After earning a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN), a nurse may pursue a master's degree in nursing (MSN) to become an advanced practice nurse. After practicing in this role for awhile, some nurses opt for a doctoral degree in nursing. There is ongoing discussion within the nursing profession today about the role of doctorally prepared nurses, and little agreement about which type of doctoral degree is best.
Types
There are four nursing doctoral degrees: the doctor of nursing (ND), doctor of nursing practice (DNP), doctor of nursing science (DNSc), and doctor of philosophy (Phd) with an emphasis in nursing. Some universities offer one of these degrees, while others offer two or more.
Top Choices
According to US News and World Report, the University of Washington in Seattle is the top-ranked graduate school for nursing, followed by the University of California San Francisco, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Other top schools are clustered closely together, with many tying for spots on the prestigious list.
Faculty
The Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index developed by The Chronicle of Higher Education lists the University of California San Francisco as the nation's top doctoral program in nursing, with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Missouri at Columbia close behind. The index ranks faculty members according to their publications, grants, awards, research and other criteria.
Lists
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) maintains specific lists of schools sorted by the type of doctoral programs they offer. Some nursing doctorates can be earned only through on-site courses and clinical practice, while others have a significant online component. Once you've decided on the type of doctorate you want to earn, you can search the website by program and state.
Focus
While there is some overlap in their curricula, each of the four types of nursing programs have their own particular focus. A nurse completing an ND program is preparing himself to be an advanced practice nurse who can redesign patient care and implement evidence-based practice. The DNP is a relatively new offering whose graduates are prepared to lead clinical and research endeavors. A nurse holding a DNSc degree combines research skills with clinical and research abilities. PhD-prepared nurses are typically educators and researchers who strive to advance nursing practice. It's important to select the degree that reflects your career goal.
Considerations
When selecting a doctoral program in nursing, it's important to consider the practical aspects, including tuition costs, geographic location, prerequisites in terms of education and experience, and the availability of financial aid. Some hospitals and health systems contract with specific universities and offer tuition reimbursement for employees who attend those programs.
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