Developing nursing leaders prepared to take their careers to the next level
Program Overview & Objectives
The Doctor of Nursing (D.N.) program provides a formal, academic credential and competitive edge for those looking to advance their nursing careers in complex and changing healthcare systems or education settings. The Doctor of Nursing program focuses on developing skills in translating research into practice, applying research knowledge in decision-making, and developing and implementing clinical innovations to make an impact on the healthcare system, improving care delivery, and advancing nurse education and scholarship. Combining on-campus experiences with online coursework, students learn with a blend of innovative online courses and intensive residencies. This flexible model is tailored for students who have considerable professional experience and work commitments. The hybrid model of learning balances online and in-person learning allows for mentorship with faculty who are engaged in senior leadership positions and creates a community of learning for students. Graduates of this innovative program are prepared for:- Executive leadership roles in healthcare – Chief Executive Officers, Vice-Presidents of Nursing
- Mid and senior-level leadership roles in government, policy, professional associations
- Leadership roles in government, regulation, policy, quality and safety science
- Teaching roles in nursing education programs
For September 2023 intake, applications open November 15, 2022 and close April 30, 2023. Apply Now
Admission Requirements
Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Nursing Science’s additional admission requirements stated below:
- Be a Registered Nurse holding current registration in at least one jurisdiction
- Have a Master’s degree in Nursing or a closely-related field
- Have a minimum B+ standing from a recognized University in their Master’s degree in Nursing or related field
- Have a minimum of 2 years relevant healthcare leadership experience or advanced nursing education teaching experience
- Have strong letters of support from 1 academic and 2 work-related referees
- Consistent with the SGS General Regulation 3 English-Language Proficiency, applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not in English must demonstrate proficiency in English. An interview may be required.
Please note: Meeting minimum admission requirements does not ensure admission to the program.
Program Requirements
Learn online & on campus
The Doctor of Nursing program is offered as a full-time program offered in a hybrid asynchronous and synchronous/onsite delivery model. As a student of the DN program, you will complete the program in eight consecutive terms. The DN has an accelerated format that provides students with the opportunity to complete the four-year program in three years.
Building on previous experience, students focus on the areas of leadership, policy and knowledge translation while gaining practical leadership skills. The hybrid program combines online coursework with residency weeks at the University of Toronto St. George campus.
DN Courses
The DN program totals 5.0 full course equivalents (FCEs) and includes:
- Three required doctoral courses (Health Services Leadership; Health Policy in Clinical Practice and Nursing Education; Implementation Science in Health Care and Nursing Education)
- One elective doctoral course relevant to the student’s focus (Using Population Health Data to Inform Decision Making; Informatics and Technologies for Practice Advancement; Equity and Ethics in Health Care and Education; Evaluation Science; Pedagogy and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning)
- Four DN seminar courses
- Two internships
Internships
DN students are required to complete two internships.
Students are required to develop clear realistic goals, learning objectives, and identify expected outputs in advance of each internship/practicum.
The Internship evaluation will comprise a self-assessment, mentor evaluation, and faculty evaluation.
Residencies
Students are required to complete three residencies on-campus, normally three days in length during the program. In addition to course content delivery, residencies provide an opportunity for students to meet with each other, their thesis supervision committee, our world-class faculty members and other nurse leaders.
DN Thesis
Students must also complete:
- A literature review paper (including published and peer-reviewed research, gray literature, policies, guidelines etc.) that clearly demonstrates the student’s ability to review, analyze and synthesize relevant material to be completed by the end of Term 3 (Year 1) and judged as Satisfactory by the Thesis Committee.
- A written DN thesis proposal to be completed by the end of Term 5 (Year 2) and judged as Satisfactory by the Thesis Committee.
Students are required to successfully complete a thesis. This thesis work will immerse students in real-world situations and use the knowledge and skills gained throughout the DN program coursework and internships to identify and present a solution
Working with a DN supervisor, the student will:
- identify and investigate a current challenge in health care or nursing education
- articulate and apply theory and research to the problem
- design strategies for action to address the problem
- report on strategies implemented to address the problem
- analyze results
- make recommendations for the relevant setting
DN Symposium
A required on-site DN symposium is held during the final term of the program. This symposium brings all students in the cohort together to present their DN theses as well as to discuss Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) plans for implementing their innovations in practice, policy and/ or education. Faculty members, nursing leaders and mentors involved with the program attend and participate in the symposium as guest speakers, providing students with another opportunity to connect with, and learn from, world-class nursing leaders. Students complete their thesis and final oral exam after the symposium.
FAQ
What is the DN program?
The Doctor of Nursing is a doctoral degree focused on leadership in health systems or nursing education.
How does the DN differ from the PhD?
Our DN program prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings, policy, or nursing education. The PhD program is designed to prepare nurses for careers as research scientists in academia and other research-intensive environments.
What is the difference between DN and DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing (DN) program at Bloomberg Nursing prepares nurses for leadership positions in healthcare settings, nursing education, and/or health policy. The DN program focuses on developing skills in translating research into practice, applying research knowledge in decision-making, and developing and implementing clinical innovations to make an impact on the healthcare system, improving care delivery, and advancing nurse education and scholarship.
