doctorate in nursing online

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP)

Online Nursing Doctorate Degree: An Overview

How long does it take to earn a dnp online, how much does an online nursing doctorate program cost, online dnp admissions requirements, choosing an accredited online nursing degree program, online coursework, doctor of nursing practice degree specializations, offline practicum, professional associations in nursing.

• American Nurses Association : ANA promotes high nursing standards in the workplace and advocates for the nation’s 3.6 million registered nurses and health care issues that impact the public. Member benefits include professional liability insurance, long-term care insurance and student loan refinancing.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners : Founded in 1985, AANP is the only full-service professional membership organization for nurse practitioners of all specialties. AANP offers a variety of memberships for students, professionals, nursing organizations and retirees. Members have access to several education and career resources as well as subscriptions to professional journals and magazines.
• Doctors of Nursing Practice : This organization was founded in 2005 as a group of nurse practitioner students hoping to better equip students in DNP programs across the country. The organization hosts conferences, offers career opportunities and has an established professional electronic newsletter.

Example courses

• Foundations and essentials of doctoral study in nursing
• 21st century health care leadership
• Biostatistics and epidemiology
• Applied organizational and leadership concepts
• Theoretical and scientific foundation for nursing

Job Outlook and Salaries for Graduates

What can i do with a doctoral degree in nursing.

• Acute care nurse practitioner : Acute care nurse practitioners ensure that patients with severe illnesses or injuries receive proper medical attention. These professionals work with patients who have suffered heart attacks, respiratory problems and other types of trauma. ACNPs assess the needs of their patients, monitor their vital signs and provide whatever treatment is necessary to improve their patient's condition.
• Clinical nurse specialist : Instead of working with individuals like most nurses, clinical nurse specialists focus on community-level needs. These nurses are responsible for improving patient outcomes, knowing how to develop and lead projects, and addressing broad concerns within the nursing community.
• Family nurse practitioner : Family nurse practitioners focus on the holistic welfare of families at the physical, mental and sociological levels. They are responsible for writing prescriptions, developing treatment plans and evaluating outcomes for both children and parents.
• Nurse administrator : Nurse administrators maintain many of the nursing operations in their organizations. They manage employees, plan and direct nursing programs, and ensure that their organization's processes are optimized to provide patients with high quality care.
• Nurse anesthetist : These professionals are responsible for all things related to anesthesia. They administer anesthesia before surgeries, monitor these levels during a procedure and oversee a patient's postoperative recovery. Nurse anesthetists usually work in hospitals, clinics and private practices.
• Nurse educator : Nurse educators work with hospital administrators to create continuing education programs and assist with the creation of policies for patient care. Nurse educators must have a degree, professional licensure, several years of experience and up-to-date training certifications.
• Pediatric nurse practitioner : PNPs work with children and their parents to ensure that patients receive holistic health care. They may work as either a primary care provider for children or serve as a main point of contact, functioning in coordination with a physician.
• Psychiatric nurse practitioner : Psychiatric nurse practitioners treat patients with a variety of mental health issues. They usually work with psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals to provide a wide spectrum of care to patients. They may also instruct patients or their families about treatments they can use at home.

Licensure and certification

PhD in Nursing Program

Florida's First Online PhD for Nurse Scientists

Post-Master’s Online Nursing PhD

Led by faculty experts at ucf.

Contribute to nursing’s future with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree from UCF. The online nursing PhD program will prepare you for a career at the forefront of nursing science where you’ll contribute to the body of knowledge and test theories, and lead research in the application of innovative strategies for clinical care and nursing education.

The doctoral program in nursing prepares nurse scholars to possess a body of knowledge about theory, processes and methods of inquiry in the discipline of nursing. The program allows students to contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare from the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making.

Exclusive PhD Funding Opportunities

In addition to UCF graduate fellowship opportunities for full-time students, there is exclusive funding available for students planning to obtain a nursing faculty position after graduation and help address the nationwide shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty.

• UCF Graduate Fellowships  – More than $2M in fellowship funding awarded annually
• Nurse Faculty  PIPELINE Funding  – $150K awarded annually to cover tuition and fees

High Quality. Low Cost.

Expertise of nationally recognized faculty. Convenience and flexibility of UCF Online.

Now at a lower cost with reduced tuition through fee waivers for some campus-based amenities.

Distinguished   UCF Faculty. Esteemed UCF Degree. Options Designed for Working Professionals Like You.

• You fulfill the general UCF graduate admissions requirements ( see Admissions section of the UCF Graduate Catalog ).
• You are a licensed RN in the state in which you practice.
• You have an MSN and BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent ( students without a MSN degree should refer to the BSN to PhD in Nursing program )
• Your research interests match faculty expertise .

The UCF Nursing PhD curriculum is delivered online with two multiple-day onsite intensives per year.

The program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond a master’s degree in nursing. This includes:

• 39 credit hours of required courses that focus on foundational knowledge development, and research methods and experiences;
• 15 dissertation credit hours; and
• 9 credit hours of supporting courses that develop student expertise in the area chosen for their dissertation. PhD students are encouraged to seek out interdisciplinary supporting courses.

View Sample Plans of Study

Yes, you may pursue the Nursing PhD program at UCF from any location, both within or outside of Florida.

Note the Nurse Licensure Compact does not apply to PhD programs.

Visit our Doctoral Admissions page for details on the application process and requirements.

Please note:  The College of Nursing accepts the most qualified students based on evaluations of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations and match of  UCF research areas  with applicant’s career goals.

Access to Excellence

Renowned ucf faculty. esteemed ucf degrees. options designed for you..

PhD in Nursing Science 

Drive the future of nursing through scientific discovery.

• School School of Nursing | Graduate School
• Duration 4 years, full-time
• Format Hybrid
• Enrollment Fall
• Tuition Fully funded, stipend provided

About the Program

Conduct multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research that will transform nursing with Vanderbilt’s PhD in Nursing Science degree . This four-year, full-time program prepares diverse scholars to lead the nation in nursing research, education and policy.  

The program is delivered predominantly online with limited campus visits once a semester, and its state-of-the-art curriculum emphasizes both clinical and health services research. All students receive a customized plan of study tailored to their specific research interests. Research is organized into the following signature areas: Acute and Chronic Illness, Data Science and Health Technologies, Palliative Care Science, and Pregnancy Outcomes and Mother, Infant, Child and Family Health.     

Student tuition for the program is fully funded, covering up to four years of research and coursework, and students receive annual stipends.    

Facts & Stats

• #8 U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings of Best Value School
• #13 U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings of National Universities
• 26% Ethnic racial student enrollment across all VUSN programs in 2020

Key Takeaways   

• Bene f it from a blended learning format that pairs online classes and coursework with periodic campus vi sits  
• Receive competitive financial awards, including fully funded tuition and an annual stipend  
• Conduct cutting-edge , multidisciplinary r e search alongside nationally and internationally recognized faculty w ho have a wide range of research foci  
• Learn with a n advanced curriculum that emphasizes both clinical and health services research   
• Launch your research or academic career with strong faculty mentorship and a personalized plan of study  

Who Should Enroll ?

The PhD in Nursing Science program is designed for diverse nurse scholars who are interested in pursuing research and academic careers in public or private health care. Admitted students seek to advance nursing through scientific discovery, and they hold bachelor’s degrees in nursing (or BSN equivalent) and master’s degrees in nursing (or a related field) or doctoral degrees in nursing (or a related field).   

Admission to the program is competitive and requires research and career goals that are in alignment with the School of Nursing’s research efforts and faculty expertise.   

Best Online DNP Programs

A doctorate in nursing can position graduates for some of the most advanced roles in the nursing field . Professionals who want to pursue a doctorate can choose between the research-based Ph.D. and the more clinical-focused doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

Both degrees give graduates access to similar career opportunities. However, the clinical emphasis in DNP programs has made these pathways popular with nurses who wish to continue working with patients. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , more than 350 DNP programs currently enroll students nationwide. An additional 106 programs are in the planning stages.

Here, we describe online DNP programs and what students can expect during and after their studies.

What Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program?

