Pursuing a career in Nursing is unarguably a very lucrative and rewarding one. With an online degree in Nursing, you can make an average of $40,250 each year.
But have you wondered how much more you can achieve if you take the next step in your career and get a PhD in Nursing Education?
This article will help you understand that and so much more. We will also examine the best online PhD classes in Nursing Education and the schools offering these programs to help you decide.
Remember, pursuing an online Ph.D in Nursing Education would be the best course of action, to enable you to maintain a career while trying to gain even more academic certifications.
Meanwhile, find the table of contents below to peep into what you’ll find in this article.
Table of contents
- Why get an Online PhD in Nursing Education?
- What Can You Do with an Online PhD in Nursing Education?
- Can you get a PhD in Nursing Education Online?
- How Long Does it Take to Get Your Doctorate Degree in Nursing Online?
- How Much Does it Cost to Get a PhD in Nursing Education Online?
- How Much Do PhD Nurses Make?
- What are the Best Online Schools for PhD in Nursing Education?
- #1. University of Nevada
- #2. University of Central Florida
- #3. Nova Southeastern University
- #4. Southern Connecticut State University
- #5. Villanova University
- #6. University of North Dakota
- #7. University of Colorado Denver
- #8. Liberty University
- #9. University of Kansas
- #10. University of Arizona
- #11. Washington State University
- #12. Indiana University
- #13. Vanderbilt University
- Online PhD in Nursing Education: F AQs
- Conclusion
- Sources
- Author’s Recommendation
Why get an Online PhD in Nursing Education?
PhD programs in nursing prepare RNs to contribute to healthcare improvements by developing new knowledge and scholarly products that provide a foundation for advancing nursing science.
Moreover, a PhD in nursing education will help widen your perspective of the nursing career and keep you grounded in the science and philosophy of knowledge.
A Ph. D.-prepared nurse can contribute to the profession through research, creating new nursing theories, or focusing on national and global system-level change and public policy.
PayScale says a Ph. D. educated nurse’s average salary is $96,000 per year.
Indeed, getting a PhD in nursing education is a huge investment in yourself.
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What Can You Do with an Online PhD in Nursing Education?
There is so much you can do with a PhD in Nursing Education. But some people tend to make funny jokes out of it. But they do not understand what higher opportunities are open to you when you bag your PhD.
Tiffany, in her write-up, said at some point in her pursuit of a PhD in Nursing, she became irritated by the question and started giving a pretty snappy reply: “The same thing you do with a PhD in anything else!” Sounds funny, huh?
As I said earlier, there is so much you can do with your doctorate in nursing education. Let’s quickly look at some career opportunities with a doctorate in nursing.
A Ph. Ph.D.-prepared nurse usually researches, analyzes, and performs scientific studies. They also commonly enter academia as professors and educators.
In addition to the aforementioned, Ph. Degree nurses can find other career opportunities as:
Nursing Lecturer/Tutor:
This nurse educator lectures or teaches in a nursing school or school of health. The nursing lecturer is responsible for creating, executing, and evaluating program curricula and mentoring nursing students.
Often, in addition to their teaching responsibilities, they expect them to conduct research that will be disseminated and shared in scholarly journals and at research conferences.
Director of Nursing Research:
The director of nursing research is usually responsible for supervising other nursing research employees or for overseeing all nursing research projects conducted within the facility.
Usually, they are the facility’s go-to person for questions regarding the design and implementation of the desired research study.
Director of Clinical Services:
After your doctoral degree program, you can find opportunities as a clinical administrator. A clinical administrator is a nursing practitioner who oversees the daily operations of patient care departments in a healthcare facility.
The director is the middle person between upper management and department managers. Although the director may not be directly involved in direct patient care, he or she is aware of the workflows in each department that promote optimal patient care.
The director may generate or receive reports addressing the efficiency of departmental workflows, which they then give to each department manager to increase efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Ph. Ph.D.-trained nurses can also find other career opportunities in research or high-ranking administrative positions in pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, health advocacy organizations, healthcare information technology corporations, NGOs, and other health-related publishing companies.
Some job titles a Ph.D. may search for include Nurse Researcher, Nurse Scientist, Policy Maker, Academic Professor, and Author.
Can you get a PhD in Nursing Education Online?
Yes, some schools offer you the liberty of running your PhD program online. But some may also require you to come to the school for a few practical sessions. Although, there may not be so many practical sessions for this since it’s a research program.
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How Long Does it Take to Get Your Doctorate Degree in Nursing Online?
How long it will take you to complete our PhD program online depends on several factors, one of which is the school.
Yes, the duration of your study will depend on the school you enrolled in. Also, another factor is how smart you are in learning. It is not out of place to say that some students may take longer than others.
Generally, you’d spend at least three years to complete your online PhD program in nursing education. This is almost the same amount of time it takes to complete the program in school.
Before getting the award, you’ll need to prepare and complete a dissertation consisting of original research that will advance healthcare delivery systems and nursing practice.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a PhD in Nursing Education Online?
