Nursing isn't a catch-all term for health care workers devoted to practicing patient care. In fact, several degrees, like a PhD in Nursing, are designed for those who want to advance the profession through research, education, and policy. This path differs from a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which focuses more on clinical practice and leadership. 

If you're considering a doctoral degree in nursing, it's important to understand the key distinctions and how each path impacts careers in health care and academia. 

What Is a PhD in Nursing?

A PhD in Nursing is a research-focused doctoral degree designed to advance nursing science, improve patient care through research, and educate the next generation of nurses. As with all PhDs, the focus is on finding new knowledge. 

It differs from a DNP, which is more practice-oriented and focuses on implementing evidence-based care in clinical settings. In short, a PhD finds health care solutions or establishes policies that a DNP can implement. They are both doctorate-level degrees.

PhD programs typically take 3-5 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment. 

Coursework includes:

  • Advanced Nursing Theory and Research Methodologies: Preparing nurses to design and conduct scientific studies.
  • Grant Writing and Publication: Teaching students how to secure funding for research and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • Teaching and Leadership in Nursing Education: Training future educators for nursing schools and health care institutions.
  • Health Care Policy Development and Implementation: Equipping nurses to advocate for changes in health care laws and standards.
  • Dissertation Research and Defense: Requiring students to conduct original research that contributes to nursing science and defend their findings before a committee.

The PhD in Nursing is about generating new knowledge that can improve patient care, health care systems, and nursing education.

Key Benefits of Obtaining a PhD in Nursing 

Getting a PhD in Nursing isn’t just about career options—it’s about deepening your expertise and making a real impact. 

You’ll gain the skills to conduct meaningful research, improve patient care, and influence health care policies. It sharpens your critical thinking, connects you with top minds in the field, and gives you a voice in shaping the future of nursing.

Globally, only about 1-2% of people hold a PhD, making it a rare achievement. Beyond the expertise it represents, having a PhD carries a certain prestige—it shows dedication, perseverance, and the ability to think critically at the highest level, no matter the field. 

It’s not about being the smartest person in the room but about mastering a subject and pushing knowledge forward.

Going after a PhD in Nursing is also a potential career shift for an experienced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) [LINK TO NEW ARTICLE: "What is an APRN and is an APRN Considered a Doctor?"] who wants to move away from direct patient care into research, policy, or education. 

How Earning a PhD in Nursing Can Make a Difference

Let's look at a few examples of how people with a PhD in Nursing or a similar doctorate education changed the world. 

We can thank Louise McManus, PhD, RN, the first nurse to earn a PhD (1946), for developing standardized methods for nursing licensure in the U.S. She also created the "Patient Bill of Rights," adopted by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, advocating for patient advocacy and nursing education.

Dr. Sara Day, PhD, RN, FAAN, has made a huge impact on pediatric nursing, especially for kids with sickle cell disease and cancer. Her research helped reduce deadly infections in young patients, and she developed global nursing standards to improve care in low-resource countries. 

Dr. Ronald Hickman, Jr., PhD, RN, FAAN, is changing nursing through technology and innovation. His research focuses on using smart technology to help patients manage chronic illnesses and make tough health care decisions, especially in end-of-life care. As a leader at Case Western Reserve University, he’s also mentoring the next generation of nurses and pushing for advancements in nursing science.

Career Opportunities for Nursing PhD Graduates

A PhD in Nursing leads to diverse and fulfilling career opportunities beyond bedside care. Here are a few of the top jobs with solid demand growth over the next decade.

  1. Nurse Scientist/Nurse Researcher: Conducts research to improve patient care and health care systems. Falls under Medical Scientists, it's projected to grow 11% (2023-2033). Expect an average salary of around $111,000 per year.
  2. Nursing Professor/Faculty: Teaches and mentors nursing students in universities and colleges. The number of postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by 8%. The average salary in 2023 was $84,380 per year.
  3. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)/Health Care Administrator: Oversees nursing departments and influences hospital policies. The Medical and Health Services Managers category expects a staggering 29% growth with a median pay of around $111,000 per year.
  4. Health Policy Analyst: Works with government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups to shape nursing and health care policies. Growth depends on sector demand but remains strong due to ongoing health care policy changes. This career path is viable for attorneys who earned a Juris Doctor (JD) and want to pursue a PhD in Health Policy.

It's also worth noting that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are the third most in-demand job of the future and the highest-ranking health care occupation. That demand could also mean an increased need for nursing educators. 

PhD in Nursing vs. DNP: Which One Is Right for You? 

A PhD in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are both advanced nursing degrees, but they lead to different careers. 

  • A PhD is for nurses who love research, teaching, and shaping health care policies. They study big health care problems and find new solutions. PhDs generally work in a lab, research center, classrooms, or boardrooms.
  • A DNP is for nurses who want to be top-level health care providers and leaders, improving patient care in hospitals and clinics.  

If you’re into science and discovery, go for a PhD. If you want to work with patients and lead in health care, a DNP is probably the better choice.

Start Plotting Your Nursing Career Today

If you're still stuck about which route is best for you or if you're considering ongoing education for a career shift, take our health care careers quiz to see what might fit your goals best.