The terminal degree for practice-focused nurses, a DNP may qualify graduates for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) positions and leadership roles. In fact, in 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties suggested replacing the MSN degree with the DNP as the minimum educational requirement for entry-level nurse practitioners by 2025.

In addition to providing students with more practical training, DNP programs also usually differ from Ph.D. programs in length. DNP programs can take 1-4 years to complete compared to 3-5 years for a Ph.D.

Online learners may have access to accelerated options and be able to save money on travel and additional fees. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate school during the 2018-2019 academic year was $19,314.

Why Earn a DNP?

An MSN degree qualifies nurses for specialized APRN positions, but a DNP equips them to take on leadership and senior-level roles as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 45% growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners between 2020 and 2030 — much faster than the 8% average growth projected across all occupations. As of May 2020, these professionals earned an average median salary of $117,670.

Compared to DNPs, MSN degrees are often more affordable and graduates enjoy access to many APRN careers. However, DNP graduates often have better career prospects and higher earning potential. The top 10% of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn over $190,900 annually.

Why Get a DNP Online?

• Accessibility : With fewer distance-related restrictions, online learners can enroll in programs based anywhere.
• Flexibility : Online students can often study during the hours that suit them best.
• Affordability : Online programs may allow students to save money on fees related to travel and on-campus expenses.
• Ability to Continue Working : Working students can more easily maintain their professional schedules with online training.
• Comfort : Studying from the comfort of home can lead to greater success for many online students.

Featured DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How Do I Get an Online DNP Degree?

Prospective students have access to a variety of DNP programs, each with their own length and curriculum requirements.

While the following examples are the most popular pathways available, the descriptions and details may still vary depending on the school and program.

Types of Online DNP Programs

Bsn-dnp programs.

The length of BSN-DNP programs varies by school and specialty, but learners typically earn their degrees in 3-5 years. These programs usually cover master’s-level coursework, advanced practice specialty training, and doctoral-level clinical practice.

MSN-DNP Programs

Available to current APRNs or MSN graduates, an MSN-DNP degree typically takes 1-3 years of full-time study to complete. These programs may feature leadership, technology, and health policy training, plus clinical experience requirements. DNP programs may also offer more in-depth specialty training.

RN-DNP Programs

RN-DNP programs are less common. They allow RNs without a bachelor’s degree to pursue a doctorate. These programs vary in length, but typically take students 5-8 years to complete. The curriculum accelerates bachelor’s- and master’s-level training and features extensive clinical experience components to the individual requirements for each degree.

What Can I Expect From a BSN-DNP Program?

A BSN-DNP provides master’s- and doctoral-level training in one program. Students often finish these degrees in 3-5 years, earning between 60-100 credits. Learners can also choose an APRN specialty, such as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.

In addition to research and classroom study, these programs typically require significant clinical experience, often exceeding 1,000 hours in total. Prospective students should already possess a BSN degree, along with valid RN licensure in most cases. Some programs may require applicants to have prior professional experience. Students pursuing certain specialties will also need to accrue postgraduate experience for certification and licensure.

DNP program concentrations typically fall into two categories: direct and indirect care. Direct care concentrations cover specialties in which nurses work with patients in clinical settings; in these settings they may diagnose and treat illnesses. Indirect concentrations emphasize more administrative and system-focused roles. Below are some examples of these two types of concentrations.

Direct Care Concentrations

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental health Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Indirect Care Concentrations

• Clinical Research Management
• Healthcare Systems
• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Informatics
• Public or Community Health Nursing

What Can I Expect From an MSN-DNP Program?

An MSN-DNP program provides students with administration, leadership, policy, and advanced practice training. Learners usually complete 30-45 credits in 1-3 years of full-time study and over 500 hours of clinical experience (in most cases). While not as research-heavy as Ph.D. programs, learners may be assigned research and scholarly projects.

Some programs offer tracks for various specialties, along with clinical practice, leadership, and advanced systems specializations. For admission, prospective students need an MSN. They may also need valid APRN licensure, depending on their program. Some programs may require professional experience, and postgraduate experience may be required for certification and licensure .

What Can I Expect From an RN-DNP Program?

RN-DNP programs provide a pathway for nurses to earn a doctorate via undergraduate- and graduate-level study. Depending on a student’s previous academic experience these programs can take 5-8 years to complete. Students must often earn more than 110 credits and 1,000 hours of clinical experience to graduate. Many of these programs offer concentration options in areas such as executive leadership, administration, and APRN specialities.

For admission, prospective students need valid RN licensure and a diploma or associate degree in nursing.

What Will I Learn in an Online DNP Program?

To qualify for accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , online DNP programs must cover eight essentials . DNP programs must also teach students about appropriate content and provide experiential components for the specializations they offer. The next section describes each of these program essentials.

Essential One: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice

The training must provide students with a solid academic and theoretical foundation for nursing practice. The program should teach students to apply nursing science and science-based concepts to their work to improve care delivery and outcomes.

Essential Two: Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking

Training should prepare graduates to develop and evaluate processes, systems, and strategies based on nursing science, the needs of their patients, and the quality standards of the profession.

Essential Three: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice

Graduates must gain the skills needed to analyze research, literature, and evidence to implement improved practices and processes. They should also be able to disseminate information and develop and evaluate patient-centered care approaches based on their findings.

Essential Four: Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Healthcare

Graduates should be taught to use technology to monitor and evaluate health outcomes and health information sources. They must also learn to oversee healthcare information systems and handle any potential legal and ethical concerns that may come up.

Essential Five: Healthcare Policy for Advocacy in Healthcare

The training must equip graduates to analyze healthcare policies and work toward improving them for the benefit of the profession. This may include offering education, leadership, and advocacy on the topic.

Essential Six: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes

Graduates need to be equipped with leadership skills to establish and oversee interprofessional teams that can improve care systems and processes. They require the communication and teamwork skills needed to create positive team-based outcomes.

Essential Seven: Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health

The training must prepare graduates to analyze scientific data on population health in order to improve health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Students also need to learn how to critique, evaluate, and improve current models and programs.

Essential Eight: Advanced Nursing Practice

Programs need to equip students with the skills necessary to improve patient outcomes and interventions by using nursing science, clinical judgement, and evidence-based care. Learners should also be able to lead and educate other nurses and healthcare professionals through various situations.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online DNP Programs?

Graduate admission requirements vary depending on the school and program. In addition to unique grade and test score requirements, the different DNP program pathways require different educational backgrounds and experience levels. Certain concentrations and APRN specialties may also feature specific course prerequisites.

In general, however, DNP programs require prospective students to possess an MSN degree. Some programs may require applicants to complete additional components, such as participating in interviews or submitting essays. The admission requirements rarely differ between on-campus and online DNP programs.

RN Licensure

Most programs require applicants to have a valid RN license. This demonstrates that they possess the appropriate background, have passed the certification exam, and meet state licensure requirements. Many MSN-DNP programs require prospective learners to have APRN licensure, as well.

Resumes and cover letters are standard application requirements. These documents showcase a prospective student’s professional experience and qualifications. Aspiring DNP students may find value in a resume writing guide , which can help them best outline their work history. Some DNP programs require applicants to possess a specific level of nursing experience.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation give schools more personal insight on prospective students’ experience. Often written by former teachers and employers, these letters may address applicants’ preparedness for the program based on their past experiences. Many applications require at least three letters of recommendation.

Official Transcripts

All programs require official transcripts from prospective students. These documents provide information about the applicant’s completed credits, including when and where previous classes were taken and how well the student performed. Official transcripts also provide information about the applicant’s GPA , their prerequisites, and any transfer credits they may qualify for.

Application essays can cover various topics. At the undergraduate level, these essays tend to feature information about a student’s personal journey, whereas graduate essays focus more on research interests. DNP applicants may need to answer specific application questions in their essays or address how their educational and career interests align with the program they’re applying to

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

What can i do with an online dnp degree.

An online DNP degree can lead to many different careers. Though some employers and organizations prefer this level of training, a DNP degree is not an employment requirement for most nursing positions. However, it can lead to higher wages and more career opportunities in the field. Additionally, academic settings may prefer candidates with a Ph.D., but applicants with DNPs can still qualify for employment at some institutions.

