
Directing the development of nursing
Change discipline
Enrich the theoretical foundations of nursing and healthcare practice with the Johns Hopkins Doctorate of Nursing. Through graduation, most Hopkins nurses have received scholarships that allow them to continue their research and be well on their way to successful careers.
Learn from the best
With access to a world-renowned nursing faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with renowned scientists at Johns Hopkins University, you'll gain the skills you need to develop and implement a research program and launch your career.
Get financing
Most full-time PhD students at Johns Hopkins Nursing are100% fundedwith a scholarship for the first three years of study. Additional financial support will be made available in subsequent years. To be fully eligible for the scholarship, please apply1st of December.See financing options
Go back upstairs
Why Hopkins?
Those who earn a Johns Hopkins PhD:
Have knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological and analytical approaches that enable research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing and healthcare
Be prepared to take a leadership role in nursing and the wider healthcare arena
Demonstrate expertise in the field of study from a nursing and transdisciplinary point of view
They often serve as teachers in a variety of classroom and clinical settings as part of an academic program
Recommended research areas
A brief look at the topics we investigate: Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Domestic Violence, Biological Basis of Nursing Therapy, Health Promotion, Chronic Disease Management, Symptom Management, Biological Behavioral Aspects of Pain and Stress, Substance Abuse, Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding, Health Disparities caregiver stress, forensic nursing, patient health care decision-making, end-of-life care.
- Find faculty expertise
- Discover research opportunities
Additional information
Watch a video of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy (DNP/PHD) virtual information sessions.
MCEH/Nursing PhD Scholarship
This pre-doctoral fellowship is a unique opportunity for Nursing and Engineering PhD students to work with faculties within the Whiting School of Engineering and the School of Nursing.
As a PhD student, Tamar Rodney conducts research on post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans with traumatic brain injury. She explains why she chose nursing and the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.
Other innovative paths to a PhD at Johns Hopkins
Program DNP Advanced Practice / PhD Dual Degree
Doctor of Nursing (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy of Nursing (PhD)
"DNP enriched my perspective as a research nurse, but I learned that the questions came from evidence-based practice, and I needed a PhD to research it further."
Sarah Slone, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN
read more
Go back upstairs
Application deadline
Autumn entry
1st of December
Apply now
Request for information
Speak to an admissions officer to learn more about our program.
Begin
Meet the student
Take a peek at the life of a Hopkins Nursing graduate student.
Learn more
Go back upstairs
Go back upstairs

Maks Thayer
MPH
When I got my master's degree I learned a lot about methodologies and I knew I wanted to do research. But I wanted a place where I could apply what I learned. Johns Hopkins School of Nursing was my chance.
Go back upstairs
Requirements
Prerequisites
- Completed an accredited bachelor's or master's degree in nursing (if applicable. Candidates with a diploma in a discipline other than nursing will be considered individually)
- A written statement of the research objectives, including the reason for your interest in Johns Hopkins
- Research interests that match the faculty's expertise and school resources
- GRE scores are accepted but not required
- Minimum school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Interview with lecturers(if submitted by the recruitment committee)
- Writing sample (publication or graded paper)
- CV from the curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional)*
- A copy of the official RN license (if applicable. Candidates with a diploma in a discipline other than nursing will be considered individually)
- Official transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)
- TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language
Information for candidates with international education
Application for admission
* References must be current, written for your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student or employers who know you as a professional in a position, preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from colleagues, friends or relatives do not meet this requirement. In the case of doctoral students, it is strongly preferred that at least one of the advisors has a doctoral degree.
Requirements
No pre-training.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is granted individually. Looktransfer of credit policyWcomplete the formApply.
