There has never been a time better than the present for earning an online Doctor of Nursing Education degree. As the population continues to grow and evolve there is an ever-increasing demand for highly-trained and socially aware nurse educators who prepare generations of nursing professionals.
Both the nursing and health education fields are expanding at a rapid rate. Over the next ten years, the field of nursing is expected to grow by 6% and health education will increase by 7%. High demand and very respectable salaries make earning an online doctorate in nursing education a great decision!
Page Jumps!
- Top Online Doctor of Nursing Education Degree Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions
METHODOLOGY:
This list of online doctoral programs, offering the Top Online Doctor of Nursing Education Degree Programs, gives nursing professionals needed information on how to expand and enhance their careers as nursing educators.
The programs are listed in random order. They are not in a ranked order because each program has its own strengths. Consider each program individually to determine which one is right for you. Each online doctorate in nursing education is a quality program. Inclusion in this list is based on the following findings:
- 100% Online Availability, or minimal on-campus requirements, the degree is often awarded as PhD or EdD
- Coursework is designed to prepare RNs to transition into effective nursing researchers and educators,
- Courses are prepared and delivered by faculty with real-world work expertise in Nursing and Nursing Education,
- Prepares students for the world of nursing science and research, effective pedagogy, aspects of healthcare management, among many other pertinent topics,
- Affordable tuition; with Financial Aid Options,
- Appropriately accredited,
- A dissertation will most often be required.
To delve deeper, please see our Methodology page.
The Best Online Doctor of Nursing Education Degree Programs
University of West Georgia
Program Standouts: The University of West Georgia Online offers a Doctorate of Nursing Education (Ed.D.) program. The terminal degree in the field of nursing is geared toward those who are looking to advance their skills in leadership and educating skills.
The curriculum is designed for learners to become adept in the scholarship and skills needed to advance nursing education. Though the doctorate is theoretical and research-driven, it also serves to promote nursing education pedagogy.
Campus Location: Carrollton, Georgia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Course Sample:
- Scholarly Writing
- Nursing Theory in Nursing Education
- Teaching the Adult Learner
Admission Requirements:
- Online Grad Application
- Masters of Science in Nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcript from each college or university attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Sample of academic writing
- Current RN license
- Curriculum Vitae
Degree Outcomes: According to their website, “UWG’s online EdD in Nursing Education is designed to prepare nurse educators for the 21st century….helping address a critical shortage in the state, region and nation.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN GEORGIA
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Program Standouts: The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is offered 100% online at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As one of only a handful of universities that offers the PhD online, University of Nevada also offers the concentration of Nursing Education to those looking to advance the subject of nursing science as well as practice.
The program does this by emphasizing research and also evidence-based education. It focuses on assisting students to reach their highest potential in the field of nursing education and helping them to become dynamic leaders. The program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis.
Campus Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Course Sample:
- Special Topics in Nursing Research
- Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education
- Educational Theory and Philosophy for Nursing
Admission Requirements:
- Earned a master’s degree in nursing requires programs accredited by CCNE, NLN CNEA, or ACEN; those educated outside the United States need to demonstrate proof of equivalent education.
- Those holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in a health-related discipline from an accredited institution are eligible for admission but will need to successfully complete graduate courses in health and public policy and nursing theory.
- Generally a minimum GPA of 3.5
- Current RN license
- GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Evidence of current health and malpractice insurance
- Samples of scholarly work
- Curriculum vitae
Degree Outcomes: The PhD in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas prepares nursing scholars for work in health care institutions, academic institutions or in educational and research roles.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA-LAS VEGAS
Nova Southeastern University
Program Standouts: The online Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at Nova Southeastern University offers a specialization in Nursing Education. The main theme of this degree program is leadership. As students pursue a terminal degree in their field, the program looks to inspire them to fill the role of higher education.
