Fast-Track Option (PhD)
Purpose
The goal of admission of students from the MN to PhD program is to facilitate completion of doctoral education for those exceptional students in the Master of Nursing program who have the potential to advance the discipline of nursing.
Eligibility
Outstanding MN students may apply to fast track from the MN program after the first year of full-time study, if they meet the following requirements:
- They are nominated by a faculty member in the School of Nursing based on their academic performance and research capacity
- The nominating faculty member agrees to take on supervisory responsibility for the student
- Completion of all core courses in the UVic MN program (2 theory courses; 2 research courses; ethics course, have a GPA of at least 8.0 (A)with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 8.0 (A) on the UVic scale of 9.0. All core courses in the MN program must be completed prior to applying to the Fast Track Option (PhD)
- Completion of a 500 level statistics course within the past 5 years
- Clear evidence of ability to engage in scholarly writing and research. Evidence of research capacity includes having been involved in research teams; involved in aspects of data collection and analysis; grant writing; and/or exceptional ability for analytic synthesis and philosophic inquiry.
- Understand that upon entry into the PhD program they must complete the entire doctoral program to earn a graduate degree in Nursing as they will not be meeting requirements for an MN degree in this process
- Career and research plans congruent with program and faculty expertise
- Capacity to conduct original research and scholarship
- Ability to communicate clearly in written and verbal form at a graduate level
Application Requirements
The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents are submitted as instructed. Applications will be reviewed when they are complete. Application for admission must be submitted within 2 years of admission to the Master's program for full-time students and three years for part-time students. Usually fast-track applications are considered along with other Phd applications during the regular selections process and intake.
- Submit aorm online to Graduate Admissions and Records
- A statement of intent and interest in pursuing doctoral education
- A current curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty who have either taught or worked closely with the student
- Sample of scholarly writing (a chapter of thesis or published article)
- Evidence of current RN registration
Review Process
An ad hoc committee appointed by the Chair of Graduate Education Committee consisting of three members from the Graduate Education Committee, who have no conflict of interest and who are not planning to supervise the student(s), will review and make recommendation for admission to the PhD program. Transfer students will be considered in the same pool of applicants as other applicants with Master's degrees. All recommendations will be forwarded to the Chair, Graduate Education Committee. The Chair will write a letter of recommendation for admission to the PhD Program to the Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Minimum Degree Requirements
The minimum requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is 30 units of work beyond the masters’ level or 45 units beyond the bachelor's level, and satisfactory completion of the prescribed program.