Go back upstairs
study plan
Each student follows a core curriculum and works closely with faculty advisors to complete individualized studies that meet the student's goals and develop the fundamentals of the research program.
study plan
Nursing Core (19 credits)
(Video) Doctor of Nursing Practice — Clinical Nurse Specialist Program at Johns HopkinsPhilosophical perspectives on health
Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
Design and methods of quantitative research
Design and methods of qualitative research
Mixed methods research project
Grant writing seminar
Measurement in medical research
Duties and activities of a scientific nurse
Statistics (9 credits)
Statistical methods in public health I
Statistical methods in public health II
Statistical methods in public health III
Electives (19 points required)
Theory and concepts of health behaviors
Assessment and management of symptoms
Special topics in violence research
Advanced Nursing Health Policy
Stress and stress response
The Evolving Roles of the Nursing Teacher (Online)
Statistical methods in public health IV
Write to publish (online)
Advanced seminar on translational research
International health systems and research 3
Current problems and trends in research on the promotion of cardiovascular health
Critical applications of advanced statistical modelling
Technology and eTools to lead, facilitate, implement and manage research (online)
Dissertation (3 credits per semester to complete)
Dissertation seminar
thesis
An example field of study
Autumn I (12 credits)
Philosophical perspectives on health
Design and methods of quantitative research
Statistical methods in public health I and II
Research residency - 15 hours a week
Spring I (12 credits)
Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
Design and methods of qualitative research
Mixed methods research project
Measurement in medical research
Statistical methods in public health III
(Video) MSN Entry into Nursing | Applying, Deciding, & Cost | Johns HopkinsResearch residency - 15 hours a week
Summer I (1 point)
Grant writing seminar
Extensive investigation
Fall II (13 credits)
dissertation seminar*
Thesis*
Electives (10 points)
Research residency - 20 hours a week
Teaching internship - 10 hours a week
Spring II (14 credits)
dissertation seminar*
Thesis*
Activities and duties of a research nurse
Electives (9 points)
Research residency - 20 hours a week
Side II
Preparation for the doctoral philosophy exam
Research residency - 20 hours a week
Fall III to complete (3 credits per semester)
dissertation seminar*
Thesis*
*PhD students who successfully complete the written comprehensive examination must be enrolled in a minimum of three credits consisting of two credits for dissertation advice and one credit for dissertation seminar in each semester in which they are pursuing a degree.
*Part-time students who pass the comprehensive exam must enroll in an advisor with two credits and one credit each semester after completing half (10) of the required electives.
Under the rules of the Doctor of Philosophy Board of Directors, students must be enrolled in the fall and spring semesters or have an approved leave of absence.
*From JHUSON MSN, a maximum of 15 credits can be applied: Nursing Program Entry to PhD Program.
Course schedules and descriptions Academic Catalog
Go back upstairs
Tuition fees and other costs
Check Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) costs.
Learn more
Go back upstairs
Frequently asked questions
How well should my research area be defined in my application?
Your essay should outline your areas of interest and how they align with the department's current areas of work.Selection Committeewill look for a summary of your previous experience, qualifications and information about your interest in a specific area of research. We also look at your writing skills and determine if there is a good match between your research interests and our expertise.
Should I contact a faculty member with similar research interests before applying?
(Video) Master of Science in Nursing: Entry into Nursing ProgramWhile contacting a faculty member in your field of research is not mandatory, it is an opportunity to get to know researchers in your field and ask questions that are not listed on the school's website.While direct matching can be helpful, students often have great success in the program when some research overlaps with the counselor.If there is a specific faculty member whose work interests you, you can discuss this as part of your application essay.It's best to start with a PhDDeputy Director for Recruitment,Laura Panozzobee [email protected] and looking back at our recent virtual PhD information session https://nursing.jhu.edu/admissions/index.html.
How are faculty advisors selected?
Once you have been admitted to a doctoral program and you have decided to enroll in a doctoral program, the admissions committee will determine who your advisor will be. Usually one advisor is selected, but in some cases, depending on the research area, two advisors are assigned, one acting as lead advisor and the other as co-advisor.One of the departments would be your primary advisor and the other would serve as your co-advisor.We try to match students with faculty members with similar research interests.
What are the differences between PhD and DNP programs?
The doctoral program prepares the research nurse to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundations of nursing practice and healthcare. The program is designed to prepare nurses for careers in science, often in academic or government positions.
ZDNP programprepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and leadership positions.See the comparison table
See information about the unique opportunity to earn a double DNP/PhD degree.
