Nursing Doctorates in Australia – A Guide

 

Nurses in Australia carry out a wide range of specialist, highly skilled roles. Many of these roles require extra training and extensive clinical experience in a particular field.

One of the most advanced options open to nurses in Australia is a doctoral degree. These highly respected higher education courses allow nurses to become academic doctors and to advance the research, knowledge and skills in their area of specialism. What’s more, medical professionals with a doctor of nursing degree generally have a wider choice of career opportunities and are likely to earn a significantly higher wage than colleagues without a professional doctorate.

If you’re considering adding a doctorate to your CV, here’s everything you need to know about PhDs and DNPs in Australia.

 

What is a PhD in Nursing Australia?

 

A PhD in nursing is the next academic step open to nurses that have already completed a master degree. A PhD program generally takes four to six years to complete. The time it takes will depend on whether you study full-time or part-time.

During a nursing PhD, candidates will undertake focused research on a particular area of healthcare. This research may involve conducting interviews, data analysis, site visits and relevant reading. Once students have completed their research, they’ll produce a thesis on their chosen subject. This thesis will be evaluated by a panel of academics.

 

Is a DNP Higher Than a PhD?

The two main forms of doctorate available to nurses are DNPs and PhDs. A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on nursing, midwifery, or both. PhDs are considered research degrees while DNPs are practice degrees. Nurses studying DNPs tend to continue working in clinical environments while those studying for a PhD often work in academic research settings.

These two different pathways are equally respected and equally challenging. Both qualifications award successful candidates the title of doctor. The route you take depends on your interests, your career goals and your area of focus.

 

Can a Nurse with a PhD Call Themselves Doctor? 

Anyone who successfully completes a PhD is entitled to call themselves a doctor. However, as this can cause confusion in the medical profession, it’s advisable for nurses with a PhD or a DNP to clarify their qualifications when working with patients.

In many cases, it may be more appropriate to place letters after your name than to put a ‘Dr.’ before it. This can help to prevent patients and colleagues from becoming confused and keep things a little simpler when working in a clinical environment.

 

Can You Do a Doctorate in Nursing?

Both DNPs and PhDs are doctorates. DNPs are specifically aimed at nurses looking to improve their nursing education. These hands-on degrees require extensive clinical practice as well as graduate research and academic study.

A PhD is also known as a Doctor of Philosophy. It’s the most common type of doctorate available to Australian nurses.

 

How Do I Become a Doctor of Nursing in Australia?

If you think a PhD could be the perfect next step in your professional development, the first thing you need to do is find a university that offers the course. You can then check their entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to apply.

Most universities expect candidates to have completed a bachelor degree and a master’s degree in nursing and to have a few years of clinical experience under their belts. You’ll also need to pay tuition fees and complete all course requirements before obtaining your doctorate.

 

What is a Doctor of Nursing Degree?

A Doctor of Nursing degree is specifically aimed at nurses and healthcare workers. It’s the highest level of postgraduate academic qualification that nurses can achieve and entitles successful candidates to be called doctor.

In order to be successful, your thesis will need to offer an original contribution on a subject that hasn’t previously been covered by another candidate.

How Can a Nurse Get a PhD?

If you want to complete a PhD, you’ll first need to undertake a master’s degree in nursing or a related field like public health or mental health. You’ll then need to apply to universities that offer the course. In some cases, you’ll need to present a research proposal outlining your planned area of study, and suggested methodologies of research, during the application process.

 

If you’re accepted, you’ll need to work extensively on your research project in order to complete your thesis. You may also be required to carry out additional coursework and attain a certain level in your professional practice.

 

Can I Get a Doctorate in Nursing in Australia?

If you were born in Australia or New Zealand and are already working as a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, you should be entitled to apply for a doctorate course. However, in most cases you’ll need to complete a higher degree, like a master’s before you can start your advanced studies.

 

Unlike domestic students, international students may need to pass an English exam (IELTS) and acquire permanent resident status before they can apply.

 

What are the Benefits of a Doctorate in Nursing? 

In order to obtain a Doctorate in Nursing, you’ll need to study for a number of years full-time, pay tuition fees and take on a considerable amount of extra work. So, it’s good to know there are considerable benefits to doing a Doctorate in Nursing and Midwifery.

For a start, nurses who obtain a doctorate can earn a significantly higher wage than nurses without the qualification. In the US, nurses with a PhD earn around $10,000 more per year than colleagues with the next-highest qualification.  

Having a doctorate can also open up new professional pathways and allow for a career in academia or teaching.

 

What is the Difference Between a PhD and DNP?

A PhD is a research-based course. Nurses that choose to do a PhD often base themselves in a university or research setting and many stop working with patients during their university semesters.

A DNP is a practice-based course. Nurses working towards a DNP will generally continue to work in a clinical environment and see patients throughout their studies.

 

What is the Best PhD in Nursing?

All nursing PhDs offered by Australian universities are highly respected. Among the institutions offering the course are:

• The University of Sydney
• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Adelaide
• The University of Tasmania
• La Trobe University

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