how long is a nursing dissertation

Writing Nursing Dissertations, Theses, & Scholarly Projects (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you a doctoral, master's, or undergraduate nursing student? If yes, this guide has been made with love for you! As long as you will be handling a nursing scholarly project or dissertation, you have all the reasons to fall in love with this well-thought-guide.

The dissertation writing process is complicated to follow for most DNP nursing students. So, we made this guide to simplify it; we created this guide to make life a bit easier for you.

Although this step-by-step guide will not help you design and execute clinical research or implement quality improvement processes, it will help you successfully plan, organize, and write your nursing dissertation or scholarly project.

Let's begin.

What Is a Nursing Dissertation?

A nursing dissertation is a comprehensive research project a doctoral nursing student must complete to graduate. The centerpiece of the research project is the paper documenting the entire thing, and this paper is what is known as a dissertation.

Some nursing programs allow master's and undergraduate students to write dissertation-style scholarly projects.

Generally, nursing dissertations are between 5,000 to 15,000 words long. The length of your dissertation will largely be determined by the dissertation requirements set by your nursing school, and it will take you between three to twelve months to write your dissertation, depending on its length and complexity.

A typical nursing dissertation comprises several chapters, a references section, and an appendices section. And it is formatted following the APA manual. Therefore, when writing your paper, strictly adhere to the APA stylebook or Harvard formatting style (if you study in Australia or UK).

Before you commence your dissertation project, you will be assigned a supervisor. The supervisor is supposed to provide you with the guidance (mentorship) you need to make your dissertation a robust academic paper.

Therefore, you and them will have to meet regularly to discuss your dissertation from start to finish. So if you were very worried about the dissertation writing process thinking you may fail, you now know there will be someone to hold your hand and get you back on track in case you deviate.

As you may have noticed from the information shared above, a nursing dissertation is a complex paper requiring plenty of work and effort, and you must be at the top of your game to write a solid dissertation paper.

Get professional dissertation assistance from us if you need it at any point.

Structure of Nursing Dissertation

The typical nursing dissertation has the following chapters.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Your nursing dissertation paper has to start with an introduction chapter. In the chapter, you have to provide the reader with background information on the topic of your paper.

The chapter introduces your topic and makes a case for its significance. Any reader reading your nursing dissertation should tell the topic by reading the first two sentences.

Therefore, if you are handling a topic related to CAUTIs, make the first sentence about CAUTIs. A good way is to give statistics or statements about the CAUTIs issue in healthcare settings. You can describe the affected population, the depth of the issue, mortality and morbidity rates, and whether the problem is increasing or its impact is becoming greater.

Beginning the introduction with general to specific ideas help you settle in your readers. Therefore, the first paragraph of the introduction chapter should state the problem and its prevalence while making a general statement on its impact. In your succeeding paragraphs, you will have finer details through your problem statement, purpose statement, research or PICOT question, rationale, and aims/objectives. Giving appropriate background information is critical.

When writing the introduction, you should answer four fundamental questions:

• What is happening?
• Why should we care?
• What do we know currently?
• What do we need to find out and why?

Answering these questions should lead to a statement otherwise referred to as the purpose statement. A clear and concise purpose statement is vital to your dissertation introduction. Below is an example of a nursing dissertation purpose statement.

This quality improvement project aims to reduce the number of adverse events resulting from medical errors within 90 days.

This study aims to determine whether educating mothers about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding at a local maternity facility will increase adherence and acceptance to exclusive breastfeeding of newborns rather than relying on alternatives such as supplements.

Sometimes, you might be required to write a PICOT-based problem statement, especially if you are doing quantitative research or a quality improvement project.

PICOT stands for:

• Population: Who is the focus of the project or study?
• Intervention: What activity/behavior is being tested?
• Comparison: What group are you comparing your population to?
• Outcome: What are the outcomes you are examining?
• Time: What is the duration of the intervention or study?

Related Reading: Formulating PICOT questions plus examples.

Since patients with heart failure have high readmission rates, I propose implementing a discharge follow-up program that encompasses a bi-weekly post-discharge home visit by nurse practitioners within two weeks after hospital discharge. I will compare 40-day readmission rates for the patients during the six months before and after the introduction of the program.

Note that not all the purpose statements for nursing dissertations can be formulated as PICOT problem statement the same way; not all nursing research questions can be PICOT questions. If you are doing a qualitative study, you might sometimes not have time for the comparison, outcome, and intervention.

The purpose statement is followed immediately with a brief description of how you plan to accomplish it. If you are researching, detail your methodological approach, including the design, population, data collection and analysis methods, and your research timeline.

You can also state your hypotheses in the last section of your paragraph. It is also wise to include measurable objectives. Below is an example:

In the six months following the implementation of nurse practitioner-led post-discharge home visits, the average 40-day heart failure readmission rate will be lower than 15%.

You can then reformulate the purpose statement into a specific research question or question. For example:

Will biweekly home visits by nursing practitioners for two weeks post-hospital discharge reduce the readmission rates of heart failure patients?

You also have to provide the reader with an explanation of what is known and what is not known. Lastly, it would be best to clarify what you are investigating, why it is important, and how you will do it.

A good dissertation introduction convinces the reader of the importance of the study or project, includes clear and concise background information and a purpose statement, and identifies the research gap. It also has research questions, hypotheses, and aims/objectives as needed.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

In this chapter, you have to provide definitions for concepts and variables, and you also have to provide the theoretical framework for your dissertation. Your chapter two or the literature review should help the readers understand everything you are researching, the issue you are addressing, and why. It offers the context of the study or project and establishes the significance of the topic and the rationale for your study. A comprehensive literature review helps you critically analyze or synthesize all the available information on your topic. Focusing on peer-reviewed scholarly articles published in the last five years is important. You can also include seminal and classic articles. If you have gray literature, identify it as such in your literature review. The gray literature includes non-peer-reviewed articles,

technical reports, conference reports, reports from recognized organizations working in the topic area (such as NGOs), committee reports, white papers, or unpublished research report

Note that chapters one and two of the dissertation are the same as your proposal (if you were initially asked to write one). It should explain your chosen theoretical model or conceptual framework in depth. You can include your search strategy in the literature review, especially for doctoral programs.

Wrap up the literature review by stating the research gaps you identified that your current study would address.

As the literature review is the longest chapter in a dissertation, you can use subheadings to organize information and guide the readers through complex concepts.

Of course, your lit review must have a review of the literature, and you must provide a comprehensive and analytical review of the literature in this chapter, followed by a summary and an identification of the research gaps.

Chapter 3: Methodology

The methodology chapter is one of the most important chapters of a nursing dissertation because it is the chapter where the design of the study is revealed. So you have to discuss the design of your project in this chapter.

The discussion should include your planning activities, the setting, the people, the sample, the ethical considerations, the data collection, the instruments, the data analysis, the anticipated and actual barriers, the strategic plan, the budget, and the project timeline.

As you can see, many important project elements are to be covered in this chapter. Do not forget any of them if you want to ensure your dissertation is not rejected.

Chapter 4: Results/Findings

This chapter is just as crucial as the chapter above, and it is where you discuss the results of your project. The must-have elements of this chapter include the response rate, the sample size, the demographics, the preliminary statistical tests, the final statistical tests/analyses, the qualitative tests, and the project implementation outcomes.

This chapter is written at a sweet time when you have already collected and analyzed your data or fully implemented your science project. Writing it is all about detailing what you did and the outcomes.

Chapter 6: Discussion, Conclusion, and Recommendation

After detailing what you found out in your project, you must discuss it. This is where the rubber meets the road - you show the world you are a worthy doctoral nursing student. The essential elements you should have in this chapter include a summary of the problem, your key findings, what the findings mean, the implications of the findings, recommendations for future studies, the limitations of the study, and your conclusion.

Unlike the previous chapters, this chapter needs a lot of thinking and a lot of interpretation. Therefore, many students consider it challenging to write. Nevertheless, it is just a chapter like the others, so it can be written. It may take some time, but it can be written.

References Section

The references section of your dissertation is where you make clear the sources you used. Here, you must correctly include the citations for all the sources you have used in your dissertation.

You do this to credit other researchers who have worked hard like you to do their research. You also do it to avoid plagiarism, and your dissertation can be dismissed if you are found to have used sources without referencing.

Appendices Section

The appendices section of your dissertation provides your reader with all the images, tables, and other raw data you used in your dissertation.

You do this to enable the reader to find out more without distracting them from the main objective of your paper.

Steps for Writing the Perfect Nursing Dissertation

Follow the steps below to write a brilliant nursing dissertation.

1. Choose A Topic

This may sound easy, but it is not because your chosen topic will determine whether your dissertation is successful. To choose the perfect topic for your dissertation, you need to do a lot of brainstorming.

Do this by thinking about your areas of interest in nursing. What would you like to improve or to know more about? Note down everything significant that comes to mind. Then proceed to look at recently published journal articles in nursing and note down interesting gaps in the research.