The PhD program provides online courses and a one-week Summer Institute. The program requires three years for courses and a dissertation.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Course Sample:
- Research Ethics
- State of the Science
- Advanced Nursing Research
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative 3.5 GPA
- Master’s degree in nursing from a CNEA or CCNE accredited institution
- Current R.N. license
- Curriculum vitae
- Writing sample
- Reference letters
- Attend on-campus Summer Institute
Degree Outcomes: According to the Nova Southeastern University website, “The education of nurses is a growing field with multiple applications.” Graduates from the program inspire younger students and help to advance the research and growth of the education of working nurses.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING EDUCATION AT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Southern Connecticut State University
Program Standouts: Southern Connecticut State University, in collaboration with Western Connecticut State University faculty, offers an online Doctoral program in Nursing Education. The degree program is designed for students with expertise in clinical practice as well as a master’s degree in nursing.
The doctorate furthers the skills of these professionals in the areas required for working as faculty members in the science of nursing education. The transformation of the education of future nurses is the goal of their innovative doctoral program.
The program does require 3 days of on-campus visits at the beginning of the first and second year of study.
Campus Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Course Sample:
- Nursing Faculty Role in Higher Education
- Leadership Theories and Concepts
- Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation in Nursing
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- References
- Current RN or APRN license
- GRE or MAT scores
- Phone interview with committee members
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
Degree Outcomes:
The Doctor of Education in Nursing Education from Southern Connecticut State University has been developed within the context of the school’s objectives which are to “educate students within a diverse, caring, and scholarly learning community dedicated to excellence.” The program educates professionals to effectively transform the field of nursing education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING EDUCATION AT SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
University of North Dakota
Program Standouts: The online PhD in Nursing at the University of North Dakota is a program that focuses on nursing education and research. The work environment is highly collaborative and provides professional students in its program with unique resources.
The focuses of the program are on rural health, rural population and rural programs and policies. Other areas pursued in this program are how to obtain grant funding to support research and spreading knowledge through publications and presentations. Students and graduates of the PhD in Nursing conduct research as nurse scientists.
Campus Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Course Sample:
- Foundations for Nurse Education
- Rural Healthcare Ethics
- The Nurse Scientist
Admission Requirements:
- The equivalent of a bachelor or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above
- GRE or Miller’s Analogy Test
- Completion of a graduate-level univariate statistics course
- One to two-page paper
- RN license
- Curriculum Vitae
- Interview
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program from the University of North Dakota usually go on to teach in academic or clinical settings or research topics that are designed to improve the science of nursing. Alumni from UND have gone on to hold positions in many colleges and universities across the United States.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
University of Central Florida
Program Standouts: The Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of Central Florida is able to be completed entirely online. The program prepares graduates for teaching in the field of nursing at the highest levels. Specifically, the program at UCF applies innovative technologies to nursing education as well as research and healthcare leadership.
Nurse scholars who graduate from the PhD program at UCF have acquired knowledge concerning the methods and theories of the discipline of nursing. Ethics, method, and concepts are all a part of the program allowing students to contribute to the existing body of nursing knowledge and advance it.
Campus Location: Orlando, Florida
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Course Sample:
- Concept Development in Nursing
- Healthcare Systems and Policy
- Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Master’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- RN license
- Official GRE score
- Essay of 500 words
- Personal interview
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of recommendation
Degree Outcomes:
- Conduct research to generate a body of knowledge and test theories that advance nursing science.
- Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary solutions that advance health care in a global society.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
University of Missouri
Program Standouts: The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at the University of Missouri has a facet of Education that is able to be pursued through the program’s interdisciplinary focus as well as through electives.
Clinical scholars, educators, and researchers are all potential career outcomes for a graduate from the Mizzou PhD program. The academic world of nursing is a perfect fit for graduates as well.
Campus Location: Columbia, Missouri
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Course Sample:
- Leadership and Technology Institute
- Research Design, Methods, and Statistics
- Responsible Conduct of Research
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from an accredited school
- Recommendations
- Curriculum vitae
- GRE scores
- Transcripts
- Writing sample
- Copy of current RN license
- Online application
Degree Outcomes: According to their website, the following objectives are met in the PhD in Nursing at the University of Missouri:
- Assumption of leadership roles in nursing
- Initiate and maintain collaborative relationships with other professionals
- Advance health care and nursing knowledge
- Develop nursing practice science through original research
- Teach the next nursing generation
- Advance development of health policy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Columbia University
Program Standouts: Columbia University Teachers College provides an online Doctorate of Nursing Education Degree which has been approved for online delivery since 2015.
