Nursing doctorates require careful planning: define whether you need a PhD or a DNP, expect multi-year study, weigh financial and career impacts, and research program format, funding, and faculty alignment. Applications often take up to a year and may require transcripts, references, a CV, and a research statement; GRE policies vary by program.

Decide which doctorate fits your goals

Doctoral study in nursing demands time, planning, and personal sacrifice. First, choose a degree that matches your career plan. A PhD in Nursing emphasizes original research and prepares you for academic and research roles. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focuses on advanced clinical practice, systems leadership, and quality improvement.

Time, cost, and work-life impact

Expect a multi-year commitment. Full-time PhD programs typically take about 3-6 years; DNP timelines vary by entry point and can range from 1-4 years. You should budget not only tuition and fees but also the opportunity cost of time - reduced hours, paused promotions, or delayed salary growth.

PhD students often receive funding packages (research assistantships, teaching assistantships, tuition remission, or stipends) but availability varies by school. DNP students commonly self-fund or use employer tuition support if available.

Program formats: on-campus, hybrid, and online options

Many schools now offer part-time, online, or hybrid doctoral formats to accommodate working nurses, but program structure and residency requirements differ. Carefully review program schedules, synchronous class expectations, and clinical/practicum obligations before applying. 1

Finding the right school and mentor

Identify your research or clinical interest early. For PhD programs, look for faculty whose work aligns with your topic - having potential mentors in place makes dissertation planning and funding discussions easier. For DNP programs, seek faculty and clinical partners with experience in your practice area.

Admissions and application timeline

Applications can be time-consuming - plan up to a year from research to submission. Common requirements include transcripts, professional references, a CV, a personal statement, and a clear statement of goals or research interests. PhD applicants may be asked for a research proposal; some programs still require the GRE, though many have dropped it - check each program's current policy. Interviews are often part of the final selection process. 2

Practical tips before you apply

  • Clarify whether you need a PhD (research/academic career) or a DNP (clinical leadership/practice).
  • Contact potential advisors and program coordinators early.
  • Ask about funding, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits.
  • Plan realistically for the time commitment and the impact on your current job and family life.
A doctoral degree in nursing can open leadership, research, and teaching opportunities. The decision requires candid assessment of your goals, finances, and readiness for several years of intensive work.
  1. Confirm current prevalence of GRE-waiver policies across U.S. nursing doctoral programs (many programs have dropped the GRE).
  2. Verify how commonly PhD programs provide funding packages versus DNP programs and the typical forms of support.
  3. Confirm prevalence and typical structures of part-time, online, and hybrid doctoral nursing program options and common residency requirements.

FAQs about Doctoral Programs In Nursing

What's the main difference between a PhD and a DNP in nursing?
A PhD focuses on original research and prepares nurses for academic and research careers. A DNP focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and translating evidence into practice.
How long do nursing doctoral programs typically take?
Full-time PhD programs generally take about 3-6 years. DNP timelines vary by entry point and program design, commonly ranging from 1-4 years.
Can I work while enrolled in a doctoral nursing program?
Many programs offer part-time, online, or hybrid options designed for working nurses, but schedules and residency requirements differ. Confirm expectations with each program.
Do doctoral nursing programs offer funding?
PhD programs often offer funding packages such as research or teaching assistantships, tuition remission, or stipends. DNP students more commonly self-fund or use employer tuition benefits.
What do admissions typically require and how long does the process take?
Applications commonly require transcripts, references, a CV, and a personal statement or research interests. PhD applicants may submit a research proposal. Plan as much as a year for research, preparation, and application steps. GRE requirements vary by program.