Comparative Analysis of Doctoral Programmes in Nursing in Latin America

To characterise and analyse doctoral programmes in nursing in Latin America through an exhaustive review of the official websites of the universities.

Descriptive and multiple correspondence analysis. Existing programmes were mapped out, identifying their geographic distribution and curricular characteristics.

A review of 59 doctoral programmes in nursing was conducted through the official web portals of universities in Latin America that were currently available (as of 2025) and that provided the required information. Thereafter, a matrix was built in Excel to consolidate the data.

The study identified an increase in the number of doctoral programmes in nursing offered in Latin America. Furthermore, these programmes were found to be more strongly concentrated in countries such as Brazil, Peru and Mexico, while other countries, including Guatemala and Uruguay, have recently incorporated such training.

Doctoral education in nursing in Latin America has experienced significant growth in recent years, consolidating itself as a fundamental pillar for the development of the discipline and the generation of knowledge in health. However, structural challenges persist, including limited funding for research, a lack of cooperation between universities, and the absence of programmes focused on Advanced Nursing Practice.

This contribution helps identify trends in the offering of doctoral programmes and inequalities in their geographic distribution, allowing for an understanding of how training varies across countries in the region while also consolidating Nursing as an academic and professional discipline.