The practice doctorate in nursing: approaches to transform nurse practitioner education and practice

Ongoing challenges caused by increased complexity of care, changing patient demographics, and shifting health care delivery systems are necessitating a transformation of advanced practice. The practice doctorate has the potential to prepare graduates to meet these challenges now and in the future. This article conceptualizes the practice doctorate curriculum for nurse practitioners (NPs), with particular focus on how it will prepare NPs as expert clinicians with enhanced leadership and research skills. Nurse practitioner doctoral education and practice is articulated and differentiated from current NP education and practice, with distinguishing features clearly identified. A compelling argument is made for how this educational preparation will facilitate NPs in meeting future societal needs. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance for all advanced practice educational programs considering adoption of a practice doctorate, and to contribute to the advancement of thinking about the practice doctorate for clinicians as well as educators.