Preparing students for the challenge of educating nurses, the EdD in Nursing Education is designed to meet the technological demands of today’s health care system.
It also looks to provide the nursing education world with well-prepared faculty capable of working in culturally diverse, high demand educational environments.
Campus Location: New York, New York
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Course Sample:
- Nursing Theory in Nursing Education
- Innovations in Nursing Education
- Simulation in Nursing Education
Admission Requirements:
- RN license
- Master’s degree, preferably in nursing
- Transcripts
- Resume showing clinical experience as well as publications and research
- Statement of purpose
- Academic writing sample
- Professional references
- Optional GRE
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of the Nursing Education Doctorate from Columbia University will be trained to:
- Apply learned theories as a foundation for the nurse educator’s role in academic and healthcare workplaces.
- Integrate knowledge to develop new teaching strategies
- Show expertise as a nurse educator in the pursuit of lifelong learning and current trends in nursing practice.
- Research collaboratively to advance nursing education knowledge
- Serve nursing education as a scholar and leader
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN NURSING EDUCATION AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Liberty University
Program Standouts: The online Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education from Liberty University is taught by nationally recognized educational leaders. Liberty University, with online programs now ranked in the top 1% of online education, is a nonprofit university with a strong ethical emphasis.
Their affordable Phd in Nursing Education degree program is designed for professionals who wish to contribute to the science of nursing through research and scholarship, analyze the theoretical and philosophical foundations of nursing and educate the future generations of nurses.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Course Sample:
- Learning Theories and Teaching Methods for Nurse Educators
- Curriculum Development and Program Evaluation for Nurse Educators
- Advanced Evaluation Strategies for Nurse Educators
Admission Requirements:
- Admission application and fee
- Official college transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Registered Nurse Licensure verification
- One year minimum experience as an RN
Degree Outcomes: According to the Liberty University website, the doctorate in nursing education “is a great credential to have to advance or alter your career path.
You can become a professor of nursing or pursue other educational opportunities within healthcare. You could go into hospital administration, health policy advocacy, or nursing research.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE PHD IN NURSING EDUCATION FROM LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
University of Mississippi
American Sentinel University
Program Standouts: Among doctorates in nursing education, the Doctor of Nursing Practice at American Sentinel University stands out as a practice-based program. The degree is also focused on honing leadership skills and preparing top-notch professional nurses to become faculty, program directors, deans or other leaders of nursing education programs.
The online DNP nursing program is one of only a few that offer an educational leadership specialization. This combines the best of both worlds in practice and research for the nurse looking to promote the best future in the world of nursing. Students in the program at ASU come from some of the best hospitals in the world.
Campus Location: Aurora, Colorado
Accreditation:
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Course Sample:
- Leadership: Setting the Example
- Role of Technology and Simulation in Nursing and Education
- Organizational Dynamic of Higher Education
Admission Requirements:
- Complete application
- Detailed essay on prescribed topics
- Proof of employment or access to a suitable work environment
- Evidence of clinical hours
Degree Outcomes:
According to American Sentinel University’s website, the outcomes of the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Educational Leadership grant nurse educators:
- Real-world solutions for their organization’s challenges
- Connections to peers at leading organizations around the country
- A deeper understanding of educating the next generation of nurses
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AT THE AMERICAN SENTINEL UNIVERSITY
WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts: The PhD in nursing education and administration at William Carey University is one of the PhD in nursing education online programs designed for those professionals who have the freedom to travel occasionally to the University.
The program requires face to face meetings four times a year though all classes can be completed online.
Designed for nursing professionals, the degree was designed to prepare graduates for the educator role in nursing through the use of sound educational concepts and principles. These roles can also be pursued through healthcare organizations through the management of clinical nursing practice.
