MSN to PHD School

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 29, 2013

Hmm - this is a harder decision than people my think, because there is no accreditation specific to nursing PhD programs. So you need to look closely at the curriculum. At the doctoral level, coursework should include actual research via a practicum, not just "prepare to conduct research".... that is included in MSN curricula. Does this program have a dissertation requirement? If not, it simply does not compare to traditional doctoral programs.

The whole purpose of a PhD in nursing (or any other discipline) is to prepare scholars who can contribute to the creation of NEW knowledge - through research. I don't see how an online program can provide a sufficiently "scholarly" environment to produce this type of outcome because it would require exposure to an academic environment; one that provides opportunities to network with colleagues and exposure to a research environment. The quality of doctoral faculty is critical. They cannot serve as role models or mentors unless they have credible research experience themselves. This type of 'career academician' is most likely to be found in a traditional environment which provides the security needed to teach and conduct research - not one that spends more on marketing than on faculty salaries (a common finding in online programs). Take the time to investigate the faculty credentials. What are their areas of research? Are these areas you are also interested in? Read their publications (books, articles, research, etc). If they don't have any, choose another school.

Individual development for doctoral students requires much more than coursework... socialization is very important through activities such as attending your colleagues' dissertation defenses or spontaneous discussion/debate of issues important to your discipline & mentoring and role modeling by professors.... nope, just don't see how it can be accomplished entirely online. There is just no quick pathway to a doctorate because it requires such a significant amount of learning and change - I would challenge any program that says otherwise.

A more important issue - what do you plan to do with your doctorate? If you aspire to a career in academia, you need to make sure your credential is awarded by a respected program. So, if this is the case for you, check with faculty at your local schools and get their input. Let's face it, with a PhD, you will become "unemployable" in the vast majority of traditional Nursing Jobs so you really need to think this through in terms of your career path before investing so much time and money.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 29, 2013

Well said!

My MSN not only prepared me to do research, it required me to design and conduct a research project as principal investigator. (It was an MSN-Ed program) And while I enjoy the academic environment as a student- I have no desire to work in academia.

And a HUGE consideration for me is the impact a PhD (or DNP for that matter) would have on my employability as an RN.

llg, PhD, RN · May 29, 2013

Other things to look at when evaluating the quality of a PhD program:

1. Reputation/accreditation of its undergrad programs. Is it generally considered a good school overall?

2. Ranking / reputation of the school as a whole (not just its nursing program). Is it considered a strong university in other disciplines?

3. Who is on the faculty? Are their names you recognize as being leaders in your chosen specialty? Do they serve as leaders on national committees etc.?

4. How much current research funding has the nursing faculty been awareded. PhD faculty should be doing research worthy of funding by government agencies, professional associations, etc. If they are not, how can they teach you those things?

5. How much research funding have the current PhD students earned? At a good school with good students, some of those students will be winning research grants to fund their dissertations.

5. Recent publications by the faculty. Once again, PhD faculty should be producing scholarly work that the profession considers worthy of publication. If they are not ... that's a really bad sign.

I don't know anything about that particular school, but I've given you some good questions to research.

RN/MSN1984 · May 31, 2013

I want to thank you all for your input. This has been very helpful hearing other peoples advice. Thank you very much. Very helpful advice. :yes: