If you’re interested in getting to the top of your field, consider the many benefits of earning your PhD in Nursing.
Going back to school to earn your doctorate is a big decision that can produce amazing outcomes, both personally and professionally. For many nursing professionals, advancing their career is rewarding in ways that extend beyond personal gain. Consider some of the benefits you can experience when you earn your PhD in Nursing.
Gain the skills you need to conduct research in the field and impact healthcare policies, systems, and services.
If you’ve ever wondered who writes the various policies, procedures, and clinical diagnoses that nursing practitioners follow, the answer is: PhD-educated nurse researchers. A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused doctorate in which students conduct research to advance the science and practice of nursing. Therefore, the coursework in a PhD in Nursing program centers on research methods, research theory, and nursing science. Upon completion of your PhD program, you will have the tools and in-depth knowledge you need to work as a nurse researcher, designing and implementing science-based studies that aim to improve healthcare services and outcomes.
Help prepare and educate future nursing professionals.
Like most helping professions, nursing draws people who have a passion to serve and improve community welfare. That’s why one of the most rewarding benefits for nursing professionals is knowing that they can make a lasting impression by educating future practitioners. And now more than ever, educators are needed in the field: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported that a nursing faculty shortage is causing qualified applicants to be turned away from both bachelor’s and graduate nursing programs.1 By getting your PhD in Nursing, you not only have the opportunity to advance your own knowledge but to share that knowledge with nursing hopefuls who will fill much-needed healthcare roles in the future.
Tap in to the administrative side of nursing.
A PhD in Nursing program can extend beyond research and education and prepare you with the experience you need to pursue a role in nursing administration. Often, a high-quality PhD in Nursing program—like the one at Walden University—will allow you to specialize in administration to ensure your coursework aligns with your interests and aspirations. For instance, Walden’s program offers a Healthcare Administration specialization that centers on the principles that influence healthcare decisions as well as the application of best practices in leadership, ethics, and professionalism in public health settings.
Develop the interdisciplinary knowledge to lead and work with diverse healthcare teams.
Earning a PhD degree in nursing can help you climb the career ladder, positioning you to take on leadership roles within a variety of healthcare settings. The ability to work effectively with diverse populations and teams is an integral aspect of PhD in Nursing programs and one you should look for when deciding where to earn your degree. At Walden, you can get your PhD in Nursing with a specialization in Interdisciplinary Health, which enables you to broaden your perspectives and collaborate with others as you examine today’s complex healthcare-related issues and strive to improve patient outcomes.
Gain the Advanced Skills You Need to Impact the Field of Nursing at Walden University
With Walden’s PhD in Nursingprogram, you can turn your passion into impact while playing a key role in transforming healthcare and the field of nursing. Learn from highly qualified instructors as you prepare to influence nursing outcomes through top-level positions, from administrative and managerial roles, to education and research. And at Walden, an accredited university, you can earn your doctorate in nursing online while you continue to work full time. That means you don’t have to put your career on hold while you further your skills. With online education, you can take classes at whatever time of day works best for you as you work toward your PhD degree.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a suite of nursing programs online, including a PhD in Nursingprogram. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-faculty-shortage
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.
FAQs
Nurses with PhDs can equip the future generation of nurse scientists as faculty. In addition, they can serve as leaders in diverse settings such as clinical agencies, health policy organizations, professional organizations, governmental and state agencies, and industry.
What are the benefits of getting a PhD in nursing? ›
Nurses with PhDs can equip the future generation of nurse scientists as faculty. In addition, they can serve as leaders in diverse settings such as clinical agencies, health policy organizations, professional organizations, governmental and state agencies, and industry.
Why do you need a doctorate in nursing? ›
A doctorate in nursing, also known as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, is the highest achievement in nursing education. DNP programs represent advanced practice education and are designed to prepare nurses to improve health system performance at the local, state and national levels.
What are the benefits of getting a PhD? ›
Reasons to do a PhD or research degree
- Passion for research. ...
- Become an expert in your field. ...
- Put your studies into practice. ...
- Learn with engaged peers. ...
- Boost your career. ...
- Networking opportunities. ...
- New city, new experiences.
Although less than 1% of today's nursing workforce has earned a PhD (NCSBN, 2021), these individuals are in high demand with the need for nurse scientists, faculty, and leaders on the rise.
Do nurses with Phds get called doctor? ›
Those with any doctoral degree, whether an M.D., D.O., DNP, Ph. D., DPT, O.D., AuD, DDS, DPM or a PharmD, have dedicated years toward their education and should be able to use the honorific “doctor” in academic and professional settings.
How hard is it to get a PhD in nursing? ›
A Ph. D. in nursing is a pretty lengthy degree to earn. On average, the program can take three and half years to six years to complete.
What do you call someone with a doctorate in nursing? ›
Most states allow practitioners with doctorate degrees to use the title “doctor” as long as they immediately clarify their role and qualifications. For example, a nurse practitioner with a DNP must inform patients that he or she is a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner.
Is it better to get a DNP or PhD in nursing? ›
Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That's in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions.
How are DNP prepared nurses shaping the future of our healthcare system? ›
As a terminal degree, the DNP provides the highest level of practice-based nursing knowledge. Graduates of DNP programs are prepared to emerge as decisive leaders who can navigate complex decisions and make critical judgments to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice.
To answer this question and leave a lasting impact, try to include an academic or personal experience that has strengthened your passion for research. As well as this, outline what your career aspirations are and explain how the proposed PhD will help you achieve them.
What is the value of doing a PhD? ›
Besides this, a PhD degree helps you develop valuable transferrable skills, which are held dear by the employers. The very nature of the degree teaches candidates to be team players, problem solvers, have great presentation and communication skills apart from having an analytical mind and perseverance.
What are the pros and cons of PhD? ›
Potential for higher earning potential over time.
- Requires a significant time commitment.
- The cost can be substantial.
- The job market for individuals with PhDs can be highly competitive.
- The process can be mentally and emotionally taxing.
- The focus on one subject area may limit your future career options.
DNP-PhD Comparison
| Doctor of Nursing Practice | PhD in Nursing |
|---|
| Part-time study | Yes, Program designed for working nurses | No |
| Point of entry | BSN or master's in advanced nursing practice | BSN or MSN or related master's degree |
| Program Length | Five semesters for MSN entry; varies for BSN entry* | Four to five years |
| Credits Required | 35 to 94* | 57 |
15 more rowsFindings. The completion rate of the students was 74.2% and the attrition rate was 22.7%. On average, it took 5.7 years for the students to graduate and 3.7 years for the students who left without graduating to drop out. The mean age at matriculation and graduation was 42.4 and 47.5, respectively.
What PhD do you need to be a nurse? ›
There are two doctorate pathways nurses can take to earn a terminal degree — a Ph. D. in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). A terminal degree refers to the highest academic credential for a given discipline.
Which subject is best for PhD in nursing? ›
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Nursing
- Nursing Leadership.
- Nursing Informatics.
- Nursing Theories and Theory Development.
- Pathology and Genetics.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing.
- Community Health Nursing.
Most nurses enter the field with a bachelor's degree, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Some will then earn an advanced degree, further specializing their practice and gaining greater industry expertise.
What is the highest degree in nursing? ›
A Ph. D. in nursing is focused on research and education, and it is the highest academic degree in the nursing field. This type of degree is geared towards those who are interested in conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to the field during a nursing career.
What does DNP stand for in nursing? ›
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a post-master's degree, also known as a terminal degree. A DNP degree program prepares nurses for roles in advanced clinical practice and healthcare leadership.