All the things you have noted are potential topics for your dissertation. Identify the three most interesting ones and present them to your dissertation supervisor for a discussion. They will help to settle on the perfect topic for your nursing dissertation.

Related Reading:

• Capstone project ideas and topics
• Tips for choosing a nursing dissertation topic
• Epidemiology nursing topics
• Mental health nursing topics
• Nursing informatics topics
• Steps for writing a nursing philosophy statement
• Nursing research topics for nursing papers and essays.

2. Conduct Pre-Research

After settling on the perfect topic for your dissertation, you should research your topic. This research aims to help you refine your topic and your potential research question.

The most efficient way to conduct pilot research into your chosen topic is to find and review relevant scholarly literature. Find the literature by searching your topic or its keywords in broad scholarly databases such as Google Scholar and CINAHL.

Take plenty of notes as you review the literature to understand the topic better.

3. Conduct Deep Research

A nursing dissertation is an opportunity to show your readers (professors) your nursing knowledge, research, and writing skills. And the only way you can confidently do this is by reading a lot of literature on the topic you want to write about.

So conduct deep research into your chosen topic to find relevant literature for your dissertation. Use the notes you took in the step above to conduct the research. And conduct the research into as many nursing databases as you have access to � Google Scholar, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalKey, PubMed, etc.

As you conduct deep research into the topic, take plenty of notes. Your goal during this step should be to know your topic inside-out, which will help you think clearly about it and know what exactly you need to do.

4. Write A Research Proposal

Before writing your dissertation, you will need to write a research proposal. Your supervisor will assess the proposal, and the format and all the other requirements will be made clear by your supervisor.

The proposal aims to show you understand what you want to investigate and discuss in your dissertation. Therefore, make sure it discusses your dissertation research topic, proposed methodology, and the key literature reviewed. In this step, you will have to think of the best methodology to use for your research.

Upon assessing your proposal, your supervisor will give you feedback on whether you are on the right track. They will tell you what to do to ensure your dissertation is perfect.

5. Research A Lot

After getting feedback from your supervisor, you should incorporate their feedback and then embark on research. Research differentiates an ordinary dissertation from an extraordinary one, so ensure your research is thorough.

What are you researching in this step? You are researching similar dissertations to the one you have proposed, and you should use resources like ProQuest Dissertations to find them.

The purpose of researching similar dissertations to what you have is to understand what it takes to develop an outstanding dissertation. You most likely have never read a published dissertation before. So read several and look at the language, the formatting, the methodology, the discussion, and so on to find out what you need to do.

6. Start Writing

This is where you start pulling everything together. Start writing your introduction chapter, the next chapter, and the next until you conclude. Writing the thousands of words you need to complete your dissertation will take time and effort. Have this in mind when you start writing to avoid getting frustrated.

As you are writing, make sure you properly organize your chapters. If you are unsure what chapter to write next or what to write in a chapter, refer to the outline/structure provided in this post.

One more thing to remember is that each chapter is a building block to your entire research. Therefore, it must agree with the rest of the chapters; nothing in it must sound off or out of place.

7. Present Your Paper to Your Supervisor

After you write your dissertation or thesis paper, present it to your supervisor for discussion. You now have something to show and something concrete for them to assess. Send it to them and await their feedback.

They will assess your dissertation and give you feedback. Upon receiving the feedback, you need to incorporate the feedback into your dissertation. This will ensure your final paper/dissertation is perfect or near perfect.

8. Proofread and Polish Your Dissertation

After incorporating the feedback given by your professor, proceed to proofread and polish your dissertation. Since your dissertation is thousands of words long, you should proofread and polish it chapter by chapter.

Remember, it usually takes days to proofread and polish a dissertation. Therefore, do not feel pressured or frustrated if you feel as if you are moving slowly. Just push forward, and you will get to the end.

9. Make Sure Your Dissertation Is Well-Formatted

After polishing your paper, ensure your dissertation is well-formatted. You need to be very careful when formatting. Do not forget to apply any APA rule to your dissertation.

Move methodically and apply every relevant formatting rule to your paper. Do not forget to correctly add all the references and appendices to your dissertation.

10. Present Your Dissertation to Your Supervisor

After you complete the step above, you will be all but done with writing your dissertation. What you need to do now is to present your dissertation to your supervisor one more time.

They will give you their feedback and help you prepare to defend your dissertation. Of course, you must incorporate their feedback into your academic writing before starting any dissertation defense preparations.

Once you are done with this step, you are done writing your dissertation.

Tips for Writing an Excellent Dissertation for Nursing

Follow the 20 tips below to write a brilliant nursing dissertation paper.

1. Start Immediately

When you know your school's guidelines for writing a nursing dissertation, you should start working toward choosing a dissertation topic. After choosing a topic, you should begin taking steps to prepare your dissertation writing, and then you should go ahead and start writing it.

Students often assume they have much time to write their dissertations, which is frequently untrue. Time flies when you are a DNP student; before you know it, you will have only a few short months to start and complete your dissertation.

2. Cite All the Sources You Use

When writing your dissertation, cite all the sources you use. A dissertation is an opportunity for you to show not only your academic knowledge but also your academic integrity. And academic integrity is all about honesty.

You need to cite all the sources you use. Never present someone else's work as your own. Always cite the source where you've taken information. Failure to cite correctly can result in your dissertation being rejected. Most professors are rigorous on this.

3. Make Sure Your Topic Is Specific

When choosing a topic for your dissertation, ensure it is very specific. Making sure your topic is particular will make your research easier, and it will also make your dissertation much easier to write and better to read.

In contrast, if your topic is too big or ambitious, you will end up with a situation where your dissertation sounds too broad. You will find it somewhat difficult to cover your topic as in-depth as you like. So be realistic and make your topic specific.

4. Don't Use Big Words When Simple Words Can Do

Some students think a dissertation is an opportunity to show how clever or sophisticated they are. Therefore, they use big words, jargon, and complicated sentences to try and prove this. This is unnecessary because it usually doesn't make their work any better.

Using big words, jargon, and complicated sentences will most likely make your work difficult to read and affect the flow of your work. So use simple words instead of big words whenever you can.

5. Save Your Progress Often and in Multiple Places

Starting and completing a dissertation is a massive undertaking. This is because a typical dissertation research project takes months to complete. The number of words to be typed to complete a dissertation is in the thousands, and the formatting is usually a pain in the *ss.

Because starting and completing a dissertation is difficult, you should save your work often and in multiple places. Send it to yourself in your email, WhatsApp, etc. These backup copies will ensure all your hard work is NOT lost in case you lose your laptop to a virus or a thief.

6. Plan Your Dissertation Writing Process

There is a common saying about planning that is almost cliche; failure to plan is planning to fail. If you don't plan for something, you unknowingly plan to fail. In other words, planning is essential for success.

So once you have been given the departmental guidelines for writing your dissertation, you should create a comprehensive plan with deadlines to help you complete your dissertation project. If you create a good plan, you will find the dissertation writing process easier to manage.

7. Make Sure Your Major Decisions Are Research-Informed

Every big decision you make in your paper is informed by research. For example, before you decide on your dissertation's focus, research more about what you want to write about. Before you decide on the methodology, you will use research to discover the most appropriate methods.

Making sure your significant decisions are backed up by research, as shown in the two examples above, will make it very easy for you to explain why you made the decisions to your reader. It will also make your paper more scientific, accurate, and academically sound.

8. Don't Panic If Your Results Are Not What You Expected

If, after the careful planning and execution of your research project, you get unexpected results, do not panic. Unexpected results are as valuable as expected results. The key is to ensure you do more research to explain why you think you got the results in your discussion section.

By carefully explaining your unexpected results, you will show your professors you researched and understood the topic you decided to investigate. This will make your dissertation more likely to get an excellent mark/grade.

9. Show Awareness of Your Research Limits

No matter how good your research skills are, it would help if you showed awareness of your research limits. In other words, you should indicate the limitations of your research. Of course, the limitations you note should be backed by research.

It is essential to show the limitations of your project to let the reader know that you fully understood what you were doing. It will also help the reader better contextualize your results and findings.

10. Take It Easy

Dissertation writing is hard work full of pressure and frustrations. However, it would help if you didn't let all that get to you. Remember, calm heads always prevail in one way or another. So keep your cool no matter how difficult and frustrating things get.

Keeping your cool no matter what will help you to push forward with your dissertation and to complete it successfully. On the other hand, getting frustrated will make you get stuck, which could result in you being among the many students that do not complete their dissertations.

11. First Draft Isn't Perfect

When writing your dissertation, please do not feel too much pressure to perfect it. Your goal should be simple; to complete your first draft, and your goal should be to complete your first draft to get a psychological boost and not make the first draft perfect.

The first draft isn't perfect and doesn't need to be. If you make peace with this, writing and completing your first draft will be easier. The right time to perfect your dissertation is when you proofread and edit it. You will likely need to rewrite huge parts of your first draft to make it brilliant.