A DNP (not offered at Bloomberg Nursing) places greater emphasis on direct clinical practice and working in a leadership role on a healthcare team. It is a terminal degree for Nurse Practitioners.
What is the difference between DN and NP?
The primary distinction between the terms DN and NP is that a nurse practitioner (NP) is a (regulated) advanced practice registered nurse who provides direct care to specific patient populations and may act as a primary clinical care provider, while the Doctor of Nursing (DN) is a graduate degree.
The DN is one of two terminal degrees offered by Bloomberg Nursing, and is designed for those interested in leadership in healthcare settings, nursing education and health policy.
What is the thesis/DN project?
The thesis/DN project will immerse students in real-world healthcare or nursing education settings and use the knowledge and skills gained throughout the DN program coursework and internships to identify and present a solution.
Working with a DN supervisor, the student will:
- identify and investigate a practice problem
- articulate and apply theory and research to the problem
- design strategies for action to address the problem
- report on strategies implemented to address the problem
- analyze results
- make recommendations for practice
- discuss outcomes
How long will it take to complete the program?
The program is normally completed over 8 consecutive terms. You may complete the program in three years, as the program provides for an accelerated format
Can I work while enrolled in the program?
Yes. The asynchronous, hybrid delivery model is designed to allow you to continue in your current employment while studying. Given the intensity of the program, however, you will need to consider how you will manage full-time employment.
Does the program prepare advanced practice nurses in specialty practice?
No. The program is for those who desire to become nurse leaders but it does not focus on a particular specialty.
What sort of job can I get when I graduate?
Graduates of our DN program may go on to work in:
- Mid and senior leadership roles in healthcare, government, policy, professional associations, public health, community care, industry;
- Executive leadership roles in healthcare – Chief Executive Officers, Chief Nurse Executive;
- Professional practice leadership roles – Practice Leaders, Directors of Professional Practice;
- Innovative roles in practice leadership focused on health care innovation, program development and evaluation;
- Leadership roles in quality, safety, policy, government, and regulation;
- Health informatics;
- Teaching roles in clinical settings and in nursing programs in colleges, universities;
How much work experience do I need to apply?
You must have a minimum of two years of relevant healthcare leadership experience or advanced nursing education teaching experience.
What is the structure of the program?
The program is full-time over eight academic terms. Students are required to progress sequentially through core courses. Supervised internships and a thesis supervision committee help prepare and support the student in formulating, writing, carrying out, and evaluating their identified healthcare issue for their thesis.
How often do I need to come to campus?
Students are required to complete three, normally three-day, residencies on campus — one each year of the program.
What is the tuition?
For the 2022-2023 academic year: ~ $17,000/year including incidental & ancillary fees.
When does the program begin?
The program begins each year in September.
How do I apply?
Contact connect.nursing@utoronto.ca with more questions or apply online.
Guidelines for DN Students:
- Guidelines for Membership of the DN Supervisory Committee
- DN Literature Review Paper Guidelines
- Requirements for DN Candidacy: Three Components
- DN Thesis Proposal Guidelines
- DN Thesis Proposal Defense: Examination Procedures & Guidelines
- SGS Student Guidelines for the Doctoral Thesis
- SGS Style & Formatting Guidelines
Forms for DN Students:
Courses
Courses NUR1301H
LEADERSHIP, HEALTH SERVICES & EDUCATION This required DN course is taken in year 1, term 1 and includes advanced concepts in health and educational leadership and administration including skills in human, financial and materials management in health care; strategy and governance and addressing issues in complex adaptive systems related to professional and practice leadership and policy directions. This course is reserved for students registered in the DN program.NUR1302H
IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE: HEALTH SERVICES & EDUCATION
This required DN course is taken in year 1, term 2 and includes critical appraisal of evidence; overview of theoretical models of KTE; implementation/ dissemination strategies; impact of KT on organizational structure; role of context in KTE; barriers and facilitators at the organizational level. This course is reserved for students registered in the DN program.NUR1303H
HEALTH POLICY IN NURSING PRACTICE & EDUCATION This required DN course is offered in year 2 and includes an examination of system level impact of policy changes; critical evaluation of the effect of policy shifts on nursing practice and education; the role of policy actors and advocacy groups such as the health professions and consumers. This course is reserved for students registered in the DN program.NUR1311H: DN Seminar 1: INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR (Year 1, Term 1) NUR1312H: DN Seminar 2: LITERATURE REVIEW (Year 1, Term 2) NUR1313H: DN Seminar 3: THESIS PROPOSAL (Year 1, Term 3) NUR1314H: DN Seminar 4: ADVANCED DOCTORAL NURSING PRACTICE (Year 3, Term 1) NUR1334H
DN Elective: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, SAFETY, & EVALUATION SCIENCE This DN elective includes theoretical, methodological and pragmatic components of program development evaluation, quality improvement, safety science, patient engagement, clinician engagement, sustainability, and scale-up. This course is reserved for students registered in the DN program.NUR1335H
DN Elective: SCHOLARSHIP IN TEACHING & LEARNING
This DN elective includes the development of learning and teaching theories, determining learner and teacher needs/ needs assessment for learning; impact of diversities and health status on learning; active learning strategies; adult learning theories (social constructivism and transformative learning); and legal and political perspectives of learning. This course is reserved for students registered in the DN program.