If you’ve dreamed of becoming a nurse, you’ve likely wondered, “what is a Ph.D. in Nursing?” Perhaps you’ve already made a wise and secure choice to pursue a career caring for others. Did you earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and have your RN licensure, and are considering something more?
A Ph.D. is for those interested in conducting research or teaching in some capacity. Maybe you’re starting your educational journey and are curious how far you can go?
Keep reading to learn how to get a Ph.D. in Nursing and what Ph.D. in Nursing prerequisites may be required.
BS Program in Nursing
If you’re passionate about caring for others and are early in your academic career, there’s no need to delay. You could jump straight into a BSN program, pass the NCLEX to get your RN license, and after a few years in the field, you can choose to join a Ph.D. in Nursing program. And more good news! There’s no master’s required, usually. This is by far the most direct path to becoming a Doctor of Nursing.
However, before you pursue the title of doctor, your BSN program will instill the importance of patient wellness and safety, critical thinking, making ethical and legal decisions, and even mastering soft skills. Active listening and empathy are communication pillars you’ll want to stand on. Time management, too, becomes an essential tool in a life-or-death situation.
Plus, these programs aren’t just lectures and textbooks. During the second semester of your sophomore year, you’ll begin practicing clinical experiences. Placement sites include hospitals, schools, and medical offices, where laboratory and simulated experiences are available using the latest medical technology.
With enough time, you’ll be able to provide effective care to patients in private practices and community centers.
More than one route to your RN license
Since RN licensure is the first big step to complete when searching to tick off those Ph.D. in Nursing prerequisites, we’re highlighting several nursing program options.
From a super flexible associate’s degree to a master’s plan, there are plenty of options in this field. Whatever you’re ready for next, you’ll be moving in the right direction to complete your Ph.D. in Nursing requirements.
Let’s dive in:
Associate Degree in Nursing
Totally new to Nursing? Don’t be afraid to start with a shorter-term degree.
If a part-time evening program seems like a good fit for you, start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which leads straight to RN licensure by passing the NCLEX exam. Offered in many different formats, online or in person. For example, University of Bridgeport’s program is a 6 p.m. nightly and finishes in just five semesters.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
You know what you want, and you’re ready to go. Whether straight out of high school, just completed a GED, or have experience as a healthcare professional, perhaps you have the bandwidth to jump into a full-blown BS in Nursing program.
If you can commit to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN), then gather your application materials because it’s time to hit the ground running.
While this 4-year program primarily takes place on campus, you’ll have many opportunities for hybrid and virtual courses, as well as evening and weekend classes. Above all, your time matters. You’ve worked hard, and you’re going to keep working hard as you pursue your studies and make your career yours.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing may be the next step in completing those pesky Ph.D. in Nursing requirements.
An ABSN is a flexible program that can be completed in as few as 15 months. Be ready to interact and network with other friendly faces as you stay on campus full-time in most accelerated schedule offerings.
Master’s of Science in Nursing Online
If you’ve already completed a BSN and have some experience in the field, you might want to dip your toe into research with a Master’s of Science in Nursing before committing to a full Ph.D. program.
It’s not a bad idea to make sure you enjoy spending time away from patient care, reading and writing reports, and conducting research projects, before you pursue your Ph.D. The good news is that many MS programs are now conveniently offered online.
To qualify, you must have maintained a 3.0 GPA while in previous academic programs and have an active nursing license throughout your clinical courses.
Once you’ve completed your MS, you’ll know for sure if a Ph.D. in Nursing is right for you.
What are the Ph.D. in Nursing prerequisites?
The first Ph.D. in Nursing requirement is completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing; however, some Ph.D. in Nursing programs require a Master’s degree and some research experience. After earning that BSN, it’s time to get your RN license by completing the NCLEX exam.
Finally, you’ll need experience and strong motivation. Ph.D. in Nursing programs are no walk in the park. It’s years of grueling research and study, often not patient-facing, which is quite different from a typical hospital nursing career.
So, why do you want to complete your Ph.D. in Nursing? That’s an important question for each prospective doctor.
What is a Ph.D. in Nursing, and why should I get one?
Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy. Those who venture down this path have decided to teach future generations of nurses or conduct meaningful research to advance the entire nursing profession. Earning a Ph.D. in Nursing is about discovery, integration, application, and teaching.
If researching, your advanced knowledge in Nursing science can promote health as you collect and analyze scientific data and publish reports detailing your findings. As an instructor, you can also supervise students’ laboratory work, offer expertise for their research projects, and coach students through their dissertations.
Graduates work as professionals in various settings, including hospitals, research facilities, nursing schools, and universities, where they may serve as professors or department chairs.
Imagine a public health nurse in a government setting with a Ph.D. and decades of hands-on experience, developing research-based solutions to public health issues. Nurses with a Ph.D. in Nursing are in short supply, so this career will not only be fulfilling but also stable.