Doctoral Programs

Doctoral Program PhotoThe OHSU School of Nursing is proud to offer two state-of-the-art doctoral programs –the research doctorate (PhD) and the practice doctorate (DNP). Both programs are delivered by experienced faculty, dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals.

Determining the type of nursing doctorate that is the best fit for you may be a challenge, particularly if you are early in your career. The good news is that OHSU offers both the practice doctorate (DNP) and the research doctorate (PhD) for our students. Our admissions office is happy to provide face-to-face and phone consultation with prospective students.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing provides fact sheets, toolkits and white papers on the DNP: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/dnp-home as well as the research focused PhD: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/PhDPosition.pdf. They also list key differences between the PhD and DNP on this table  http://www.aacn.nche.edu/dnp/ContrastGrid.pdf

Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents the highest degree in nursing practice. Graduates receive additional preparation to expand practice in breadth and depth as well as coursework and mentorship to facilitate leadership and practice-related scholarship in their professional career. Implemented at OHSU in 2007, the DNP program prepares leaders in a culture of innovation and inquiry.

Specialties Include

Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Nurse-midwifery
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Primary & Acute Nurse Practitioner


Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD program prepares nurse scientists to develop new knowledge through research and assume positions of leadership in academic and health care settings. Coursework is planned for two years of full-time study. Qualified applicants may enter the PhD program with a baccalaureate degree in nursing or with both a baccalaureate degree and master's degree, one of which must be in nursing.