Acquiring an online PhD in Nursing education does not cost so much. That’s interesting, right, huh? Usually, it may cost you an average of $6000 to $10,000 to complete your program.
It is important to know that this cost may vary from school to school.
How Much Do PhD Nurses Make?
How much you’ll make in this career largely depends on your level of expertise. Some experienced earn more than others. That is why you must develop yourself daily to remain relevant in the field.
However, according to PayScale, the average salary for a Ph. D.-educated nurse is $96,000 per year.
What are the Best Online Schools for PhD in Nursing Education?
There are not many schools where you can find programs that lead to PhD in Nursing education, although some schools do offer such programs.
In no particular order, below are the Best Online Schools for PhD in Nursing Education.
Take time to read through them here.
#1. University of Nevada
Cost per credit: $235.5
The University of Nevada in Las Vegas is a public research university in Paradise, Nevada. It offers an online PhD in Nursing Education, which is 100% online.
Students who enroll in this program will take special courses such as Special Topics in Nursing Research, Teaching, and Learning in Nursing Education, Educational Theory, and Philosophy for Nursing.
The admission requirements include; 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, and Curriculum vitae (CV).
Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in a health-related discipline are also eligible for admission. Still, they must complete graduate courses in health and public policy and nursing theory.
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#2. University of Central Florida
Cost: $369.65 per credit hour
The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, Florida. The U.S. News and World Report highly rank the university’s College of Nursing in recognition of its innovative and path-breaking online education.
The university’s online PhD program in nursing education applies innovative technologies to nursing education research and healthcare leadership.
You can complete this nursing program entirely online, and it enables graduates to gain knowledge concerning the various methods and theories of the discipline of nursing with some special courses like Concept Development in Nursing, Healthcare Systems and Policy, Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science.
Applicants are expected to have a master’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with other requirements like Official transcripts, RN license, Official GRE score, Letters of recommendation, and Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
#3. Nova Southeastern University
Cost: $927.00 per credit hour
Nova Southeastern University is a private university that offers one of the best online PhD programs in nursing education.
The online PhD program requires three years of courses and a dissertation with some unique courses like Research Ethics, State of the Science, and Advanced Nursing Research.
The main theme of this online PhD program in nursing education is leadership, and they expect applicants to have a Master’s degree in nursing from a CNEA or CCNE institution with some other requirements like a cumulative GPA of 3.5, Current R.N. license, Reference letters, Writing sample, and Curriculum vitae (CV).
#4. Southern Connecticut State University
Cost: $703.00 per credit hour
Southern Connecticut State University is a public university in New Haven, Connecticut. It was founded in 1893.
Southern Connecticut State University, in collaboration with Western Connecticut State University faculty, offers an online PhD program in Nursing Education which they design for students with expertise in clinical practice and a master’s degree in nursing.
They also designed this program to prepare them for academic faculty roles, with special courses like Leadership Theories and Concepts, Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation in Nursing, and Nursing Faculty Role in Higher Education.
Applicants are required to have a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution and some other admission requirements like a cumulative GPA of 3.0, Current R.N. license, GRE scores, Reference letters, Official transcripts, and Curriculum vitae (CV).
#5. Villanova University
Cost: $1,300 per credit rate
Villanova University is a private Catholic institution founded in 1842. It is the oldest Catholic university in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth.
The University offers an online PhD program in nursing education. This online PhD program at Villanova is known for the personalized study experience it offers students.
Villanova University’s College of Nursing has developed a flexible curriculum to meet student needs.
Interestingly, the National League for Nursing honors the college’s Nursing School as the Center of Excellence in Nursing Education year after year.
They designed this online PhD in nursing education to equip students with the practical and theoretical understanding required to create new knowledge of culturally relevant nursing practice and education.
Some admission requirements include a cumulative GPA of 3.0, a Current R.N. license, GRE scores, Reference letters, Curriculum vitae (CV), and Official transcripts.
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#6. University of North Dakota
Cost: $784.13 per credit hour
The University of North Dakota is a public research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on the eastern edge of the state. Founded in 1883, it is the state’s oldest and largest university.
The university offers one of the best online PhD in Nursing programs. The three-year doctoral degree in Nursing at the University of North Dakota focuses on nursing education, rural health, rural population, policies, and research.
The university also offers students a chance to collaborate with the Center for Rural Health and the National Resource Center on Native American Aging, with special courses/programs like; Rural Healthcare Ethics, Foundations for Nurse Education, and Nurse Scientist.
The students could also choose to participate clinically, participating in hands-on research in health care services or the betterment of patient care and applicants are required to have a bachelor’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution with some other requirements like; an RN license, Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, GRE scores, Reference letters, Curriculum vitae (CV) and Official transcripts.
#7. University of Colorado Denver
Cost: $645 for Residents and $1110 for non-residents
The University of Colorado is a public research university located in Denver. The University of Colorado was founded in 1912.
Colorado’s premier healthcare complex, the Anschutz Medical Campus, is one of the strongest educational institutions for medicine and nursing.
The university offers one of the best online PhD in Nursing Education, with three specialized areas: Health Care Systems Research, Caring Science, and behavioral Sciences.