How long does it take to complete a PhD program?
The time it takes to complete the program varies depending on how quickly you progress. Some students in our program graduate in three years, others take four years or more.
English is not my first language, are there additional entry requirements?
Students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing requires a minimum TOEFL-IBT score of 100 for admission. More
How to prepare well for the demanding Biostatistics program?
The PhD program has a heavy biostatistics curriculum, so prior biostatistics classes are helpful. We encourage students who have not taken previous courses in the field or have not taken courses in the last five years to look for ways to strengthen this knowledge base before enrolling in the program. Please contact Laura Panozzo, Assistant Director of Recruitment, at[email protected]for a list of resources to help you prepare when applying and before enrolling in the program.
Are GRE scores required?
GRE scores are accepted but not required.
Can I take this program online or part-time?
The PhD program is a full-time, on-site only program.
What can I expect as part of my time commitment in this program?
Students should expect to spend 15 hours per week on campus during a funded research residency in collaboration with their faculty advisor throughout the three years in which they receive full funding. Students should include an additional 15-20 hours of classes per week.
What happens if I took part of my coursework outside of the US?
Courses completed outside the United States must be assessed and translated into their American equivalents. Official grade transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process and applications are not considered complete until all grades for work done outside the United States have been received. He recommends the Johns Hopkins School of NursingWES-ICAP.
Go back upstairs
Financing options
Scholarships and grants
Grants are need-based awards that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from merit-based scholarships and awards.
loans
Many students will use loans to finance nursing school. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely necessary to cover your study costs.
loans
Other sources of funding
Go back upstairs
what we say
Join the conversation
Browse our blogs
Not all blogs
Go back upstairs
FAQs
Is Johns Hopkins DNP online? ›
DNP Primary Care NP and CNS tracks offer online coursework with the added benefit of course immersions designed for students to take advantage of the rich and varied learning opportunities found only at Johns Hopkins. An online DNP gives you the opportunity to advance your career without relocating.
What is Johns Hopkins DNP program ranked? ›Located in Baltimore, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is a globally-recognized leader in nursing education, research, and practice. In U.S. News & World Report rankings, the school is No. 1 nationally for its DNP program and No. 2 for its master's.
What is the acceptance rate for BSN at John Hopkins? ›If you plan to apply to Johns Hopkins, make sure you don't wait until the last minute to fill out your application. The school is one of the most selective in the United States and has a low acceptance rate of 11%.
What is the difference between a doctorate of nursing and a nurse practitioner? ›The difference between DNP and NP is much more than just one letter. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal educational degree, while a nurse practitioner (NP) is a professional role and job title. Nurse practitioners can be prepared at the master's level or earn a DNP degree.
How much does Johns Hopkins pay DNP? ›Average The Johns Hopkins Hospital Nurse Practitioner yearly pay in the United States is approximately $136,219, which is 17% above the national average.
Is it hard to get DNP? ›Well, there is no surprise in knowing that the process of obtaining admission into a good DNP school can be challenging and requires some serious hard work. But if you are prepared before you apply, you have a better chance of success at getting into a good DNP school.
Is DNP harder than BSN? ›Courses and content are more challenging. The level of knowledge you're required to have as a Nurse Practitioner is a huge step up from a RN. You'll take a lot of the same courses as you did with your BSN, but will go into each topic with a lot more depth because you'll be diagnosing and treating health problems soon.
Which is better DNP or PhD in nursing? ›Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That's in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions.
What percentage of nurses have a DNP? ›More than 64% of today's nursing workforce is prepared at the baccalaureate and higher-degree level, but only 1.2% have a DNP degree and 0.6% a PhD, according to American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) statistics.
What is the hardest class in BSN? ›It shouldn't be too surprising that many nursing students consider Pharmacology to be the hardest class in nursing school.
What is the hardest BSN program? ›
- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) is ranked the No. 1 accredited master's nursing program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings. The school's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) also ranked No. 1, moving up one spot from its previous No.
