PhD Nursing is a research level program, the duration of which ranges from 4-6 years. This course involves research in the field of Nursing for the betterment of Health care facilities.
To be eligible for a PhD Nursing program, candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Nursing or any other equivalent discipline with an aggregate of at least 55% from a recognized university. Admission to PhD Nursing course will be done based on the candidate's performance in the entrance examinations conducted by the admission authorities such as JIPMER, AIIMS etc. Some colleges also grant admission on the basis of the candidate's performance in the postgraduate examination.
Some of the subjects covered in this course include Current Health Issues and Policies, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Theories, etc.
The average annual program fee in India ranges between INR 5,000 and 4,00,000, depending on the institute offering the program.
On completion of this research level program, students will be able to find a job as a Chief Nursing Officer, Rehabilitation Specialist, Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Manager, Community Health Specialist etc. The average annual starting salary offered to PhD Nursing degree holders in India ranges between INR 3,00,000 and 10,00,000 depending on the candidate's expertise in the field.
PhD Nursing: Highlights
| Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing |
| Duration | Minimum 3 year, can be stretched up to 5 years (depends on the length of the research) |
| Minimum Eligibility | Masters in Nursing along with an aggregate of 55% marks. |
| Admission Process | Entrance Exam followed by Interview |
| Top Entrance Exams | JIPMER, AIIMS PG |
| Top Colleges | Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Annamalai University, Amity University, etc. |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 5,000 to INR 4,00,000 |
| Top Career Prospects | Chief Nursing Officer, Rehabilitation Specialist, Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Manager, Community Health Specialist etc |
|
Average Annual Salary |
INR 3,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 |
Some of the important points to know what PhD Nursing is all about are as follows:
- PhD Nursing facilitates the provision of high quality and cost-friendly services for patients and clients.
- This course contributes towards the development of knowledge and analytical skills of students and enhances their action and decision-making skills, which in turn provides them with a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
- The PhD Nursing program helps students to integrate knowledge, skills and attitude in the areas of management, clinical practice and generic areas of professional nursing and then applying them to daily work.
- This program basically focuses on the diversity of learning techniques required by professionals working in health, social care and third sector settings.
- The subject curriculum of this program includes subjects such as Current Health Issues and Policies, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Theories and Theory Development etc.
Why Should You Study PhD Nursing?
There are a large number of benefits of pursuing a PhD Nursing course. The main benefits of pursuing this program are given below:
- After completion of this course, students easily get jobs as a Nursing Officer or Assistant Nursing Officer in numerous healthcare organizations or they can also choose to work as a Community Health Expert or Rehabilitation Specialist in a Rural/ Urban setting.
- With this program, you will get a large number of opportunities to develop your own learning techniques through a series of educationally useful and challenging learning experiences.
- Students can opt for jobs in numerous sectors such as Public Health Departments, Hospitals, Community Organizations, Wellness Centres, School Systems, Rural/ Urban Settings etc. on completion of this course
- Successful professionals of this course are usually hired as Chief Nursing Officer, Rehabilitation Specialist, Critical Care Nurse, Nurse Manager, Community Health Specialist etc.
- Handsome salary packages are offered with the average salary of INR 4-10 Lacs Per Annum.
What is the Admission Process for PhD Nursing?
Most of the institutes and universities in India follow an entrance-based admission process for admission to PhD Nursing course. Top PhD colleges offer admission through entrances like JIPMER, AIIMS etc.
The steps of the entrance-based admission are as follows:
- 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 the online application form by providing their personal and academic details and enter the details of the course which you are opting for.
- Step 3: Uploading of documents: On filling 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.
Check the Admission Process of AIIMS in detail.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for the PhD Nursing Course?
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.
Which are the Top Entrance Exams for Admission to PhD Nursing Course?
Some of the top colleges and universities which offer PhD Nursing programs conduct an entrance test for admission to this course.
With the help of entrance tests, admission authorities will be able to test knowledge and ability of the student on the basis of which selection takes place.
Some of the top PhD Nursing entrance examinations are as follows:-
- JIPMER – This is a national level entrance examination which is usually conducted in the month of June 2024. This exam offers admission to students to PG courses in MD & MS, DM, M.Ch. in a wide range of fields.
- AIIMS PG – AIIMS PG is a national level entrance examination which is conducted twice a year for admission to PG courses or some branches of PhD .
How to Prepare for PhD Nursing Entrance Exams?
Candidates are advised to follow the below mentioned points to score well in the entrance test:
- Syllabus: Students must have an exact idea of the syllabus of the entrance test and the type of questions that might be asked in the question paper.
- Section-wise Preparation of the exam: Questions are mainly asked from the subject you have studied at the time of your post-graduation. Therefore, it is very important for students to have a clear idea of the subject they wish to pursue PhD in.
- Past Papers: The students must not forget to go through the previous year’s question paper thoroughly. This will help them to understand the type of questions asked in the examination.
- Time Management: This is the most important aspect of one’s preparation, so students must pay attention to this. Aspirants are advised to make a proper time table and follow the same strictly to boost their preparation and perform well in the entrance test.
