doctor of philosophy in nursing

8/6/2019 Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The primary aim of the PhD in Nursing and other new doctoral

programs at SLU is to broaden and deepen the doctoral candidates knowledge of the

chosen research theme or field of specialization. The ultimate goal is to train doctoral

researchers both as future nurse scientists and as scientifically trained nursing

professionals who will put into practice their doctoral expertise and competences in an

academic or non-academic context.

A second but complementary / subsidiary aim is to encourage the development of

professional nursing skills which might cover the following areas: Critical

thinking/intellectual skills; academic and technical skills; interpersonal skills;

leadership skills and management of change.

Specifically, the PhD candidate is expected to achieve the following after the

program:

1. Synthesize and critically evaluate the literature of nursing and related fields to

identify issues and critical gaps in scientific nursing knowledge

2. Make significant original contributions to scientific nursing knowledge through the

interdisciplinary and independent conduct of basic and clinical research

3. Contribute to the development of scientific methodology of nursing research

congruent with the broad concerns of the discipline (physiological, bio-behavioral,

spiritual, and psychosocial)

4. Complete research and direct application of findings in an environment

characterized by commitment to high standards of ethical conduct, including truth,

honesty, freedom of inquiry and intellectual autonomy

5. Display readiness for post-doctoral study and early research program developmentthrough recognition of high achievement in research and scholarship

6. Develop and assume roles that facilitate discovery, application, and integration of

new nursing knowledge.

The Program Structure

The PhD in Nursing and other doctoral programs consist of two (2) components, thefirst is the Compulsory training component (also called the Truncus Communis or


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the Common Core) and the other is the Academic competency-based training

component. The former is considered the Research-based training which is rightly-

the core of doctoral education.

I - The Truncus Communis

The truncus communis defines specific milestones which every doctoral candidate has

to deliver in order to graduate and which are an important part of quality control of

the doctoral program.

For the whole duration of the doctoral training program, the candidate is expected

to:

a. Produce as main author or co-author at least one publication in a refereed journal.

b. Participate (verbal presentation or poster) in at least one conference or congressorganized by professional associations or societies.

c. Play an active role in at least 5 seminars, preferably where ongoing PhD research is

presented and discussed: each student is expected to give one seminar either his/her

own doctoral research or scholarly papers related to the field of specialization or

research interest; to act as a discussant in another presentation; and to participate

actively in 3 other seminars.

d. Attend at least 4 doctoral colloquia. A doctoral colloquium is a lecture/seminar

given by a guest speaker or expert on the topic. It is a seminar organized specifically

for doctoral candidates.

e. Act as research assistant in the research project of a graduate professor and/or

supervisor/promoter; contribute to journal publication as a co-author; take part in the

research activities being undertaken by one of the research centers of the University,

play a part in research studies commissioned by external funding agencies covered by

a MOA with the University or URG projects under the Research, Extension

and Publications Office (REPO).

f. Carry out a substantial amount of educational activities over the whole period of the

doctoral training (may include teaching assistantship, project supervision,

organization of seminars/workshops, exercises and/or practical tests, re-echoing the

seminars attended and participation to other curricular or co-curricular activities).

g. Submit an annual progress report on their research. This report should be sent to the

graduate program coordinator before the end of each term. The prescribed format will

be provided to the graduate students.

II- The Academic Competency Component

The 2nd component or the Academic competency-based training deals with the


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formal academic training and informal teaching. This consists of course works

(cognates, major courses, and elective subjects designed to provide the specialization

and needed foundation essential to the doctoral students future careers).

The area of focus is on the development of academic, intellectual, relational andtechnical skills. Aside from the required courses, the doctorate students are encourage

to participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, study periods abroad and the like

to further enhance their own professional development.

In consultation with your doctorate graduate program coordinator (GPC) and

promoter/ supervisor, you need to assess which skills and competences you have to

further develop, to successfully complete your doctorate or PhD or for later use in

your professional career.

N.B. In order for the doctoral candidates to keep track of these milestones and for the

GPC or Supervisor/promoter to properly monitor their progress, a logbook for

doctorate (LogDOC) students or an electronic doctoral training diary shall be

developed and maintained.

The Program Admission Criteria:

1. Completion of a bachelors or higher degree in nursing from a nationally accredited

program or equivalent nursing preparation

2. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 82 for all undergraduate work

and GPA of 87 or above in graduate course work

3. MA in Nursing or other health related field. If Masters degree in not Nursing, the

applicant must take 6 units relevant courses in the masters level and pass the

qualifying examination

4. At least 2 years of experience as a professional nurse in any setting (hospital,academe, community, research unit)

5. Evidence of current, unencumbered licensure to practice as registered nurse

6. Evidence of current membership to professional organizations (PNA, specialty

organizations, etc.)

7. A general topic of interest or a problem area to be submitted to the GPC.

8. Three professional letters of recommendation


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9. Resume

10. An interview will be required for applicants meeting the admission requirements

11. Duly accomplished Application Form with the following documents:

a. Original copy of Transcript of Records

b. Three recommendations from former professors, supervisors or employers

c. Certified true copy of college diploma with seal of the university and signature of

the registrar in ink

d. Birth certificate (original to be presented for verification)

e. Marriage certificate (original to be presented for verification)

f. Four (4) passport size photos

g. A two-three page paper stating the applicants research interests and professional

goals, motivations for pursuing graduate study and view of self-directed learning as a

method of learning

h. Outline of a dissertation proposal with an acceptable title

12. For foreign applicants, additional requirements include the guidelines as required

by the Student Affairs Office

doctor of philosophy in nursing

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