Campus Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Course Sample:
- Organization and Administrative Theory
- Role Perspectives and Practicum
- Role Development for the Nurse Educator
Admission Requirements:
- Application and fee
- Official transcripts
- Scholarly Narrative
- Three letters of reference
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- MSN from an accredited school of nursing
- GPA of 3.5
- RN License
- 4.0 on the writing component of the GRE
- Competence in statistics
- Demonstrate computer literacy
Degree Outcomes:
Among other things, graduates of the doctorate in nursing education from William Carey University will be able to “utilize concepts, knowledge, and skills to create an environment that facilitates classroom and clinical learning” as well as “function as a change agent to promote the profession of nursing.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION AT WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY
University of Texas Tyler
Program Standouts: The PhD in nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler allows students to continue their current work and lifestyle while studying and researching their way to a terminal degree. The completion of the online PhD in nursing will help them to assume a more influential role in the field of nursing whether it be in teaching or research.
The program demands an on-campus weeklong summer orientation and returning-student workshop. All other work is able to be completed online while pursuing one’s independent research. The PhD program at UT Tyler is highly successful and competitive as well as in high demand throughout the nursing field.
Campus Location: Tyler, Texas
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Course Sample:
- Scholarship in Nursing
- Advanced Statistics
- Philosophy of Science
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing from an accredited institution
- Satisfactory GRE score
- Current nursing license
- 3-5 page paper
- Letters of recommendation
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from the PhD in Nursing from UT Tyler are employed as consultants, researchers, professors, administrators, and policymakers. The graduates from this program have acquired jobs at the University of the Incarnate Word, Prairie View A&M University and Troy University.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE PHD IN NURSING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS TYLER
Duquesne University
Program Standouts: Duquesne University offers two online/hybrid Doctorates in Nursing that give the recipients of the degree the qualifications to be teachers in schools, colleges or universities or other venues of education. The online PhD in Nursing from Duquesne allows nurses with a DNP degree to gain the skills to become independent researchers and/or professors.
The other online doctorate offered is the DNP degree which has the option of three different focuses of interest:
- Transcultural Nursing,
- Forensic Nursing
- or Nursing Education.
Both of these online doctorates in nursing from Duquesne assist students and graduates to advance the science, practice, and future of the field of nursing.
Campus Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Course Sample:
- Structure of Nursing Knowledge
- State of the Science of Discovery
- Philosophy of Science and Theory
Admission Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN license
- Bachelors or Master of Science in Nursing
- Prerequisite courses in Statistics, Nursing Research Methods and Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Successful phone interview
- Technical standards for admission
Degree Outcomes:
According to the Duquesne University website “the overall purpose of the PhD Program in Nursing is to prepare graduates for a lifetime of intellectual inquiry, creative scholarship and research. Graduates of the program will be competent in research, scholarship, and leadership within the profession of nursing.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE NURSING DOCTORATES AT DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
Van Loan School at Endicott College
Program Standouts: The online PhD in Nursing at Van Loan School at Endicott College provides students with confidence as scholars and researchers. The program focuses on building strong foundations in the areas of theory development and research methods.
Development of knowledge, professional relationships and new approaches to the development of knowledge are only a few of the benefits gained from this online PhD in Nursing.
Campus Location: Beverly, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Course Sample:
- Knowledge Development in Nursing Science
- Design and Methods for Clinical Nursing Research
- Philosophy of Science
- Research Methods II: Quantitative
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- RN licensure
- Examples of published works
- Basic registered nursing preparation
- 3.0 GPA at the master’s level
- Writing sample
- Admission interview
Degree Outcomes:
The PhD in Nursing at the Van Loan School at Endicott College “embraces the diversity of opportunities for career development, professional roles and disciplinary leadership as a nurse scientist, scholar, educator or mentor.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE PHD IN NURSING AT THE VAN LOAN SCHOOL AT ENDICOTT COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
EXTENDED CAMPUS
Program Standouts: The University of Colorado’s extended campus online doctorate in Nursing Education offers outstanding preparation for nursing professionals. Qualified nursing educators carry the torch of forming healthcare professionals, and the nursing education salary can be lucrative.
This online nursing education program requires 66 credits of post-master’s degree courses. As an academic degree, this online nursing education doctorate requires a dissertation that is pursued throughout the duration of the program. There are also minimal onsite requirements, which include orientation, dissertation proposal, dissertation defense, and an oral comprehensive exam.
