Online PhD Nursing for Non-Nurses

Hello Forum Members and Experts:

I am in healthcare but not a Nurse. I searched a lot to find an online Nursing program for non-nurse (with clinical placements in a hospital near my location) so that I will be eligible to take the RN licensing exam. However, I could not find any such programs.

I want to pursue a PhD in Nursing and thus wanted the RN (not for clinical practice). Does anyone know if non-nurses could pursue an online Nursing PhD program without an RN license?

Your help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Why do you want to do a PhD in nursing if you are not a nurse?As far as I know, being eligible for registration as a nurse is a requirement for every post-graduate nursing course, just as for all the other professions (eg a law degree or legal training are requirements for a Doctor of Jurical Science or Doctor of Laws)
i admire your couragebut questionwhy you are pursuingan phd in nursingwhich (if i'm not mistaken)would prepare you foran academic faculty position in nursingwithoutthe hands-on, clinical experience?being a clinical instructor myself:dthe importance of the "getting your hands dirty"apsect of any nursing specialtyis an integral and mandatory requirementfor any "successful" professor of nursing.
I don't know if there are any online PhD Nursing programs for non-nurses. However, the University of Washington offers an on-campus PhD in Nursing for non-nurses. Is relocating an option?
Quote from funmomI don't know if there are any online PhD Nursing programs for non-nurses. However, the University of Washington offers an on-campus PhD in Nursing for non-nurses. Is relocating an option?
Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your replies. I have about 8 years of health care experience (speech pathologist and paramedic). I am mostly interested in nursing research rather than clinical practice and looking for a PhD that does not require an RN license. The Washington state option is a good one, thanks for the link.
Quote from godmamaHi Everyone, Thanks for all your replies. I have about 8 years of health care experience (speech pathologist and paramedic). I am mostly interested in nursing research rather than clinical practice and looking for a PhD that does not require an RN license. The Washington state option is a good one, thanks for the link.
There are PhD programs in speech pathology and other related fields -- why the sudden switch of disciplines to nursing?
The sudden change is for a very personal reason because of a personal experience I had. I have a lot of respect for the Nursing profession and have done my research before I decided on pursuing the PhD.
To the OP: I think you have a good chance of succeeding in your goals. Frankly, as a nurse, I feel a little flattered that someone from another health care discipline is interested in nursing enough to switch careers. I really think programs like U of Washington's GEPN are meant for someone like you. Please also understand that a few feathers may get ruffled by the thought of someone who is not a nurse deciding to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing. Going for a PhD is tough. I graduated thirty years ago from an ADN program, worked, went to the first RN to BSN program at my school, worked, did some graduate work but had to quit because of finances and personal reasons. (I got married :heartbeat but moved too far away to continue the program.) Now I'm applying to a BSN to PhD program, in which I will get the master's coursework but skip the actual degree. The admission process, plus squaring away my financial aid, has been, um, interesting! :scrm:I know online programs are wonderfully convenient, but do please also check with schools in your area. Some schools offer most of their graduate nursing courses online; some require students to be at the school or another location for "intensives", sometimes connected with nursing research. I guess what I'm saying is that the perfect school for you may be in your own neighborhood and you don't even realize it yet. Seriously, good luck to you. You seem very sincere and thoughtful. I hope you achieve your dreams!
Thanks so much for your posts Moogie. Wow, pursuing a PhD 30 years later is really amazing and I really admire your zeal and courage! I wish you the best. May your dreams come true:wink2: