MPH considering nursing PhD

[mabeltoo]

I have an MPH and am looking at PhD programs in Public Health. I recently learned that at my local university I can apply to the Nursing PhD program without being an RN. I am very interested in this option, as I have contemplated a career in nursing for quite some time. Does anyone have insights into the advantages of a nursing PhD over a PhD in epidemiology or health sciences research? Also, what disadvantages in terms of career options might I face if I pursue the nursing PhD without having an RN?

Thank you!

Mabeltoo

[slpergy]

The University of Minnesota (Twin Cities Campus) has a nursing PhD program that does not require applicants to have a nursing degree. It is a research track program (not clinical) and they accept applicants with Master's degrees in other areas. They will also accept applicants with an undergraduate degree who have extensive experience in a related area. Good luck!

[kristie778]

s4bell1, I also have a RN-BSN and recently graduated with my MPH, and I was wondering the same thing. I noticed some PhD nursing programs require an MSN, and there are other programs that are BSN to PhD, but those take quite a bit longer. I guess I was hoping to be given some kind of "credit" for having an MPH. So, glad to hear that University of Minnesota has such a program (thanks, slpergy for that info!). I live in California, but maybe if there is one program there are others as well.

[czyja, MSN, RN]

The PhD program at UCSF does not require a masters degree if the applicant has a BSN. If there is particular program you are interested in and you are highly motivated, I would contact them and ask. I am not sure about the new progam at UC Davis - you may want to look at site

PhD study is basically an apprenticeship in academic research. So "credit" is rarely given for work done elsewhere as most of the work is supervised research.

The DNP is a practice doctorate. There are some programs that take BSNs and some require an MSN. Most give credit for MSN work, thus the course of study for an student holding an MSN is considerably shorter than for a student with a BSN. There are quite a few DNP programs popping up.

I suggest carefully figuring out what your career goals are. This will help you decide which program is best. Remember that if you apply to a PhD program, your research interests must be congruent with somebody on the faculty's interests.

[BCRNA]

There are many PhD programs that combine the msn content with the PhD, and dont require you to have the MSN prior to applying to the doctoral program. And it is a fast track program, don't have to take as many master level classes as you would if you were just doing the masters. They do this to fast track some people who are interested in just research or education.

[Mission]

I have an MSN and not an MPH. My PhD program accepted an MSN or an MPH as a post-masters entry. I think that's pretty common.