Career Paths

Nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialized care to patients, assessing their condition and offering treatment strategies to improve their health. Depending on their state, they may prescribe medications. These professionals typically need an MSN at minimum, along with state licensure and certification from an approved national organization.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020) : $111,680

Nurse Researcher

Clinical nurse researchers conduct and study healthcare and nursing research to improve healthcare outcomes, processes, and policies. They perform clinical trials and publish or present their findings for translational practice purposes. Depending on their employers and workplace settings, these researchers may need a DNP or Ph.D.

Average Annual Salary (September 2021) : $72,450

Nurse Midwives

Nurse midwives work with people who give birth — typically before, during, and after pregnancies. They provide information, examinations, and planning strategies, along with assistance during the birthing or cesarean section procedures. A nurse midwife needs an MSN at minimum, along with the nurse-midwife credential and appropriate state licensure.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020) : $111,130

Nurse Anesthetists

Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and pain management services during medical procedures. They also offer information about the process and monitor the patient’s progress after receiving the anesthesia. A nurse anesthetist needs at least an MSN, plus the certified registered nurse anesthetists credential and state licensure.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020) : $183,580

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with patients managing mental health concerns . They can give diagnoses, provide medical treatments, and prescribe medications in most states. They often provide more generalized services than psychiatrists. Psychiatric nurse practitioners usually must have an MSN at minimum to practice.

Average Annual Salary (September 2021) : $111,570

Nursing Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Licensure and certifications.

While teaching and research careers do not usually require licensure or certification, clinical nursing professionals typically need both. Certification comes from national third-party organizations and verifies that the credential-holder meets the industry’s professional standards. Licensure comes from the state’s nursing board and verifies the candidate meets the state’s requirements.

MSN and DNP degree-holders often pursue various APRN certifications, which require them to pass corresponding certification exams. Exam eligibility typically includes a graduate nursing degree, RN licensure, and professional experience. For example, the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists and the American Midwifery Certification Board offer certifications for nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.

Nurse practitioners have more certification options available to them. Many national organizations offer certification in a variety of specialties. NPs may pursue credentials to practice as acute care nurse practitioners, cardiac nurse practitioners, or family nurse practitioners. While state licensure is mandatory for nurse practitioners, certification for specialties are not. However, they may improve employment opportunities.

How Do I Choose an Online DNP Program?

Most prospective students place cost high on their list of considerations when choosing a program. They should make sure to evaluate the true program cost by factoring in the price room and board, materials, and loss of working income. They should also compare in-state vs. out-of-state tuition, public vs. private education, and online vs. on-campus costs .

Program Format and Curriculum

Prospective students should review the program curriculum and format to ensure it meets their needs. Nursing students also need to ensure the program satisfies the certification and licensure requirements for their state. They can look at programs with part-time vs. full-time schedules and synchronous vs. asynchronous delivery methods to find the best balance of study, work, and home life.

Before choosing a school location, prospective students need to choose between online vs. on-campus programs . Studying close to home can help students avoid out-of-state tuition costs, though some online programs offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners. Many online programs allow students to study from great distances, but on-campus or in-person requirements may create challenges.

Accreditation

Prospective nursing students should look at a school’s regional and programmatic accreditation when choosing a program. Without the proper accreditation, students cannot obtain federal aid, certification, or state licensure. Regional accreditation depends on the school location. Programmatic accreditation should come from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .

Clinical Experience

Candidates must complete a significant amount of clinical experience to qualify for most types of APRN nursing certification and licensure. Most DNP programs feature a minimum of 500 supervised direct care clinical hours, plus various other practical sessions, such as lab simulations. Online students often complete these requirements at locations near to them.

Traditional or Integrated Capstone Projects

While the format varies by school, all DNP programs include capstone projects or something similar. Traditionally, students complete final projects that demonstrate their ability to translate their studies into practical application. Some schools build the capstone into an entire course, and some allow learners to satisfy the requirement on the job.

