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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
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Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Doctoral education in nursing: evaluation of a nontraditional program option
J A Sakalys1, C J Coates, P L Chinn
1University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Summary
This study assessed a summer-only doctoral nursing program, finding it successful and satisfying despite student stress. Interventions did not reduce stress, but outcomes were comparable to traditional programs.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Doctoral Programs
- Higher Education Assessment
Background:
- Intensive doctoral programs offer alternative pathways for nursing professionals.
- Assessing the effectiveness and student experience of specialized program formats is crucial.
- Previous baseline data from nursing schools provide context for evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of an intensive, summer-only doctoral nursing program.
- To compare student experiences and demographics between summer-only and traditional academic year programs.
- To assess the impact of stress-reduction interventions within the program.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection using program-specific and Educational Testing Service (ETS) Graduate Program Self-Assessment (GPSA) questionnaires.
- Student and faculty feedback was gathered.
- Demographic and long-term goal data were compared between student groups.
Main Results:
- Students rated the summer-only program as successful, satisfying, and stimulating, but also stressful.
- Stress-reduction interventions did not significantly alter reported student stress levels.
- No demographic differences were found between summer-only and regular program students, but differences in long-term goals emerged.
- ETS questionnaire data aligned with established nursing school benchmarks, showing no unusual trends.
Conclusions:
- The summer-only doctoral nursing program is perceived positively by students, despite inherent stress.
- The program's outcomes and student demographics are comparable to traditional formats.
- Further investigation into managing student stress in intensive programs may be warranted.
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