In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, the minimum requirements for the PhD in Nursing are:

1. 12 credits of coursework;
   • NRSG 580 (3) Philosophy of Evidence in Nursing
   • NRSG 581 (3) Leadership in Knowledge Application and Translation
   • NRSG 554 (3) Advanced Research Methods
   • NRSG 601 (3) Doctoral Seminar
2. A portfolio of research and leadership competencies
3. Successful completion of comprehensive examination requirements; and
4. Successful defense of the doctoral dissertation NRSG 699 (0) Doctoral Dissertation.

Comprehensive Examination

Students typically complete a comprehensive examination within the first 24 months in the program. After completing required coursework, students prepare an annotated bibliography. This serves as the foundation for the comprehensive exam, which comprises two essays in the form of a take home exam and an oral defence.

Candidacy Exam (Proposal Defense)

Students must complete their candidacy exam within the first 36 months in the doctoral program. After completing the comprehensive exam, students establish their supervisory committee and proceed to develop their proposal. The written proposal is approved by the committee, and is followed by an oral defense.

The primary objectives of the PhD in Nursing program are to:

1. Provide a rigorous, high-quality doctoral-level graduate program in nursing that builds on UBC Okanagan’s highly successful MSN program
2. Enable students to actively participate in the development of nursing knowledge, adding to the evidence base to enhance nursing and health
3. Prepare outstanding nurse leaders to have expanded spheres of influence to enhance health and well-being of individuals, families and communities through leadership roles in academic institutions, practice settings, and policy arenas.

For information about courses and schedules see Program Requirements in the Academic Calendar. —

Portfolio of Core Competencies

The following learning outcomes for the PhD in Nursing identify what knowledge, skills and abilities students will have upon successful completion of all program requirements. These learning outcomes will be achieved through completion of required coursework, a comprehensive examination, and completion of a dissertation research project.

Graduates will be able to:

1. Critically analyse the epistemological, historical, and theoretical foundations of nursing scholarship.
2. Demonstrate a high-level, comprehensive understanding of a substantive body of knowledge that is at the forefront of the discipline of nursing.
3. Conceptualize, design, and conduct rigorous and cutting edge research to generate new knowledge or new applications that will make a substantial contribution to the discipline and to the improvement of health and well-being.
4. Critically analyse, synthesize, and apply complex information that is relevant for practice and policy development in nursing, health promotion, and healthcare.
5. Lead developments in knowledge application and translation in collaboration with stakeholders to support evidence-based nursing and health care.
6. Effectively communicate complex and/or ambiguous ideas within and across practice and scholarly disciplines, and in society at large.
7. Influence and lead change aimed at improving nursing, health and health care.

To assume leadership as a nursing scholar, students will develop a portfolio of relevant experiences that show how they have achieved selected leadership competencies in conjunction with NRSG 601 (Graduate seminar). These will be accomplished through a range of learning experiences tailored to individual needs. Leadership competencies may include the following:

• Writing competitive research funding proposals (e.g. SoN Internal Research Grants)
• Conducting peer reviews (e.g. manuscripts, grant proposals)
• Conference & seminar participation (e.g. presentations, networking, planning)
• Research teamwork (e.g. participation, management)
• Interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g. committee work, project leadership)
• Knowledge application (e.g. KT planning, implementation, policy innovation)
• Community engagement (e.g. leading a clinical research team)
• Teaching (e.g. planning, leading)
• Mentoring & consulting skills (e.g. advising a clinical research team)
• Writing for peer-reviewed publication

The required coursework comprises nine credits (NRSG 580, NRSG 581, and NRSG 554), plus two terms enrolled in the NRSG 601 doctoral seminars (3 credits). Additional courses may be recommended based on the individual candidate profile.

NRSG 580 (3) Philosophy of Evidence in Nursing
This course introduces the philosophy of science and evidence as this is understood in the context of nursing scholarship. It creates the philosophical foundation upon which students can create informed claims about knowledge, theory and evidence regarding phenomena of concern to the discipline.

Prerequisite: NRSG 500

NRSG 581 (3) Leadership in Knowledge Application and Translation
Through an examination of philosophies, theories and praxis in the application of nursing knowledge, this graduate level course will prepare students to lead innovative research, education and practice in knowledge application and translation.

Pre-requisites: NRSG 504 (or equivalent graduate level course in knowledge and evidence-based practice).

NRSG 554 (3) Advanced Research Methods
This course involves intensive inquiry into research design issues relevant to nursing and health research, including the conduct of interdisciplinary research. It addresses issues in quantitative and qualitative research, and extends the discussion to consider the design and conceptual complexities of mixed and multiple method designs, and community-based research.