12. Be Flexible

You don't need to write the chapters in a perfect sequence when writing your essay. Some students think they must do this to create a good dissertation flow. However, this is unnecessary. You create flow by making sure your sentences and paragraphs are easy to understand and by using transition words and sentences generously.

Write your chapters in any way you like. Write the easiest chapters first to gain momentum in your dissertation. This momentum will make it easier for you to write the trickier chapters.

13. Talk to Your Supervisor Regularly

Your dissertation supervisor/advisor is there to help you. You should plan to meet them biweekly or more frequently to discuss your dissertation and the progress you have made.

Do not be afraid or shy to ask your supervisor questions or clarifications. Your supervisor is there to help you and guide you through your work, and they are there to ensure you stay on track. So meet them regularly and show them your work to get all the tips and advice you need to remain on the proper path.

14. Don't Forget Your Health and Wellbeing

Just because you are writing your dissertation doesn't mean you have to let your health deteriorate. Ensure you eat well, exercise, sleep well, and stay healthy. Maintaining your physical health will ensure you are always in the right physical condition to continue putting in the hard work you need to complete your project.

Also, take care of your mental health. Your mind is the biggest tool you need for your project. Protect it by taking breaks, relaxing, hanging out with friends, and doing the things you love regularly. The more protected your mind is, the easier it will be for you to write your dissertation.

15. Don't Give Up

Dissertating is extremely difficult, and it takes a lot of physical and mental effort to complete a nursing dissertation successfully. Therefore, you will feel like throwing in the towel in many instances. If you ever feel like this, do not do it.

Don't give up. Choosing not to give up and persevering will give you a sweet psychological victory and make you feel stronger and more capable. It will also ensure you graduate with the master's degree you have sacrificed so much to get.

16. Get Professional Assistance

If you ever need assistance to complete your entire dissertation or a part of it, do not be afraid to get professional assistance. Many dissertation writing services can provide you with the help you need at a small fee, and we are one such service.

We can help you write your entire dissertation paper or any part. We can also help with specific parts of the dissertation writing process, e.g., the research, the introduction, the methodology section, the proofreading/editing, and the incorporation of feedback.

As you Ponder the Steps and Tips ...

We hope we have provided all the information you need to write your nursing dissertation paper. Now it is up to you to step up and start dissertating.

Related Articles:

• Step-by-step guide for writing a nursing change project
• A guide for writing a nursing capstone project
• How to write a perfect Evidence-Based Nursing Paper
• Tips for making a poster presentation in nursing .

If you need any assistance in any part of the dissertation writing process, please visit our home page to get the assistance you need.

Our writers are experts with multiple years of experience in dissertation writing, formatting, and editing. You can never go wrong with us.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a comprehensive research paper written to fulfill a graduate degree. A dissertation can be required to graduate with a master's degree in the UK or a doctorate in the US.

How long does it take to write a nursing dissertation?

It usually takes between three to twelve months to write a nursing dissertation. Two things largely determine how short or long a dissertation will be - the departmental requirements and the methodology chosen.

Can you write a nursing dissertation in three months?

Yes, you can. It is certainly not impossible, but it will take you every single day and night to write a good dissertation in such a short time. If you don't have enough time to write a dissertation, work with a dissertation writing service to get the desired results quickly.

Related: Is the WGU RN-BSN worth your time and money?

How long is a nursing dissertation?

Most nursing dissertations are between 6000 to 16000 words long. Of course, some are shorter than 6,000 words, and others are longer than 16000 words.

What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?

Masters nursing students need to write a thesis to complete their degree, while doctoral nursing students need to write a dissertation to complete their degree.

Is getting help with a nursing dissertation online illegal?

No, it is not. No law prohibits you or anybody else from getting a nursing dissertation online. So if you need dissertation assistance from a dissertation writing business online, feel free to get it.

Can a nursing dissertation be done as a group?

No. Dissertations are individual research projects, and you can get guidance and assistance from anywhere you want, but your dissertation is your project and will only have a single author - you.

Does a nursing dissertation require an abstract poster?

Yes, if it is going to be presented at a conference. The poster should include a title, a summary, an intro, the methodology used, the results, the discussion, and the conclusions. All these things should be less than 300 words.

Do nursing students defend their nursing theses and dissertations?

Yes, they do. In most colleges, nursing students must defend their theses and dissertations before a committee that usually includes faculty members.

Who writes a nursing dissertation?

In the US, a doctoral student writes a nursing dissertation, while a master's student writes a nursing thesis. In the UK, it is the opposite - a master's student writes a nursing dissertation and a doctoral student writes a nursing thesis.

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Writing a Thesis for Nursing School

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Writing a thesis presents an opportunity for graduate students to conduct scholarly inquiry, with the potential of publishing their finished paper. A thesis requires nursing students to identify a problem in nursing, and review academic literature while developing advanced research skills. Thesis advisors and committees guide students from the proposal phase to the final oral defense, a process that spans about two semesters.

Not every nursing student is required to complete a thesis. Some nursing programs offer a non-thesis option, in which candidates complete a final capstone project or oral examination on topics such as nursing theories and clinical practices.

The thesis process and requirements vary by school. Ohio State University’s master of science in nursing program’s final examination includes oral and written portions.

Want to know what to expect during the thesis process? Read on to learn how you can choose a thesis topic and orally defend your paper.

Choosing Your Nursing Thesis Topic

Nursing students must choose a thesis topic before they begin the research and writing process, typically within the first two terms of nursing school. A solid thesis must present an original argument, manageable research scope, and worthy academic pursuit. A thesis advisor or research professor will help to guide each student through the process of choosing a topic.

In the conceptual phase, candidates research potential thesis topics based on their interests within their nursing specialty. Students may start with a broad topic such as obesity and weight management, depression, or cardiovascular disease. To narrow their thesis argument, graduate students might focus on racial or ethnic groups, socio-economic issues, or current events.

After settling on a topic, students draft and submit a thesis proposal to an advisor or committee chair. Once this proposal has been approved, students can begin the formal work on his or her approved thesis topic.

While graduate students must complete a thesis to fulfill the requirements of a master’s degree in nursing, the thesis process also offers a chance for future nurses to immerse themselves in current academic literature and collaborate with fellow graduate students, faculty, and professors. A thesis can also serve as the foundation for doctoral studies. A thesis at the doctoral (PhD) level is called a dissertation.

Completing Your Nursing Thesis

Brainstorming a thesis topic begins as early as the first semester of a master’s in nursing program. The formal thesis process, which typically spans multiple terms, does not take place until the student’s final year, usually during the last term.

Thesis requirements vary by school, and students must meet specific deadlines and take prerequisite courses beforehand. At the University of Texas-Houston’s School of Nursing , candidates take a public health class before they submit a thesis proposal.

Future nurses work under the guidance of a thesis committee and advisor. The experience of writing a thesis trains students in original investigation, data collection, implementing research design, and public speaking. Candidates also learn to flex their analytical thinking skills and master a specific area of nursing as they develop the ability to analyze and draw conclusions through data.

At a program’s conclusion, students submit their thesis as a bound manuscript or electronic file. In addition to submitting a written report, students orally defend their final thesis in front of the committee. Many graduates also submit their manuscripts for publication.

Presenting Your Nursing Thesis

Graduate students generally orally defend their proposal and present their completed thesis in front of their committee. This committee also includes the thesis mentor, a faculty member specializing in the nursing discipline of their scholarly inquiry. There are generally 3 total committee members on a thesis committee.

Fellow graduate students or consultants outside of the college may attend presentations, if the process is open to the public. Otherwise, the thesis defense remains a private session, with students presenting their findings. The oral examination of the thesis takes up to one hour, but can last longer depending on how many questions the committee has for the student.

During that time, the committee evaluates the thesis based on how the research experience has shaped the student’s graduate education and the findings’ significance to the nursing field. When the exam concludes, the committee either accepts or rejects the thesis defense.

How is a Nursing Thesis Graded?

Nursing schools rely on each committee to formally grade each product in the thesis process. Some graduate nursing students may receive a letter grade, while other nursing schools adhere to a “pass” or “fail” policy.

To determine a grade, the committee assesses the thesis based on set criteria. Committee members look at the project’s key components, including the statement of purpose, literature review, research methodology, analysis, findings, and implications. The process and grading criteria for the thesis process can be found in the school’s graduate handbook. Most of these handbooks are published online for student review.

The thesis must identify significant issues or service gaps in nursing and present them in a concise and coherent fashion. Candidates must support all findings and analysis by research and explain the implications for healthcare.

The oral defense also factors into the grade. The committee grades the defense based on the quality of the student’s presentation, taking into consideration if the student spoke clearly and presented a logical and well-organized argument.

What is the Difference Between a Nursing Thesis and a Capstone?

A nursing thesis and a capstone demonstrate the student’s comprehensive knowledge and educational journey. Graduate students in a non-research track may have the choice of completing a clinical project. Doctoral of Nursing ( DNP ) students complete a capstone project.

