,000 enrolled students. More than 300 student organizations and extracurricular activities are available to students at Vanderbilt University. Graduates of Vanderbilt University have gone on to become Nobel Laureates in their field. Among the numerous accolades, are top rankings for several academic programs including best graduate nursing school. Vanderbilt University was founded in 1859.
Nurses with a BSN and MSN may enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Vanderbilt University. Nurses with a BSN will earn an MSN as part of the degree program. Admission criteria to the DNP program include transcripts, letters of recommendation and an interview. Applicants to the program should have an RN license and APRN licensure with eligibility in the location in which clinical practice is held.
The PhD in Nursing Science is a hybrid program with both online and campus-based education. Admission requirements to the nursing PhD program include an average GPA of 3.0 or above in all academic programs including the degree concentration. In addition to the application, nursing PhD applicants should submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation and an essay. Selected applicants are required to have an interview with a faculty member.
Vanderbilt University awards numerous nursing scholarships to offset the cost of doctoral education in nursing.
New Mexico Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
New Mexico State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
New Mexico State University, 1600 Stewart Street, Las Cruces, NM 88003.
New Mexico State University has campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Dona Ana, Albuquerque and Las Cruces with the latter being the main campus. The university serves nearly 20,000 students each year. A goal of NMSU is being an education resource to the community; the university has an extension office in every county in New Mexico.
Both the DNP and PhD in Nursing Science, terminal degrees for nurses, are offered at New Mexico State University. Both degrees are offered online making it convenient for working nurses to pursue higher education.
Set to replace the MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) as the preferred qualification for advanced practice registered nurses by 2015, the Doctor of Nursing Practice offers practical education for the nurse leader. The DNP requires applications to both the graduate school and NMSU School of Nursing. The BSN to DNP track is offered full-time only and accepts applications from students with a BSN and 3.0 or higher GPA. Admission to the masters track requires a 3.2 or higher GPA and CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) or NP (Nurse Practitioner) certification.
The PhD in Nursing Science at New Mexico State University is offered online, but requires nurses to attend a conference and on-campus events each year. General admission requirements for the PhD in Nursing Science include an MSN earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students who do not meet these criteria may still apply with a statement reasoning why they should be admitted to the nursing doctoral research program.
University of New Mexico: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of New Mexico
1924 Las Lomas Rd
Albuquerque, NM 87131
The University of New Mexico is a research university based in Albuquerque. UNM also has a campus in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, UNM West. Branch campuses of the University of New Mexico or located in Taos, Valencia, Gallup and Los Alamos. The University of New Mexico was established in 1889.
The DNP and PhD in Nursing are offered in the College of Nursing at the University of New Mexico.
An executive leadership focused Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered through the College of Nursing at the University of New Mexico. The NEOL (Nursing Executive Organizational Leadership) DNP is ideal for masters prepared nurses seeking an administrative role in a healthcare organization. In the future, a BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) and Post-masters DNP which prepares nurses for roles in clinical practice will be offered.
Nursing PhD students can focus their studies on an individual area of specialized study, or choose from options offers in the doctoral nursing program-rural health, disease prevention or health promotion. Interested students may also apply to the Health Policy concentration along with the nursing doctoral degree.
Scholarship opportunities are available for nursing students at the University of New Mexico. Federal Financial Aid programs and the College of Nursing Scholarship program are two of the resources for prospective students to consider.
New York Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Adelphi University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Adelphi University, P.O. Box 701, Garden City, NY 11530-0701.
What began as a private school in Brooklyn is now Adelphi University. New York-based Adelphi University has four campuses-Garden City, Manhattan Center, Hudson Valley Center and Hauppauge Center. The Garden City campus is the university’s main campus and grants undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Each year 14 to 16 students are admitted to the PhD in Nursing program at Adelphi University. While some PhD in Nursing programs require students to earn a Nurse Educator certificate, the PhD in Nursing program at Adelphi University offers courses in nurse education as an essential part of the curriculum. The nursing doctoral research program is designed for nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Admission requirements to the nursing PhD program at Adelphi University include graduation from a masters level nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Applicants should submit exam scores for the Graduate Record Exam and proof of completion of a statistics prerequisite course.
The Faculty Loan Repayment Program and Graduate Assistantships are financial aid opportunities offered for nursing students at Adelphi University. While many graduate assistantships require students to teach. Graduate assistantships at Adelphi University involve serving as an assistant on a faculty led research project. Financial aid opportunities to fund nursing education are available on a limited basis.
Columbia University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Columbia University
617 West 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
A member of the prestigious Ivy-League universities, Columbia University is one of the most sought after educational institutions in the USA. Columbia University was established in 1754. The full name of the university is Columbia University in the City of New York, though most know the university simply as Columbia University or Columbia.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Columbia University is for masters prepared nurses with a graduate degree from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. In the future a DNP program will be offered for post-BSN students. The DNP program involves coursework, a residency and publication in a peer reviewed journal as part of the degree requirements. Unlike the PhD in Nursing program, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are permitted to take the course on a part-time basis and work part-time so long as it does not affect studies.
Providing an intensive hands-on curriculum, the PhD program at Columbia University uniquely prepares students for a career in research. Students in the PhD program will work alongside interdisciplinary team members while conducting research, simulating real world experience in which nursing PhD graduates will likely work with other healthcare professionals.
A unique aspect of the PhD in Nursing program is the admission criteria and process which allows exceptionally prepared bachelors and masters students in addition to healthcare professionals with a related degree to apply to the program. As a general rule, applicants should have competitive GRE scores and at least a 3.5 GPA in their most recent degree earned. The TRANSIT (Training Nurse Scientists in Interdisciplinary & Translational Research in the Underserved) program for PhD students, is a separate PhD program in the Columbia University School of Nursing, which admits nursing scholars from minority and economically-disadvantaged groups. PhD research in the TRANSIT program is focused on underserved minority populations. The TRANSIT program is federally funded and provides nursing PhD students a $23,000 a year stipend.
CUNY-The Graduate Center: PhD in Nursing Program Review
CUNY-The Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue
Room 3317
New York, New York 10016
CUNY, The Graduate Center is the branch of the City University of New York (CUNY) which grants graduate degrees. More than 4,500 students are served and over 33 programs of study are offered at the doctoral level. CUNY, The Graduate Center was established in 1961.
The CUNY-Graduate center offers a Doctor of Nursing Science in collaboration with Hunter and Lehman Colleges and the College of Staten Island. The Doctor of Nursing Science, a degree which most closely resembles a PhD in Nursing is offered at The CUNY Graduate Center. The Doctor of Nursing Science requires a dissertation as part of the degree requirements, and while the PhD in Nursing focuses on research related to nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Science focuses on nursing research as it relates to nursing patient outcomes.
A full-time program, students are required to take 9 credits (full-time for graduate study) each semester. Therefore, it is recommended that students in the Doctor of Nursing Science program do not engage in full-time employment. The Doctor of Nursing Science is a six semester, four year program. Additionally, the program offers courses during the working hours of the weekday, preventing many nurses from working a full time schedule.
Masters prepared nurses are eligible to apply for the DNS program. Applicants to the DNS program should have completed a prerequisite course in statistics. Other admission criteria to the Doctor of Nursing Science include an earned BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). Prospective students should submit GRE scores, transcripts, two letters of recommendation and an essay as part of the admission process.
Molloy College: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Ave
Rockville Centre, NY 11571
Molloy College is a liberal arts college that offers bachelors, masters degrees and one doctoral program in nursing. Established in 1955, Molloy College is a private university located in the Long Island area of New York. The college is located in Rockville Center. The university was named among the Catholic Colleges of Distinction. The student to faculty ratio, 10:1, allows students to develop personal relationships with faculty members.
The Division of Nursing at Molloy College offers a PhD in Nursing program. The nursing PhD program uniquely prepares graduates through collaborative efforts with other healthcare organizations, and individualized support from faculty. Doctoral nursing students at Molloy College will take part in an educational practicum in Washington, participate in coursework in healthcare policy and benefit from an affiliation with the largest employer on Long Island, The North Shore LIJ Health System.
To apply to the doctoral nursing program at Molloy College, students should have a masters level qualification in nursing or a closely related healthcare field. At least one degree, bachelors or masters should be in nursing, and applicants should be graduates of an accredited program. Other admission requirements include a minimum 3.5 GPA, statement of research and career goals, and recent exam scores for the GRE. Admission to Molloy College is selective and competitive.
New York University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
New York University
70 Washington Sq South
New York City, New York, 10012
Located in the heart of Manhattan, New York University is one of the most prominent higher education institutions in the state of New York. NYU was founded in 1831 and is a private research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
With the growing demand for higher education, the College of Nursing at NYU offers an executive DNP program designed with the working nurse in mind. The DNP offers part and full time enrollment options. Masters prepared nurses with APRN certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Nurse Midwife (CNM) are eligible to apply to the DNP program. Future program options will be available to post-baccalaureate nurses seeking to earn a doctoral practice degree. Other admission requirements include graduation from a masters degree program accredited by one of two nursing bodies-CCNE or NLNAC, a minimum 3.5 GPA and exam scores for the Miller Analogies Test or Graduate Record Exam.
The alternative to the DNP is the research focused Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The Florence S. Downs Ph.D. Program in Nursing Research and Theory Development prepares nurses for a career as researchers. Both full and part time study options are available in the nursing doctoral research program at New York University. Applications to the PhD in Nursing program are accepted from bachelors and masters prepared applicants with a 3.0 or higher GPA in their previous nursing degree program.
Pace University: DNP Program Review
Pace University
One Pace Plaza
New York, NY 10038
Pace University is a private research university with campuses in New York City and the Westchester County area. Campuses include New York City, Midtown Center, Law School, Graduate Center, Briarcliff Manor and Pleasantville campuses. Pace University was established in 1906, and today more than 13,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Pace University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program is offered through the Lienhard School of Nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a 37 credit program dedicated to training nurse practitioners in leadership. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.3 GPA in a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to write scholarly papers and are required to submit a writing sample, two letters of recommendation and a resume. Prospective students in the DNP program should have certification as an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner).
