BSN to PhD : Accelerated Degree Nursing Programs

As of 2008 there were nearly 2.6 million individuals employed in the nursing field in the United States. In fact, the health care industry is expected to grow by leaps and bounds between now and 2018. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the industry will need roughly 580,000 new nurses by 2018. With strong growth ahead for the health care industry, earning a degree in a health care related field is a fantastic way of taking advantage of this projected growth. In order to help fill the gaps in nursing across the U.S., nursing schools are now offering accelerated BSN to PhD degree programs.

An accelerated BSN to PhD nursing degree is exactly what it sounds like. These relatively new programs offer students a chance to build upon their bachelor of science in nursing by completing an accelerated program that allows them to complete their master of science in nursing studies and then earn a PhD in nursing. Admissions requirements for these programs typically include:

• Professional references
• GPA of 3.0 at least (3.5 in some programs)
• GRE score of at least 1,000 composite
• Entrance essay
• Statement of intent for career

These admissions requirements represent the typical prerequisites of most BSN to PhD programs. It is important to note that these requirements can vary from program to program.

Meeting the admissions requirements listed above is very important and students should consider improving their prerequisites before applying if they do not already meet the minimums. With only 50 colleges across the U.S. offering the accelerated BSN to PhD program, enrollment is extremely competitive.

The average BSN to PhD program takes at least four years to complete, with some programs taking slightly longer. Students begin their studies at the master's level by completing courses such as:

• Management of Health Systems Care Delivery and Outcomes
• Health Care Information Management
• Strategic Planning and Management of Health Systems
• Health Policy Analysis

Once students have completed their master's level studies they can move onto their PhD requirements. These will vary depending upon the program but often include a mix of coursework and research. Typical courses include:

• Logics of Inquiry
• Quantitative Designs in Research
• Theory Development in Nursing
• Advanced Quantitative Designs in Research

When PhD coursework has been completed, many programs will require nursing students to complete a dissertation before bestowing a degree upon the student.

When considering an accelerated BSN to PhD nursing program, students should keep their career goals in mind. These programs are not ideal for those who wish to spend their entire career working at a patient's bedside. Rather, graduates of these programs are prepared for positions in research, teaching, and health care administration.

The nursing field needs qualified experts at every level in the coming years to fill current voids and those expected to open when current nurses retire. Those with a desire to move into research, teaching, or administration would be well served by enrolling in an accelerated BSN to PhD program.