Graduate-level nursing students work on an original scholarly inquiry during their thesis, while undergraduates recap their cumulative learning experience. The thesis process, which includes completing nursing courses and writing a proposal, takes place over the entire program.

Learn more about the difference between a thesis and capstone project on this page .

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A Nurse's Step-By-Step Guide to Publishing a Dissertation or DNP Project

Early praise for  a nurse's step-by-step guide to publishing a dissertation or dnp project :.

“The book breaks down the complexities of scholarly writing and provides key insight and vital guidance for publishing dissertations or DNP projects. A Nurse’s Step-By-Step Guide to Publishing a Dissertation or DNP Project will have a permanent place on my bookshelf and will be shared with new graduates and colleagues alike .”

— Nancy White Street, ScD, PPCNP-BC Julia and Harold Plotnick Professor of Global Nursing University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Nursing

“Karen Roush’s earlier book on writing a dissertation or scholarly project has become the ‘go-to’ resource for scores of doctoral students. In her new book, Roush has again demonstrated her unique knack for simplifying a process—the often-arduous steps necessary for turning a dissertation or capstone project into a manuscript worthy of publication. A must-read primer for anyone wanting to publish.”

— Wend y Budin, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN Professor & Associate Dean Entry to Baccalaureate Practice Division Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Perinatal Education Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Nursing

INDIANAPOLIS — Creating a dissertation or academic project is a demanding and complicated process, presenting a unique set of challenges for authors. Navigating the publishing process presents further challenges. Creating the best article and finding the most appropriate journals often leaves first-time authors frustrated and intimidated.

In A Nurse’s Step-By-Step Guide to Publishing a Dissertation or DNP Project , award-winning author Karen Roush guides readers through the process of reworking a dissertation or DNP project into a high-quality manuscript and honing their writing skills. Roush then provides a step-by-step guide through the publication process, providing all the information necessary to fully understand and navigate the world of academic publishing.

“The full breadth and depth of nurses’ contributions are still not recognized by the healthcare community and the general public,” said Roush. “Publication is a powerful means of strengthening the voice of nursing and influencing how care is delivered.”

The author has also created material downloads, such as a Submission Checklist and a Top 10 Guide to Publishing, to support the use of this book in classroom and professional settings. These downloads are available for free at http://hdl.handle.net/10755/17097 .

This book is available at SigmaMarketplace.org/sigmabooks .

A Nurse’s Step-By-Step Guide to Publishing a Dissertation or DNP Project: Taking Your Paper From Graduation to Publication By Karen Roush, PhD, RN, FNP-BC Published by Sigma, 2019 ISBN-13: 9781948057370 EPUB ISBN: 9781948057387 PDF ISBN: 9781948057394 MOBI ISBN: 9781948057400 Price: US $39.95 Trade paperback, 208 pages Trim size: 5 3/8 x 8 3/8

About the author: Karen Roush, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, is founder of The Scholar’s Voice, which works to strengthen the voice of nursing through writing mentorship for nurses. A previous Editorial Director and Clinical Managing Editor for American Journal of Nursing, Roush is widely published, having authored multiple consumer healthcare books, nursing articles in peer-reviewed journals, essays, and poetry. She is also adjunct faculty at Pace University and The Graduate Center for the City University of New York.

About Sigma: The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is advancing world health and celebrating nursing excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 135,000 active members in over 100 countries and territories. Members include practicing nurses, instructors, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others. Sigma’s more than 540 chapters are located at more than 700 institutions of higher education throughout Armenia, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, England, Eswatini, Ghana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States, and Wales.

Learn more at www.SigmaNursing.org .

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A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Dissertation

Candidacy examination, degree credentials, dissertation committee, dissertation status.

The Dissertation Proposal Defense serves as the Candidacy Examination. The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is to demonstrate an understanding of knowledge in the concentration area that supports the student’s dissertation research. Upon successful completion of required coursework and this examination, the student advances to degree candidacy status.

Students are expected to pass the Candidacy Examination no later than the end of the 3rd semester following Dissertation Seminar unless the student obtains written permission of the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair. Students who do not abide by these policies will no longer be in good academic standing (see “Academic Standing”) which will be reported to funding agencies and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.  

Degree credentials (e.g., AD, BS, BSN, MS, MSN, PhD, EdD, DNP) are commonly used and indicate completion of a particular educational program. The highest degree attained is usually placed immediately after the last name. All or some of degrees can be used.

Terms used to indicate partial completion of a degree or student status such as “SNP” (student nurse practitioner), “PhDc” (PhD candidate) or “ABD” (all but dissertation) are fabricated terms and are not to be used.

The Dissertation Committee oversees and approves the research proposal, and ultimately, the dissertation.

Following Dissertation Seminar, the student will be registered for dissertation status.  Registration is done by the Office of Student Information and is required in each succeeding semester until all degree requirements are met. A student on Dissertation Status who wishes to take additional coursework may do so with approval of the academic advisor and Graduate Group in Nursing Chair depending on available funding for tuition. While supported by School of Nursing or federal funding, students may only take coursework that is directly related to their dissertation question.

The preparation of the dissertation constitutes the final phase of the PhD program. The dissertation should demonstrate a high-level of analytical and research competence and represent an original contribution to the field of nursing science. It is expected that the formation of a topic will begin in the early phases of study in the program and grow out of experience and work in the focused area of science and scholarship. It is also expected that the dissertation topic will build on the research and expertise of two or more members of the Graduate Group in Nursing. 

Dissertation Format

Generally, three dissertation formats are appropriate. The best option depends on the type of research planned. Each format is described in the table below, with an explanation of the nature and scope of work for the dissertation proposal. Note that all three formats are potentially suitable for qualitative and mixed-methods research; students pursuing a qualitative or mixed-methods project should consult with the Chair and the Dissertation Committee to determine the most appropriate format for the student’s specific study. The dissertation format must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee. Additional formats may be suggested as nursing science continues to evolve; formats of dissertations (and proposals) that are not addressed below will be considered. In this case, the Dissertation Chair and student will review their recommended format with the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair.

University of Pennsylvania policy permits dissertations based on joint work with other researchers, provided that, in such cases, a unique and separate dissertation is presented by each degree candidate. The candidate must include a concise account of his or her contribution to the whole work. Authorship of a dissertation by more than one degree candidate is not allowed.

Dissertation Formats

* NOTE: The proposal for a five-chapter or three-article dissertation may use the NIH PHS398 subheadings (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Innovation, and Approach) provided that the background and significance are presented in sufficient depth to demonstrate thorough mastery of the relevant literature. PHS398 page limits do not apply; proposals using the PHS398 subheadings will likely be longer than 10-15 single-spaced pages. An NRSA proposal is not an acceptable dissertation proposal. If using the PHS398 subheadings for the dissertation proposal, the student should negotiate the appropriate scope of the Background and Significance section in advance with the Chair and Committee. An underdeveloped background and significance section may be grounds for failing the Candidacy Exam.   

The three manuscripts option may include manuscripts that are published during the course of the doctoral program; see the “Use of Copyrighted, Previously Published, or Coauthored Material” section of the University’s Doctoral Dissertation Manual  for details.

Requirements and Format of the Three Article Dissertation

The Graduate Group allows students who publish papers during their doctoral program to use these papers as part of their dissertation.  Following are the requirements and format for the Three Article dissertation option:

Dissertation Defense

When the written dissertation is completed to the satisfaction of the dissertation committee, an oral defense with public and closed components will be scheduled for two hours. The examining committee for the dissertation consists of the dissertation committee and two readers from the Graduate Group in Nursing who are appointed by the Graduate Group in Nursing Chair. All members of the Graduate Group and doctoral students as well as other individuals whose presence is desired by the student are invited to the public component. The public component consists of a brief presentation of the findings and their implications by the student followed by a brief question and answer by individuals who are not members of the examining committee. The following component may be either open or closed depending on the preference of the Dissertation Chair. In this portion, guests may be excused while questioning and discussion by the readers, the dissertation committee members, and the student occur. The dissertation defense is graded on a Pass/Fail basis with the majority of the five examiners necessary for a decision.

At least three members of the dissertation committee must participate in the defense. Defense may take place in person or remotely. 

Source: PennBook Academic Rules for PhDs and Research Masters Degrees

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How to Write a Nursing Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Students

• Carla Johnson
• September 18, 2023
• Academic Writing Guides

As a nursing student, you’ve likely encountered various academic challenges throughout your educational journey. However, one of the most daunting tasks you may face is writing a nursing dissertation . A dissertation is a significant and complex research project that requires careful planning, research, and organization. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of writing a nursing dissertation step by step, providing you with valuable insights and tips to help you succeed in this academic endeavor.(nursing dissertation writing process)

A nursing dissertation is a culmination of your academic journey, demonstrating your expertise in a specific area of nursing and your ability to conduct in-depth research. It’s a substantial piece of work that requires dedication, time management, and a structured approach. Whether you’re just beginning your nursing dissertation or have already started, this guide will assist you in navigating the challenges and ensuring your dissertation stands out.

