DNP to PhD in Nursing Bridge

The bridge from DNP to PhD is designed for nurses who have a DNP and wish to further their expertise in research and scholarship. PhD-prepared nurses pursue leadership careers in academia, policy, and practice conducting original research, developing evidence-based practices, and contributing to the development of new knowledge in the nursing field that advances nursing science. Honoring previous academic success, students may transfer up to 21 doctoral-level credits into the PhD in Nursing Program, thus reducing completion time.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Nursing programs provide complementary but distinct learning objectives and outcomes. The DNP is a degree that prepares nurses for the highest level of nursing practice, translating the research into evidence-based practice, and the PhD prepares nurses for the highest level of nursing science, creating knowledge through research (AACN, 2022). The DNP to PhD bridge offers an opportunity for innovation and allows the DNP to earn a PhD in an affordable and timely manner.

The extent to which learning objectives and outcomes overlap may vary from program to program. An individualized program of study for the prospective student will be determined through gap analysis. Course syllabi (course descriptions, credit allocation, and learning outcomes) from the DNP program will be reconciled with those of the Molloy University PhD in Nursing courses. Only doctoral courses from an accredited program where students earned a B+ or better will be considered for transfer. All credit transfers must be approved by the Director of the PhD in Nursing Program. Up to 21 credits may be transferred. Students must complete a minimum of 30 PhD in Nursing credits from Molloy University to graduate with a degree from Molloy University.