Each year 24 students are admitted to the Doctor of Nursing practice degree program at Pace University. The DNP program may be completed in three years, and is offered in a hybrid format. Students will participate in coursework both online and on-campus. Up to ten years are available to complete the DNP program. The DNP curriculum is developed according to standards set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Interested students can attend a Doctor of Nursing Practice program information session at Pace University.
St. John Fisher College: DNP Program Review
St. John Fisher College
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Established in 1948, St. John Fisher College is a private liberal arts college. Students enrolled in St. John Fisher College can choose from bachelors through doctoral degree programs in over 32 majors.
The Wegman School of Nursing at St. John Fisher College offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice terminal degree program. Ranging from 48 credits to 72 credits, the DNP can be completed in 2 to 3.5 years of study depending upon the qualification of the nurse upon entering the doctoral program. Both nurses who hold a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) are eligible to participate in the program.
Students are trained in a clinical setting which offers the opportunity to work with health professionals from other related disciplines besides nursing. As the final project in the program, students are required to complete a project demonstrating their knowledge in an area of evidence-based nursing practice. Graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice will have completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical practice.
Applicants to the DNP program should have Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) certification as a Nurse Midwife (CNM), Nurse Anesthetist (CNA), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). Prospective students to the DNP program should have completed an MSN with a 3.3 or higher GPA. Currently admission is open to masters prepared students who already hold APN certification, but an option in the future will be open to bachelors prepared students.
Stony Brook University: DNP Program Review
Stony Brook University
100 Nicolls Road
Stony Brook, NY 11794
Stony Brook University is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The university is based in Stony Brook, New York. Established in 1957, Stony Brook University is located approximately 50 miles from Manhattan.
Students in the DNP program at Stony Brook University School of Nursing are trained to be leaders in the clinical setting that can use evidence-based practice to serve vulnerable populations. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a two-year 48 academic credit program which is completed using online and distance education. The executive format of the DNP allows nurses to maintain a working schedule.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Stony Brook University is seeking accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Stony Brook University School of Nursing prefers that applicants have two years of nursing experience at the advanced practice level prior to applying to the DNP program, but only one year of experience is required. Other admission requirements include an earned MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program may be required to interview.
Some financial aid is available to students enrolled in the doctoral nursing degree program at Stony Brook University. Prospective nursing doctoral students should also seek aid from private agencies.
Binghamton University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Binghamton University
4400 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850
Binghamton University is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and was formally known as SUNY Binghamton. A research university, Binghamton University grants undergraduate and graduate degrees. Binghamton University is located in upstate New York.
The PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, both terminal nursing degree programs are offered at the Decker School of Nursing of Binghamton University. Both programs have a bachelors and masters degree entry option. The PhD in Nursing focuses on developing nursing knowledge and research as it relates to vulnerable populations. The DNP admits current NPs and CNS and also offers admission to bachelors prepared nurses who can choose from the following practice areas:
Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Gerontological Nursing and Family Psych Mental Health Nursing.
Admission requirements for the DNP program include a BSN or MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants are required to submit satisfactory exam scores for the GRE, an essay relating how the DNP is important for their career goals and a resume. Masters applicants should have advanced nursing practice certification and have taken a statistics prerequisite course.
For the PhD in Nursing, prospective applicants should have a BSN from accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). GRE scores are required and at minimum should be within the 75th percentile.
The Sage Colleges: PhD in Nursing Program Review
The Sage Colleges
65 1st St.
Troy, NY 12180
Established in 1916, The Sage Colleges comprise Russell Sage College, Sage College of Albany and Sage Graduate College. Russell Sage College is a women’s only college, with the latter two being coeducational. The colleges award bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.
The Doctor of Nursing Science in Education and Leadership is a research-focused degree. The DNS differs from the PhD in that its research is concerned with patient outcomes, rather than nursing areas in a broad sense. The Doctor of Nursing Science is delivered in a hybrid format, with students taking courses online and on-campus during some weekends of the semester.
To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Science Program, students should be graduates of an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Prospective applicants who do not achieve this GPA may be admitted conditionally. Other requirements include submitting letters of recommendation, transcripts and an essay.
Sage College graduates have gone on to hold executive level positions in the field of nursing. The college claims that almost every “chief nursing officer” in the New York area graduated from Sage College.
One form of financial aid that is available at Sage College is Nurse Traineeships, which can be applied for through the nursing department.
University of Rochester: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Rochester
300 E River Rd
Rochester, NY 14623
Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester is a private research institution awarding bachelors through doctoral degrees. The student to faculty ratio at the university is one of the lowest in the nation at 9:1.More than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the University of Rochester.
The School of Nursing at the University of Rochester offers terminal nursing degree programs including both the Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing. Doctoral Financial Aid and grants are available for the doctoral nursing programs to offset the cost of living. Rochester has a more affordable cost of living than New York City. The Robert Wood Johnson and Fuld Scholars program are two programs available at the University of Rochester.
Three unique programs are available for nurses seeking doctoral education.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses for a career as practicing nurse leader. The doctoral degree program may be completed in 2.5 years. Admission requirements include a masters degree in nursing earned with a 3.5 GPA and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate program.
The PhD program is offered in Health Practice Research and is open to a variety of healthcare professionals including nurses and physical therapists. To apply to the PhD program, nurses should have a masters degree in their clinical area earned with at least a 3.5 GPA. Letters of recommendation are also required and should come from recommenders holding a doctoral degree.
An accelerated MS to PhD program allows RNs with a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) to earn an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), a Nurse Practitioner APN (Advanced Practice Nursing) certification and the PhD within 5 years. Applicants to this academically demanding program should have a BSN with a 3.0 or above.
North Carolina Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Duke University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Duke University, 2138 Campus Drive, Durham, NC 27705.
One of the most sought after universities in the South, Duke University was established in 1838 by two religious groups-the Methodists and the Quakers. The private research university awards bachelors through to doctoral degrees and is based in Durham, North Carolina.
Despite being based in the southern United States, most students attending Duke University come from California, followed by North Carolina, New York, Florida and New Jersey.
The School of Nursing at Duke University offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with nursing programs from the bachelors through post-doctoral level. Both the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing are offered at Duke University.
Students that are applying for admission to the Duke University nursing PhD program should have a bachelors or masters degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). A personal statement of no less than 3 pages and a recent exam score for the GRE are also required for admission consideration to the nursing doctoral research program.
Prospective students to the PhD in Nursing program at Duke University should note that the program requires a full time commitment, and that all admitted students will receive full tuition coverage through a stipend.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program admits bachelors and masters prepared nurses as well as nurses with a PhD seeking to earn a DNP. The doctoral nursing practice program is delivered in an executive format permitting nurses to work while pursuing their nursing education.
East Carolina University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
East Carolina University
1001 East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858
A public research university based in Greenville, North Carolina, East Carolina University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. ECU’s campus is divided between the main campus, housing most undergraduate programs and the Health Sciences and West Research campuses.
The PhD in Nursing program at East Carolina University prepares nurses as researchers to work in a variety of settings which influence nursing education, healthcare policy and academia. The doctoral nursing program prepares students to research issues affecting underserved rural populations and areas of nursing related to administration, patient care and nursing education.
Students applying to the PhD in Nursing program need at least three letters of recommendation, one of which should come from a nurse with doctoral qualifications. Exam scores for the GRE, official transcripts and a masters degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA are other admission criteria. Applicants must also prepare a goal statement summarizing the applicant’s goals in education, scholarship and research. Bachelors prepared nurses applying to the nursing PhD program should have a minimum 3.3. GPA and at least 2 years of work experience as a nurse.
The nursing department awards numerous scholarships annually to nursing students at East Carolina University totaling over 100,000 annually. Additionally, federal financial aid and the nurse faculty loan program also provide funding.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
School of Nursing
Carrington Hall, CB#7460
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, more commonly UNC Chapel Hill is a member of the University of North Carolina higher education system. Established in 1789, UNC is one of the oldest schools in the country. The Chapel Hill campus of UNC is one of the most popular campuses of the University of North Carolina.
Graduates of the PhD in Nursing program at the University of North Carolina have gone on to hold professorships, research and leadership positions in North Carolina and beyond.
There are several entry options for nurses seeking admission to the PhD in Nursing program. Nurses with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from a program accredited by a nursing body, a BSN and masters in a field other than nursing or an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) are all eligible to apply to the PhD in Nursing program. For admission consideration, applicants to the PhD in Nursing program should generally have a 3.0 or higher GPA and have earned a satisfactory score on the GRE within the past five years.
UNC Chapel Hill employs a variety of methods to offset the cost of doctoral education for its students. Doctoral nursing students may apply for research grants to pursue doctoral study and are also eligible to take employment in the nursing department. Federal financial aid and scholarships based on both need and merit are available to students. Some scholarships are able to cover the full cost of tuition for more than year of nursing PhD education.
University of North Carolina Greensboro: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of North Carolina Greensboro
UNCG School of Nursing
PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is based in Greensboro, North Carolina and part of the University of North Carolina system. Over 18,000 students are enrolled at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). UNC Greensboro was established in 1891first as a normal school for teachers and then as a women’s college. The School of Nursing was founded in 1967.
Students in the PhD in Nursing program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro are trained as nursing scholars and scientists with an interdisciplinary view of healthcare. The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina Greensboro is ranked among the top nursing schools in U.S. News and World Report and designated a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing.
A Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), satisfactory scores on the GRE, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a personal essay are admission criteria for the PhD in Nursing program. Both research assistantships, which allow nursing doctoral students to work for a tuition waiver and scholarships are available to doctoral students in the UNCG School of Nursing.
Admission to the nursing PhD program at UNCG is competitive but also equally demanding. Students must earn a “B” or better grade in all courses to successfully complete the PhD in Nursing. The nursing PhD requires 57 academic credits.
North Dakota Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
North Dakota State University: DNP Program Review
North Dakota State University, 1201 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102.
