PhD in Doctor of Nursing Practice Admission 2024-25, Course-Wise Median Packages, Mock Tests, Result

PhD in Nursing Practice Program About 

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in nursing is a research-focused program that prepares graduates for careers in academic, research, and leadership roles. On the other hand, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a practice-focused program that prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles.

If you are interested in switching from a PhD program in nursing to a DNP program, it is important to understand the differences between the two programs and how the skills and knowledge you have gained in your PhD program can be applied in a DNP program.

One of the main differences between a PhD and a DNP program is the focus of the coursework and training. PhD programs typically focus on research and theory development, while DNP programs focus on clinical practice and leadership. In a DNP program, you will learn advanced clinical skills, such as patient assessment and diagnosis, prescribing medication, and managing chronic diseases.

Additionally, DNP programs also focus on leadership and healthcare systems, as DNP graduates are often responsible for managing and improving healthcare systems, implementing evidence-based practices, and leading interprofessional teams.

Despite the differences in focus, many of the skills and knowledge gained in a PhD program can be applied in a DNP program. For example, your experience conducting research and analyzing data can be useful in developing evidence-based practice guidelines and quality improvement projects.

PhD in Nursing Practice Highlights

PhD in Nursing Practice Entrance Exam

1. JIPMER 

2. AIIMS PG

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Nursing Practice

Students seeking admission to PhD Nursing program are required to follow the minimum eligibility criteria given below: 

• The candidates should have completed Post graduation M.Sc./ M.Phil. in Nursing or any other equivalent discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 55% marks. 
• The candidates who have passed Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery from any institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council are also allowed to join provided they have sufficient professional experience. 
• The candidates must be medically fit. 

Duration of PhD in Nursing Practice

PhD in Nursing Practice Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for a DNP program may include academic transcripts, nursing licensure, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and clinical experience. Some programs may also require an interview with the admissions committee.

PhD in Nursing Practice Admission Process

Step 1: Online Registration: Students have to register themselves for the entrance test by providing their email address, mobile number and password after which a login id will be generated. 

Step 2: Filling up of application form: After creating the login ID, candidates are required to fill out the online application form by providing their personal and academic details and enter the details of the course which they are opting. 

Step 3: Uploading of documents: On filling out the application form, candidates have to upload the necessary documents such as photograph, signature, id proof, post graduation degree and marksheet etc. 

Step 4: Application Fee: After uploading the necessary documents, students have to pay the requisite amount of application fee using Credit Card, Debit Card or Net Banking. 

Step 5: Download Application Form: After paying the application fee, candidates have to save and download the application form for future references. 

Step 6: Issuing of Admit Card: Based on the record of the details submitted by the students, the admission authority will issue the admit cards to the eligible students.

Step 7: Entrance Examination: After getting the admit card, exam dates will be released by different conducting bodies. Candidates have to sit for the entrance test and qualify the same to get admission. 

Step 8: Declaration of Result: In the final stage, admission authorities will release the results of the entrance test they have appeared for.

Step 9: Group Discussion and Personal Interview: The selected candidates have to appear for further admission rounds such as group discussion and personal interview. 

How to Apply for PhD in Nursing Practice

To apply to a DNP program, you will typically need to submit an online application and pay an application fee. You will also need to provide official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended, a resume or CV, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of nursing licensure. Some programs may also require an interview with the admissions committee.

In summary, to be admitted to a DNP program, you must have a BSN or MSN degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and current nursing licensure. The selection criteria may include academic transcripts, nursing licensure, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and clinical experience. The application process typically includes submitting an online application and supporting documents.

PhD in Nursing Practice Application Process

The application form and process for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program varies depending on the institution. Generally, the application form is available online and requires the applicant to provide personal and academic information, transcripts, nursing licensure information, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of work experience. The application fee may also vary depending on the institution.

PhD in Nursing Practice Fee Structure

Syllabus of PhD in Nursing Practice

Job Scope After PhD in Nursing Practice

PhD in Nursing Practice Career Opportunities

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): DNP-prepared nurses can work as nurse practitioners (NP), certified nurse midwives (CNM), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), or clinical nurse specialists (CNS). They provide primary and specialized healthcare services, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage overall patient care.

Nurse Executive/Administrator: DNPs often take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, such as chief nursing officer (CNO), director of nursing, or nursing manager. They oversee nursing staff, develop policies and procedures, manage budgets, and ensure quality patient care delivery.

Nursing Faculty/Researcher: DNPs can teach nursing students at colleges and universities, sharing their expertise and contributing to the education of future nurses. They may also conduct research to advance nursing knowledge, improve patient outcomes, and inform evidence-based practice.

Clinical Consultant: DNP-prepared nurses may work as consultants for healthcare organizations, government agencies, or private firms. They provide expert advice on clinical practice, quality improvement initiatives, healthcare policy development, and program evaluation.

Healthcare Informatics Specialist: With the increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare technology, DNPs can specialize in healthcare informatics. They analyze data, develop informatics solutions, and implement technology systems to improve patient care coordination, efficiency, and outcomes.

Quality Improvement Specialist: DNPs play a crucial role in improving healthcare quality and patient safety. They lead quality improvement projects, develop standards of care, evaluate healthcare outcomes, and implement evidence-based practices to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.

Public Health Nurse Leader: DNPs may work in public health organizations, government agencies, or community health centers, addressing population health issues, developing health promotion programs, advocating for health policy changes, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve community health outcomes.

Entrepreneur/Healthcare Innovator: Some DNPs choose to start their own healthcare businesses or innovative ventures. They may launch telehealth platforms, wellness programs, healthcare consulting firms, or develop new healthcare products and services to address unmet needs in the healthcare industry.

PhD in Nursing Practice Top Colleges

Many top colleges and universities are offering DNP programs, including:

Admission Process For PhD in Nursing Practice

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document required For PhD in Nursing Practice

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.