School Certification Exam Pass Rates

An effective way to measure a DNP program’s effectiveness is by looking at the nursing school’s certification exam pass rates. MSN graduates likely already completed the exam and will not need to retake it after completing their DNP degree. But these pass rates can still provide insight into how well a nursing school or program prepares graduates for success.

Low Attrition Rates

Attrition rates identify how many students complete the program after joining it. Schools and programs with lower attrition rates typically have more effective curricula, better support programs, and stronger retention processes. Prospective students can learn a lot about a program’s quality based on these numbers.

Student Support

Prospective learners should always evaluate a school’s student support services to ensure they can get the type of help they want and need. Student support services may include tutoring, wellness services, and alumni network connections, along with internship programs and career services. Online learners in particular should verify that remote career services and academic support are available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online DNP Programs

Are dnp programs worth it.

DNP programs can prepare graduates for some of the most in-demand and financially rewarding careers in healthcare. Not only can graduates pursue APRN positions, which the BLS projects will grow 45% between 2020 and 2030, but they also have access to leadership positions within those fields.

Can you get a DNP in two years?

Maybe. Many DNP programs offer two-year pathways for MSN degree-holders. In fact, some programs even offer accelerated, one-year pathways. However, learners may need to hold an MSN degree, possess a valid APRN licensure, and study full time to complete the DNP degree in this amount of time.

Do DNP graduates get paid more than NPs?

Completing a DNP degree can help qualify graduates for nurse practitioner (NP) certification and licensure. Depending on their program, DNP graduates can pursue other APRN careers as well, such as nurse midwife and nurse anesthetist positions. According to PayScale, as of September 2021, the average salary for an APRN was $96,690 , while DNP-holders made about $105,000 annually.

Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Nursing Degree

Reviewed by:.

As an assistant professor of nursing and entrepreneur with nearly 20 years of varied nursing experience, Brandy Gleason offers a unique perspective. She currently teaches in a prelicensure nursing program and coaches master’s students through their culminating projects. Gleason brings additional expertise as a bedside nurse and nurse leader, having held past roles at the supervisory, managerial, and senior leadership levels. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout. Gleason is also an avid change agent when it comes to creating environments and systems that contribute to the wellbeing of students and healthcare professionals.

Brandy Gleason is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network.

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Online Nursing, PhD

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Program at a Glance

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Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Build a distinctive career at the forefront of the nursing field.

Healthcare is constantly evolving and in need of energetic, diverse leadership among nurses. Your PhD in Nursing will allow you to advance the field as a research scientist. UCF Online provides an avenue through which students contribute to knowledge development in nursing and healthcare on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological and ethical research.

Through UCF Online, you’ll harness your full potential and gain the skills it takes to lead the way as innovative technologies and research shift the field of healthcare. Your classroom studies and dissertation will allow you to choose a specific area of focus, conduct research and apply your knowledge of theory, processes and methods of inquiry to the field of nursing.

The curriculum, along with your dissertation, will prepare you to become a leader who contributes to the body of nursing knowledge through your research. You’ll graduate as a nurse scientist prepared to work in a variety of roles, such as faculty member in a research-focused university, leader for nursing research within a healthcare system, industry, or an executive leader with a research focus. This program can be completed online, although two multiple-day onsite intensives per year are required. Get started today to begin your journey toward a PhD in Nursing.

As a participant in the PhD program, there are two online tracks available:

Program Tracks

Requiring a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond your bachelor’s degree, this program is designed to support students who wish to complete their PhD in a timely manner and attain longer research careers. This track can be completed part-time and is designed for working professionals.

An in-person multiple day intensive on the UCF campus is required for students seeking candidacy.

Requiring a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond your master’s degree, this program is designed to support students who have already obtained their MSN.

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, theory in nursing science.

Explore the foundations and application of theory in nursing science.

Scientific Writing for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Identify, discuss, and practice effective scientific writing elements as they apply to nursing and healthcare related disciplines; prepare a scientific manuscript for publication.

Research Approaches and Designs for Nursing and Healthcare

Examine quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying nursing and health related phenomena; ethical issues; internal and external validity; comparison of designs.