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a Carnegie classified and ranked research university. The university prides itself in being student-focused. In addition to the main campus in Fargo, North Dakota, NDSU extension centers are spread throughout the state of North Dakota. North Dakota State University is one of two leading universities in the state and ranked among the top 108 universities in the nation by Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program at North Dakota State University offers several practice options for aspiring bachelors and masters prepared nurses. Nurses with a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) may enter the doctoral nursing program to earn certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and also complete the DNP. Nurses holding an MSN may enhance their current skills and knowledge to the highest level by continuing in the profession while taking part time classes. The new MSN to DNP FNP program is an online program that trains masters prepared nurses to work in underserved rural communities.
The latter masters option is ideal for nurses who do not yet have APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification), as students will have the opportunity to take the FNP certification exam as part of the DNP program. Admission requirements include a masters level nursing degree with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Admission to the DNP for bachelors prepared nurses requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Admission requirements to the MSN to DNP program for nurses with APRN certification are also a 3.3 GPA and MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) qualification.
University of North Dakota: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of North Dakota
2901 University Ave Stop 8264
Memorial Union Room 314
Grand Forks, ND 58202
The University of North Dakota is the oldest university in North Dakota. The university has a Division 1 sports program and nearly 250 student organizations to serve a variety of student interests outside of the classroom.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program at the University of North Dakota emphasis research areas to improve nursing for underserved and rural populations. The PhD in Nursing program admits nurses with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) and a BSN with a masters degree in a field other than nursing. Nurses with masters degree are eligible for advanced placement in the nursing PhD program.
The application deadline for the PhD in Nursing program is February 1 for the following year. Students may earn credit towards the PhD program between being admitted and accepted to the nursing PhD program by enrolling in courses as a non-degree student. Admission requirements include a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall or 3.0 in the final two years of undergraduate education. The minimum GPA required for graduate coursework is 3.5. In addition, nursing PhD applicants should take the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test and also take a prerequisite statistics course as part of their doctoral program application.
Texas Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Texas Christian University: DNP Program Review
Texas Christian University, 2800 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, Texas 76129.
Texas Christian University (commonly known as TCU) educates just under 10,000 students each year. The university is based in Fort Worth, Texas. As its name suggests, Texas Christian University is affiliated with the Christian faith, specifically the Disciples of Christ denomination.
The Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas Christian University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree program. The DNP program at Texas Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program can be completed in two years of full time study, and also has a part time study option. In order to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA throughout the course of the nursing program.
Admission to the DNP requires a MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Applicants to the Advanced Practice track should have APRN certification as a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife or Nurse Anesthetist. Letters of recommendation and a personal essay are also required as part of the admission process.
Financial aid opportunities are available to doctoral nursing students in the form of graduate and department assistantships, which would require working in an academic department to receive payment for tuition and in some cases a living stipend.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
3601 4th Street
Lubbock, TX 79430
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (often abbreviated as TTUHSC) was established in 1969 as a school of medicine. Today the university offers a variety of healthcare programs in allied health, biomedical sciences and nursing among other healthcare fields. Campuses in the Texas Tech University system include Abilene, Amarillo, Permian Basin, Lubbock, Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is for masters prepared nurses seeking a practice doctorate. The DNP is a practice doctoral degree which awards nurses with the highest qualification in the nursing field. An Advanced Practice track and Leadership/Administration track are also available. Nurses applying to the APRN DNP should have APRN certification. The doctoral nursing program is offered both full and part time. The DNP is designed to cater to working nurses, as it offers primarily online instruction with occasional campus-based intensive sessions. Admission requirements to the DNP include an MSN and BSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Offered in collaboration with Texas Women’s University, the PhD in Nursing at Texas Tech University offers nurses the opportunity to purse a research-based doctoral degree in nursing. The PhD in Nursing is granted by Texas Women’s University. The university has campuses in Denton, Houston and Lubbock that host the PhD in Nursing program.
Texas Wesleyan University: DNP Program Review
Texas Wesleyan University
Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Program
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105-1536
Texas Wesleyan University is a small private university rooted in the Methodist tradition of the Christian faith. As a small institution, just over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the university. Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) was founded in 1890. Though it originally had roots as a women’s college, Texas Wesleyan University is now co-educational and open to both men and women.
Texas Wesleyan University is one of very few universities to offer a doctoral nursing program specifically for Nurse Anesthetists. The Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice at Texas Wesleyan University is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education, the accrediting body for nurse anesthesia programs.
An Education Administration and Management focus are offered as specializations within the Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program. The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program can be completed in two and three years respectively and is offered full and part time.
Prerequisite courses in physiology and chemistry are recommended for the applicant who has taken these courses more than five years prior to the start of the program. In addition to the doctoral nursing program application, the applicant should submit a copy of their CNA certification card, and letters of recommendation from 3 distinct individuals. Letters are to come from an educator, clinician and non-relative that can attest to the applicant’s academic ability, clinical skills and integrity respectively.
Texas Woman’s University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Texas Woman’s University
College of Nursing
Denton
ASB 216
P.O. Box 425498
Denton, TX 76204-5498
Texas Women’s University, also known as TWU, has three campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston Texas. Annually, over 14,500 students enroll at Texas Woman’s University. Though the university is primarily for women, male students are now admitted to the university. Approximately 10% of the student body is male. Texas Woman’s University was founded in 1901.
Both a Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing are offered at TWU’s College of Nursing.
Prerequisites to be completed for the PhD in Nursing program include statistics, nursing research and nursing theory. The latter two courses should be graduate level courses. Applicants to the nursing PhD should have an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), which is preferably earned from a program accredited by a nursing body, though it’s not required. Applicants to the PhD in Nursing should have a 3.5 or higher GPA and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam or Miller Analogies Test.
To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, prospective students should have an MSN earned with a 3.5 or higher GPA. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam and Miller Analogies Test should also be admitted. Prerequisite courses to the DNP program include research and statistics. An interview is part of admission consideration to the DNP program.
University of Texas at Arlington: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Texas at Arlington
701 S. Nedderman Drive
Arlington, TX 76019
The University of Texas at Arlington is part of the University of Texas system and is based in Arlington, Texas. Students at the University of Texas at Arlington can choose from more than 150 programs of study. Other campuses in the University of Texas system include Austin, El Paso, Dallas and Permian Basin. The UT system also has several institutions dedicated specifically to healthcare related programs.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice offered at the University of Texas Arlington is a 36 credit program designed for post masters nurses. The doctoral nursing program was designed according to criteria set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for doctoral degree programs. A total of 9 courses (including the clinical practicum) and three credits of electives are required to complete the DNP.
The PhD in Nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington has entry options for both bachelors and masters prepared nurses and utilizes a blend of online and campus-based instruction. Students in the PhD program may also apply to be a part of the mentoring program to receive further instruction from faculty.
To obtain more information about the PhD program, prospective students may attend a forum on campus. Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant positions are available to doctoral students in nursing to offset the cost of education.
The University of Texas at Austin: PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station
Austin, Texas 78712
The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883. The university is part of the University of Texas system, which also includes campuses in Dallas/Fort Worth, Permian Basin and El Paso.
The University of Texas at Austin offers a PhD in Nursing program which prepares aspiring nurses for a career as research scientists. Prospective students may apply to the post masters PhD in Nursing program and also to the BSN to PhD in Nursing program option. Nurses with a masters degree that are applying to the doctoral nursing program may be required to take up to three masters level courses prior to beginning doctoral nursing coursework.
To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, prospective applicants should have a BSN or MSN earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA and provide a satisfactory score on the GRE. Students who have a GPA below 3.0 may still apply to the nursing PhD program, as conditional admission may be an option. About 20 students are accepted to the PhD in Nursing program each year. Other admission considerations include letters of recommendation and a personal statement. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a clinical supervisor or other professional that can attest to the quality of the applicant’s performance in a clinical nursing setting.
The University of Texas at El Paso: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Texas at El Paso
Hertzog Building
500 West University Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79968
The University of Texas at El Paso, which is also known as UTEP, is a public university based in El Paso, Texas. The university is one of several in the University of Texas system including campuses in Austin, Tyler and Arlington. UTEP was established in 1914 as a mining school. Today, the university has grown to over 150 academic degree programs and a student body of over 22,000.
Just nine students were enrolled in the first Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort at UTEPSON (University of Texas at El Paso School of Nursing). The DNP is a full time hybrid program which requires completion of online coursework in addition to attendance at periodic weekend sessions (Friday through Sunday). The DNP program can be completed in five semesters of study. In the DNP program, special consideration is given to prospective students that express an interest in teaching, serving rural populations or both.
The PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences is a suitable terminal degree program for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. The US-Mexico border is a key area of focus and research in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD.
Financial aid is offered through federal programs, scholarships and loans. Nursing students may also pursue employment with the School of Nursing as a research or teaching assistant.
The University of Texas at Tyler: PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Texas at Tyler
Graduate Admissions
3900 University Blvd
Tyler, Texas 75799
In addition to being one of several campuses in the University of Texas system, the University of Texas at Tyler has two additional campuses aside from the main campus in Tyler. The Longview and Palestine campus are also part of the University of Texas at Tyler. Approximately 1,500 students out of the 6,700 enrolled are graduate students.
Delivered in an online format, the PhD in Nursing trains nurses in research by requiring students to conduct research as part of the nursing PhD program. Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program will complete all of the requirements for their degree in their locale.
Graduates of the nursing PhD program have promising career prospects. The university cites statistics from the US Bureau of Labor that claim opportunities in the nursing profession are expected to grow by almost 25% over the next decade.
To apply to the PhD in Nursing, applicants should have a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) from an accredited program. Scores for a GRE exam taken no more than five years prior to submitting the nursing PhD application, letters of recommendation and a personal essay are additional admission criteria. Admission consideration may be given to applicants with unique circumstances or qualifications such as first generation college students, students from underprivileged socioeconomic backgrounds and multilingual students.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
6901 Bertner
Houston, TX 77030
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is one of several Health Science Centers affiliated with the University of Texas system. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is the most extensive of the UT Health Science Center campuses and has one of the largest medical schools in the nation.
