The Phd In Nurse Education: This Area For Expert Nurses Only
Pursuing a PhD or EdD in Nurse Education assumes and requires that you already possess extensive knowledge of the practice of nursing.
You must have a bachelors and masters degree in nursing or a related field to qualify for a PhD degree program in nursing education. If you are not yet at that level, search for schools by degree level to find an education program that meets your needs.
If you have achieved an advanced level of nursing knowledge, you may be a good candidate for the PhD degree in nursing education. This degree will build on your past education and experience by focusing on turning you into a great nurse and a great nurse educator.
Is A Doctorate In Nursing Education Worth It
Yes, a doctorate in nursing education is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare jobs are set to grow at 15% over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Common nursing education careers in this field include nurse educator, researcher, health services manager, chief nursing officer, and nurse practitioner. Obtaining a doctorate in nursing education may allow you to pursue a number of diverse career paths in education, business leadership, and academic research.
Are There Any 1 Year Phd Programs Online
In most cases, a PhD will take 3 to 5 years to complete unless you select a program without a dissertation, though there may be an occasional 2 year PhD program available. Very few doctorates do not require a dissertation and they tend to be professional doctorates like the Doctor of Business Administration , Doctor of Psychology , Doctor of Education , and similar professionally-oriented programs.
If your aim is to find the fastest PhD program, you can complete one in less than 3 years if you opt for a short program , accelerated doctoral courses, and no dissertation requirement.
Together, these three factors will go a long way in helping you find the fastest online PhD program and speeding up your time to completion.
Also Check: Ucla Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Best Online Phd Degrees In Nursing 2021
A Doctor of Nursing Practice for certified nurse practitioners is offered at Ashland University. This program focuses on leadership development, practice management, evidence based practice, informatics and advocacy. It consists of 32 to 38 credit hours as well as courses such as Principles of Practice Management, DNP Role and Interprofessionalism and Health Informatics. Students must complete a DNP project in addition to all required courses. Prospective students must be advanced practice nurses with a master’s degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, they are required to submit 3 letters of recommendation, complete an undergraduate or graduate level statistics course, write a 2- to 3-page paper that describes their clinical area of interest and participate in an interview. A maximum of 9 graduate level credits may be transferred into the DNP program. Only courses in which students earned a 3.0 or higher are transferable.
University Of Central Florida

Program Standouts: The Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of Central Florida is able to be completed entirely online. The program prepares graduates for teaching in the field of nursing at the highest levels. Specifically, the program at UCF applies innovative technologies to nursing education as well as research and healthcare leadership. Nurse scholars who graduate from the PhD program at UCF have acquired knowledge concerning the methods and theories of the discipline of nursing. Ethics, method, and concepts are all a part of the program allowing students to contribute to the existing body of nursing knowledge and advance it.
Campus Location: Orlando, Florida
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, GA, 30033
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Course Sample:
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
You May Like: Nursing Programs In Murfreesboro Tn
Doctor Of Education Salary Outlook
Before embarking on your journey to obtain an EdD, you may want to research demand for EdD jobs or demand for education doctorate graduates in your area.
The salary and job outlook for Doctor of Education careers differs by role. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor does not distinguish EdD holders as an individual occupation class, one of the common occupations for those known to enroll in Doctor of Education programs is the postsecondary education administrator, and for that job, the employment outlook is a 4% growth rate between 2019 and 2029. Thats just as fast as the average for all occupations.
Here are some more figures to consider as you weigh your career options in the field of education:
The median annual salaries above are derived from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook as of January 22, 2021.
Certifications And Licensure For Nursing Majors
Like many healthcare professions, nurses depend on licensure and certifications to demonstrate professional competency and obtain higher levels of employment. The registered nurse license is a prerequisite for almost any position in the field, but nurses can also pursue more advanced credentials, three of which are highlighted below.
Also Check: What Courses Do You Take To Become A Nurse
Universities Offering Online Doctorate In Nursing Education Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bryan College of Health Sciences offers a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Nursing Education. Its one of the few programs of its kind in the country and is the only one with an emphasis in nursing education in the entire region. Three total visits to campus are required.
Bryan College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students pursuing doctoral degrees in nursing education can enroll in Capella Universitys PhD in Education program and select the Nursing Education concentration. The program includes 6 core courses, 8 specialization courses, 3 electives, and 3 residencies. Students can transfer up to 16 previously earned credits. A dissertation is also required.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Doctor of Education in Nursing Education program at Columbia University is specifically designed for nurses who currently hold masters degrees and are looking to become educators in staff development or academic settings.
The program puts a heavy focus on collaboration between professors and students and among the students themselves.
Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Administrative Certificate & Endorsements
The Nebraska Department of Education handles certification for Nebraska public school educators & administrators. The primary certification for school leaders is the Administrative Certificate. There are three major levels of Administrative Certificate:
- Provisional Permit
- Standard
- Professional
Weve provided a brief outline of the Standard and Professional requirements below the NDE has a lot of more info in the section on Educator Certification. The Provisional Administrative Permit can be issued while you are still completing all the requirements for the Standard certificate.
Also Check: University Of North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Program
Criteria For Choosing A Phd In Nursing Education
As noted, the National League for Nursing has taken the lead in calling for a revolution in nursing education. In fact, the Core Competencies of Nurse Educators report put out by the NLN in 2005 is the most influential document in current nursing education circles.
The individuals who collaborated to produce Core Competencies of Nurse Educators are the exact crowd that you want to impress by achieving a PhD in Nurse Education. If you can build all eight core competencies listed by the NLN, you might expect a bright future in nursing education. Consider using this seminal document as a guide. And consider, at all stages of your research on possible schools, how each school youre considering stacks up against the measurements outlined by the NLN.
Core Competency 1: Facilitate Learning
A nurse educator is, first and foremost, an educator. You must therefore be able to, among other things:
- Communicate clearly both orally and in writing
- Use information technology to support the learning process
- Create a collegial environment among students and faculty
Not all nurses have those qualities and skills. You must develop them if you are to become an excellent nurse educator.
Core Competency 2: Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
Core Competency 3: Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
Core Competency 4: Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
Core Competency 5: Function as a Change Agent and Leader
Employment Outlook For Rns In Indiana
The job outlook for registered nurses in Indiana currently looks bright. RNs in Indiana will see a 12.4% growth in available positions from 2020-2028, which is slightly higher than the average growth of all other occupations in the U.S. This translates into over 4,700 average annual openings and over 8,500 new jobs through 2028. The demand for RNs will continue to increase to meet the needs of the aging baby boomer population. RNs are valuable within in-home healthcare and long-term rehabilitation centers, which are popular choices for care today, as well as in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Employment Projections for RNs in Indiana
New Jobs |
You May Like: What Do Nurses Do In Nursing Homes
How Long Does It Take To Get A Doctorate
The length of time it takes to complete your doctorate depends on the university and type of doctoral program.
On average, it takes 3-5 years.
Here are a few things that significantly impact completion time:
- Does the doctorate require a dissertation?
- How many classes can you take at one time?
- Are you transferring any credits into the program?
- How many weeks are classes?
- Is there a residency requirement?
- Is there a professional internship requirement?
As you can see, the best answer we can give you is: it depends.
To give you a ballpark, if you are working toward a professional doctorate and there is no dissertation requirement, you should be able to complete your program in about 3 years. Some people may be able to complete the degree in less time, of course. This is simply an average.
For those of you pursuing a PhD, the dissertation requirement significantly impacts your completion time. Generally speaking, it takes most students 3 years to 5 years for degree completion.
Doctor Of Philosophy In Nursing Program

Scholar. Educator. Innovator.How will you change lives with your Ph.D.?
A Ph.D. in Nursing will prepare you to fulfill your purpose. Whether you have always wanted to conduct cutting-edge research, educate and mentor future nurses, lead large health organizations, or any combination of these and more, earning a research doctorate in nursing from Kent State University can open doors of opportunity. With a Ph.D. in Nursing, you can join the highest echelons in the nursing profession throughout the world.
Located in northeast Ohio, Kent State is a leading academic choice for nurses, not only in Ohio and across the region, but throughout the nation and internationally. Because Kent State is a top public research university, you will have access to a wide variety of facilities and support services to fulfill your research ambitions.
Our newly revised doctoral nursing program is rigorous and is specifically designed to produce the next generation of nurse scientists and scholars. Our expert faculty created a state-of-the-science, streamlined curriculum, which will provide you with knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to nursing science.
You May Like: Nurse Practitioner Total Years Of School
Is It Possible To Get A Doctorate Without First Getting A Master’s
In the U.S., many schools allow students to skip getting a master’s degree and go directly to earning a doctoral degree, which is a good option if you’re certain you want to earn a doctorate. For example, if you know you want a career in academia, it may be possible for you to find a Ph.D. program in the subject that interests you that accepts students who’ve earned only bachelor’s degrees. In many cases, you will complete the coursework for and be awarded a master’s degree in the process of earning your doctorate.