Skills You'll Learn

• Gain the knowledge and skills in the areas of clinical research.
• Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
• Learn how to contribute to interdisciplinary solutions that advance healthcare in a global society.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2024

Career Opportunities

• Director Of Nursing Research
• Nurse Scientist
• Nursing Faculty
• Nursing Professor
• Research Scientist

Related Online Programs

• Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track

Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Nursing

Program details.

• All Programs
• Doctorate Degrees
• Nursing (Ph.D.)

About this Program

Earn your PhD from the UK College of Nursing, which is ranked among the top eight programs in the U.S. by the National Research Council. This doctoral program prepares students to conduct clinical research that generates new knowledge applicable to nursing practice.

Dive into the forefront of healthcare innovation with our online PhD program in Nursing, where your expertise in clinical research will shape the future of patient care! This program is crafted for passionate nursing professionals eager to advance their careers by mastering the intricacies of clinical research. Through a rigorous curriculum that blends cutting-edge research methods with real-world application, you’ll gain the skills to design groundbreaking studies, analyze critical data, and translate findings into transformative clinical practices. Engage with distinguished faculty, collaborate with fellow researchers, and make a profound impact on healthcare outcomes—all while enjoying the flexibility of an online format. Seize this opportunity to become a leader in clinical research and elevate your nursing career to new heights.

• Related Article: Earn Your PhD with UK Online

Designed For

This program is appropriate for registered nurses with significant clinical experience who aim to advance their careers in advanced clinical practice, leadership, research, or academia. It is also suitable for healthcare professionals interested in driving innovation, policy development, and improving healthcare outcomes through rigorous research and evidence-based practice in nursing.

Doctorate Degree in Nursing

Offered by the College of Nursing

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What You’ll Learn

Graduates of the PhD program will be able to:

• Establish a pattern of productive scholarship and participation in team science that results in the dissemination of scholarly work to lay and professional audiences.
• Contribute to the development of science and the discipline of nursing through the ethical conduct of culturally competent, original clinical and translational research.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the evolving roles and professional responsibilities of a nurse scholar through participation in professional and interprofessional teams and organizations and the provision of professional and research leadership and mentorship.
• Use different science perspectives and an in-depth knowledge of a substantive area to develop and apply a conceptual knowledge base that enhances the link between theoretical advances, research and practice to improve health outcomes.

Course Examples

• NUR 770 Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Science
• NUR 765 Research Design & Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research
• NUR 771 Research Experience
• NUR 763 Foundations of Science and Knowledge Development in Nursing
• NUR 772 Dissemination of Scholarship and Scientific Findings
• NUR 794 Analysis, Interpretation and Presentation of Quantitative Data
• NUR 779 PhD Seminars-Becoming a Scientist; Roles for the Nurse Scientist and Career Planning

GOT QUESTIONS?

Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.

How to Apply

Admissions criteria.

•  Undergraduate grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 grading scale from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics. 
•  A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program
•  Licensure as a registered nurse in the state where research will take place. 
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.

Application Requirements

• Three references attesting to the potential of the student for a scholarly career; at least one should be from a doctorally-prepared nurse (only email addresses required, the system will request the reference be submitted)
• Example of scholarly written work that demonstrates excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly and logically; examples could include a publication or class paper.
• Goal statement that addresses short- and long-term academic, research and career goals; a self-evaluation of motivation, initiative and the potential for independent learning with specific examples of each; and examples of leadership experiences where initiative and self-motivation were important to success.
• Two faculty interviews arranged as part of the admission process.
• Official transcripts

Program Contact

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Why UK Online

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission criteria.

Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.

How much does the online program cost?

The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.

What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?

Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.

I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?

For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.

Online Learning

Will i have to attend class at a specific time.

No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.

Will my degree say “online”?

No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.

Are there any on-campus requirements?

No, there is no on-campus requirement.

Will this program lead to licensure in my state?

Students should consult with their licensure board to verify if this program will meet licensure requirements for the state in which they will practice. UK has assembled a database of licensure information for different states. However, the ultimate responsibility for verifying this information prior to enrollment lies with the student.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!

Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.

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