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The Ph.D. in Nursing program is designed to prepare researchers and leaders to develop the knowledge base of nursing. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates who demonstrate excellence in providing leadership to generate, integrate, and implement new disciplinary knowledge aimed at improving nursing, health, and health care.
The primary objectives of the Ph.D. in Nursing program are:
Applicants to the program are admitted on the basis of outstanding achievement in their master's program; evidence of potential for research and scholarship; an ability to be self-directed; and articulated goals in keeping with the resources available in the program, including available faculty support and programs of research. The number of qualified applicants that can be accepted in any given year is determined by faculty resources and other factors. Applicants must at minimum meet the admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies. Canadian students must hold practicing nurse registration in BC or another Canadian province. International students must meet general eligibility criteria for nurse registration in BC.
Transfer from the M.S.N. to the Ph.D. in Nursing program is permitted under regulations set by the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for graduate studies. Applicants must also satisfy the eligibility requirement to be considered for admission. Meeting the minimum requirements will not ensure admission.
The Ph.D. in Nursing requires completion of:
Students are also encouraged to seek suitable electives with guidance from their supervisor.
All doctoral students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination within 24 months of their enrolment in the Ph.D. program. After completing required coursework (plus any recommended electives as agreed upon by the student and the supervisor), students prepare an annotated bibliography. This serves as the foundation for the comprehensive exam, which comprises two essays in the form of a take home exam and an oral defence.
Students must complete their candidacy exam within the first 36 months in the doctoral program. After completing the comprehensive exam, students establish their supervisory committee and proceed to develop their proposal. The written proposal is approved by the committee, and is followed by an oral defence.
The major requirement for the Ph.D. is completion of a research dissertation (NRSG 699), meeting the College of Graduate Studies requirements.