Post-DNP PhD programs in pure sciences

allnurses Guide · Dec 17, 2013

Are there any programs out there that offer post-DNP/CRNA tracks to earn a PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology or Pharmacology? Most of the curriculums I have seen do not count your DNP coursework towards a PhD in these areas. Is there any bridge programs or programs that do take this into consideration or are designed for CRNA's looking to expand their knowledge base? As an undergraduate nursing major, like many CRNA's, my nursing curriculum did not consist of 1 year General Chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry, 1 year Biochemistry, 1 year Calculus, 1 year Physics, etc. like the pre-med track pre-requisites that are often required to begin studying in these PhD programs. Thanks!

The only programs that I know of would be at the Uniformed Services University. As a CRNA we do not have as an extensive basic science background as someone who has already completed Masters in a basic science (chemistry, biology, neuroscience, pharm etc.), which most of the students in these PhD programs are going to have. All of the PhD programs I have seen in these areas cater to people with a basic science degrees.

You can plan to spend at least 5yrs of full-time study for the type of degree you are wanting at a civilian university.

There are some nursing PhD programs that allow/encourage you to do your research in the "hard" sciences ie. Univ Washington.

You could also look at Translational Science PhD.