1. How to Write a Nursing Dissertation

Selecting the right topic for your nursing dissertation is the first and crucial step in the process. Your topic should be both interesting to you and relevant to the field of nursing . Here are some tips for choosing a suitable topic:(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Personal Interest

Consider what aspects of nursing intrigue you the most. Your passion for the topic will keep you motivated throughout the research and writing process.

b. Research Gap

Identify areas within nursing where there is a gap in research or a need for further exploration. Addressing these gaps can make your dissertation more valuable to the nursing community.(nursing dissertation writing process)

c. Feasibility

Ensure that your chosen topic is manageable within the scope of your dissertation. Complex or overly broad topics can lead to difficulties in research and analysis.

2. Crafting a Strong Nursing Dissertation Proposal

Before you start writing your dissertation, you will typically need to submit a dissertation proposal for approval by your academic institution. The proposal outlines your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Here’s how to craft a compelling proposal:(nursing dissertation writing process)

Provide a clear and concise title that reflects the essence of your research.

b. Introduction

Introduce your topic, explain its significance in the nursing field, and present your research questions or hypotheses.

c. Literature Review

Summarize existing research related to your topic. Identify gaps or areas that your dissertation will address.

d. Methodology

Describe the research methods you will use, including data collection and analysis techniques.

e. Expected Outcomes

Outline the expected outcomes and contributions of your research.

f. References

Include a list of references that you have consulted for your proposal.

3. Conducting a Thorough Literature Review

A literature review is a critical component of your nursing dissertation. It provides the foundation for your research by summarizing and analyzing existing studies related to your topic. Here’s how to conduct an effective literature review :(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Identify Key Sources

Find relevant scholarly articles, books, and research papers related to your topic. Use academic databases like PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to search for literature.(nursing dissertation writing process)

b. Organize Your Sources

Create an organized system for storing and referencing your sources. Consider using reference management software like EndNote or Zotero.

c. Analyze and Synthesize

Critically analyze the findings of the studies you’ve reviewed. Identify common themes, gaps in research, and areas where your dissertation can contribute.

d. Cite Properly

Ensure that you properly cite all the sources you use in your literature review. Follow a citation style such as APA, MLA, or Chicago as per your institution’s guidelines.(nursing dissertation writing process)

4. Developing a Nursing Dissertation Structure

A well-structured dissertation is easier for both you and your readers to navigate. Here’s a typical structure for a nursing dissertation:(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Introduction

• Introduce your topic and research questions .
• Provide context for your study.
• State the significance of your research.

b. Literature Review

• Summarize existing research on your topic.
• Identify gaps in the literature.(nursing dissertation writing process)
• Justify the need for your research.

c. Methodology

• Describe your research methods and procedures.
• Explain how you will collect and analyze data.
• Discuss any ethical considerations .
• Present the findings of your research.(nursing dissertation writing process)
• Use tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate your results.
• Interpret the data and relate it to your research questions.

e. Discussion

• Analyze your results in the context of existing literature.
• Discuss the implications of your findings.
• Suggest recommendations for further research.

f. Conclusion

• Summarize the key points of your dissertation.
• Restate the significance of your research .(nursing dissertation writing process)
• Provide a concise answer to your research questions.

g. References

• List all the sources you’ve cited in your dissertation.
• Follow the citation style recommended by your institution.

5. Writing and Editing Your Nursing Dissertation

Writing your dissertation can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but with proper planning and organization, you can make it more manageable:(nursing dissertation writing process)

a. Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to research, write, and edit your dissertation. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress.

b. Set Goals

Break down your dissertation into smaller, manageable tasks. Set daily or weekly goals to track your progress.

c. Seek Feedback

Share your work with your advisor or mentor regularly to receive constructive feedback . They can help you refine your ideas and improve your writing.(nursing dissertation writing process)

d. Edit Carefully

Proofread and edit your dissertation for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Consider using editing software like Grammarly to assist you.

6. Ethical Considerations in Nursing Dissertations

As a nursing student, it’s essential to be aware of ethical considerations when conducting research involving human subjects. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

a. Informed Consent

Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose of the study and their rights.

b. Privacy and Confidentiality

Protect the privacy and confidentiality of research participants. Use pseudonyms or codes to anonymize data.

c. Institutional Review Board (IRB)

If required, obtain approval from your institution’s IRB before conducting any research involving human subjects.

Writing a nursing dissertation is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that demonstrates your expertise and dedication to the field of nursing. Remember to choose a relevant and interesting topic, craft a strong proposal, conduct a thorough literature review, and follow a well-structured format. Additionally, maintain ethical standards in your research and seek feedback from advisors or mentors.(nursing dissertation writing process)

Writing a nursing dissertation is undoubtedly a demanding task, but it’s also an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field of nursing. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of the process or facing time constraints, consider seeking professional assistance from our dissertation writing services . Our experienced team of writers specializes in nursing dissertations and can provide you with the support you need to excel in your academic journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your academic goals.

In conclusion, writing a nursing dissertation is a challenging but achievable task with careful planning, dedication, and adherence to ethical guidelines. We wish you the best of luck in your dissertation journey and look forward to assisting you if you ever need our expertise.(nursing dissertation writing process)

FAQs: Writing a Nursing Dissertation

1. how do i start writing my dissertation.

To begin writing your nursing dissertation, start by selecting a well-defined topic, creating a proposal, conducting a thorough literature review, and outlining your research methodology. Establish a timeline and set clear goals to guide your progress.

2. How long is a nursing dissertation?

The length of a nursing dissertation can vary, but it typically ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 words, excluding references and appendices. Be sure to follow your institution’s specific guidelines for dissertation length.(nursing dissertation writing process)

3. Do nurses write a dissertation?

Yes, nursing students, particularly those pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), often write dissertations as part of their academic requirements. Dissertations allow nurses to contribute to the field’s knowledge and practice.

4. How do I choose a nursing dissertation topic?

When selecting a nursing dissertation topic, consider your personal interests, research gaps in the field, and the feasibility of the topic within the scope of your dissertation. Ensure that the chosen topic aligns with your academic and career goals in nursing.

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Lynne pearce posted 17 december 2021 - 01:00.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is a dissertation.

Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:

• An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000–15,000 words
• A master’s dissertation is typically 12,000–50,000 words
• A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000–100,000 words

However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.

Frequently asked questions: Dissertation

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.

Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:

• Plan to attend graduate school soon
• Have a particular topic you’d like to study more in-depth
• Are considering a career in research
• Would like a capstone experience to tie up your academic experience

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation should include the following:

• A restatement of your research question
• A summary of your key arguments and/or results
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

For a stronger dissertation conclusion , avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the discussion section and results section
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion …”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g., “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

While it may be tempting to present new arguments or evidence in your thesis or disseration conclusion , especially if you have a particularly striking argument you’d like to finish your analysis with, you shouldn’t. Theses and dissertations follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the discussion section and results section .) The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

A theoretical framework can sometimes be integrated into a  literature review chapter , but it can also be included as its own chapter or section in your dissertation . As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical framework chapter.

A literature review and a theoretical framework are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work, a literature review critically evaluates existing research relating to your topic. You’ll likely need both in your dissertation .

While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, mapping out the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

In most styles, the title page is used purely to provide information and doesn’t include any images. Ask your supervisor if you are allowed to include an image on the title page before doing so. If you do decide to include one, make sure to check whether you need permission from the creator of the image.

Include a note directly beneath the image acknowledging where it comes from, beginning with the word “ Note .” (italicized and followed by a period). Include a citation and copyright attribution . Don’t title, number, or label the image as a figure , since it doesn’t appear in your main text.

Definitional terms often fall into the category of common knowledge , meaning that they don’t necessarily have to be cited. This guidance can apply to your thesis or dissertation glossary as well.

However, if you’d prefer to cite your sources , you can follow guidance for citing dictionary entries in MLA or APA style for your glossary.

A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. In contrast, an index is a list of the contents of your work organized by page number.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation should include your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date.

Glossaries are not mandatory, but if you use a lot of technical or field-specific terms, it may improve readability to add one to your thesis or dissertation. Your educational institution may also require them, so be sure to check their specific guidelines.

A glossary or “glossary of terms” is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. Your glossary only needs to include terms that your reader may not be familiar with, and is intended to enhance their understanding of your work.

A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. In contrast, dictionaries are more general collections of words.

An abbreviation is a shortened version of an existing word, such as Dr. for Doctor. In contrast, an acronym uses the first letter of each word to create a wholly new word, such as UNESCO (an acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

As a rule of thumb, write the explanation in full the first time you use an acronym or abbreviation. You can then proceed with the shortened version. However, if the abbreviation is very common (like PC, USA, or DNA), then you can use the abbreviated version from the get-go.

Be sure to add each abbreviation in your list of abbreviations !

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

A list of abbreviations is a list of all the abbreviations that you used in your thesis or dissertation. It should appear at the beginning of your document, with items in alphabetical order, just after your table of contents .

Your list of tables and figures should go directly after your table of contents in your thesis or dissertation.

Lists of figures and tables are often not required, and aren’t particularly common. They specifically aren’t required for APA-Style, though you should be careful to follow their other guidelines for figures and tables .

If you have many figures and tables in your thesis or dissertation, include one may help you stay organized. Your educational institution may require them, so be sure to check their guidelines.

A list of figures and tables compiles all of the figures and tables that you used in your thesis or dissertation and displays them with the page number where they can be found.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction .

You may acknowledge God in your dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other  academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .

An  annotated bibliography is a list of  source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a  paper .  

In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.

The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.

In the discussion , you explore the meaning and relevance of your research results , explaining how they fit with existing research and theory. Discuss:

• Your  interpretations : what do the results tell us?
• The  implications : why do the results matter?
• The  limitation s : what can’t the results tell us?

The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter.

In qualitative research , results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research , it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.

Results are usually written in the past tense , because they are describing the outcome of completed actions.

The results chapter of a thesis or dissertation presents your research results concisely and objectively.

In quantitative research , for each question or hypothesis , state:

• The type of analysis used
• Relevant results in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics
• Whether or not the alternative hypothesis was supported

In qualitative research , for each question or theme, describe:

• Recurring patterns
• Significant or representative individual responses
• Relevant quotations from the data

Don’t interpret or speculate in the results chapter.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Apply heading styles throughout the document.
• In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
• Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
• Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract in the table of contents.

The abstract appears on its own page in the thesis or dissertation , after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

An abstract for a thesis or dissertation is usually around 200–300 words. There’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check your university’s requirements.

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis , directly after the title page and before the abstract .

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you must acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

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Your dissertation template

A template is provided to use for your dissertation. We recommend you use this as soon as you start any writing  rather than trying to apply it afterwards. As well as showing you the structure for your dissertation, it has built in styles than can help you format it as required for a long academic document.

Scroll down the page to find videos to help you with using the template.

Downloading the template

The template for your dissertation is provided here:

Nursing Dissertation Template

This includes a pre-created PRISMA flow diagram (just add the numbers) and the NMC template for Part B. If you are not using this format for Part B then you will of course need to delete/amend this.

Just click on either the link above or the image on the right to download the template. It will usually be automatically saved into your 'downloads' folder. We recommend moving it from there to a dedicated folder where you keep everything for your dissertation.

Important note:

You do not need to alter any of the fonts in the template, they have been approved by your faculty. Please ignore any advice that you see elsewhere about using alternative fonts.

Videos showing you how to use the template

The Skills Team have provided three videos which show you how to use the template. These are:

• An introduction to the template - including filling the title page
• Using the built-in styles and updating the table of contents
• Adding labels to your tables and figures and updating the lists of these

There are also some other videos that support using the generic university template (rather than the Nursing one specifically) that may be useful to some of you. These include using the cross-referencing tool and inserting landscape documents. You can find these videos on the Skills Team's  Undergraduate Dissertation Video Workshop page. Not all of you will find these useful however, so they are not included here.

An introduction to the template

Using styles and updating table of contents

Labelling your figures and tables

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Nursing Bay

How long is a dissertation.

A dissertation represents the pinnacle of a graduate student’s academic journey. This extensive project requires years of study, research, writing, and editing to complete. But given its multifaceted nature, how long should a dissertation be? 

While individual requirements vary, gaining insight into typical length expectations provides helpful guidance for students undertaking this monumental effort. Let’s closely examine common dissertation lengths and chapter word counts.

Average Dissertation Length 

While specific length requirements vary, the average dissertation length falls between 80,000-100,000 words . Some succinct dissertations certainly come in under that range, but others may extend to or even surpass 100,000 words when including all core chapters, supplementary sections, back matter, citations, and references.

So realistically, most dissertation students should expect to produce a project spanning 200-300 pages by the time final revisions are complete. However, it is wise to focus more on developing robust scholarly content rather than rigidly adhering to page counts. The depth of knowledge and analysis takes priority over length.

How Long Is a PHD Dissertation? 

For a doctoral dissertation, length specifications differ based on the university and academic discipline. However, many institutions set an upper limit stipulating that dissertations should remain under 80,000 words or around 250 pages. This aims to restrain projects from becoming overly long or unmanageable.

Yet even at the maximum of 80,000 words, a PhD dissertation still greatly exceeds most other forms of academic writing. This substantial length reflects the advanced rigor and breadth of research expected for a doctoral-level project. Students must put in an immense amount of time and effort to thoroughly investigate their specialized research problem and present sophisticated analysis across multiple chapters.

Why Write a Thesis or Dissertation?

Why do graduate students undertake this intensive process? In disciplines like the humanities and social sciences, completing a dissertation is mandatory to earn a PhD. The dissertation represents an original substantive contribution to knowledge in the student’s specialized field.

This distinction arises because the student must exhibit mastery of advanced research methodologies to investigate their complex chosen research problem systematically. The project involves comprehensively reviewing the literature to establish context, identifying a knowledge gap or area needing further analysis, conducting rigorous primary research, critically analyzing findings, and drawing informed conclusions.

The final dissertation formats this long academic journey into a formal document. It involves the student’s expertise regarding disciplinary concepts, theories, models, and investigative techniques developed through their intensive program of study. The dissertation proves the student’s readiness to receive their doctoral degree based on the new knowledge their diligent efforts produced. Hence, its extensive length captures the breadth of scholarship undertaken.

How Long Is a Dissertation Chapter?

Let’s examine typical length expectations for each chapter within a complete dissertation:

Introduction

This short opening chapter ranges between 10 and 15 pages . It identifies the specific research problem or gap being addressed, the purpose or objectives of the study, the research questions and/or hypotheses proposed, and the overall significance of the topic. It also provides the necessary background context to orient readers.

Literature Review

This lengthy chapter ranges between 20 and 25 pages . It comprehensively synthesizes the scholarly literature related to the research focus. It should demonstrate command of the academic landscape surrounding the topic by organizing themes, comparing theories, revealing gaps or contradictions, and providing context for the study’s aims and methodology.

Methodology

Here, the student outlines and precisely justifies the chosen research design, data sources or collection procedures, variables examined, instruments utilized, data analysis methods applied, methodology limitations, ethical considerations, and other details needed to facilitate replication. Ranging between 10 to 15 pages , a rigorous methodology underpins valid results.

This section should not exceed 10 pages . Succinctly report key quantitative or qualitative findings derived from the research without interpretation. Use data visualizations to summarize significant patterns. Reserve extensive analysis for the discussion chapter.

In the dissertation discussion section, which ranges between 15 to 20 pages , deeply analyze the implications and importance of the results within the context of prior literature and established theories in the field. Identify how the findings expand knowledge related to the specific research problem by revealing new insights, angles, or relationships.

This section ranges between 15 to 20 pages . Synthesize the overall significance of the research and the new contribution it makes to the academic discipline. Reflect on limitations and make logically justified suggestions for future work building on the study. Close with final thoughts regarding lessons learned through the intensive process.

How Long Should a Dissertation Proposal Be? 

A dissertation proposal introduces and justifies the proposed research focus for faculty approval before launching the full project. These persuasive proposals generally span 15-20 pages including a condensed introduction, targeted literature review, and thorough outline of the intended methodology. The proposal demonstrates the originality, significance, and feasibility of the impending study.

How Long Should a Dissertation Abstract Be? 

The abstract serves as a one-page overview summarizing the entire dissertation research process and findings. It highlights the core focus, methods, results, and conclusions in a condensed form, typically ranging from 150-300 words . This snapshot helps readers quickly gauge the essence of this massive project.

How Long Is a Dissertation?

Dissertation writing represents substantial scholarly undertakings that reflect the pinnacle of graduate study in academia. While individual specifications vary, they commonly exceed 80,000 words and 100 pages across several core chapters. Gaining insight into the purpose and typical length of each section helps prepare students for this enormous endeavor essential for earning a Ph.D. in their field of study.

Undoubtedly, completing a dissertation with its expansive research and writing demands requires immense focus, perseverance, and time management skills. Yet the extensive length simply indicates the wealth of specialized knowledge a successful dissertation contributes when completed. The final work represents genuine advancement within the academic discipline.

So embrace the process and don’t become overwhelmed by worrying about length or page counts early on. Maintain focus on developing solid content demonstrating your subject matter expertise. With dedication and support, you can craft a dissertation that makes a meaningful impact, regardless of its exact length. The journey leads to enormous personal and professional growth.

The future of MSc nursing dissertations – a victim of its own success?

In our blog this week, Dr Nicola Roberts (@DrNRoberts) and Mr Ben Parkinson (@ParkinsonBen1) from Glasgow Caledonian University discuss the current changes affecting student research in the NHS and the future for MSc dissertations in nursing.

The Masters of Sciences degree (MSc) is becoming increasingly popular with nurses and provides a useful stepping stone into advanced nursing roles and/or Doctoral level study (e.g. PhD or Professional Doctorate). For nursing students, the most daunting and time consuming part of their MSc is often the dissertation component. Students usually do a structured literature review or undertake a small piece of research. However, the rules around student research in the NHS are changing and may affect some nursing students completing MSc dissertations.

What is a nursing dissertation? The nursing dissertation usually involves a large written piece of coursework (6-16,000 words) based on an independent study at the end of a University MSc programme. Students are supported during their dissertation by an academic supervisor to undertake research or a review. For nursing students, the MSc dissertation is an opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest and to study the topic in great detail. The MSc dissertation is a demanding assessment and can involve many months of effort and a high level of independent study. Some of the challenges faced by students include working independently, effectively working with their supervisor, having to meet deadlines, and producing high quality academic material. In addition, many students also have other commitments (e.g. employment, child care) and/or have additional support needs (e.g. dyslexia). These factors can make the MSc dissertation both demanding, but also extremely rewarding.

Student research in the NHS Nursing students often want to undertake a research study in their place of work, but all research needs to have ethical approval and students working in the NHS will have to make sure they are eligible to complete their research in the NHS. The guidance on student research in the NHS changed and the new guidance is available online via the Health Research Authority (HRA) . The HRA changes came into effect in September 2021 and affect those completing research for the main purpose of achieving an educational qualification (e.g. Degree, Masters, or Doctorate). The main changes include new eligibility criteria, which changes the type of students who can complete research in the NHS. The new guidance states undergraduate students, for example, will no longer be able to complete research involving the NHS and that Doctoral students studying Health and Social Care related topics will be able to complete research in the NHS ( full guidance ).

The guidance is slightly more confusing for MSc nursing students. Not all MSc students will be able to apply for NHS ethical approval and some types of student MSc students will not be allowed to do research in the NHS. Fortunately, nurses will be one group of students who can conduct research in the NHS, but certain rules apply, nurses need to be studying a Health and Social Care course and the University department supporting the student also needs to be active in Health and Social Care research. The HRA have produced a helpful toolkit for students or supervisors , to help them determine whether their research will be eligible to apply for NHS Research Ethics approval under the new guidance.

Alternatives to student research in the NHS Given the complexity of nursing dissertations and the challenges faced by many nursing students, it is prudent to consider the different options available when completing an MSc dissertation. Being flexible and creative will give nursing students the greatest chance of success when completing their MSc dissertation.

Dissertation options. • Research involving the NHS (check eligibility using student research toolkit ) • Non-research activity in the NHS (e.g. service evaluation, audit, a discussion with R&D may still be needed). • Research activity not involving NHS patient, staff, or resources – student participant study or using organisations or charities, social media. • Literature review (e.g. systematic review). • Write research protocol for future study. • Produce anonymous case report (consent/approval needed).

Other challenges for nursing dissertations Another challenge is the increasing numbers of students completing MSc qualifications. Each year more nurses are seeking MSc qualification, which is excellent for patient care and the nursing profession. However, increasing student numbers and the needs to complete a dissertation can create pressure on the NHS and make it difficult to provide the necessary support for growing numbers of students. With increasing numbers, nursing students can find themselves struggling to come up with an original idea and some popular topics can become over-researched. For example, recently the number of students wanting to study COVID-19 has grown rapidly.

It is also common for nursing students to focus on particular groups of people and/or recruitment pathways. For example, the growth of MSc dissertations has led to an increase in the amount of research being conducting on students, which raises concerns about whether students are being overly burdened by invitations to participate in research. The growth in the numbers of nursing students studying MSc qualifications has also put pressure on finding appropriate academic supervisors, who can support students during their studies. It is important Universities balance the increased demand for MSc study, whilst also maintaining quality for students. Innovative strategies used by Universities include flexible academic supervision, using online methods, incorporating group supervision, and also changing the format of dissertations to better reflect journal publications. It is clear that traditional dissertations may need to adapt in the near future to be fit for purpose and to support the large number of students and the changes to research ethics in the NHS.

Dr Nicola Roberts is a Senior Lecturer and Mr Ben Parkinson is a Lecturer in the Department of Nursing and Community Health (@GCUNursing) at Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom (@GCUSHLS, @GCUReach). 

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How to Write a Nursing Dissertation – Tips & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 24th, 2022 , Revised On February 1, 2024

Nurses are primarily seen as someone who care for and ensures the best treatment and support for the patients. So it is no surprise that many nursing students struggle to write a flawless nursing dissertation and fail to achieve their desired grade.

If you are a nursing student learning to write a nursing dissertation, you have landed on the right page.

Writing a nursing dissertation can be laborious if one is not adequately prepared. The nursing profession focuses on providing health care services and doesn’t involve a lot of research and writing.

As a result, writing a solid dissertation for nursing students can often become challenging. This article teaches nursing students how to produce an exceptional nursing dissertation.

Students must complete their nursing dissertations before the deadline provided by their department and to a high academic quality standard. When writing a nursing dissertation, you must ensure that whatever you write is precise, clear, and intelligible.

A strong nursing dissertation is a way to showcase your research and writing skills. You may find these skills useful at some point in your professional career. A logical methodology is necessary for writing an excellent nursing dissertation.

Without further ado, let’s look at the most critical steps of writing a nursing dissertation.

When you Need to Write a Nursing Dissertation

You will need to produce a proposal and a dissertation if you are a nursing student pursuing an undergraduate, Master or a PhD programme. Undergraduate students must complete and submit the dissertation project in their final year. On the other hand, Master’s and PhD students must successfully complete and defend their dissertation research to be awarded the degrees. For nursing students, completing a dissertation of high quality is of utmost importance. Be mindful of the following when starting to write your thesis paper.

• You will need to be adept at combining data from many sources.
• You should demonstrate the ability to blend analysis with description.
• You must discuss theoretical ideas and concepts in detail.

13 Steps to Write a Nursing Dissertation

Step 1: begin your dissertation with topic selection.

The first step of the process is selecting a suitable nursing dissertation topic . Make sure you don’t rush this process because the idea you are investigating is the foundation for your dissertation. It must be something you are interested in, relevant to the discipline you chose to study and going to add value to the existing literature.

Step 2: Introduction

You acquaint your readers with the nursing dissertation topic in the introduction chapter. Here, you provide the rationale and history, set up the hypothesis or research questions, and present the background information and fundamental concepts relating to your thesis topic. A strong introduction can enable you to achieve a high score. Use a consistent format and ensure clarity and coherence because the introduction is the first line of the nursing dissertation.

Step 3: Obtaining and Combining Proof from Reliable Sources

Every dissertation, particularly a nursing dissertation, requires supporting data from peer-reviewed journals like “Advances in Neonatal Nursing,” “Clinical Nurse Specialist,” and similar journals. Aside from books and newspapers, aim to use journal articles by reputable authors and academics. You must make sure, among other things, that the evidence you use for your Master’s nursing dissertation is reliable.

Step 4: Critically Evaluate the Evidence

Without thoroughly evaluating the evidence, you will not be able to develop a first-class dissertation that other academicians can rely on. Giving your supervisor a glimpse of the evidence using the spectacle of critical appraisal tools is a great technique to show them the extensive study you conducted for your dissertation.

Step 5: Review of Literature

Here’s where you perform a comprehensive review of the existing literature. This chapter discusses fundamental theories surrounding your research topic and concludes with the outcomes of this secondary data review. Write this section while maintaining objectivity, and only include what you read.

Step 6: Outlining the Significance of the Dissertation

Finding a pertinent passage from previously published works is the next stage in determining the topic’s applicability in the present day.

For instance, if you are writing a dissertation on evidence-based nursing practice, you can access a variety of papers on the subject that have been produced by numerous nursing academics from all over the world. You could strengthen your work by doing this.

Step 7: Employing Clinical Standards for Audit and Inspection

Regardless of the research area you are exploring, mentioning relevant nursing policies and frameworks is crucial. Others will only use your work as a resource and future reference material if you have employed clinical standards, audit, and inspection guidelines.

Step 9: Choose the Methodology

A nursing dissertation isn’t done until you have developed a coherent and tangible nursing research methodology . Depending on your research topic, you could choose qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both. Typical nursing dissertations involve a lot of data and analysis, and you may probably have to use some statistical analysis tool as part of the methodology.

Step 9: Results

Always reflect the actual outcomes. Write down anything unusual you notice while exercising the research.

The results chapter is where you present the findings of your study. The results and methodology chapter are often regarded as the most critical components of the dissertation paper. If you are basing your dissertation on quantitative research, consider including graphs and tables to provide evidence for your claims. You can, however, seek outside nursing assistance if you feel that writing the complete thesis paper would be too stressful for you.

Step 10: Recommendations

Presenting recommendations based on your experience is the last step in a nursing master’s dissertation. These serve as potential fixes for the shortcomings in the current study that can be applied in the future.

