PhD in Nursing is a research-focused doctoral degree that focuses on high quality, scientific research that advances the entire nursing profession and education. The duration of the course ranges from 3 to 5 years. Let’s look at more details of PhD in Nursing:
What is PhD in Nursing?
In simple words, the syllabus and curriculum that the aspiring nurses learn are the product of the extensive evidence-based research by the experts, that is the nurses who have obtained their PhD in Nursing.
Here, these people are responsible for the future of the nursing profession which lays on their knowledge and expertise in the field.
The PhD in Nursing is the highest level of education that a student of nursing can achieve. It is a remarkable academic achievement which when put to use has the influence to change the health care system for the betterment of people.
Finally, these experts can be researchers, educators, administrators, consultants and help in shaping the health care policies.
Recently, we have profoundly understood what role does the nursing profession play to save the lives of millions of people. In the wake of the corona virus pandemic that gripped the world and cost so many lives, the nurses at the health care centres and hospitals play a crucial role. Lastly, we just could not imagine how we could have faced this unprecedented crisis without the pillar of support of the nursing profession.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For PhD In Nursing?
The eligibility criteria for PhD in Nursing is:
- Firstly, the candidates should have completed Post graduation in Nursing or any other equivalent discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 55% marks.
- Secondly, the candidate should clear the entrance examination of the university they apply for.
- Thirdly, the candidates who hold diploma in general nursing from an institution recognised by Indian Nursing Council can also apply for this program.
What Are The Entrance Examinations For A PhD in Nursing?
The most important entrance examinations in India for PhD in Nursing are :
- AIIMS Entrance Exam
- JIPMER Entrance Exam
- AFMC Entrance Exam
Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS in Private College
What Are The Universities To Apply For PhD in Nursing?
Some of the Universities you can apply for PhD in Nursing are :
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Belhi
- D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai
- Mansarovar Global University , Sehore
- Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Group of Institutes (SVGIV), Vadodara
- Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi
- Noida International University, Noida
- Christian Medical College, Vellore
- Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry
- The University of Calicut, Calicut
- KLE University, Belgaum
- Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
- Madras Medical College, Chennai
- SRM University, Kanchipuram
- Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune
- Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
- Amity University
Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS in Government College
Is a PhD in Nursing Worth It?
Firstly, no one can undermine the importance of the nursing profession in the healthcare system nationally or internationally. Secondly, a PhD degree will add to your skills and knowledge that you have acquired and make you an expert in the field. Thirdly, you will be conducting research and scientific inquiries which have the strength to change the course of the nursing profession and its advancement. In fact, the requirement for this is at all time high.
What Are the Career Prospects after Pursuing PhD in Nursing?
A PhD in Nursing can open up a lot of opportunities for the candidates mostly which are of high profile. Moreover, most of the high profile jobs in the government sector require a PhD and you will always be preferred over other candidates for your experience and abundance of knowledge and expertise and many institutes need educators who are qualified to teach which is currently experiencing shortage.
Some of the job profiles that require PhD in Nursing include:
- Nursing Researcher
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Manager
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Assistant Nursing Officer
- Health Specialist
- Critical Care Nurses
- Nurses For Emergencies
- Educators
Also Read: MBA after MBBS – Scope, Top Colleges, and More
How much do the PhD holders earn?
Firstly, it depends on various factors, the institution you studied in, your educational career, the organisation you apply for, work experience, your field of work and others. The estimated starting salary ranges from 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs per annum. Moreover, it is expected to rise as your capabilities and experience increase.
What Are The Organisations That Recruit PhD in Nursing Holders?
Here are some of the organisations that recruit most of the PhD holders : Hospitals, Health Care Organisations, Health care Centres, Wellness Centres, Research Institutes, Educational Institutes, Indian Council for Nursing and Nurses, The Health Department of Government of India, State Medical Departments, Non Governmental Organisations.
What Is The Annual Fees Required?
Generally, the fees of PhD in Nursing depends on the institute that you are applying for. The average annual fees can range from INR 10,000 to 5 lakhs depending on the institute (Private or Government).
Moreover, you can also avail this course based on your convenience. The courses are available as a full time basis, part time basis and even online.
Also Read: Best Medical Colleges Abroad for Indian Students
What do they teach in PhD?
In short, PhD in Nursing involves content related to research, health care, nursing etc. Some of the topics involved are :
- Nursing leadership in Health Care delivery system
- Current health issues and policies
- Nursing Leadership
- Nursing informatics
- Philosophy of Nursing Science and Theoretical Perspectives
- Nursing Theories and Theory Development
- Overview of nursing theories
- Research Methodology and Applied Statistics
- Research approaches and Designs
- Data collection procedures, analysis & interpretation and data management
- Ethical considerations in Nursing Research
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Communicating research findings
- Research process overview
- Analysis of Nursing theories & evaluation of nursing theories
What does a PhD generally involve?
As a matter of fact, PhD is the highest level of academic education that classifies the candidates as the experts in the field with extensive knowledge and skill. The path to obtain a PhD requires a lot of hard work and determination which also depends on your interest. Generally, The PhD requires you to :
- Produce a research proposal for your PhD
- Work on the research and detail your research methods
- Conduct the research
- Produce a thesis
- Defend your thesis
Also Read: MCI Approved Medical Colleges Around the World
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nursing profession does not only require an academic qualification but also compassion and dedication. They are the people saving the lives of people by putting their knowledge to use. The prospect of researching and providing inputs for the betterment of health care can be extremely satisfying and fulfilling and a PhD grants you the way. ForeignAdmits can help you with your career choices by providing counselling and guidance which will provide you great confidence to proceed further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does it take to get a PhD in nursing?
Ans. PhD Nursing is a degree on research-level that lasts between 4-6 years. This program introduces nursing knowledge for the improvement of healthcare institutions.
Q2. Can I pursue a PhD in nursing following a BSC degree in nursing?
Yes, you may pursue PhD in nursing after completing your b.sc since it is an equivalent degree to a doctorate and is also a part of science. However, there are other requirements, such as a least B-grade for entrance to colleges.
Q3. Is the PhD similar to the DNP?
Ans. PhD is a doctorate in research whereas a DNP concerns with practise doctorate. degree. PhD graduates are equipped to undertake autonomous research and publish their results.
Q4. Is it worthwhile to pursue a PhD in nursing?
Ans. PhD-educated nurses are paving the future path of nursing. These students have the knowledge and training required to occupy critical leadership positions and to undertake research which will benefit the nursing profession.
Q5. Is it possible for a nurse pursue career as a doctor?
Ans. Yes, a nurse practitioner could become a doctor in future after completing further coursework, apprenticeship, and examinations.