Online Nursing Doctorate [Ph.D.] Program Guide

A doctorate in nursing is the terminal degree in the field and comes in two forms: a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and a doctor of philosophy in nursing (Ph.D.). Compared to the more clinical DNP, a nursing Ph.D. focuses more on research, education, and policy. In this guide, we examine online nursing Ph.D. programs in more detail, delving into common career options for graduates and the best individual programs.

The typical nursing Ph.D. program lasts 4-6 years. Online learners may save time and money by taking advantage of reduced travel requirements and more flexible scheduling. Prospective students can follow multiple pathways to a doctorate in nursing, and graduates enjoy strong and varied career prospects.

The demand for nursing leaders and advanced nursing positions is high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of over 120,000 advanced practice nursing positions between 2020 and 2030. According to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), the majority of nursing leaders earn $90,000-$169,999 per year.

An online nursing Ph.D. equips students with the skills and training needed to improve patient care, healthcare systems, and/or healthcare education. Students learn to research and develop theories and scholarship related to nursing practice and policy.

A nursing Ph.D differs from a DNP program in that the former focuses more on research and education while the latter focuses more on leadership and advanced clinical practice.

Pursuing a nursing Ph.D. online prepares graduates for many advanced research, teaching, and leadership positions. A doctorate in nursing leads to some of the most lucrative and in-demand positions in healthcare.

Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects 22% job growth for nursing professors. These professionals earned a median annual wage of $75,470, as of May 2020.

An online doctorate in nursing may appeal to aspiring nursing professors, researchers, and healthcare leaders. In addition to developing research and leadership skills, learners can hone their communication and critical thinking abilities in these programs. Online Ph.D. students learn to tackle major issues in healthcare while balancing work, teaching, and home life.

Most programs require 45-60 credits of coursework and take 4-6 years to complete. While curricula and requirements vary by program, students may need to complete teaching and lab assignments on top of extensive research demands.

A doctorate in nursing can also help learners develop specialties through research and concentrated training. While many programs do not offer formal specializations, students may encounter the following options:

While there are few, if any, RN- or ADN-to-Ph.D. pathways, similar options may be available. For example, prospective students may enroll in an RN- or ADN-to-MSN program first. Graduating from this type of bridge program can then qualify graduates for Ph.D. programs.

BSN-to-Ph.D. programs offer students an accelerated pathway to a doctorate in nursing. These programs have the advantage of focusing on research and advanced topics at an earlier stage.

Most Ph.D. programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree. These degrees build on the advanced topics and research in MSN programs and usually take 4-6 years to complete. Students can develop their research interests and specializations in these programs.

This course teaches students the methods and processes used in designing, conducting, and analyzing research in the health sciences. Covered topics may include literature searches and reviews, testing, and report writing. Students also examine major issues and developments in contemporary health sciences research.

This class teaches students how to effectively use science in healthcare careers and research. Participants learn to capture information and translate it into useful applications for healthcare systems and practices. Learners may also explore ways of creating research questions based on the field’s needs.

This course examines how various perspectives shape views and understanding of healthcare systems and practices. Learners delve into major issues in the field, such as race and gender, resource allocation, and politics. Students look at the ways in which these perspectives impact health outcomes.

This course teaches students to produce high-quality research, covering project design, evidence collection, and analysis and translation of findings. Covered topics may include epidemiology and biostatistics — two major career pathways for researchers.

This course equips learners with the skills needed to collect, measure, and analyze quantitative data in health research. Learners train with new technologies in the field and develop an understanding of various applications of healthcare data. Covered topics may include sample selection and scale performance.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

An aging population and a growing need for more medical services has created large demand in the healthcare field. In turn, this demand has created a need for more educators, leaders, and researchers. The World Health Organization projects that the global healthcare industry will be short 18 million workers by 2030.

While many healthcare jobs are competitive, the growing field and shortage of qualified professionals should create an attractive job market for graduates with a nursing Ph.D. The BLS projects strong growth for many of the leading career pathways between 2020 and 2030, including postsecondary nursing teachers (22% growth), medical scientists (17% growth), and advanced practice nurses (45% growth).

As such, graduates can pursue several professions that feature excellent outlook in terms of growth and salary potential. While salaries vary considerably by position, the median annual wage for nursing professors was $75,470 in May 2020 and over $250,000 for the top 10% of nursing leaders.

See where an online nursing Ph.D. can take you. Learn more about nursing careers.

Nursing professors work in colleges and universities and train the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. They develop curricula, run research projects, and publish their own scholarship and findings. They also provide guidance and support for students as they progress through their studies.

Median Annual Salary: $75,470 (May 2020)

These nurse researchers may work for schools, government agencies, or private organizations. They identify research questions and conduct trials and tests. Researchers often work on a team and present their findings through publications and presentations.

Average Annual Salary: $72,450 (September 2021)

Directors of nursing supervise nursing teams and units, implement policies, and report to administrators. They may manage budgeting, along with handling patient and family communications when needed.

Average Annual Salary: $92,940 (September 2021)

Directors of nursing research manage research teams and activities. They may help design research strategies, provide support for team members, establish collaboration and publication processes, and help move findings into practice. Directors of nursing research also make connections with other organizations, faculties, and agencies who may benefit from their research.

Average Annual Salary: $88,130 (September 2021)

Chief nursing officers oversee nursing activities and follow established hospital procedures, working to ensure the safety and comfort of patients. Their daily duties may include managing shifts and developing nursing plans and strategies.

Average Annual Salary: $134,600 (September 2021)

All RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) need state licensure to practice, which requires a passing grade on a national certification exam. APRNs need at least a master’s degree. While individual state nursing boards handle licensure, APRN certification can come from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, the American Midwifery Certification Board, or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.

Online nursing Ph.D. graduates can also pursue specialty nursing certifications. These credentials are offered by various national organizations and provide certified professionals with a way to stand out from their peers and demonstrate specialized training and experience. While not typically required for employment, these credentials can improve a candidate’s career opportunities and earning potential.

A doctorate in nursing can meet the education requirements for most specialty certifications, though candidates without an advanced practice MSN may need additional education and experience in the field. Below are several available certifications for advanced nursing professionals:

As the terminal degree in the field, an online doctorate in nursing rarely leads to another degree. Nevertheless, many graduates continue their education in various ways, including earning the continuing education credits needed to maintain licensure and certification. They may also pursue condensed graduate certificates to advance their training in a specific subdiscipline.

In some cases, Ph.D. graduates may want to pursue another healthcare doctorate degree, such as biomedical or pharmaceutical medicine.