A critical examination of developments in nursing doctoral education in the United States

Graduate nursing education in the United States is undergoing major transformations, as a result of factors both within nursing and in the larger society. Objective: In this paper the authors examine the trends and factors that are influencing the changes, especially in doctoral education, for both nurse scientist and advanced practice preparation. Conclusion: The paper provides a background that serves as context, it gives an overview of the PhD and the DNP degrees, focusing on the recent changes and identifying the most compelling issues and concerns, ending with a series of recommendations.