Both DNP and PhD in Nursing programs are offered at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
Career options for graduates of the nursing PhD program include working in a research setting as a director or as a nurse leader in a clinical setting. Students are generally admitted to the nursing PhD program in the fall. Basic admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing program include a 3.5 GPA earned in an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam. Three letters of recommendation, a statement of research interest and goals and a curriculum vitae should also be submitted along with the application.
As with the PhD in Nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program admits students each fall. Three specializations are offered in the DNP program-Nurse Executive, Nurse Anesthesia and a joint specialization for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists. Course prerequisites to DNP coursework including graduate level courses in research and statistics completed with a grade of “B” or better and some epidemiology content in the nursing PhD program.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, Texas, 77555-0144
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, or UTMB, was established in 1891. The university currently serves approximately 2,500 students. Though only 84 acres, the UTMB campus is home to several institutes and four schools.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers a DNP program that focuses on serving socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. The DNP requires a minimum of 38 academic credits to complete. Applicants to the DNP program should have an MSN (Master of Science) in Nursing earned from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Though a 3.0 or higher GPA is required in all coursework, ideal applicants to the DNP will have a 3.5 or higher GPA.
Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses are eligible to apply to the PhD in Nursing program at UTMB. The BSN to PhD program does not award a masters degree in the course of doctoral coursework. Applicants to the PhD in Nursing program should have a BSN or MSN depending on the track they are applying to. In general, applicants to the nursing PhD should be graduates of an accredited program, though graduates from programs that are not accredited may be considered on an individual basis.
University of the Incarnate Word: DNP Program Review
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Established by the Sisters of the Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1869, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The University of the Incarnate Word is based in San Antonio, Texas.
The Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of the Incarnate Word is offered through the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health Professions. Prospective applicants to the DNP program are encouraged to contact the nursing department director to receive additional materials and receive an application packet.
Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are required to submit applications to both the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree program and also the Graduate School of the University of the Incarnate Word. Admission criteria include an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) earned with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants should also hold APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification. Prerequisites include advanced statistics, informatics and population health. A total of 1,000 hours are required to earn the DNP qualification. Prospective applicants should have completed a minimum of 500 clinical practice hours in their MSN program and submit documented proof.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is delivered online. Students in the DNP program will choose a specific vulnerable population on which to focus their studies. Students will use this population as the basis for research and academic inquiry during the course of the doctoral nursing program.
Utah Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, 561 East 1860 South, Provo, UT, 84606.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a private, for-profit higher education institution based in Provo, Utah. The university was founded in 1998 and offers a variety of degree programs related to healthcare.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a two year program that is 38 academic credits. The DNP program is designed so that nurses may continue working while pursing doctoral nursing education. The DNP is delivered primarily through distance learning.
Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program should have APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited program. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. Nurses with a masters degree in a related healthcare field or who do not possess APRN certification may consult the program regarding possible admission.
The PhD in Nursing is a three year, eight semester program. Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program will complete approximately 75 academic credits. To apply to the nursing PhD program, students should have a minimum 3.4 GPA and an MSN. Select applicants will be required to interview with nursing faculty. Prerequisite courses in statistics and research methods are required and must be completed with a “B-” or better grade.
University of Utah: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Utah
201 Presidents Circle
Room 308
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
The University of Utah is based in the state’s capital, Salt Lake City. The university was founded in 1850 and serves over 30,000 students annually. The University of Utah encourages students to maintain a healthy life balance and many students participate in extracurricular activities such as skiing at resorts near the campus.
The DNP offered at the University of Utah is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program is offered in a Bachelors to Doctor of Nursing Practice option as well as a Masters to Doctor of Nursing Practice. Several specialties are offered within the DNP which include Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwifery and Women’s Health and Primary Care. A distance education option is offered for the BSN to DNP program which allows nurses to complete coursework online, complete clinical practicum experience in their locale and come to campus only for required academic visits.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is offered as a distance education program. Students in the PhD in Nursing program develop an individualized program of study with a faculty advisor, and can focus their studies in a field such as aging, oncology or end-of-life care. Masters prepared nursing PhD applicants should have an MSN or masters degree in a related healthcare field earned with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Applicants to the BS to PhD program should have a BSN with a 3.3 or higher GPA. GRE scores are required as part of the admission process and should be above the 50th percentile.
Vermont Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Vermont: DNP Program Review
University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Dr., Burlington, VT 05405.
The University of Vermont is a public research university. Located in Burlington, Vermont, UVM is based in what many believe to be one of the most exciting “small cities” in the nation. Nearby metropolitan areas include Montreal, New York, and Boston.
Approximately 13,500 students are enrolled at the University of Vermont, with about 1,500 graduate students. Students at the University of Vermont can enjoy over 150 student organizations, Division 1 Athletics programs and intramural sports. Founded in 1791, the university is the oldest public university in New England.
Currently, the University of Vermont is in the process of developing what will be the only Doctor of Nursing Practice program in the state. The Department of Nursing at the University of Vermont currently offers bachelors and masters nursing programs in addition to a Post Masters certificate.
The Masters of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) in primary care will be replaced by the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. The DNP program is scheduled to start in fall 2014. The DNP will offer an option both for RNs with a BSN or bachelors degree in a field other than nursing as well as masters prepared nurses. What is currently the Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) will become the Doctor Entry Program in Nursing (DEPN). The DEPN is an accelerated program for aspiring nurses with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Prospective students interested in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of Vermont should check the university website for updates.
Virginia Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
George Mason University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
George Mason University is the largest public university in Virginia. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, Sterling (Loudoun campus) and Manassas (Prince William campus). George Mason University was established in 1972.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at George Mason University offers entry options for post baccalaureate and post masters nurses. The doctoral nursing program is delivered in an executive format, which allows nurses to take courses online and attend campus sessions on a limited basis. Prospective students should note that the program does begin with 12 weeks of campus-based work. Students in the DNP will take classes on either the Fairfax or Prince William campus of George Mason University.
Specialties offered in the DNP program include Advanced Clinical Nursing, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration.
For the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program, students work with their faculty mentor and the academic dean to create an individualized program that suits their needs. Prospective students may apply to the nursing PhD annually each fall. Admission requirements include an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) with a 3.5 or higher GPA. Within two years of applying to the program, applicants should complete a prerequisite course in statistics.
Hampton University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Hampton University
11 Frissell Avenue
Hampton, VA 23669
Hampton University is based in Virginia, and considered an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), which admits students of all backgrounds. The university began in 1868 as a normal and agricultural school. Today, Hampton University educates over 5,000 students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Hampton University is the first among HBCUs to offer a PhD in Nursing program. To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, students should submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation and a curriculum vitae in addition to their application. In general, applicants to the nursing PhD should have an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) with a 3.5 or higher GPA. A prerequisite course in statistics is required for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program.
Students in the nursing PhD program are required to complete a minimum of 48 credits to earn the doctoral qualification. The PhD in Nursing can be completed in four years of full time study, though students have up to seven years after successfully completing the doctoral qualifying exam to complete the PhD requirements.
The PhD in Nursing consists of three doctoral examinations including an oral dissertation defense. Research regarding families and issues related to the family are a key focus of the nursing PhD program. In addition to taking required courses, students develop an individual plan of study under the guidance of a nursing faculty member.
Marymount University: DNP Program Review
Marymount University
2807 N. Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207
Marymount University is a private university affiliated with the Catholic tradition. The university was founded in 1950. MU’s main campus is located in Arlington, Virginia with an additional campus in Reston, Virginia. Approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Marymount University.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Marymount University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The doctoral nursing program prepares nurses to work in a clinical environment using evidence based practiced. Students in the DNP work through a part time program of study to ensure the DNP meets the needs of working nurses.
Applications to the DNP are accepted annually for a program start date in the fall. Nurses with a BSN or MSN may apply to the program. Masters prepared nurses may apply with or without a clinical focus in the masters degree program. Applicants to the DNP program with a BSN should have a minimum 3.3 GPA. Applicants with an MSN should have a 3.5 or higher GPA in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A personal statement and two letters of recommendation should also be submitted as part of the DNP admission process.
The DNP degree can be completed in 30 to 72 credits of study depending on the student’s prior academic preparation.
Old Dominion University: DNP Program Review
Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23529
Old Dominion University was established in 1930 as part of the College of William and Mary. The university has operated independently since 1962. Old Dominion University is based in Norfolk, Virginia. Additional campus centers are based in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Hampton, Virginia. Nearly 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Old Dominion University from more than 110 countries.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University. A BS –MSN to DNP and a Postmasters DNP are offered. The BS-MSN to DNP program allows bachelors prepared nurses to earn a Master of Science in Nursing in the course of completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Both part and full time plans of study are available in the DNP. Masters prepared nurses can complete the DNP in 4 to 7 semesters, and bachelors prepared nurses in 8 to 14 semesters. An Advanced Practice track for nurses who will pursue clinical roles and an Executive track for nurses who will pursue administrative/leadership roles is offered for the DNP program.
Applications to the DNP are accepted in March for bachelors prepared nurses and in September for the post masters DNP. Admission requirements vary according to the DNP track the student is applying to. For the Advanced Practice Nursing track, masters prepared nurses should have an MSN, APRN certification and a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Radford University: DNP Program Review
Radford University
801 East Main St.
Radford, Virginia 24142
Established in 1910, Radford University grants bachelors, masters, doctoral and professional degrees. The university was founded by the Virginia General Assembly as a training school for teachers. Radford University is based in Radford, Virginia. The university has a vehicle rental program, WeCar, for students over the age of 18 who do not have a vehicle nearby.
The DNP program at Radford University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Three concentrations are offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree program at Radford University, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery Initiative and Psychiatric Mental Health.
To apply to the DNP as a post BSN student, applicants should have a BSN from a program accredited by either the CCNE or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The GPA requirement for applicants is 3.0. Masters prepared applicants to the DNP should also have a masters degree with a nursing focus from a program accredited by a nursing body. The GPA requirement for post-MSN applicants is 3.5. Applicants with a BSN and masters degree in a field other than nursing are also eligible to apply to the DNP.
