The Nursing Doctorate: One Size Does Not Fit All

Abstract

The demand for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, nursing faculty, and nursing leaders is driving the increase in nurses seeking doctoral degrees (Bednash, Brelin, Kirschling, & Rosseter, 2014). A variety of programs have emerged to prepare nurses for careers in health administration, research, and advanced clinical practice. Prospective graduate level nursing students can choose from doctoral programs focused on research or practice. Potential doctoral students now have several different degrees to choose from, and deciding which one is right for them can be a daunting task.