You can complete this program in three years; tuition discounts are available to online students. The online PhD in Nursing Education is designed for nursing professionals desiring to reach the highest point of Nursing Education, administration, or nursing research.
Applicants are expected to have acquired a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
#8. Liberty University
Cost: $595 per credit hour rate
Liberty University is a private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The university is one of the largest private non-profit universities in the United States, with its online programs now ranked in the top 1% of online education.
Liberty University offers one of the best online PhD programs in nursing education. Their affordable PhD in Nursing Education degree program enables their graduates to become nursing professors or pursue other healthcare educational opportunities.
You could also go into hospital administration, health policy advocacy, or nursing research.
Applicants must meet specific admission requirements, which include official transcripts, an Admission application and fee, a Statement of purpose, and a Registered Nurse Licensure verification.
#9. University of Kansas
Cost: $11,148 (in-state) and $27,358 (out-of-state)
The University of Kansas is a public research university in Lawrence, Kansas, with several medical centers, research and education centers, and other satellite campuses across Kansas.
The university has been offering PhD Education since 1983 and they offer one of the best online PhD in Nursing Education. Full-time students can complete their studies in three years and most online students graduate from the PhD program in five to seven years.
The online PhD program in Nursing education specializes in some areas like; Health Systems, Symptom Science, & Education.
Applicants are expected to have a master’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.50 in their BSN or 3.25 in their MSN, an RN license, and other requirements.
The online PhD Nursing program ensures graduates have been trained through intensive research projects, independent research, and traditional coursework.
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#10. University of Arizona
Cost; $29,250 (in-state) and $29,250 (out-of-state) per year
The University of Arizona is a public research university founded in 1885 and located in Tucson. The university is the first university in Arizona, and one of the best in the online PhD program in nursing education.
The institution is renowned for its high research activity, with the best learning resources and opportunities. This College of Nursing ranks among the country’s top 15 % of nursing graduate programs.
The online Ph.D. in nursing education program has three specialized areas which include: Health Determinants Science, Data and System Science, and Precision Science. This study constitutes 12 credits of your PhD coursework and helps you gain specialized knowledge in your area of focus.
Also, you can complete this program online, both part-time and full-time.
Applicants are expected to have a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution.
#11. Washington State University
cost: $891 per credit
Washington State University is a public research university also known as Wazzu.
The College of Nursing at Washington State University offers one of the best online PhD in Nursing education programs. The online PhD program coursework focuses on three specialized or core areas: education, Methodology, and Research.
The program also enables its students to learn how to design, conduct, and disseminate research that will generate new knowledge and change healthcare, nursing science, and practices.
Applicants are expected to have a master’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution and a 3.5 and higher GPA.
#12. Indiana University
Cost: $578 per credit hour (in-state) and $1,553 per credit hour (out-of-state)
The Bloomington campus is the primary campus and home to Indiana University’s School of Nursing. In 2017, Reuters ranked the university among the top innovative universities in the world. The University is also known for innovation and creativity.
The university was founded in 1820 and is also known for its best online PhD program in nursing education which is one of the most revered programs at Indiana University.
The online PhD in education program is grounded in nursing science and offers concentration options in Clinical Nursing Science and Health Systems, which are the program’s two main areas of specialization.
They highly train their graduates in data analysis, leadership, research methodologies, and statistics.
#13. Vanderbilt University
Cost: $2026 per credit hour
Vanderbilt University is a private university that was established in 1872. It is located in Nashville. The university’s School of Nursing has an outstanding reputation as a top nursing school.
They offer one of the best online PhD in nursing education programs. The PhD students have multiple opportunities to interact with research scholars across the university and the nation.
The online PhD in nursing education program focuses on two special areas which include, Clinical Research & Health Services Research, and students are expected to choose from either Clinical Research or Health Services Research.
Students are expected to complete coursework of 32 credits of their core courses, 15 credits of their specialty, and another 10 credits towards their research thesis, making it 57 credit hours in all.
Also, the eligible students can transfer 15 credits from their master’s degree to this online PhD program.
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Online PhD in Nursing Education: FAQs
The Doctor of Education in Nursing Education is designed for nurses with master’s degrees who want to become nurse educators in academic or staff development settings. The program fosters deep collaboration among students and faculty to maximize preparation for educator roles.
The main difference is that a DNP is focused more on clinical practice, while a PhD is research-focused.
Generally, you’d spend at least three years to complete your online PhD program in nursing education.
According to Payscale, a Ph. D. educated nurse earns an average salary of $96,000 per year.
Conclusion
A doctorate in nursing education will certainly open many more career doors to you. It’s a stepping stone to whatever level there is to achieve after RN.
There is no limit to what you can achieve after your training. One of them is becoming a professor in your field. Your PhD will open you up to research and exploration, leading to your professorship. Take the big plunge today, and you’ll be glad you did.
Sources
- Forbes.com Best Online Doctorate In Nursing Education Programs Of 2024
- registerednursing.org – Research Nurse
