School of Nursing

D.N.P. and Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Programs

A student wearing blue scrubs and a stethoscope smiles and looks off into the distance.
Advance nursing practice and research with OHSU's doctoral programs. Choose between a D.N.P. focused on advanced practice nursing or a Ph.D. centered on groundbreaking nursing and interdisciplinary health science research.

OHSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree programs give you advanced clinical skills, leadership knowledge and the expertise to improve health outcomes, implement evidence-based practices and lead health care initiatives. 

In OHSU’s Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degree program you’ll focus on research and scientific discovery. You'll partner with faculty working on a range of research areas, including biobehavioral and health equity science. 

Why earn your doctoral degree at OHSU?

  • Learn from top faculty. You’ll learn from experienced clinicians, research scientists and educators dedicated to helping you succeed and grow.  
  • Prepare to lead. Develop the skills needed to guide, innovate and advance health care at Oregon's only academic health center.
  • Flexible program options. Some programs offer distance learning, allowing you to complete most coursework online. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice and Ph.D. degree programs at OHSU

Explore our doctoral programs to find your fit. With flexible hybrid programs, expert faculty, seven D.N.P. options, and a top-tier Ph.D. program, you’re sure to find the right program for you. 

Nursing scholarships

OHSU offers more nursing scholarships than ever before. See if you qualify. 

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Ph.D. in Nursing

In the Ph.D. in Nursing program at OHSU, you’ll conduct original research under the guidance of scientific experts and gain skills to lead in academic and health care settings.

You: A student with an M.S. degree in nursing or a related field who wants to pursue a career in academic research and education.

Prerequisites: A B.S. or an M.S. degree, with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and a research interest that aligns with a faculty advisor’s area of focus.

Program length: Students typically complete their degree in four to six years.

Location: OHSU’s Portland campus

Explore the Ph.D. in Nursing program.

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Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Advance in adult-gerontology care with our hybrid program, combining online classes and clinical rotations for acute and critical care training.

You: An RN with inpatient nursing experience and an interest in providing advanced care for adults.

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, an RN license, BLS and ACLS certifications and two years of inpatient nursing experience.

Program length: Three years

Location: This hybrid program includes online coursework, with labs, clinicals and simulations in person.

Explore the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.

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Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Elevate your nursing career with a D.N.P.-FNP degree that includes comprehensive coursework, clinical simulation and distance learning options across Oregon.

You: Ready to advance your career and passionate about providing primary care across the lifespan.

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or a B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and RN license.

Program length: Three years

Location: Offered on the Portland campus and statewide in Oregon. Rural students can attend classes online and in person in Ashland, La Grande, Monmouth or Klamath Falls, with travel to Portland once or twice a term.

Explore the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

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Nurse Anesthesia

The D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesia program offers personalized support, a high exam pass rate and strong job placement. 

You: An RN with critical care experience, a strong interest in advanced practice nursing and a desire to provide anesthesia to patients.

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, an RN license, and one year of critical care nursing experience.

Program length: Three years

Location: Based on the Portland campus, with clinicals available throughout Oregon and in parts of Idaho, Washington, Nevada and Oklahoma.

Explore the Nurse Anesthesia program.

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Nurse-Midwifery

Advance your nursing career in the No. 2-ranked Nurse-Midwifery D.N.P. program by U.S. News. 

You: Interested in providing advanced prenatal, birth and postpartum care. 

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or a B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and RN license.   

Program length: Three years 

Location: Based on the Portland campus. 

Explore the Nurse-Midwifery program.

OHSU nursing student wearing a stethoscope, listening to a child’s heartbeat during a clinical practice session.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

Deliver pediatric care and advocate for young patients in our D.N.P.-PNP dual degree program with primary and acute care training.

You: Want to advance your career with a dual degree to provide primary and acute care for children from birth to 21 years old.

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or a B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and RN license.

Program length: Three years

Location: Based on the Portland campus. 

Explore the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program.

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner student listens to a patient in a clinic.

Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Prepare for advanced specialty practice in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. program, focusing on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.

You: Passionate about improving mental health and helping patients.

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or a B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and RN license.

Program length: Three years

Location: Offered on the Portland campus and statewide in Oregon. For distance students, you’ll complete most coursework online and travel to Ashland, La Grande, Monmouth or Klamath Falls for some in person classes and clinicals.

Explore the Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

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Post-Master's D.N.P.

Earn your Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) from OHSU and develop skills to lead, teach, innovate in clinical practice and apply research to enhance patient care.

You: A practicing nurse ready to take the next step in your career and become a leader in your profession.

Prerequisites: A B.S. with a major in nursing, or a B.S.N., with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and RN license in the state where you live.

Program length: Two years when attending full-time or up to four years when attending part-time.

Location: 100% online coursework with a practicum at a site of your choosing.

Explore the Online Post-Master’s program.