Curriculum Models for the Practice Doctorate in Nursing

Lucy N. Marion, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN; Ann L. O'Sullivan, PhD, CRNP, CPNP, FAAN; M. Katherine Crabtree, DNSc, APRN, BC, FAAN; Marva Price, DrPH, RN, FAAN; Susan A. Fontana, PhD, APRN, BC

Disclosures

Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal. 2005;5(1)

Model 3: Generic Master's Model

The third model option can be designed as a highly efficient program, presenting itself to students desiring a second degree as preparation for master's entry into nursing. We call this the Generic Master's Model, and it can be closely linked to the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) preparation ( Table 3 ).^[5] The CNL requires a baccalaureate degree (other than nursing) plus science and other foundational prerequisites for entry into this sequence. The student is prepared with a generic (not specialty) master's degree and, within 4 semesters, receives basic nursing as well as strong leadership training.

The CNL will fill a variety of positions in health systems and public/community health. This very intensive immersion study lends itself to a focused and mature learner. For the practice doctorate model based on the CNL preparation, the student receives the nursing specialty program in which the doctoral competencies are integrated as a total package. Some students could progress through both the generic master's and practice doctorate in 4 years (including summers); however, in some institutions, the program might take 5 to 6 years, depending on how the program is sequenced.

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Drivers of the Practice Doctorate Movement
Model 1: The Traditional Model
Model 2: Master's Entry Model
Model 3: Generic Master's Model
Model 4: Seamless (Practice Doctorate Entry) Model
Next Steps
References

MODEL 1: Traditional Model -- Baccalaureate + Master's + Practice Doctorate Ladder
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation Basic nursing	BSN	4 years	RN licensure
Clinical leader Nursing specialty	MSN/MN and APRN specialty	2 years	National Specialty Certification/ additional recognition in some states
Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate	Approximately 2 years	No additional licensure or certification at this time
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

MODEL 2: Master's Entry Program + Practice Doctorate
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation	Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) + prerequisites	4 years + time for prerequisites
Basic nursing Clinical leaders Nursing specialty	MSN/MN (Master's Entry Program) and specialty preparation	3 years	RN (often after 15-month program); National Specialty Certification Exam/ additional recognition in some states
Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate	Approximately 2 years
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

MODEL 3: Generic Master's Entry (CNL) + Specialty Practice Doctorate
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation	Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) + prerequisites	4 years + time for prerequisites
Basic nursing Clinical leader	Generic Master's (CNL)	4 semesters (15-18 months)	RN licensure
Nursing specialty Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate	3+ years	National Specialty Certification/additional recognition in some states
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

MODEL 4: Seamless Model for Post-Baccalaureate Practice Doctorates
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation	Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) + prerequisites	4 years + time for prerequisites
Basic nursing Clinical leaders Nursing specialty Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate and specialty preparation	4-5 years	RN National Specialty Certification/ additional recognition in some states
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

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