Pre-requisites: NRSG 506, and NRSG 507 or equivalent graduate level quantitative and qualitative methods courses.

NRSG 601 (3) Doctoral Seminar
This course is designed as a set of student-centered seminars to provide an ongoing opportunity for PhD students to discuss phenomena relevant to nursing science, academia, the process of undertaking doctoral thesis research, and building sustainable careers in nursing science.

Dissertation Research

Students complete their dissertation research under the supervision of their committee. They must submit the written dissertation (in either traditional or manuscript style) and complete the final oral examination no later than 72 months after their admission into the doctoral program. This process is coordinated through the College of Graduate Studies.

Dissertation Planning

The PhD dissertation is an original piece of work that offers you the opportunity to hone your research skills, become an expert in a specialized area of knowledge, and contribute to your field of scholarship. It will set the stage for your future research career.

Dissertation Supervisor

Your PhD dissertation is guided by your Dissertation Supervisor. Prospective students should have identified and contacted potential supervisors before applying to the program.

View programs of research of eligible faculty supervisors

In consultation with your supervisor, you will establish a dissertation supervisory committee comprised of at least three members, two of whom must be tenure-track faculty members within the School of Nursing, holding the rank, assistant professor or higher. The composition of each committee must conform to the requirements set out by the College of Graduate Studies.

The College of Graduate Studies has many excellent resources for students and supervisors that outline how to get the most out of the supervisor-graduate student relationship at UBC.

View the College of Graduate Studies Handbook of Supervision

PhD Program Timeline

Lauren Airth RN, BSN, MSN

PhD in Nursing Student

Lauren Airth is a Registered Nurse specialized in Mental Health and Substance Use. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 (UBCO), and her Master of Science in Nursing in 2019 (UBCO). During this time, in 2017, she was named by the Canadian Nurses Association as one of 150 nurses in Canada leading innovation in healthcare. Her MSN thesis explored the experiences of older adults with mental health concerns in rural areas using photovoice. For her PhD, Lauren is researching the mental health impacts of climate change events in rural communities. She continues to work in mental health and substance use acute care areas and is a Campus Health Specialist at UBCO. Additionally, she is becoming a drug-checking technician through the BC Centre for Substance Use. She is also passionate about staying active in the outdoors.

Madison huggins BA (hons), mph

PhD in Nursing Student

Madison Huggins is a PhD student at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in the School of Nursing. She is studying under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Pesut at the Health, Ethics and Diversity Lab. Madison’s PhD work focuses on adapting the Nav-CARE program to address the needs of persons living at home with life-limiting illness, and dementia. While completing her PhD, she is also working as a Research Coordinator for the STRS-EOL project. She is a Canadian Frailty Network 2020 Fellow. Madison has a Master of Public Health degree with a focus on geriatrics and social inequities, Bachelor of Arts Honors degree, and Certificate in Criminology and Addictions. She has experience in various research positions at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver General Hospital, BC Cancer, and the University of Saskatchewan. Madison is a published author in the Canadian Geriatrics Journal. Her most notable research has focused on examining advance care planning physician documentation and patient decision making in a home-based primary care service, as well as the use of robotic animal assisted interventions in improving the quality of life of patients with dementia in an acute care hospital setting. She also has project development experience with the Lake Country Health Planning Society, a non-profit, focusing on providing community supports to seniors and their caregivers. In her spare time Madison likes to bike ride, snowboard, run, play board games, read, travel and visit with friends and family.

lisa knox rn, bsn, ma

PhD in Nursing Student

Lisa Knox is a UBC Okanagan alumni who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2014. Lisa went on to work as a Registered Nurse and completed her Perinatal Nursing Diploma at BCIT in 2015. She worked on the Women’s and Children’s Service floor at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Lisa then relocated to Berlin to complete her Master of Arts in Social Work as a Human Rights Profession at Alice Salomon Hochschule. Her thesis focused on how social media movements such as the #MeToo campaign have affected female survivors of sexual assault. Upon her return to Canada, Lisa became the Program Manager at Maxxine Wright Place in Surrey. Lisa worked there for just under a year, then returned to perinatal nursing. Lisa’s PhD research will focus on enhancing service delivery and resource allocation to support pregnant women and mothers with addictions from a wrap around and trauma informed approach.

Crystal Shannon rn, bsn, msn

PhD in Nursing Student

Crystal Shannon completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from UBC Okanagan. Crystal’s masters’ thesis focused on parent experiences promoting safe and active recreation for children living with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in rural settings. Presently, Crystal is continuing her studies at UBC Okanagan in the PhD program in Nursing where her research is contributing to the foundation for the development and testing of an online parent support intervention to promote safe, inclusive participation in recreational activities and sport for children living with ASD.