Transfer credits may be applicable to this online doctorate in Nursing Education. Tuition is charged at a flat rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program begins each fall.
Campus Location: Greeley, CO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Course Sample:
- Advanced Concepts of Vulnerable Populations
- Philosophical Underpinnings of Nursing Science
- Leadership in Health Policy
- Cognition and Instruction
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution
- Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution
- Minimum GRE score of: 140 Quantitative, 146 Verbal Reasoning, combined 297 and minimum 3.5 in Analytic Writing section
- Current RN license in the state where one is in practice
Degree Outcomes: This online doctorate in Nursing Education offers three main focus areas: Research, Leadership, Education. The interdisciplinary approach this degree offers prepares its graduates to advance the current research and take this research into the classroom in preparing well-qualified teachers and nursing professionals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO-DENVER
ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS
Program Standouts: CU Anschutz prides itself in being one of the country’s top online doctoral programs in Nursing Education. CU online PhD in Nursing Education is designed for nursing professionals, desiring to reach the highpoint of Nursing Education and branch out or transition into nursing education or clinical research or policy analysis, amongst a number of options.
Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format. There are also on-campus sessions during the academic year. Designed to allow working professionals to continue working while studying, this fast and flexible online doctorate in Nursing Education offers three specialization tracks. These are:
- Health Care Systems Research,
- Caring Science,
- and Biobehavioral Sciences.
Tuition discounts are available to online students.
Campus Location: Denver, CO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Course Sample:
- Metatheory in Nursing
- Role of the Scientist
- Diverse Theories of Care: Paradigms of Human Caring
Admission Requirements:
- BSN and MSN from an accredited institution
- Completed Application
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from this online doctorate in Nursing Education go on to work in academic settings, research, health care analysis as these disciplines relate to the fields of nursing and nursing education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE OF NURSING EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO-DENVER
New Mexico State University
Program Standouts: New Mexico State University’s online doctorate in Nursing is a top program in the field. This online degree is designed to get licensed nurses ready to advance to potentially more rewarding and well-paying positions in the fields of nursing education, nursing research, continued practice, and health care policy.
What helps this affordable online doctorate to stand out is its commitment to training nurse educators to be able to recognize and address the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations.
The program begins each summer. The program is entirely online except for a week-long yearly on-campus requirement in May and mandatory conference attendance once a year. As an academic degree, this online doctorate in nursing requires students to write and defend a dissertation in order to graduate from the program.
Campus Location: Las Cruces, NM
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Course Sample:
- Philosophy of Science in Nursing
- Methods and Processes of Nursing Knowledge Development
- Issues in Studying Health of Diverse Border Populations
- Population-Based Approaches to Health Promotion
Admission Requirements:
- Electronic copies of transcripts
- Master’s degree (MSN) from an accredited nursing program
- Master’s GPA of 3.5 or above
- Graduate-level statistics course within five years of application
- Personal interview
- Submission of scholarly writing sample
- One-page personal statement
- Letter of intent
- Two to three-page resume
- Three letters of recommendation from persons acquainted with the applicant in a professional context
- Valid RN license
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from this quality online doctorate in Nursing Education will be trained to conduct independent and original research in the field of nursing. Graduates will be able to take the lead in matters that concern social, ethical, cultural, economic, and political matters.
They will be able to assess the status and development of philosophical foundations of nursing and nursing education. Graduates will be able to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge and apply this knowledge to nursing educational contexts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE DOCTORATE IN NURSING EDUCATION AT NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the average Ph.D. in Nursing Education salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers make a median salary of $84,180 annually. These teachers are employed at colleges, universities, and professional schools as well as junior colleges, hospitals, technical and trade schools and even business schools.
Postsecondary nursing instructors teach the care of patients to nursing students in classrooms and clinicals. Some of these nursing instructors are exclusively teachers, while others do a combination of research and teaching.
Graduates with a terminal degree in Nursing Education can also work in a variety of different occupations which can affect their income. For example, nurse practitioners make around $124,680 annually. Nurse educators can also work as nurse practitioners employed in both teaching and active practice.
Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, either acute or episodic. They can work independently or as part of a team of healthcare workers. Nurse practitioners may have a focus such as health promotion or disease prevention.
They are qualified to prescribe medication, order or interpret diagnostic tests, and order lab work and x-rays. They must be registered nurses with specialized graduate education.
Nurse practitioners working in mental health make the highest salary at over $134,030 a year. Nurse practitioners may also make over $115,900 a year as certified nurse-midwives.
How long does it take to complete a Doctorate in Nursing Education online?
Completing an online doctorate in nursing education usually takes between 3 – 5 years. Some differences exist between the four different types of nursing doctorate degrees.
- The Doctor of Nursing Science focuses on research and investigation.
- The Doctor of Nursing is an advanced degree of specialized nursing skills.
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice is focused on clinical practice and leadership.
- The Doctor of Nursing Philosophy.
Because the Ph.D. in Nursing is based on scholarly research, usually, the Doctorate in Nursing Education is a Ph.D. program. However, as included in this article, the Doctor of Education in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education follows this path as well.
Usually, the Doctorate in Nursing Education will include a doctorate dissertation which will take longer to complete. However, these labor-intensive degrees put their recipients at the very top of their field in Nursing Education.
Although not as common, there are also joint programs for students who haven’t yet received their master’s degree in nursing. These degree programs are accelerated MSN/PhD programs or BSN to Doctorate in nursing education programs. Students accepted into these programs need to be highly qualified and motivated.
What is the difference between an EdD and PhD in Nursing Education?
EdD in Nursing Education or with an emphasis in Nursing Education:
The goals of the EdD in nursing education are to train educators of future nurses in current scholarship and research. These experts contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, as well as how to practice based on scientific evidence. Usually included in this degree program is some form of dissertation for use in nursing education.
The EdD in Nursing Education programs are taught by academic professionals who are at the top of their field in nursing education practice, intervention, and research.
Ph.D. in Nursing Education or Ph.D. in Nursing:
The Ph.D. in Nursing Education is usually more labor-intensive and also involves a bit more time than the EdD in Nursing Education. The Ph.D. in Nursing Education prepares one similar to the regular Ph.D. in Nursing, except that the focus on nursing education is a given.
In a Ph.D. in Nursing, there is usually room for the candidate to choose an aspect or focus of nursing that is most suited to their interests. This allows a student in a Ph.D. in nursing program to orient themselves around an education focus if they are inclined toward teaching in academia, as well as research.
The Ph.D. in Nursing Education prepares scholars to be researchers and to produce theories derived from the standing body of knowledge in their field. They also use evidence-based practices to teach future nurses.
Knowledge of theories and concepts and familiarizing oneself with the foundations of nursing knowledge are all a part of this degree program, along with a dissertation guided by faculty with the highest expertise in nursing education.
Both the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing or Nursing Education, as well as the Doctor of Education in Nursing Education prepares graduates to be teachers at any level of nursing education.
What courses will I take in a Ph.D. in Nursing Education program?
Generally, the Ph.D. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education will first focus on doctoral core nursing classes such as:
- Nursing Research
- Leadership
- Theory of Nursing Development
Other core classes will be more focused on the educational aspect of the program, such as:
- Historical Foundations of Education
- Teaching Methods for Nurse Educators
- Leadership in Nursing Education
- Curriculum Development
Core classes in research will also be included. These will be courses such as:
- Statistics of Education
- Quantitative or Qualitative Methods of Research
- Advanced classes in both of the above
The final project of the Ph.D. in Nursing Education will be a doctoral dissertation, the capstone of the Ph.D. In the dissertation, candidates for the Ph.D. will pursue an area of research and, through their discoveries and findings, become specialists in that area.
Will earning a Ph.D. in Nursing Education help me advance my nursing career?
Yes, earning a Ph.D. in Nursing Education can help advance your nursing career. A Ph.D. provides you with in-depth knowledge of nursing education, which can give you an advantage when applying for teaching positions or other nursing roles.
It will also equip you with the skills necessary to conduct research, design and implement educational programs, and make positive changes to the healthcare system.
Additionally, a Ph.D. in Nursing Education can open the door to various higher-level leadership roles in the nursing profession.