Does DNP make more money than NP? ›Do DNPs make more money than NPs? DNP salaries are generally higher than NP salaries, reflecting their additional training. However, nurse anesthetists, even those with MSNs, often earn more than family practice DNPs. Individual salaries depend on specialty, location, experience, and many other factors.
Can a nurse with a doctorate be called doctor? ›Nurses With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) Should Not Call Themselves “Doctor” in a Clinical Setting.
Can DNP do surgery? ›To become a surgical NP, you must also complete graduate school with either a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree. On average, it will take 2 to 4 years to complete either of these degrees, depending on your chosen path.
Is a DNP financially worth it? ›According to the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey, registered nurses whose highest education was a DNP reported a median salary of about $100,000, 11% higher than the $90,000 median for those who had earned as much as a master's degree.
How much does a new grad RN at Johns Hopkins make? ›The estimated total pay for a New Grad Registered Nurse at The Johns Hopkins Hospital is $109,534 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $109,534 per year.
What is the highest paid DNP specialty? ›Of these positions, nurse anesthetists are the highest paid, earning a median annual wage of nearly $200,000, and the most competitive, requiring a master's or DNP and CRNA certification. Other jobs with higher DNP salaries include: Medical and Health Services Manager. Nurse Manager.
What is the average age of a DNP student? ›The average age of a nurse practitioner is 43.4 years old, but the nurse practitioner age range starts between 20 and 24 years to 65 years old and over. Most nurse practitioners are between 35 and 44 years old, equaling almost 39% of all nurse practitioners in the United States.
Which is harder DNP or PhD? ›A PhD degree program typically takes longer to complete compared to a DNP program. Students might spend 4-6 years earning a PhD in Nursing. However, PhD in Nursing programs do not typically require a certain number of clinical practice hours for graduation.
What can a doctor do that a DNP Cannot? ›
In about half of the US states, there is one significant role that a doctor can do that nurse practitioners cannot do; that is to prescribe medication independently. In these limited or restrictive practice states, nurse practitioners must have a doctor's approval before prescribing medication.
Is DNP the highest degree in nursing? ›Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice.
Why DNP instead of Masters? ›While an MSN requires a two- to three-year commitment beyond BSN preparedness, the DNP adds additional year(s) of education, preparing nurses for leadership positions. DNP curriculum builds on traditional master-level programs by including evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and quality improvement coursework.
How fast can you get a DNP? ›How Long Does a DNP Program Take? It's important to remember that while a DNP degree can seem like a lengthy and daunting process, it's also an investment. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), DNP programs typically contain three to five years of full-time study.
Do you have to write a dissertation for a DNP? ›Students complete a scholarly project instead of a traditional dissertation. The scholarly project is the national standard for D.N.P. program completion and is a national accreditation requirement.
Can you teach at a university with a DNP? ›With a Ph. D, you can conduct research in different areas of the healthcare system — from clinical, educational, policy, and more. It's also for those who specifically want to teach at a major research university (although you can still teach with a DNP at some smaller universities).
Is DNP higher than MD? ›A DNP (doctor of nursing practice) and Ph. D. in Nursing are vastly different than an MD (doctor of medicine). The former are highly-trained nurses, and the latter is a physician, with all the scope of practice allowances that come with that title.
What state pays DNP the most? ›According to the BLS, Nurse Practitioners in California earn the highest salary. Their average salary is $151,830 per year or $72.99 per hour.
What is the advantage of having a DNP? ›The advanced skills acquired in a DNP program may also have a significant impact on a practical clinical level. DNP graduates can gain expertise in advanced clinical techniques that other nursing or medical professionals may not be able to undertake.
How much does a DNP nurse earn in the US? ›Your career path with a DNP will greatly influence your salary. Depending on the role, you can make anywhere from an a median wage of $83,000 to $180,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As leaders in every facet of healthcare, nurses with DNPs work to improve patient care.
Which is the toughest degree in the world? ›
- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
Can Nurses Make Six Figures? Yes, you can 100% make six figures as a nurse. The disclaimer is that working in some states may make this easier than working in other states. Geographic location is a huge indicator of starting salary and can be a reason why some of you are not as close to others when looking at raw data.