Tuition is paid in three installments per year, on the first day of each term: Winter Term 1, Winter Term 2, and Summer Term 1.
PhD students must pay a minimum of 6 installments prior to completing the program.

For official tuition and fee information, visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Faculty of Health & Social Development Graduate Student Travel Grant

The Faculty of Health & Social Development’s internal Graduate Student Travel Grant is intended to subsidize travel to conferences for full-time graduate students in Master’s or Doctoral programs only.

• Faculty of Health & Social Development Graduate Student Travel Grant link

Research Assistantships (RA)

As a paid RA, PhD students in the research-based stream may assist their supervisor or other researchers in conducting high-level research, which often contributes to the student’s thesis. RAs are typically funded by the supervisor’s grants, contracts or other sources of funding. Contact lead investigators directly to inquire about opportunities.

All Research Assistant positions in the School of Nursing are posted on the School of Nursing Careers Website.

Graduate teaching Assistantships (gta)

As a paid TA, PhD students may assist course instructors in marking examinations, tests, laboratory exercises, or assignments; providing instruction to students in laboratories, discussion periods, tutorials or lectures; invigilating examinations and providing academic assistance to students during office hours.

All Teaching Assistant positions in the School of Nursing are posted on the School of Nursing Careers Website.

Scholarships, Awards & Funding

The College of Graduate Studies is responsible for merit-based graduate awards at the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia. The College manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of all internal awards and selected external awards. Please visit the College of Graduate Studies for a list of available scholarships and awards, and for more information about application information. Students are expected whenever possible to apply for relevant scholarships and fellowships. These include principally, but are not limited to, Canadian Tri-Council scholarships, University Graduate Fellowships, and Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarships. A variety of competitive scholarships are available PhD students. Please consult with faculty for assistance with developing your application:

• Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)
• Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF)
• Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
• Registered Nurses Foundation of British Columbia

Admission Requirements

In addition to the below requirements, applicants must meet the Minimum Academic Requirements for Doctoral Applicants from Canadian or American Institutions from the College of Graduate Studies.

The following requirements are specific to the PhD in Nursing program at UBC Okanagan:

• A Masters of Nursing or a graduate degree in a health-related discipline from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability and potential.
• Canadian students must hold practicing nursing registration in BC or another Canadian province.

Exceptional Circumstances

• In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree with an overall ‘A’ average and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program on recommendation of the School of Nursing graduate program coordinator and with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• Students entering directly from a bachelor’s degree must, during the first two years of study, complete a total of 12 credits with a first-class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.
• Students who enter into the PhD in Nursing program after partial completion of a master’s degree must, during the first two years of study, complete a total of 12 credits (at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing) to maintain registration as a doctoral student. Also, students must demonstrate clear evidence of research ability and potential. Transfer into the doctoral program from a Master’s program is normally done after completion of the first year of study and will not be permitted after completion of the second year.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the below requirements, applicants must meet the Minimum Academic Requirements for Doctoral Applicants from International Institutions, and minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements (if applicants are from a university outside Canada at which English was not the primary language of instruction) from the College of Graduate Studies.

The following requirements are specific to the PhD in Nursing program at UBC Okanagan:

• A Masters of Nursing or a graduate degree in a health-related discipline from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability and potential.
• International students must meet general eligibility criteria for nurse registration in BC.

Exceptional Circumstances

• In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree with an overall ‘A’ average and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program on recommendation of the School of Nursing graduate program coordinator and with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• Students entering directly from a bachelor’s degree must, during the first two years of study, complete a total of 12 credits with a first-class average, of which at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing, to maintain registration as a doctoral student.
• Students who enter into the PhD in Nursing program after partial completion of a master’s degree must, during the first two years of study, complete a total of 12 credits (at least 9 credits must be at the 500-level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first class standing) to maintain registration as a doctoral student. Also, students must demonstrate clear evidence of research ability and potential. Transfer into the doctoral program from a Master’s program is normally done after completion of the first year of study and will not be permitted after completion of the second year.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

• Student Residence
• Important Housing Dates

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

• Living Off Campus Resources
• Kelowna Off Campus Student Housing Facebook group*

* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.

Clubs: Make friends with similar interests, attend events, and explore career options with the UBCO Nursing Course Union.

Events: Various orientations help graduate students to explore, discover and learn about the School of Engineering, UBC Okanagan, and living in the Okanagan Valley.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.

Centre for Scholarly Communication: Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

As a professional nurse, and a graduate of the PhD Nursing program, you will be qualified to provide professional nursing services, deliver health-education programs, and provide consultative nursing services to promote, maintain and restore patient health.

POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

CAREER SERVICES

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

ALUMNI UBC

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.