Nursing doctoral programs can be divided into two main programs: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) in nursing science. The DNP program prepares students for innovations in healthcare, and is centered on evidence-based practice, theory and science of nursing, and analytic principles. The program trains students to apply nursing theory to real-world practice. The PhD in nursing science program prepares students to conduct and develop scientific, empirical, and theoretical research in various perspectives of nursing science and healthcare. These programs may be offered through online, on-campus or hybrid programs; depending upon your choice of university.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
This program trains student to display leadership skills in a healthcare organization, evaluate and develop healthcare policy, use various techniques to prevent and reduce illnesses, and promote and maintain healthcare. Specific admission requirements may include:
-
Being a registered nurse and having an advanced practitioner registered nurse license or certification
-
Providing a goal statement
The curriculum is highly detailed and rigorous. Although curriculum may vary from university to university, similar core coursework may include:
-
Evidence-based Nursing Inquiry
-
Translating Evidence into Practice
-
Organizational Leadership
-
Advanced Nursing Health Policy
Graduates of this program could go on to become nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives; or advance on to leadership and administrative positions in healthcare organizations.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science
A PhD in nursing science provides students with a solid foundation in nursing theory. The program is research-based, and areas of research may include cardiovascular risk reduction, chronic disease management, health promotion, and domestic violence. You may be asked to provide the following before being given an admission offer:
-
A statement of research goals
-
Two or more recommendation letters
-
Writing sample (graded paper or publication)
A PhD in nursing science program requires you to successfully complete a core curriculum and complete an individualized course in reference to your research goals that expands the foundation of your research. Coursework may vary from university to university, but similar core curriculum could include:
-
Philosophy of Health
-
Measurement in Healthcare Research
-
Advanced Research Design
-
Roles of Nurse Educator
-
Technology Applications to Implement and Manage Research
-
Science of Nursing
-
Research and International Health Systems
-
Writing for Publications
Students who successfully complete this program are prepared for various careers such as nurse educators in post-secondary academic institutions, and are able to conduct academic research and advance nursing science.
The field of public health is a dynamic and rewarding one, and this is a popular reason why many students wish to enter it. Public health is a vast field that encompasses many disciplines related to healthcare delivery as well as business and human resources management. A master in public health degree is viable option for those who wish to work in the thriving health sector of America and make a positive contribution in people's lives.
Online Master's Degree Program
A public health master's degree may be completed in one year. The benefit of online degrees is that students could complete the degree program early or later, depending upon their schedule and self-determination. They are able to study at their own time, whenever and wherever they want. Online degrees usually prove to be more cost effective than full time, on-campus programs as students get to save on commuting costs. To pursue an online master's in public health degree, it is not necessary that students have prior background knowledge in public health.
Students with an undergraduate degree in subjects such as psychology, biology, sociology, business, accounting, or finance may enter the field of public health at the graduate level with a master's degree in public health. The admission requirements to enroll in an online master in public health degree differ from school to school. Generally, students are required to have a bachelor's degree with a good GPA as well as official transcripts and recommendations. Students may also need to perform well in entrance exams that some schools might require.
Students in online master's degree programs get to study a variety of different subjects and choose a desired specialization of their choice. While the specific curriculum may vary from school to school, students get to study similar courses in subjects such as:
-
Epidemiology
-
Nutrition
-
Environmental health
-
Health services administration
-
Biostatistics
-
Behavioral sciences
-
International health
Advantages of Pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Health
A public health master's degree offers numerous benefits to students. Not only does it offer a broad scope of knowledge on factors relating to local, national, regional, and global policies; but it also serves to enhance an individual's quantitative and qualitative skills. Individuals get ample opportunities to improve their communication skills as a result of interacting with diverse populations. Moreover, a master's degree helps to prepare individuals for future leadership roles in the fields of disease prevention as well as health promotion and administration.
Career Opportunities
With a master's degree, individuals could pursue careers in both private and public sectors. Individuals also have the opportunity in working with various non-profit and non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and in departments of health advocacy, research, and policy. They could work as
-
Health Educators
-
Epidemiologists
-
Policy Analysts
-
Food Safety Inspectors
-
Social Workers
-
Consultants
-
Health Advocates
-
Health Program Coordinators
-
Research Scientists