What is the hardest nursing unit? ›Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses
Nurses deal with several ethical dilemmas and trauma each shift. Often, patient outcomes are out of your hands, which can frustrate any nurse.
1. Duke University. What makes this college stand out: Nursing students have maintained a 98 percent first-attempt rate for passing the NCLEX over the past decade. Duke University School of Medicine is located in the city of Durham, North Carolina.
What types of BSN nurses make the most money? ›- Occupational health nurse. National average salary: $68,872 per year. ...
- Operating room manager. National average salary: $77,280 per year. ...
- Nurse navigator. ...
- Organ transplant coordinator. ...
- Hospice nurse. ...
- Nursing informaticist. ...
- Clinical nurse educator. ...
- Director of Nursing.
Some students find every course challenging, while others find the pre-requisites challenging but have no issues once in nursing school. Let me give you an example—when I was in nursing school, I found OB to be incredibly hard. I can still remember studying for those exams and not having the information make any sense.
Why choose Johns Hopkins nursing? ›The academic rigor of our programs, the extraordinary nursing scholarship of our faculty, and our reputation for shaping graduates who are leaders in their profession position us as one of the top nursing schools in the U.S.
Is John Hopkins the best nursing school? ›Located in Baltimore, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is a globally-recognized leader in nursing education, research, and practice. In U.S. News & World Report rankings, the school is No. 1 nationally for its master's and DNP programs.
What rank is Hopkins school of nursing? ›Johns Hopkins University 2023-2024 Rankings
Johns Hopkins University is ranked No. 2 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's and No. 1 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
To understand the differences between a DNP degree and an NP, it's important to know that a DNP is the terminal degree for clinical nurses and is one step above an MSN. However, it's not the only terminal degree in nursing. The other is the Ph. D., geared toward nurses involved in research.
What can a doctorate in nursing do? ›
With a doctorate in nursing, professionals can practice as psychiatric mental health nurses, family nurse practitioners, adult gerontology nurse practitioners, neonatal nurses, or psychiatric nurse practitioners, as long as they become a licensed nurse practitioner.
Who is the highest paid nurse practitioner? ›- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – $202,514.
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $132,112.
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner – $126,019.
- Cardiac Nurse Practitioner – $121,163.
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – $120,263.
- Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner – $120,158.
For example, Arizona and Delaware forbid nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals from using the "doctor" title, unless they immediately clarify their role. For example, a nurse practitioner with a DNP must inform patients that he or she is a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner.
How do you address a DNP? ›A nurse who holds a doctorate degree, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD, should still be referred to as "nurse" or their name. To avoid confusion, "doctor" should only be used to address physicians with a medical degree, such as Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
How do I write my DNP credentials? ›For example, an NP certified through the ANCC and AANP respectively would sign his/her name Kyle Andrews, DNP, AGNP-BC, FNP-C. If both certifications are of the same specialty, the name would appear as Kyle Andrews, DNP, AGNP-BC, NP-C. Here are a few more examples: Michelle Adams, DNP, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC.
Can a DNP intubate? ›We can intubate, insert chest thoracotomies, manage ventilators and pretty much any critical care infusion.”
Is the DNP a degree not a role? ›The DNP is a Degree, Not a Role
For example, other degrees include a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph. D.), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Examples of roles are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), or Registered Nurses (RN).
What is the highest-paid nurse? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists! Earning $195,610 annually, CRNAs earn significantly more than any other type of nurse or nursing specialty.
Can you do John Hopkins online? ›You don't have to be on a Johns Hopkins campus to get the benefits of a Johns Hopkins education. We offer dozens of online courses and programs, some for credit, some for free through our partnership with Coursera.
What is the best paid DNP? ›- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) ...
- Neurology Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Oncology Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Trauma Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
Is Johns Hopkins MSN online? ›
Online MSN programs at Johns Hopkins feature an innovative and flexible approach to instruction led by a expert team of experienced faculty. Students may complete their degree through full or part time online studies generally within a time period of 18-24 months.
Which accreditation is best for DNP? ›CCNE Accreditation
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits everything from nursing baccalaureates to DNPs.