A Guide to Achieving a PhD in Nursing
The Purpose of PhD in Nursing Education
The PhD Program prepares beginning level nurse scientists, the majority of whom become nursing faculty. The PhD Program is based on the belief that nursing is a science, that nurse scholars must receive doctoral preparation to develop as scientists, and that doctoral education is best accomplished in a milieu in which faculty and students participate in a partnership of inquiry. Successful graduates think critically, conduct research and serve as successful collaborators and principal investigators on interdisciplinary research teams. Graduates develop leadership skills to influence health policy and promote social justice at local, national and global levels.
Director of Nursing Research
In this role, nurses manage and provide leadership for multiple research teams and projects. They may also oversee the provision of training and provide consultation to support individuals or teams in research generating new knowledge and advancing the use of research-based practice.
Nursing Professor/Faculty
There is a great need for nurse faculty. The rate at which faculty are retiring exceeds the number of nurses who are assuming faculty positions. Higher education is looking for PhD-prepared nursing candidates to fill roles as faculty and administrators. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, faculty primary responsibilities include teaching and research, independent program of research, publications, teaching undergrad and/or graduate students, and serving as an academic/research advisor of student’s involvement.
Nurse Scientist
The Nurse Scientist is a nurse with advanced preparation in research principles and methodology, who also has expert content knowledge in a specific clinical area. They provide leadership and mentorship in the coordination and management of clinical research studies.
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Achieving the PhD in Nursing At USD
The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science ranks among the best in the nation. But that's not the only reason future students walk through our doors to pursue a degree. Download our guide to learn about how the PhD in Nursing program can help you achieve your professional goals.
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Research in Nursing
According to the National Institutes of Health, nursing research has a profound effect on "current and future professional nursing practice, thus rendering it an essential component of the educational process." The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states “nursing research provides the scientific basis for the practice of the profession.”
At the University of San Diego, the Office of Nursing Research helps strengthen the research productivity for faculty and students by increasing multidisciplinary collaboration, research and scholarship. Efforts focus on building the school’s research capacity by refining collaborative efforts across health-care settings, bringing together academics and clinicians to develop and implement the rigorous research agenda, and providing mentorship to aspiring faculty and students in developing research teams, proposals and applications.
Specific research initiatives at the University of San Diego include vulnerable populations, patient care, and safety, palliative care, end-of-life decision-making, biohealth informatics, integration of technology into clinical practice, reducing/eliminating health disparities, military and veteran health issues, changes in health care delivery, and complex global healthcare issues. Research support services include experts in research design, methodology, and statistics, a nursing librarian to facilitate literature searches, plus budgetary and technical support. Visit the Office of Nursing Research for more.
Why I Earned a PhD in Nursing: An Interview with Silvi G. González Cuizon
What really solidified my decision to enter into the BSN to PhD program at USD was meeting the faculty, students, and alumni at USD's Hahn School of Nursing. I met fellow nurses with rich backgrounds who were using their PhDs in a variety of ways. This quickly dispelled any notion that I would be limited to academia or intensive research tracks...
Analyze and critique concepts as a basis for theory synthesis and testing that build upon the current state of the science.
Financial Aid / Sources of Funding for your PhD in Nursing
Visit One Stop, USD's hub for Financial Aid assistance, for more.
About the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science was founded more than 40 years ago on the beautiful campus of the University of San Diego. Our school consistently ranks among the best graduate nursing schools locally and nationally, but that’s not the only reason future students walk through our doors to pursue one of our graduate degrees.
The personal connections between faculty and students fuel our collective success and impact. Compassion isn’t just woven into our coursework — it’s embodied in our commitment to you. As scholars and clinicians, we value your talents and experiences. We’re here to mentor, nurture, and uplift you as you become all you’re meant to be.
