Online PhD Nursing for Non-Nurses

[godmama]

Hello Forum Members and Experts:

I am in healthcare but not a Nurse. I searched a lot to find an online Nursing program for non-nurse (with clinical placements in a hospital near my location) so that I will be eligible to take the RN licensing exam. However, I could not find any such programs.

I want to pursue a PhD in Nursing and thus wanted the RN (not for clinical practice). Does anyone know if non-nurses could pursue an online Nursing PhD program without an RN license?

Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[talaxandra]

Why do you want to do a PhD in nursing if you are not a nurse?

As far as I know, being eligible for registration as a nurse is a requirement for every post-graduate nursing course, just as for all the other professions (eg a law degree or legal training are requirements for a Doctor of Jurical Science or Doctor of Laws)

[showbizrn]

i admire your courage

but question

why you are pursuing

an phd in nursing

which (if i'm not mistaken)

would prepare you for

an academic faculty position in nursing

without

the hands-on, clinical experience?

being a clinical instructor myself:d

the importance of the

"getting your hands dirty"

apsect of any nursing specialty

is an integral and mandatory requirement

for any "successful" professor of nursing.

[funmom]

I don't know if there are any online PhD Nursing programs for non-nurses. However, the University of Washington offers an on-campus PhD in Nursing for non-nurses. Is relocating an option?

[Moogie]

I don't know if there are any online PhD Nursing programs for non-nurses. However, the University of Washington offers an on-campus PhD in Nursing for non-nurses. Is relocating an option?

From the University of Washington School of Nursing website:

http://www.son.washington.edu/admissions/gepn/

Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN)

The Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) is a two-part program for applicants without previous nursing preparation who have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field and who wish to earn a graduate nursing degree. GEPN combines the philosophy, purpose and objectives of the BSN and nursing graduate programs.

The first five quarters of GEPN prepare students as general clinical practitioners, eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) in order to obtain Washington State RN licensure. The graduate portion of the program varies in length depending on the degree program and the specialty selected.

GEPN Specialties by Program

Master of Nursing (GEPN-M)

Master of Science in Nursing (GEPN-S)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (GEPN-D)

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (GEPN-P)

From what I understand, this program would require any applicant who is NOT already a Registered Nurse but has a bachelor's degree in another field to first complete what is essentially an advanced placement BSN program (five semesters), become licensed in the State of Washington (because this is an in-residence, not online program) and then go on to the graduate program.

The PhD is not, never was, never will be and never was intended to be an entry-level degree.

To the OP, yes, I also admire your determination but PLEASE look at the MANY threads posted here about nurses with little or no experience going directly into graduate school. Most people NEED at least some nursing experience before going into an advanced practice role of any kind. Even if the school doesn't require it, it's good for YOU to know something about the realities of nursing before you get into a role in which you're looked to as a nursing leader, educator, or policy-maker.

On another thread, there's a discussion of foreign-educated physicians who come to the US and are unable to get licensed as doctors. Hence, they are working as nurses. (How they get the nursing license---I have no idea---but I digress.) I could see this sort of program as being a good fit for someone like the foreign-trained doc who wants to get into nursing. I could also see it as appropriate for someone who has, say, done research as a psychologist or has experience as a physical therapist, social worker or occupational therapist. I could even see it as appropriate for an experienced LPN who anticipates a career in nursing education or research.

But for someone who has never worked with real-life patients in clinical settings---I'd steer clear and get the RN and some experience first.

To the OP, may I be so bold as to ask, just out of curiosity, what your health care background is and why you're interested in pursuing a PhD?

[godmama]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your replies. I have about 8 years of health care experience (speech pathologist and paramedic). I am mostly interested in nursing research rather than clinical practice and looking for a PhD that does not require an RN license. The Washington state option is a good one, thanks for the link.

[Moogie]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your replies. I have about 8 years of health care experience (speech pathologist and paramedic). I am mostly interested in nursing research rather than clinical practice and looking for a PhD that does not require an RN license. The Washington state option is a good one, thanks for the link.

Again, you will need to do an accelerated BSN program (whether through U os W's GEPN or another BSN program. That way you could take advantage of the RN to PhD programs. Or, With you background and experience, you could do well in an entry level MSN program, then do the PhD.

You might have more variety of programs from which to choose if you go either ABSN or entry level master's, giving you a bit more geographic variety.

Sounds like you have a very solid, well-considered plan! Please keep us posted on your progress!

[elkpark]

There are PhD programs in speech pathology and other related fields -- why the sudden switch of disciplines to nursing?

[godmama]

The sudden change is for a very personal reason because of a personal experience I had. I have a lot of respect for the Nursing profession and have done my research before I decided on pursuing the PhD.

[Moogie]

To the OP: I think you have a good chance of succeeding in your goals. Frankly, as a nurse, I feel a little flattered that someone from another health care discipline is interested in nursing enough to switch careers. I really think programs like U of Washington's GEPN are meant for someone like you.

Please also understand that a few feathers may get ruffled by the thought of someone who is not a nurse deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing. Going for a PhD is tough. I graduated thirty years ago from an ADN program, worked, went to the first RN to BSN program at my school, worked, did some graduate work but had to quit because of finances and personal reasons. (I got married :heartbeat but moved too far away to continue the program.) Now I'm applying to a BSN to PhD program, in which I will get the master's coursework but skip the actual degree. The admission process, plus squaring away my financial aid, has been, um, interesting! :scrm:

I know online programs are wonderfully convenient, but do please also check with schools in your area. Some schools offer most of their graduate nursing courses online; some require students to be at the school or another location for "intensives", sometimes connected with nursing research. I guess what I'm saying is that the perfect school for you may be in your own neighborhood and you don't even realize it yet.

Seriously, good luck to you. You seem very sincere and thoughtful. I hope you achieve your dreams!

[godmama]

Thanks so much for your posts Moogie. Wow, pursuing a PhD 30 years later is really amazing and I really admire your zeal and courage! I wish you the best. May your dreams come true:):wink2: