Home / Education / UNB Launches PhD Nursing Program to Combat Shortage
UNB Launches PhD Nursing Program to Combat Shortage
20 May
Summary
- UNB introduces a new four-year, full-time online PhD in nursing.
- The program aims to address a critical shortage of research-educated nurses.
- Only four to five students will be admitted annually to the demanding program.
The University of New Brunswick has launched a new four-year, full-time PhD program in nursing, set to begin in the fall. This innovative program will be primarily delivered online, significantly expanding accessibility for nurses across New Brunswick and beyond. The initiative directly addresses a critical shortage of nurses equipped for research, policy development, and the education of future nursing professionals.
This program is designed for experienced nurses, many of whom have professional and family commitments. While demanding, it may allow some students to continue working part-time. UNB plans to admit a select cohort of only four to five students annually, a typical size for such specialized doctoral programs. This move is seen as a significant step for nursing education in the province.
The need for advanced nursing education is underscored by an aging faculty population across Canada. Data indicates a substantial percentage of nursing faculty are nearing retirement age, posing a risk to the continuity of nurse training programs. UNB's new PhD program is poised to help cultivate the next generation of nursing leaders and educators.
