PhD enrollments and graduation trends: 2013 to 2023

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Research Workforce

Background:

• The number of nurse scientists is decreasing, posing a concern for the future of nursing research.
• A decline in nurse scientists impacts the generation of new knowledge crucial for advancing the nursing profession and improving public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze enrollment and graduation trends in PhD nursing programs from 2013 to 2023.
• To examine the geographical distribution of available PhD nursing programs.
• To identify factors contributing to declining enrollment in PhD nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• Data were sourced from the 2013-2023 AACN Annual Survey of Baccalaureate and Graduate Programs in Nursing.
• The survey collected demographic data, enrollment figures, and graduation rates for PhD nursing programs.

Main Results:

• Enrollment in PhD nursing programs has declined over the past 10 years.
• Graduation rates for PhD nursing programs have remained consistent during the same period.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for strategies to increase the pipeline of future nurse scientists.
• Collaboration between practice and academic nursing leaders is essential to implement recommendations for increasing research-focused graduations.
• Developing effective retention strategies for current nurse scientists is vital for the profession's advancement.