Phd in nursing

Choosing a PhD program is an individual thing and programs and student preferences/needs vary widely. There is no substitute for exploring websites and talking to the people actually involved in those programs.

First of all ... you'll need to identity your research interests and choose a program that will have the resources you need to become a true expert in that field. A new PhD should be one of the world's leading expert in the topic covered by his/her dissertation. You can't achieve that expertise if your school does not have the resources. For example, if your interest is in wellness promotion ... you will need to work with faculty members who are experts in wellness promotion. If you are interested in geriatrics ... you will need faculty members to work with who are experts in that. If you are interested in qualitative research, you will need to go to a school that has a strong program in that. etc. etc. etc.

So ... start by identifing what your academic interests are. Then start by exploring the websites of the schools where the experts in that field are (the people who publish articles, speak at conferences, write textbooks on that subject, etc.). That will narrow your field and you can start focusing on other factors to consider in your choice -- such as cost, convenience, etc.

Try not to put unnecessary obstacles in your way. That's just self-sabatage. Getting a PhD will involve overcoming many obstacles and you need to learn how to get over them or around them. If the best school for you requires the GRE, the take the GRE. Don't let one exam limit your career. Prepare for test by reviewing, taking a prep course, whatever ... but recognize that it is a minor thing in the grand scheme of things. You'll face much tougher hurdles along the way. Don't let this first one derail you into choosing the wrong progam because you were afraid of it.

Good luck to you.