The Doctor of Nursing practice at Radford University offers flexibility and can be completed on a full or part time schedule according to the student’s needs. A maximum of 8 years is permitted to complete the doctoral nursing program. Financial aid for the DNP program is available in the form of scholarships and graduate assistantships.
Shenandoah University: DNP Program Review
Shenandoah University
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
Shenandoah University is a private university in Winchester, Virginia affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university offers approximately 80 degree programs in a small campus setting near metropolitan areas such as Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Shenandoah University was founded in 1875 as a seminary.
A BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters DNP are offered at Shenandoah University. To apply to the DNP program, applicants should have at minimum a BSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Nurses who do not meet these criteria may apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Academic admission criteria include a GPA of 3.0 or above and GRE scores within the past 5 years. Prerequisite courses in physical assessment, statistics and community nursing are prerequisites to the DNP program.
The post masters DNP program is 20 months of part time study. Classes are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. New cohorts of DNP students begin the doctoral nursing program each September and January. Students in the BSN to DNP program will also attend classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The post bachelors DNP requires 78 academic credits to complete. The BSN to DNP program commences each August.
University of Virginia: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Virginia
School of Nursing
202 Jeanette Lancaster Way
Charlottesville, VA
The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. Over 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the University of Virginia. The university is based in Charlottesville, a small town full of history including sites from the Civil War.
Students enrolled in doctoral nursing programs are prepared to contribute to the nursing profession either through developing experience in clinical and evidence-based research in the DNP or methods-based research in the PhD in Nursing program. Applicants to the DNP should have an MSN with an advanced practice specialization. Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses can apply to the PhD in Nursing program.
At minimum, applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program should have a 3.0 or better GPA. When applying to the nursing research program, applicants should know what area of research they are interested in as an essay of 1,000 words or more is required on academic and research goals. A statistics course is a prerequisite to the nursing PhD program. Prospective students should note that all students enrolled at the University of Virginia must possess an RN license that is valid in the state of Virginia.
In addition to having an MSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA, applicants to the DNP program should have completed a perquisite course in statistics. Though not required, applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program may submit GRE scores. Though not currently offered, the School of Nursing is currently developing a DNP option for bachelors prepared nurses.
Financial assistance is available to nursing PhD students for two to three years of study.
Virginia Commonwealth University: PhD in Nursing
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Nursing
1100 East Leigh St
Richmond, VA,
Virginia Commonwealth University was founded in 1779 making the university one of the oldest in the nation. The university is based in Richmond, Virginia and serves more than 30,000 students. The university has additional campuses in Virginia and an overseas campus in Qatar.
Students in the PhD program at Virginia Commonwealth University will focus on managing healthcare issues through biobehavioral methods. The doctoral nursing program offers a blended learning format which requires both distance and campus-based learning. A Post BS to PhD and Post MS to PhD are two entry options into the doctoral nursing program at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing was established in 1853. The school offers a PhD in Nursing program. Students enrolled in the nursing PhD program have access to a variety of resources including a research center that is funded by the National Institute of Health. Prospective students should apply to the DNP program by December 1 to be considered for academic scholarship opportunities in addition to admission. The general admission deadline is February 1, with applications after that date being accepted on a space available basis.
Statistics is a prerequisite course to the PhD in Nursing program and must be completed with a grade of “B” or better. Additional admission requirements include graduation from a nursing program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the nursing PhD program.
Washington State Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Seattle University: DNP Program Review
Seattle University, College of Nursing, 901 12th Ave, P.O. Box 222000, Seattle WA 98122.
Seattle University is a private, Catholic university established in 1891. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 7,500 students. Seattle University is one of 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation. Seventy percent of graduate students receive some form of financial aid. Several college ranking lists have names Seattle University among the most affordable colleges.
To apply to the nursing program, prospective DNP students should have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) and an RN license with no restrictions. Admission criteria include two letters of recommendation, a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and proof of at least 500 hours of clinical practicum experience at the MSN level.
Prerequisite courses in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology are required for some DNP tracks. It is preferred, though not required that applicants to the DNP hold APRN certification.
Like many DNP programs, Seattle University’s DNP program has a focus on vulnerable populations, a feature that is also in line with the university’s Jesuit heritage that values community service. The DNP program can usually be completed in six quarters or two years of study. Federal financial aid and work study programs are available; nursing graduate students interested in financial aid opportunities should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
University of Washington: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Washington
School of Nursing
Box 357260
Seattle, Washington 98195
The University of Washington is based in downtown Seattle. The university was founded in 1861. Additional UW campuses are located in Tacoma and Bothell. The Princeton Review ranks the University of Washington among the most eco-friendly campuses in the nation.
The DNP program at the University of Washington can be completed in as little as one year for masters prepared nurses or three years for bachelors prepared nurses. Distance learning is an option depending on a student’s area of focus in the DNP program. There are numerous specialties offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, which include:
Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner
Cross-Cultural and Global Health
Occupational and Environmental Health
Family Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner
Nurse-Midwifery
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner
Perinatal Nurse Specialist/Mental Health
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Students in the DNP program also have the opportunity of retaining their previous specialty from their MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) program.
The PhD in Nursing Science is a campus-based program. The doctoral nursing program can be completed in approximately 4.5 years of study. After the first year of the nursing PhD program, students may study on a part time schedule. Applicants with a bachelors degree may be considered for the PhD in Nursing program as long as they hold a valid Washington RN License. A BSN is not required. Applicants should have a 3.0 or higher GPA. The GRE is not required for admission consideration.
Washington State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Washington State University
College of Nursing
Graduate Program Office
Nursing Building Room 133
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA 99210
Washington State University is a public research university founded in 1890. WSU is based in Pullman with additional campuses located in Spokane, Vancouver and Richland. Washington State University is among a select group of American universities classified with a Carnegie classification designating “very high research activity.”
Admission requirements to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree program include a bachelors or masters degree in nursing from an accredited program and a GPA of 3.0 or above. Students should submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, transcripts of all schools attended and a curriculum vitae to be considered for admission to the DNP.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is currently offered on the Spokane and Vancouver campuses of Washington State University. Full time students can complete the DNP in seven months.
The nursing PhD program at Washington State University is offered on the Spokane campus. The PhD in Nursing is delivered in a hybrid format, utilizing both campus-based and online instruction. Admission requirements to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing include a masters degree in nursing or a related healthcare field and a 3.5 or higher GPA.
A score for the analytical writing portion of the GRE and submission of scholarly writing samples are admission criteria for both the DNP and PhD in Nursing programs.
West Virginia Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
West Virginia University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, P.O. Box 9600, Morgantown, WV 26506-9600. West Virginia University was established in 1867. Like many universities at the time, WVU was established through the federal land grant program that provided free land to states to establish universities.
West Virginia University is based in Morgantown, West Virginia. Morgantown is a haven for outdoor activities; students can find skiing, rock-climbing and white water rafting nearby. More than 35,000 students are educated at West Virginia University annually.
The West Virginia University School of Nursing offers bachelors through doctoral nursing degree programs, as well as continuing education and certificate programs.
To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program, applicants should have an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification in an area approved by the West Virginia Board of Nursing. Approved areas include Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CNA), Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Nurse Administrator. Admission requirements to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program include an MSN from an accredited nursing program, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The PhD in Nursing is a full or part time academic program focused on preparing nurses for a career as a researcerh, teacher or clinical and healthcare policy expert. Admission to the nursing PhD program requires BSN and MSN degrees earned with a 3.0 or better GPA.
New Hampshire Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of New Hampshire: DNP Program Review
University of New Hampshire, Department of Nursing, 275 Hewitt Hall, 4 Library Way, Durham, NH 03824.
The University of New Hampshire is based in Durham, New Hampshire. A public research university, the University of New Hampshire Durham is one of three campuses in the University of New Hampshire system, the other is the University of New Hampshire Manchester and the School of Law is located in Concord. Established in 1866, more than 14,000 students are enrolled at the Durham campus alone.
The Department of Nursing at the University of New Hampshire offers bachelors and masters degree programs. The nursing department offers opportunities for real-world practice including study abroad courses in Africa and the opportunity to participate in clinics.
The University of New Hampshire is in the process of developing its first DNP program. The program will be for masters prepared nurses, though an option for bachelors prepared nurses may be offered in the future. The DNP program at the UNH Department of Nursing is prepared according to the guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Prospective applicants to the UNH DNP program should contact the Department of Nursing to receive notifications about the development of the DNP program. Updates about the DNP program will be posted on the University of New Hampshire nursing department website. The DNP program started on January 2013.
Ohio Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Case Western Reserve University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue # E421, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Case Western Reserve University, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a merger of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University. The university was established in 1826. Nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enroll at Case Western Reserve University each year.
In addition to offering the PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University offers a dual DNP/PhD in Nursing degree program, one of very nursing schools to do so.
The Dual PhD/DNP program uniquely prepares nursing students for a role as a clinical researcher. The doctoral program can be completed in as little as 5 years. Some courses in the program are taken concurrently. To apply for the dual nursing doctoral degree program, applicants must complete separate admission processes for both the DNP, which is handled by the nursing school and through Case Western Reserve University, which admits students for the PhD degree. Students indicate their intent to apply for the dual degree program on their application forms.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice for masters prepared nurses is also offered individually. The DNP program at Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The PhD in Nursing program at FPB School of Nursing offers entry pathways for bachelors and masters prepared nurses, nurses seeking to study in summers only and nurses seeking an accelerated option. Students in the PhD in Nursing program can choose from one of six areas of research in which faculty specialize: oncology/genetics, cardiopulmonary, maternal-child, health services, gerontology and mental health.
Kent State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Kent State University
College of Nursing
Henderson Hall
Box 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242
Kent State University is a public university in Kent, Ohio. The university has seven other campuses located throughout the state, though Kent is the flagship campus. Over 25,000 students are enrolled at the Kent State University campus.
The College of Nursing at Kent State University grants associate through doctoral degrees in nursing. The PhD in Nursing is offered in collaboration with the University of Akron, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice is the newest terminal degree program.
The PhD in Nursing program is based on the Boyer Model of Scholarship which includes the four components of teaching, integration, discovery and application. The doctoral nursing research program may be completed in as little as 6 semesters of study. Applicants to the PhD program should have a bachelors and masters degree. Applicants with a bachelors or masters degree in a related health field will be considered as long as one degree, undergraduate or graduate, is in nursing.
Prospective students to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA from an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. The DNP program is for masters prepared nurses with an advanced practice qualification and clinical experience as a nurse. Students in the DNP program will complete their studies part time, which will include 37 academic credits and a minimum of 540 clinical practicum hours.
The Ohio State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
The Ohio State University
154 W 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio, 43210
The Ohio State University (more commonly known as Ohio State University or OSU) is a public research university founded in 1870. The college is based in Columbus, Ohio and enrolls over 60,000 students annually.
OSU’s PhD in Nursing program admits both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. A unique Graduate Entry Option allows nurses to apply to the doctoral nursing research program in the second year of their graduate education program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is a full or part time program for masters prepared Advanced Practice Nurses.
Focus areas of research interest include women and infant health, health risk management and reduction, decision making and symptom biology and management. Students considering applying to the PhD program may be eligible for several financial aid opportunities for the nursing PhD including graduate assistantships which pay tuition and a stipend, and also the University Fellowship, which also pays a tuition and stipend but does not require the nursing doctoral student to work.
Specific differences between the DNP and PhD in Nursing program are that the DNP prepares nurses for scientific research and scholarship as it relates to the nursing setting. The DNP prepares nurses for a clinical or a role closely related to nursing practice such as healthcare policy or leadership. Admission requirements for the DNP include a BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing or a similar health care field.
Otterbein University: DNP Program Review
Otterbein University
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Otterbein University is a private university based in Westerville, Ohio. The liberal arts institution has roots with the United Methodist Church. Over 3,000 students are served each year at Otterbein University, which was founded in 1847. The university has a long history and tradition in the USA of welcoming marginalized groups admitting women, and minority students at a time when a university education was provided to limited groups.
Courses in the DNP program are delivered in a hybrid format, with both face-to-face and on-campus meetings. The doctoral nursing program can be completed in as little as two years of study. Applicants should have an MSN and education for the advanced practice nurse role before applying to the DNP. A minimum 3.25 GPA and a nursing license valid in the state in which clinical practicum experience will be performed is required.
It is recommended, though not required that nurses have an APRN certification. Applicants should have at least one year of professional experience as an advanced practice nurse. A personal statement that demonstrates a match between the prospective student and the nursing program is required as well as a prerequisite course in research.
In some cases, nurses with previous graduate coursework may be able to transfer credits to the DNP program. If a nurse has APRN certification, clinical practice hours towards the 1000 required to earn the DNP will be accepted from previous clinical practicum work.
Otterbein University has plans to offer a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at the BSN to DNP level in the future.
University of Toledo: DNP Program Review
University of Toledo
2801 W Bancroft St
Toledo, OH 43606
Based in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo is a public research university awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees. Founded in 1872, the university is one of over 10 public universities located in the state of Ohio.
A Direct and Indirect Care option are offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Toledo. While the Direct Care program emphasizes the clinical role of the doctoral prepared nurse, the Indirect Care track focuses on administrative and leadership roles. The DNP program may be completed in eight semesters of study.
Students interested in the DNP program should have a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Master of Science with a Nursing major earned with a 3.3 or higher GPA. The applicant’s masters program should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). In addition to having a nursing license, applicants to the DNP degree program should have certification in a clinical or administrative focused area of advanced practice. Only students with international degrees that are applying to the nursing doctoral program are required to take the GRE.
Nursing applications for the DNP program at the University of Toledo are submitted through Nursing Central Admission Services and also to the College of Nursing at the University of Toledo. Scholarships and financial aid are available to nursing students in good standing, which hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
University of Akron: PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Akron
The School of Nursing
Mary Gladwin Hall
209 Carroll Street
Akron, Ohio 44325-3701
Founded in 1870, what was formerly Buchtel College is now the University of Akron. The university offers more than 300 academic programs and over 200 extracurricular student organizations to join.
The University of Akron offers a joint PhD program in collaboration with Kent State University. The doctoral nursing program offers online courses in addition to campus-based courses held at the University of Akron and Kent State University. Admission to the PhD program requires a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Prospective students with a masters degree in a field related to nursing may also be considered for admission to the PhD program. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in order to be considered for the doctoral nursing research program.
In addition to meeting academic and degree requirements, nursing students are required to submit other documents and take additional academic tests or courses as part of the admission process. Transcripts and an exam score for the GRE no more than 7 years prior should be submitted with the nursing PhD admission application.
The PhD in Nursing program is offered both full and part time to accommodate the various needs of working nurses. Once accepted, admission to the PhD in Nursing program may be deferred for up to 2 years.
University of Cincinnati: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Cincinnati
College of Nursing
3110 Vine St.
Cincinnati OH 45221-0038
The University of Cincinnati, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers over 300 academic degree programs, has a student to faculty ratio of 15:1 and serves over 42,000 students. Awards and honors of the university include being named among the most “green” and beautiful campuses in the nation.
To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing. The nursing PhD is offered for full or part time study, with three years being the minimum time required for a full time student to complete the program. Graduate Assistantships and UGS (University Graduate Scholarships) are financial assistance opportunities offered by the College of Nursing.
Most students who pursue a PhD in Nursing pursue careers in academia and research-focused higher education institutions. Nurses with a PhD may also pursue education in health care related organizations and hospitals.
For practice-focused nurses, the DNP degree may be completed in a minimum of four semesters of study. In order to be admitted to the DNP program, applicants must have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Nurses with a masters degree in a field other than nursing cannot be considered for this DNP program. The desired GPA for admission into the DNP program is 3.25. Applicants with a 3.25 or higher GPA do not have to take the GRE.
Wright State University: DNP Program Review
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, OH 45435
Wright State University is a private university with two campuses in Ohio, the Dayton and Lake campuses, with the Dayton campus being the main campus. The university offers associate through doctoral degree programs. Wright State University has held classes since 1964, and was recognized as a university in 1967.
Wright State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program in collaboration with the University of Toledo. The DNP program is an online program, which offers two concentrations. The Indirect Care concentration is for nurses pursuing leadership roles, and the Direct Care concentration is for nurses pursuing an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) role such as NP (Nurse Practitioner), CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), CNA (Nurse Anesthetist) or CNM (Nurse Midwife).
Prospective students should note that the doctoral nursing program is only offered on part time study. Applications to the DNP are accepted annually in January, March and June, though students may be admitted in the fall if seats are available in the DNP program. The College of Nursing encourages prospective students to contact the nursing program with questions.
Admission criteria for the DNP program include an MSN with an APRN certification. Applicants should have an MSN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
Oklahoma Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Oklahoma City University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Oklahoma City University, 2501 N Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106-1402.
Oklahoma City University is a private, university based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The university was founded with the assistance of the United Methodist Church, an affiliation that it maintains to this day. Over 90% of students at Oklahoma City University receive a form of financial aid including both merit and need based awards. Oklahoma City University was founded in 1904 as Epworth University.
The Kramer School of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing degree programs. Prospective students choose from one of two DNP programs depending on the student’s qualifications. The post-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) DNP is for bachelors prepared nurses seeking to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice qualification and also become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The DNP completion program is for masters prepared nurses with an MSN and APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) certification; students in the DNP completion program can choose from a clinical or administrative.
Students in the nursing PhD program at Kramer School of Nursing may focus their studies on nursing education or another area of their choice. As with the DNP program, courses in the PhD in Nursing program are delivered online and in person. Admission requirements for the nursing PhD include an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree, a masters degree and a minimum 3.5 GPA.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
College of Nursing
P.O. Box 26901
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is the branch of the University of Oklahoma system dedicated to educating students for careers in various health professions including nursing. Over 3,000 students enroll at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center each year.
Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program will focus on providing care for underserved populations, including patients in rural settings. Admission requirements to the program include a masters degree with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The DNP can be completed in 2.5 years of full time study or 4 years of part time study. Because the university also offers a nursing PhD program, some courses in the doctoral program will be shared among PhD and DNP students.
A joint collaboration with the University of Colorado and University of Minnesota nursing programs, the PhD in Nursing program at the University of Oklahoma prepares nurses for a full time career as an educator, clinician and researcher among other roles. Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses are eligible to apply for the PhD in nursing program. Full-tuition scholarships are available to select nursing PhD candidates studying specific areas of nursing. The BSN to PhD Fast Track is for especially skilled nurses who can commit to full time study to earn a nursing PhD early in their career, while the Masters to PhD program allows nurses to earn a PhD on full or part time study.
Wisconsin Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
Concordia University Wisconsin: DNP Program Review
Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 N Lake Shore Dr., Mequon, WI 53097-2418.
Concordia University Wisconsin was founded as Concordia College in 1881. The university was founded by Lutherans and continues to educate students in the Christian tradition today. Approximately 7,500 students enroll at Concordia University Wisconsin each year.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Concordia University Wisconsin is designed to prepare nurses at the highest level of clinical practice. The DNP is primarily an online program, with all coursework completed through online modules. Students in the DNP program are only required to go to campus for an initial and final course meeting.
To apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Concordia University Wisconsin, students should have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Advanced practice certification as an FNP, ANP or GNP (Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner) is required. Applicants to the DNP must have an RN license that is valid in the US. A prerequisite course in statistics must be completed before the nursing PhD program commences. Alternatively, if the student has successfully completed a statistics course within the past 5 years this requirement is waived.
Students seeking financial aid should apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Marquette University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Marquette University
College of Nursing
530 N. 16th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Marquette University is a private, Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition. The university was founded in 1881 and named for Reverend Jacques Marquette who was a French missionary in North America. Originally a college for men, Marquette University is now a coeducational institution that enrolls equal proportions of male and female students.
The PhD in Nursing program at Marquette University is designed to prepare researchers and teachers. The only prerequisite course required for admission to the nursing PhD program is a statistics course completed no more than five years prior to the start of the program. Admission requirements include a masters degree in nursing earned with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a score of 1,000 or higher on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program do not have to take the GRE unless their GPA is below 3.2. Prerequisite courses to the DNP program include health assessment, research and statistics. Prospective DNP students should have a BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Financial aid opportunities for doctoral nursing students include scholarships, traineeships and assistantships, and loans. Students interested in financial aid are required to submit their application by a certain deadline each year, which may be earlier than the program deadline, in order to be considered for university funding.
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire: DNP Program Review
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Nursing 101
Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702-4004
The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire is part of the University of Wisconsin system which includes campuses in Oshkosh, Madison and Milwaukee. The university was founded in 1916 and became part of the UW system in 1971.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a clinical doctorate designed to prepare nurses as nurse administrators, nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. Entry options are available for both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. Masters prepared nurses can complete the DNP in just one year by taking courses in all semesters or in two years on a part time schedule. The BSN to DNP (Bachelors of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) allows bachelors prepared nurses to complete the DNP in four to five years.
The priority admission deadline for acceptance to the DNP program is in January, though the program accepts applications until the maximum number of students have enrolled. To apply to the DNP, nurses should have a BSN or MSN from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). In addition to possessing an RN license, nurses should have APRN certification as a Nurse Administrator, Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult, Family or Gerontological care. Additional admission criteria include three letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal essay.
University of Wisconsin Madison: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Wisconsin Madison
500 Lincoln Dr
Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
The University of Wisconsin Madison was founded in1848. As one of the leading campuses in the UW system, the university is often known simply as the University of Wisconsin. More than 40,000 students are enrolled in academic programs at UW-Madison.
The university offers a DNP and PhD in Nursing, with an early entry option. The Early Entry PhD is for aspiring nurses desiring to pursue a research career. The Early Entry PhD in Nursing allows students to shape their undergraduate and graduate courswork to train for a career in research. Students may apply to the Early Entry PhD program along with the nursing major application. Criteria for admission include SAT or ACT scores, references and a statement of interest.
The nursing PhD program enrolls students from all over the world and incorporates interdisciplinary study to provide a culturally enriching and comprehensive nursing degree program. The traditional PhD program accepts both bachelors and masters prepared nurses who have graduated from a program accredited by a nursing body with a 3.0 or higher GPA. GRE scores, references and scholarly writing samples are criteria for admission to the nursing PhD program.
Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program will prepare to be a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Students can also prepare for faculty positions by adding a nurse educator concentration to their degree program. Bachelors prepared nurses seeking admission to the DNP program most have a 3.0 GPA or also hold a masters degree in any field with a minimum 3.5 GPA. DNP applicants with an MSN should have a 3.5 or higher GPA and have proof of a completed prerequisite course in statistics with a grade of “B” or above.
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
College of Nursing
2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
P.O. Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is located in the state’s capital of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The university enrolls over 30,000 students and claims to educate more Wisconsin natives than any other higher education institution in the world.
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers a variety of nursing PhD and DNP programs both on-campus and online for bachelors and masters prepared nurses.
The BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP are the two entry options for nurses aspiring to earn the highest clinical qualification awarded in the nursing profession. The MSN to DNP track is an online program, which requires limited campus attendance. Four specializations are available in the DNP program including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Systems Leadership and Community Health.
The on-campus nursing PhD program offers classes one day each week to accommodate the working nurse. The on-campus nursing PhD is offered full or part time, while the online option requires nursing PhD students to stay on track with their nursing cohort. A BS to PhD program is also offered for bachelors prepared nurses seeking a doctoral nursing degree focused in research.
Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing programs requires students to take the GRE and also a prerequisite course in statistics completed no more than 5 years prior.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh: DNP Program Review
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
800 Algoma Boulevard
Oshkosh, WI 54901
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is based in northeast Wisconsin. The university was founded in 1871.UW Oshkosh awards bachelors and masters degrees. Approximately 13,000 students are enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is offered for bachelors and masters prepared nurses at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The BSN to DNP program offers a FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) concentration and may be completed in 3 to 5 years of study. The MSN to DNP program is for nurses with APRN certification or who desire a Nurse Administrator role. The MSN to DNP program is offered part time and requires two years of study.
To apply to the MSN to DNP program, applicants should have an MSN, RN license and a minimum of 550 clinical practice hours. Applicants to the BSN to DNP program should have a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Applicants with a GPA of 2.7 or higher, but less than 3.0 must take the Graduate Record Exam. A prerequisite course in statistics completed with a grade of “B” or better must be completed prior to beginning the DNP program.
The DNP program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Wyoming Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs
University of Wyoming: DNP Program Review
University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave. , Laramie, WY 8207.
The University of Wyoming is based in Laramie, Wyoming. Founded in 1886, the university serves students from every state in the nation and almost 100 foreign countries. Approximately 13,000 students are enrolled at the University of Wyoming.
The University of Wyoming is the only university in the state of Wyoming with a doctoral nursing program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice offers two specialization options, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP). A key focus of the doctoral nursing program is serving rural populations.
Both post bachelors and post masters entry pathways are offered for the DNP. Admission criteria include current RN licensure, a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the BSN or MSN program with an overall GPA no less than 2.75 and satisfactory scores on the GRE. Both bachelors and masters prepared nurses are required to submit test scores for the GRE.
Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Wyoming must submit applications to both the graduate school and the nursing program. Applications are accepted annually in February, and promising DNP candidates will be invited for an interview to further review their application. Graduate assistantships and scholarships are available for nursing students to assist in funding their education.
The DNP program is seeking accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and anticipates their Doctor of Nursing Practice program will be accredited on or before the time that the first DNP cohort graduates the program.
Doctorate in Nursing Education
Doctorate Degrees in Nursing Education
Nursing faculty academic staff shortages are being attributed with the ever reducing number of nurses ready to enter and practice nursing.
Reduction of nursing school faculty members directly leads to the reduction in the number of students admitted in nursing programs. Schools have to follow the set guidelines of faculty to student ratios to ensure quality delivery of education and personalized nurse training.
So if you are thinking of becoming a faculty nurse educator at the doctorate level, go fast. Thousands of nursing schools will be looking for you in a bid to fill the large gaps in their nursing faculties. It is not a vague promise; you might not even look for long without landing a lucrative job as a nurse educator. But to reach the highest management levels and salaries in a nurse educator career, having a Doctorate in Nursing Education will open many doors.
PhD in Nursing Education Vs DNP in Nursing Education
Terminal nursing degrees are available in two options: the practice based-Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the research-oriented PhD option. As such, individuals wishing to become nurse educators at the doctorate level also have the choice of choosing between the two options. A review of each of the options is given below:
DNP in Nursing Education
College faculty nurses rarely interact directly with patients in providing patient care. This means it is also quite a task to find a nurse educator program that focuses on practice rather than research. Since the DNP is highly oriented in evidence-based practice; which faculty nurses won’t handle, it is not the most preferred option. Only a few universities in the US offer the nursing education as a specialty of their DNPs. They include;
i) University of South Alabama
For this, the DNP in Nursing Education is a Subspecialty of the DNP and is offered simultaneously with Advanced Practice Nursing subspecialty
ii) Samford University- Alabama
Just like the former program, this program is also not offered on its own but rather, as a subspecialty along another Advanced Practice track.
PhD in Nursing Education
The scholastic PhD is a much more common nursing education doctorate degree option when compared to the DNP. The reason could be that nurse educators will more likely be interested in research, academics and pedagogical outlook- that perfectly fit the faculty nurse roles rather than practicing. Even as such, some universities only offer students an opportunity to take additional courses in nursing education alongside other areas of research as in the DNP. Given the reduced percent of practical courses, most universities offering this option also have the students to choose between online and on-campus study plans with online plans being more prevalent. This is as opposed to having a dedicated track like what is usually observed in Master of Science-nurse educator programs.
Given the reduced percent of practical courses in these programs, most universities offering this option enables students choose between online and on-campus study plans with online plans being more prevalent
i) University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV)
At UNLV, the PhD in nursing education is one of the two PhD track options along with the “Urban Sustainability” track. It is an online PhD in nursing program hence all coursework is delivered via web-enhanced formats. Every fall semester though, student visit campus for a 3-day intensive session. Students can also choose between the full and part time modes of curriculum coverage.
ii) Nova Southern Eastern University (Nova)
The PhD in Nursing Education online Program at Nova is open to master-prepared registered nurses. It is a 60 semester credits programs whereby, all courses are offered 100% online and is therefore suitable for working nurses. However, students must visit campus for an annual residency period of 1 week.
iii) University of North Dakota (UND)
The PhD in nursing with a specialization in faculty nursing is offered under the UND Online and Distance Education programs. This means it is also offered online: live web classes and recorded lectures with only 1 or 2 campus-based intensive sessions required per annum. The program starts every fall semester and welcomes both post-master and post-bachelor nurses. Students with a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree but with a master degree in another area may also be admitted through an advanced placement plan.
iv) Capella University
At Capella University, the PhD in nursing education specialization is open to master-prepared nurses only. This 120 quarter credits program is delivered in an online mode in addition to attending three 4-day residency programs during the course of the period.
v) University of Northern Colorado (UNCO)
A PhD in Nursing education (online program) is offered at UNCO. The 60 credit hours can be taken completely online with the exception of few residency programs: an orientation session at the start and other sessions for oral exams, proposal hearing and dissertation defense. Students must also attend a mandatory Annual Nurse Educator Conference in the University grounds. The program is designed to take 4 years to complete.
vi) Case Western Reserve University
Case offers a PhD in nursing that focuses in nursing research but still offers students an option to choose additional PhD Education courses. Such additional courses include curriculum and instruction, teaching practicum and theoretical foundations of teaching and evaluation. What’s more, students receive paid teaching assistantships opportunities while still at school. The program offers students four entry options to choose from:
- Traditional Option
- Summer Program
- Accelerated Option
- Fast Track Option
General Study Plans for Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs
Doctorate nurse educator programs have a similar progression and most take 4 years to complete. Generally the 1st and 2nd years are dedicated to core courses while the 3rd and 4th year may be exclusively for nurse faculty roles including teaching practice. There may be variations in time depending on the entry option, past education level and the mode of learning ie part time or full time
There is also a common observation of program being offered online rather than on campus-based formats. However, even with the online options, students still need to visit their universities for mandatory residency programs. This may therefore not work well if you are living in a state very distant from where the residency sessions happen. Students therefore need to evaluate the economic and time implications of this factor.
