Strategic innovation between PhD and DNP programs: Collaboration, collegiality, and shared resources

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Doctoral Programs
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Over 111 nursing schools offer both PhD and DNP programs.
• Collaboration between research-focused PhD nurses and practice-focused DNP nurses is vital for professional advancement.
• Educational settings are ideal for fostering early collaboration between doctoral students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development and implementation of a collaborative DNP and PhD program model.
• To report the outcomes of this collaborative educational initiative.

Main Methods:

• Faculty established strategic goals for DNP and PhD program synergy.
• Key strategies included differentiating capstone/dissertation projects, complementary residencies, joint courses, and inter-professional experiences.
• A blended online/on-campus learning environment fostered collegiality through shared orientation and intensives, supported by a robust organizational structure and shared resources.

Main Results:

• Successful student and faculty achievements were documented.
• Challenges related to managing class size and faculty workload were identified and addressed.

Conclusions:

• Joint DNP and PhD programs, characterized by collaboration, collegiality, and resource sharing, enrich the educational experience.
• These innovative strategies foster student and faculty success and build a strong foundation for future doctoral program collaboration.