Going back to school to earn your doctorate is a big decision that can produce amazing outcomes, both personally and professionally. For many nursing professionals, advancing their career is rewarding in ways that extend beyond personal gain. Consider some of the benefits you can experience when you earn your PhD in Nursing.
Gain the skills you need to conduct research in the field and impact healthcare policies, systems, and services.
If you’ve ever wondered who writes the various policies, procedures, and clinical diagnoses that nursing practitioners follow, the answer is: PhD-educated nurse researchers. A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused doctorate in which students conduct research to advance the science and practice of nursing. Therefore, the coursework in a PhD in Nursing program centers on research methods, research theory, and nursing science. Upon completion of your PhD program, you will have the tools and in-depth knowledge you need to work as a nurse researcher, designing and implementing science-based studies that aim to improve healthcare services and outcomes.
Help prepare and educate future nursing professionals.
Like most helping professions, nursing draws people who have a passion to serve and improve community welfare. That’s why one of the most rewarding benefits for nursing professionals is knowing that they can make a lasting impression by educating future practitioners. And now more than ever, educators are needed in the field: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has reported that a nursing faculty shortage is causing qualified applicants to be turned away from both bachelor’s and graduate nursing programs.1 By getting your PhD in Nursing, you not only have the opportunity to advance your own knowledge but to share that knowledge with nursing hopefuls who will fill much-needed healthcare roles in the future.
Tap in to the administrative side of nursing.
A PhD in Nursing program can extend beyond research and education and prepare you with the experience you need to pursue a role in nursing administration. Often, a high-quality PhD in Nursing program—like the one at Walden University—will allow you to specialize in administration to ensure your coursework aligns with your interests and aspirations. For instance, Walden’s program offers a Healthcare Administration specialization that centers on the principles that influence healthcare decisions as well as the application of best practices in leadership, ethics, and professionalism in public health settings.
Develop the interdisciplinary knowledge to lead and work with diverse healthcare teams.
Earning a PhD degree in nursing can help you climb the career ladder, positioning you to take on leadership roles within a variety of healthcare settings. The ability to work effectively with diverse populations and teams is an integral aspect of PhD in Nursing programs and one you should look for when deciding where to earn your degree. At Walden, you can get your PhD in Nursing with a specialization in Interdisciplinary Health, which enables you to broaden your perspectives and collaborate with others as you examine today’s complex healthcare-related issues and strive to improve patient outcomes.
Gain the Advanced Skills You Need to Impact the Field of Nursing at Walden University
With Walden’s PhD in Nursing program, you can turn your passion into impact while playing a key role in transforming healthcare and the field of nursing. Learn from highly qualified instructors as you prepare to influence nursing outcomes through top-level positions, from administrative and managerial roles, to education and research. And at Walden, an accredited university, you can earn your doctorate in nursing online while you continue to work full time. That means you don’t have to put your career on hold while you further your skills. With online education, you can take classes at whatever time of day works best for you as you work toward your PhD degree.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a suite of nursing programs online, including a PhD in Nursing program. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-faculty-shortage
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.