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Matching standards and needs in doctoral education in nursing.
1University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 6-101 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. edwar002@umn.edu
Summary
Nursing doctoral education faces recurring debates regarding degree types and numbers. This study proposes a classification and standardization for nursing doctoral degrees to address current confusion and ensure relevance.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Higher Education Policy
Background:
- The number and type of doctoral degrees in nursing have been debated historically.
- National discussions question the relevance of the PhD in general higher education.
- These concerns are applicable to nursing education, with new doctoral degrees emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the ongoing debate surrounding nursing doctoral degrees.
- To discuss the applicability of broader higher education concerns to nursing.
- To propose a classification and standardization for nursing doctoral degrees.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical nursing doctoral degree debates.
- Analysis of national discussions on PhD relevance in higher education.
- Examination of emerging nursing doctoral degree proposals.
Main Results:
- The debate on nursing doctoral degrees is long-standing and complex.
- New doctoral degrees in nursing are being introduced amidst national discussions.
- Concerns exist about replicating entry-level preparation confusion at the doctoral level.
Conclusions:
- A proposed classification system for nursing doctoral degrees is presented.
- A call for standardization of nursing doctoral degrees is made.
- Standardization aims to clarify the highest level of nursing preparation.