Some advantages to earning a master’s degree first is that you can explore your interests and become accustomed to the higher level of expectations in graduate work. Also, you can customize your education by studying at two different universities with two different sets of faculty. However, if you decide to go that route, make sure that your master’s credits earned at the first institution will be accepted by the second. Some doctoral programs do not accept transfer credits from other schools.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Phd Online
According to 2019 data from the National Center for Education Statistics , the average total cost of all graduate degreesâboth master’s degrees and doctoral degreesâranges from about $12,200 at public schools to $27,800 at private, non-profit universities. While these NCES numbers may be helpful as a starting point, they aren’t specific to online students, and what an online student will pay is sometimes substantially different from what an on-campus student will pay. Of the schools we researched in order to rank the most affordable online doctorate degrees, the median annual tuition rate is $15,441 at public schools and $13,188 at private universities.
Of the schools we researched in order to rank the most affordable online doctorate degrees, the median annual tuition rate is $15,441 at public schools and $13,188 at private universities.
However, most doctoral candidates do not pay the full price for their degrees. Many are offered fully funded programs or receive partial financial assistance towards their education.
Also Check: Masters Entry To Nursing Programs
Career And Salary Outlook For Nursing Majors
Graduates of online Ph.D. in nursing programs can pursue a variety of high-level positions in the field, such as education, research, or management. In general, these careers feature high salary levels and strong advancement potential. The BLS projects certain career paths, such as nurse anesthetist and medical and health services manager, to grow at significantly faster-than-average rates, ensuring generally strong career prospects for nursing graduates in these positions.
Career |
---|
Medical and Health Services Manager Taking an administrative role in the healthcare field, medical and health services managers plan and direct operations in environments such as hospitals and group medical practices. Graduates of nursing Ph.D. programs may supervise and coordinate the activities of other nurses, improving the efficiency of healthcare services and training staff members.
Do All The Shortest Phd Programs Require A Dissertation
An accelerated PhD program usually requires a dissertation, but professional doctorates such as a Doctor of Business Administration or Doctor of Education generally do not require a dissertation. Instead, you complete a capstone project.
Weve assembled a list of doctorate degrees that dont require a dissertation here.
Recommended Reading: How To Become A Certified Nicu Nurse
Online Doctorate In Education Edd & Phd
Whether you want to teach in a classroom, serve in school administration, support teachers through an outside organization, or equip the next generation of instructors, a doctoral degree in education can help you achieve those goals.
Many graduates remain in the classroom and take on leadership roles, such as becoming a headteacher. Others choose positions such as principals, superintendents, professors, policymakers, curriculum specialists, or educational consultants.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
While earning your doctoral degree, you may take classes in curriculum, organizational leadership, student assessment, and education research. You could select an EdD concentration in an area like Special Education, Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or Early Childhood Education.
A PhD in Education and an EdD are quite similar degrees. Both programs focus on education and prepare you for leadership roles. PhD programs, however, are more research-based.
A PhD is typically more research-based and might be a better match for someone looking for a career in research, publishing, and teaching at the university level. It focuses less on application than an Ed.D., but the same types of careers would be possible with either of these two degrees.
In terms of time to completion, the shortest program option is likely the EdD as theres often no dissertation required.
Types Of Online Edd Programs For Healthcare Professions
There are several different types of online Ed.D. programs in the healthcare field to match the leadership needs of diverse individuals in the health care space. Examples of Ed.D. programs that are geared towards health care professionals include the following:
Students interested in online Ed.D. programs for health professions should note that the doctoral programs described above are just examples and do not represent the entire range of Ed.D. programs in this space. Students should always research their program options thoroughly to find the school and program specialization that best fit their interests, professional experience, and career goals.
Also Check: Tuition Assistance For Nursing School
Your Future In Nursing Education
The U.S. health care system faces a critical shortage of nurse educators, and the need is increasing as the nations population ages. The National League for Nursing and American Association of Colleges for Nursing have called for focused efforts to prepare a new generation of faculty members and professional leaders. UNCs online Ph.D. in Nursing Education will qualify you for influential positions at universities, community colleges, health care organizations and government/nonprofit agencies.
What Is The Fastest Phd Program Available

The fastest PhD programs available will be those that require 30 credit hours or less to complete. As noted in the guide, we selected a number of fast PhD programs which meet this requirement. Once youve selected a PhD that requires fewer credit hours than the norm, try to narrow your list further by selecting a university with accelerated PhD classes which generally only take 8 weeks to complete.
If you dont absolutely have to have a PhD, you will likely find it easier to locate a professional doctorate program that meets all of these criteria with the added benefit of no dissertation requirement. For example, it will likely take you longer to complete a PhD in Business Administration with 36 credit hours and a dissertation than it will to complete a Doctor of Business Administration of the same length without the dissertation requirement.
If speed is the most important factor for you, than a professional doctorate such as a DBA, PsyD, or EdD will likely be the fastest online doctorate you can find.
Also Check: Private Nursing Schools In Houston