How to get Admission to a Good PhD Nursing College?
- Students can get a confirmed seat in a good college if they have a sound academic record in post-graduation and also on the basis of their performance in various national or state level entrance examinations.
- It is also very important to be both mentally and physically prepared for further admission rounds i.e. group discussion and personal interview.
- Students must keep track of all the important events pertaining to the admission process so that they will never miss any deadline.
- Students are advised to practice as many papers and questions as they can in order to enhance their time management skills.
Read More on JIPMER Admission Process.
Which are the Subjects Covered Under PhD Nursing Course?
PhD Nursing is a research based doctoral course which involves researching in a particular domain of nursing. At the end of the course, the candidates will have to submit the research thesis to attain their PhD degrees.
Some of the research subjects covered in PhD Nursing course are provided in the table given below:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Health Issues and Policies | This topic involves all the current health issues and recent health policies that may benefit the patients. |
| Nursing Leadership | This course involves subjects which help to develop leadership skills in the nurses. Some of the subjects taught include communication skills, soft skills, along with regular nursing subjects. |
| Nursing Informatics | This course involves the study of Information Technology Systems which are used in Nursing on a regular basis. |
| Philosophy of Nursing Science and Theoretical Perspectives | This topic will discuss the principle philosophy of nursing science along with the various theoretical perspectives involved in it. |
| Nursing Theories and Theory Development | This topic will discuss important nursing theories and perspectives involved with them. The candidates will have to study the theories in detail and prepare a thesis on it. |
| Overview of Theory in Nursing | Here, the candidates will have to do adequate research and prepare an overview on the theory of nursing and nursing practices. |
Which are the Top Colleges for Studying PhD Nursing?
Some of the top colleges offering PhD Nursing course are provided in the table given below:
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Semester Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University | Bhubaneshwar | INR 77,000 |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | Kottayam | INR 33,200 |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences | Wardha | INR 1,10,000 |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University | Pune | INR 50,000 |
| Annamalai University | Chidambaram | INR 64,410 |
| Vinayaka Missions University | Salem | INR 1,25,000 |
| Amity University | Gurugram | INR 80,000 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences | Navi Mumbai | INR 80,000 |
| Sri Devaraj URS Academy of Higher Education and Research | Kolar | INR 80,000 |
| Sumandeep Vidyapeeth | Vadodara | INR 46,000 |
Source: College Websites
College Comparison for PhD Nursing
The basic difference between the top universities/ institutes offering PhD Nursing course for the convenience of students is provided in the table given below:
| Name of the College | Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam | Amity University, Gurgaon | Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | MGU is a state university which is located in Kottayam, Kerala and is ranked among the top 50 universities of India. This deemed university offers over 300 academic courses at the UG, PG and Research level in diverse fields such as Engineering, Management, Medical, Arts, Commerce and many more. | Amity University is a private university which is well-known for the variety of programs it offers. | Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences is a self-financed deemed university located in Maharashtra. This institute offers a large number of programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate and research level. |
| Location | Kottayam, Kerala | Gurgaon | Wardha, Maharashtra |
| Eligibility Criteria | Hold a postgraduate degree in Nursing with an aggregate of at least 55% marks. | Hold a postgraduate degree in Nursing with an aggregate of at least 55% marks. | Hold a postgraduate degree in Nursing with an aggregate of at least 55% marks. |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based | Merit-Based | AIPHDCET |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 33,200 | INR 80,000 | INR 1,10,000 |
| Average Salary Package | INR 11,54,000 | INR 9,25,000 | INR 12,47,000 |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Hospitals, Healthcare Organizations, Wellness Centres etc. | Hospitals, Educational Institutions, Wellness Centres etc. | Community Health Centres, Rehabilitation Centres etc. |
Source: College Websites
Course Comparison: PhD Nursing vs DNP
Both PhD Nursing and DNP are top courses in the field of Nursing and are quite popular among students because of a promising career offered by these courses. The key points of difference between the above two courses are provided in the table below:
| Parameters | PhD Nursing | DNP |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing | Doctorate of Nursing Practice |
| Course Overview | This is a doctorate degree program in Nursing which particularly focuses on research in the field of Nursing. This course involves a lot of theoretical research on the various nursing theories and methods. It involves understanding those theories and then writing your own thesis on them. | DNP or Doctorate in Nursing Practices is an advanced doctoral degree in Nursing. It is one of the highest degrees in this field. It mainly focuses on practical nursing practices and training. It also involves researching ways in which better nursing care can be given to the patients. |
| Examination Type | Annual | Annual |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 5,000 to INR 4,00,000 | INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
| Duration | 4-6 years | 3-5 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Hold a postgraduate degree in Nursing | Hold a postgraduate degree in Nursing |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based followed by Interview | Entrance-Based followed by Interview |
| Top Colleges | Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, Amity University, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara etc. | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Christian Medical College, Vellore etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 3,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 | INR 8,00,000 to INR 16,00,000 |
| Top Job Areas | Public Health Departments, Hospitals, Community Organizations, Wellness Centres, School Systems, Rural/ Urban Settings etc. | Hospitals, Community Organizations, Wellness Centres etc. |
| Top Job Positions | Chief Nursing Officer, Assistant Nursing Officer, Critical Care Nurse etc. | Head Nurse, Nursing Officer, Community Health Specialist etc. |
Source: College Websites
Check the full list of top PhD Nursing Colleges in India.
What are the Salary Trends and Job Profiles Available for a PhD Nursing Candidate?
- There are a large number of job opportunities for Nurses qualified with a Nursing Degree. With a PhD degree in Nursing, students will be able to find jobs in the primary care, travel sector among several others.
- This degree will help you to get experienced and develop impeccable knowledge and skills which are very important for specialist and advanced practice for both professional and personal development in Nursing.
- Nowadays, there is a huge demand for qualified and skilled nurses throughout the world. So, you can definitely opt for this program.
- On getting a PhD degree in Nursing, one can work in numerous sectors such as State Nursing Councils, Indian Nursing Council, Indian Red Cross Society etc.
Some of the popular professional jobs available to PhD Nursing degree holders along with the corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| Job Position | Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Nursing Officer | The job of a Chief Nursing Officer is to achieve continuous improvement in the medical field and have the ability to lead large teams, act as a team leader and spokesperson for nurses. | INR 8,79,000 |
| Assistant Nursing Officer | An Assistant Nursing Officer works under the directions of the Chief Nursing Officer to create an environment in which nursing staff will be able to perform their duties effectively. | INR 7,56,000 |
| Rehabilitation Specialist | A Rehabilitation Specialist usually helps people in finding ways to live an active and independent life despite the issues they are facing in their daily life. Rehab Specialists are also responsible for coordinating the needs of people with the services offered to them. | INR 5,68,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse | A Critical Care Nurse is responsible for caring for pre- and post-operative patients. In addition to this some nurses also act as Case Managers and Policy Makers. | INR 3,60,000 |
| Community Health Specialist | Community Health Specialists or Health Educators usually help in developing and implementing programs that aware the people on issues related to health. | INR 4,75,000 |
What are the Future Scope After Completing PhD Nursing?
After completing the PhD Nursing program, candidates can opt for a wide range of professions.
- With the help of a PhD Nursing degree, candidates can pursue leadership positions in a wide range of fields including hospitals, healthcare facilities, social service agencies, health policy and planning departments etc.
- If teaching is your passion, you can also opt for a teaching job as a professor in a global university.
- With their immense knowledge, PhD degree holders usually get positions that need a large amount of intellect.
Since, this is one of the highest honorary degrees awarded to an individual who has contributed in the field of research. So, after getting this degree students can opt for some of the top positions across the world or can also go for working in the research sector for the betterment of the nation. Some of the topmost career choices after completion of PhD Nursing course are provided below:
- Professor: If you love teaching and wish to share your knowledge with students, you can choose a teaching job as a professor of Nursing in universities.
- Researcher: If you wish to contribute towards the betterment of the Healthcare sector, you can indulge yourself in the research work and work as a researcher in numerous healthcare organizations.
So, on completion of a PhD Nursing course students will be able to choose a career in accordance with their skills and area of interest. You can go for research activities or you can also opt for a decent job. It all depends on you whether you want to do the job after completing this course or you wish to do research for the betterment of the Healthcare Sector.
PhD Nursing FAQs
Ques. What can I do after PhD Nursing?
Ans. After pursuing a PhD Nursing program, you can opt for jobs as a Rehabilitation Specialist, Chief Nursing Officer, Critical Care Nurse etc. or you can also opt for research work in the same field.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to PhD Nursing program in Indian colleges/ universities?
Ans. In order to be considered eligible to seek admission to the PhD Nursing program, candidates must hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant field with an aggregate of at least 55% marks.
Ques. Where can I pursue a PhD Nursing program in India?
Ans. Some of the top universities and institutes offering PhD Nursing program in India are provided below:
Ques. Is PhD Nursing a good career option?
Ans. Yes; PhD Nursing is a good career option and offers students a promising career in this field. One can become a Chief Nursing Officer, Critical Care Nurse, Rehabilitation Specialist etc. on completion of this course.
Ques. What subjects are taught while pursuing a PhD Nursing course?
Ans. The subjects taught while pursuing PhD Nursing course include Current Health Issues and Policies, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Informatics, Overview of Theory in Nursing and many more.
Ques. Which is better DNP or PhD Nursing?
Ans. The main difference between a DNP or PhD Nursing is that a DNP is more focussed on Clinical Practice whereas a PhD Nursing focuses more on Research work.
Ques. How tough is a PhD Nursing course?
Ans. A PhD Nursing course is not at all tough. It basically depends on your interest in the discipline.
Ques. What will be the admission criteria to pursue PhD Nursing program from Indian Universities?
Ans. Most of the universities/ colleges offer admission to this course on the basis of the candidate's performance in national level entrance tests such as JIPMER, AIIMS, AFMC etc. However, some colleges also offer admission to this program on the basis of a candidate's performance in the post graduation examination.
Ques. What is the duration of a PhD Nursing program?
Ans. The duration of the PhD Nursing program ranges between four and six years.
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