Step 11: Appropriate Format and List of References

You will lose important marks if your dissertation’s bibliography and references are not in proper order. Make sure your paper uses the format and style as instructed in your dissertation handbook.

Step 12: Structure

Forging a persuasive structure is another nursing dissertation requirement. The dissertation will stay on topic with logical organisation and order building. The exact structure you must follow varies from one nursing programme to another. We recommend that you check with your supervisor or read the handbook in detail to determine the structure you must follow.

Step 14: Proofreading

Any writing task becomes tedious after a while, and students are more likely to make mistakes when working with more extensive academic papers such as a dissertation. Under any circumstance, proofreading is required. Due to the strain of work and satisfying academic obligations, some students make mistakes in their dissertations even after reading them repeatedly.

These errors are typically modest and don’t seem noticeable to everyone. The process of proofreading ensures that every step, from the introduction to the appendices section, has been appropriately arranged.

Proofreading makes the writing process much more organised and clutter-free. Proofreading makes up the remaining two-thirds of the fight after writing and can make you succeed.

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Closing Remarks!

As a future nurse, you are aware that you must submit a solid dissertation to receive your professional qualification. Certainly, submitting a high-calibre nursing paper improves your chances of graduating with honours.

You may have a lot of academic and extracurricular commitments, making it tough to focus on writing your research.

The good news is that you still have room to work on your research, even though you only have a little time left before the deadline. Following the simple but exceptional tips presented in this article, you can produce an excellent dissertation swiftly.

We hope that this comprehensive guide to writing your nursing dissertation has helped you comprehend the critical components of a nursing dissertation.

How to write a nursing dissertation?

Writing a nursing dissertation can be complicated for a few students, but by following the given steps, you will be able to write a good nursing dissertation.

• Start by choosing an intriguing topic.
• Write a catchy introduction. 
• Collect proof and citations from reliable sources
• Critically evaluate the gathered evidence 
• Perform literature review
• Outline the significance of your nursing dissertation 
•  Mention the relevant nursing policies and frameworks 
• Choose the right methodology 
• Reflect on the actual outcomes 
• Provide recommendations for the future. 
• Use the appropriate format and referencing style. 
• Review the structure of your nursing dissertation. 
• Make sure to proofread before sending. 

Where do I find the trending nursing dissertation topics?

If you are looking for trending nursing dissertation topics, you can check 100s of amazing and professional topics here . If you cannot find a topic that interests you in the list, you can place your order at Essays UK and get a Free nursing dissertation topic recommendation.

What is the difference between a nursing essay and a dissertation?

A nursing essay and a nursing dissertation are two different types of academic writing. They differ in many aspects, including:

• Length: A nursing essay is typically shorter than a dissertation. An essay may be several pages long, while a dissertation is usually several hundred pages.
• Depth of research: A dissertation requires original research and analysis of a particular topic, while an essay may be based on existing literature or research.
• Level of complexity: A dissertation is generally more complex and in-depth than an essay. It requires a higher level of critical thinking and analysis.
• Format: A dissertation typically follows a specific format, with chapters dedicated to the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. An essay may be more flexible in its format.
• Purpose: A dissertation is often required to obtain a doctoral degree, while an essay is typically an assignment for a nursing course.

You May Also Like

The acknowledgements page in a thesis or dissertation is positioned between the title page and the abstract. Its length should be one A4 page at maximum.

An organised list of the chapters, sections, and subsections that help the reader navigate through your dissertation or thesis is called the table of content.  For the reader to jump to any part or section of their interest, the structure and the sections should clearly be labelled with the correct page numbers. 

The list of abbreviations in a thesis or a dissertation is an alphabetical list of abbreviations for the key terms used. You may or may not need to create a list of abbreviations depending on your academic institute.

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Nursing Graduate Ruth Tretter receives National PhD Dissertation Award from AACN

February 5, 2024

Dr.  Mary Nies's Ph.D. student, Ruth Tretter received the 2023 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science award recognizing an outstanding PhD dissertation from a student in a Ph.D. in nursing program at AACN member schools at the January 2024 AACN conference. Dr.  Mary Nies's PhD student, Ruth Tretter received the 2023 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Excellence in Advancing Nursing Science award recognizing an outstanding PhD dissertation from a student in a PhD in nursing program at AACN member schools at the January 2024 AACN conference.

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University News

How Long Is Nursing School? Key Insights To Consider Before Enrolling

Curious about the length of nursing school? Learn what nursing program options the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has to offer.

How long does nursing school take to complete? It really depends on several factors, from your desired degree to how much flexibility you have in your schedule. In this article, we'll answer all your questions so you feel equipped to begin your journey to filling one of the many open positions in this essential healthcare field.

How Long Does it Take To Earn a Nursing Degree?

The big question. While there are several types of nursing degrees, ultimately, the majority of students attend nursing school for two to four years to become registered nurses (RNs). 

It's important to discuss schedule flexibility and how that impacts the time required to complete a degree program. If you’re able to attend school full-time, you'll have a shorter path to your nursing career. However, if you have other obligations, a part-time program may be ideal and will also extend the length of time needed to earn a degree. 

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers several nursing degree styles, giving you the freedom and flexibility to opt for a program that best suits your needs.

What Are the Different Types of Nursing Degrees?

Let's take a closer look at the nursing degrees available to future healthcare leaders at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate Nursing School Programs

Bachelor of science in nursing - postbaccalaureate.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain the skill sets necessary to enter the nursing field. This 16-month program allows students to work alongside professionals during clinical experiences in both classroom settings and within prestigious healthcare centers. The intensive curriculum covers nursing theory, clinical skills, pharmacology, and other essential nursing knowledge areas. Upon completion of this program, learners are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated

A Bachelor of Science (BSN) is an accelerated 32-month program that helps students gain real-world experience while studying and accomplishing nursing courses. The BSN program covers a wide range of materials, from biology and chemistry to pharmacology and community health. What normally takes four years can be accomplished in three, enabling students to jump into their careers even faster than a traditional pathway. Those who complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge Program - (RN to MSN)

Through the Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge Program - (RN to MSN) , students can build on their associate’s degree without needing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This allows a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate-level coursework. The three-year, part-time program offers clinical experience as students expand their collegiate nursing education. They widen their understanding of the professional nursing industry and move from the bridge program into the MSN-FNP portion of their study, ultimately allowing them to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam upon completion. 

Master and Doctoral Nursing School Programs

Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner.

A Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is a 24-month, part-time course of study that provides students the flexibility to work while earning a nursing diploma. Like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate program, the Master of Science in Nursing - FNP path offers students the opportunity to advance their bachelor’s degree with a specialty in family nursing. Students become advanced practice registered nurses who are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families across a range of ages. From delivering primary patient care services to diagnosing and treating a variety of health care concerns, nursing students learn more about what it takes to become an FNP. 

Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program allows learners to achieve a specialty in psychiatric mental health in just 24 months. This part-time, online program helps nursing students build a firm, foundational knowledge of dementia, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Students also dive into the doctor-patient relationship and learn about counseling best practices. After two years, learners are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a program that helps students earn an advanced degree in the hopes of achieving the highest level in the nursing profession. This 24-month, online doctoral program focuses on organization and systems leadership. Those who wish to enter this program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which will give them the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in this course of study. Over four semesters, they'll cover information about local and global healthcare policies, study different methods and procedures in population health, and choose from doctoral-level courses within the School of Nursing. 

Additional Nursing-Specific FAQs

What is the most common degree for nurses.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the degree students select most often. Not only is it the first step toward getting a master’s in a professional nursing specialization, but it can also be widely used around the world. It’s an extremely versatile degree that provides a foundation for higher learning following its completion.

What is the fastest way to become a nurse?

MCPHS offers a 16-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate program, which is the quickest pathway into a nursing career. Another option is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. MCPHS has an accelerated program option that enables learners to complete their degree in just 32 months—a year or two faster than many other institutions. 

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner? 

The length of time required will depend on your existing education. In general, going through the necessary education to become a nurse practitioner (NP) can take anywhere from five to six years, depending on which route you plan to take. 

NPs are required to accomplish additional training and education compared to RNs. That's because NPs are responsible for prescribing, diagnosing, and administering patient care, similar to a medical doctor. First, you'll need to earn a traditional BSN degree and follow that with a nurse practitioner degree phrase of your choosing.

Study Nursing at MCPHS

Nursing is much more than a career path at MCPHS: it’s a calling that enables you to do what you love while helping patients live healthier and happier lives. As a learner at one of the first institutions of higher education in Boston, you’re mentored by world-renowned healthcare professionals who are committed to student success. Our school is located near some of the country's top medical facilities, offering advanced clinical opportunities during your studies and after graduation. 

Don’t hesitate to connect with one of our admission counselors with any questions about a potential career in nursing or how to get started at MCPHS. Apply today  to start your nursing journey.

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