Benefits of a Doctorate Degree in Nursing
Doctoral Degrees in Nursing are relatively new degrees and is us usually a DNP or PhD in Nursing. The PhD in Nursing, like the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), is a “terminal” degree (meaning this is as far academically as one can go).
The possessor of the nursing doctorate degree must not only have extensive practical clinical experience, but a business and management paradigm that allows them to prepare nurses for nursing as well as for administrative positions. In addition, the job allows a creative outlet for the DNP/PHD holder to create innovations in methodology, research, medical education and nursing techniques.
Why the Doctorate in Nursing was Created
Any nursing school student heading for an Registered Nursing certificate knows that the biggest difficulty she will encounter is the clinical experience requirement. 1,000 hours is the bare minimum; in order for that nurse to be competitive in the job market, she must attain to 4,000 hours and more. While that is a small amount in terms of a relative length of a career, it is a tremendous number of supervised hours to fill, and staff members that can act in a supervisory capacity are limited (a doctor, for example, has patients to tend in preference to novices to instruct).
Hence, the creation of Doctoral Nursing Degrees. Qualified graduates can prepare Registered Nurses to reach advanced practice roles such as NP (nurse practitioner), CNM (nurse-midwife) and CNS (nurse specialist).
The duties of a Doctor of Nursing are multiform, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which lists some of them:
– She develops the advanced competencies a nurse may need for clinical work of an increasingly complex nature (including possible administrative duties)
– She improves patient outcomes by innovating new nursing methods based on research and practical experience
– She enhances health care delivery by sharpening the expertise of the staff she is training
– She enjoys parity with other health professionals, and frequently shares out expertise and new developments
– Her availability allows for an increased flow of individual student nurses and trainees in clinical instruction and experience.
The Program for Doctorate in Nursing
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has targeted 2015 as the year all entry-level NP (nurse practitioner) programs move from the traditional MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree to the Doctorate of Nursing Practice or Nursing PhD. These doctoral degrees are obviously on the way up the medical ladder, and both an RN certification and Masters in Nursing Degree are required prerequisites before you can begin a nursing doctoral program.
These Doctorate training programs can be done in an institution, in a medical facility or online, and take approximately 5 years to complete. Some of the typical coursework might include (from online programs for the PhD in Nursing Doctorate):
– Ethics: problem solving in health care, with an emphasis on the hierarchy of the medical facility, the decision making process, and the varied philosophies of ethics found in clinical, professional and organizational settings.
– Nursing Education: trains the novice doctor in methodologies for the development of RNs, and for assisting their education as they specialize.
– Adult Health Nursing: adult care as applied to new theories, evidentiary treatment procedures and health care trends for this particular population
– Health Care Informatics: health care technology and management, addressing the organizational issues and social paradigms that arise from major health care alterations.
Job Outlook and Salary for those with a Doctorate in Nursing
The job outlook for Nursing Doctorate holders is “favorable” as reported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. There should be a minimum 9% job growth in the nursing market, including upper echelon positions, and a maximum job growth of up to 27% from 2008 to 2018.
Average salary for the Doctorate in Nursing Education depends upon the position that the degree secures. For example, an Administration Director can expect an average of $72,000, while a Nursing Director might command $110,000 and more.
The Nursing Doctorate may be a terminal degree, but it is obviously a good stopping place for a lifelong career.
Online Nursing PhD Programs
Online learning modes have penetrated all professions and nursing is no exception. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who wishes to take a PhD degree in nursing can now do it at the comfort of their own home or office. Online nursing PhD programs enable busy advanced practice nurses to pursue the terminal education level in nursing without having to give-up their jobs.
Starting on an Online Nursing PhD Program
In terms of requirements, online PhD students need to be already advanced practice nurses. The most preferable candidates for online PhD programs are former nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives or nurse specialists. This means to enroll for a PhD in nursing program, you must have earned your masters degree.
On the other hand, there are special PhD in nursing programs that take-in students who only have a bachelors degree. These programs take a bit longer to complete as there are additional credits which BSN to PhD students have to take.
Generalized Program Guide for Online PhDs
Students enrolled in this program are expected to do the following to be awarded the following:
Take Online Classes
Online classes are facilitated using advanced online learning tools. The curriculum delivery is made possible using learning modes like live seminars, web conferencing, audio conferencing among others. Students take all their theoretical classes online.
Complete Dissertation
Dissertations are part and parcel of all phd programs including the online ones. Students are expected to research and write their dissertations and continually forward them to the in-charge faculty member for examination. The same should be uploaded online for assessment.
Develop a Clinical Defense
This is usually a prerequisite for completion of a phd in nursing degree. Online students are expected to develop a clinical project and defend it in a panel. Depending on your school, you can either present your clinical defense via a webinar or present it when making the annual end of year campus stay.
Attend a Research Conference
Most online nursing schools will locate and book their online PhD students to research conferences in their state. Attendance of one or two research conferences is usually part of the examination process of the PhD student. The research conference must be chosen and recommended by your respective nursing school to facilitate its recognition.
Attend Your Campus Annually For The Duration of Study
Online PhD programs demand that students make on-campus visits every end of the year. This enables the faculty members to do intensive assessment of concepts learnt during the online sessions. At this point, students can also have on-campus face to face lectures with their professors. For this reason, it is strongly advisable that students intending to take the online PhD program to consider enrolling in schools within their states or the most convenient.
What Does an Online PhD in Nursing Prepare You For?
Earning a PhD in nursing, either online or in a traditional nursing schools opens you to a multitude of opportunities. Firstly, the nursing PhD is the terminal nursing degree on the land, and therefore, it is obvious to expect the best pay for PhD nurses.
In addition to a smarter check, PhD students are able to operate at wider and more lucrative positions in the nursing field. A PhD gives you an excellent opportunity to shape the future nurses by becoming a faculty member and an instructor to students nurses. There are also numerous leadership roles that PhD graduates can assume. They are able to utilize their honed advanced nursing skills to become policy and decision makers in the health care profession.
PhD nursing graduates are able to give more focus in nursing research leading to generation and dissemination of vital research findings into real nursing practice. Such research foci can include reducing the risk of vulnerable groups while promoting health, managing chronic and old age suffering among others.
PhD holders also have the mandate of expanding the scholarly basis of nursing practice via empirical and philosophical basis that lead to a better understanding of nursing by the society.
Duration of Typical Online Nursing PhD Programs
Usually, nursing schools offering online nursing PhD programs require students to take at least 4 years to complete their studies although some may take as much as 5 years to compete. During this time, students are expected to cover 75 to 90 nursing credits depending on the program chosen or nursing school. For MSN to PhD programs, nurses take about 75 credits while the 90 credits are applicable to the BSN to PhD programs.
PhD in Nursing Programs
A doctoral degree in nursing is the highest nursing degree that you can hold; however, there are two doctoral degrees. The Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP) is the doctoral degree for practicing while the Doctor of Science in Nursing is the PhD degree and is more research based than practice based. The DNP has become the preferred degree for nurses who wish to move higher in their field and attain executive status or work in highly specialized areas such as midwife nurse practitioners.
Choosing the best PhD in nursing programs is the first step to a long and successful career as a high ranking nurse.
The Best of the Best
Everyone wants to choose the best school for their education, it simply makes good sense. Employers look more favorably upon some institutions simply due to the reputation they have earned for graduating some of the best in the industry. The following schools have been deemed to be the top schools for PhD in nursing programs based on peer assessment. They are presented in order of ranking for you to review and consider as you look toward advancing your degree.
#1 John Hopkins University: This prestigious medical teaching school offers nurses two options for obtaining their doctoral degree in nursing, the DNP and the PhD. The NDP program for practicing nursing at the highest possible level allows students to create their own nursing path based on their specialized interests such as anesthesia, midwifery and more. The PhD program is more attuned to nurses who want to pursue research type careers.
#1 University of Philadelphia: The Penn Nursing program has long been recognized as a leader in producing top quality nurses. The PhD program prepares nurses for advanced careers in research environments. Students can also choose to get a joint degree by add Bioethics or Business Administration to their curriculum.
#1 University of Washington: The University of Washington offers nurses both the DNP and the PhD option. The programs last from one to three years, depending on the educational background of the student. Students can choose part-time or full-time studies and for some courses choose distance learning. The DNP has several different specialty paths such as pediatric, midwifery, mental health and more. The PhD takes up to 5 years and does not allow part-time study until after the first completed year. This program is much more intense and focuses on research and study instead of practice in the nursing field.
#6 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor: Like many other prestigious universities, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor offers both the PhD and the DNP programs as well as a Post-Doctoral Training Fellowship. The PhD in nursing program prepares nurses to become forerunners in the advancement of nursing through research and a strong emphasis on theory rather than practice. The DNP program focuses on advanced practical nursing skills and leadership. This degree has become the preferred degree for nurses entering specialized fields and will become the accepted credentials for many of these specialty areas, such as nurse midwifery. One of the requirements for the DNP program is at least 1000 hours of advanced clinical work.
#7 Duke University: Noted not only for its nursing program but for its medical facilities as well, the School of Nursing at Duke University offers nurses both the PhD program and the DNP program. Students who graduate from this program can pursue teaching positions in nursing schools or move into research in a post doctorate program. The DNP program at Duke offers online courses with planned on-campus days. This program prepares nurses to improve patient care as leaders in their area of nursing.
As shown here, there are many excellent schools of nursing that offer doctoral programs in nursing. The main thing you need to decide is if you want to get a research doctoral degree (PhD) or a clinical practice degree (DNP). Once you know this, you can decide on the school that best meets your needs.
PhD in nursing programs allows nurses to reach the pinnacle of their education and become leaders in the healthcare field. The DNP has become to go-to degree for many areas that once had certifications only and will overtime become the desired doctoral degree for nurses who wish to remain actively practicing.
