Any PhD Students Out There?

augigi, CNS · Nov 13, 2006

What do you want to end up doing? If it can use a PhD and you have the means to do it and want it, then go ahead and do it!

JaneyW · Nov 13, 2006

I want to teach. My BA is in psychology and I have an ADN. I am in a pathway program to get the MSN. I was originally thinking of just teaching with the MSN, but now I am considering the PhD to give me more options and because I like the idea of doing research. Most of the major universities want PhDs for their tenured positions.

bookwormom · Nov 15, 2006

If you're interested in a doctorate, better to start it now rather than later. In teaching especially, you want to get into that tenure stream as early as you can, in my opinion.

barb4575 · Dec 3, 2006

Hi Janey,

I am a doctoral student and this is my advice: I do not think that one should go directly from the MSN, regardless of the avenue of online or not being online coursework, to the PhD. Personally, it is my opinion that one needs the educator experience as an MSN. Too many individuals are now seeking online degrees, which is great, but at the same time...are they really ready? I have yet to meet one who has been, yes, they can complete the degree, but I think they are only cheating themselves by not gaining the educator experience first.

I reviewed both PhD and the Educational Doctorate. I think it depends on what you want to end up doing with the degree and it is not merely for personal reward. That is a big part of it, but what are your long term goals? What I have seen is that those who are wanting to enter a geographic area where there are numerous doctorally-prepared individuals, the educational doctorate is probably more impressive and competitive. For me, the PhD is exactly what I am looking at as a philosopher and beginning scientist as a nurse and a very weak one at the education content.

Good luck,

Barbara

chicoborja · Dec 18, 2006

Hi, I'm a Ph.D. student but not in nursing nor am I an RN. I think there are different perspectives, with regard to PhD education, in all allied health/nursing professions where the masters in the entry level (e.g., advanced practice nursing, OT, SLP, etc.) degree for the field. For example, as a previous poster mentioned, delaying the PhD until clinical experience is acquired may offer significant benefits in terms of integrating experience into the equation; however, it may be easier for some students who have remained in student mode to continue on. Additionally, acquiring a PhD at an earlier point in one's career may allow one to advance in their career sooner than would be the case with just the masters. I believe it is a matter of preference to be determined on an individual basis and also that there is a great deal of variability from person to person. Those are just my two cents.