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Doctoral Programs

The UAB School of Nursing offers two types of doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). The DNP and PhD lead to different career paths, both of which make highly important contributions to nursing and health care.
A key to success in doctoral education is choosing the program that is right for you, that matches your interests and passion, and which aligns with your long term career goals. Watch the video to learn more about the differences in the DNP and PhD programs.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A practice–focused terminal degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares graduates to lead the translation of scientific evidence into best practices for improving population health and health systems outcomes. The DNP program Includes pathways for both the BSN and MSN prepared nurse.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

A research-focused terminal degree, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program prepares nurse scientists to generate new knowledge that can be translated for improvements in clinical practice. The PhD program includes pathways for both the BSN and MSN prepared nurse.

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Dual DNP-PhD Degree

A dual DNP-PhD degree prepares graduates to lead improvements in practice supportive of population health and health system change, and expand that focus into a related research area to generate new knowledge. The curriculum combines the core content from the two programs to prepare a clinical nurse scholar who desires to merge clinical leadership with scientific inquiry to advance nursing science and improve clinical practice. This pathway is open to MSN-prepared nurses with certification in an advanced practice role.

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