Doctor of Nursing (Professional Doctorate)

The degree offers an integrated program of research with supporting coursework in the first year. Through a combination of core and elective subjects, you will gain knowledge and skills in designing and conducting research, literature review techniques, critical analysis and writing for publication, as well as opportunities to apply these skills in clinical or professional projects of relevance to nursing. You will pursue an independent and sustained investigation into a research problem of your own design that will culminate in the submission of a thesis for examination of 60,000 words.
Mastery of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of research or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution of direct relevance to the profession. Ability to provide a critical appraisal of relevant literature and available research, to appreciate and understand the relationship of the investigations undertaken by the candidate to the wider field of knowledge in which these investigations are located, and to draw out the contribution to knowledge made by these investigations. Knowledge and understanding of the methodological techniques relevant to the field of research as well as identify and allow for any shortcomings associated with these techniques
This degree will equip you with valuable leadership and research skills, allowing you to advance as a nursing manager, nursing educator, or researcher.

The minimum academic requirement for entry to a Professional Doctorate degree at La Trobe is a four-years of study with a degree qualification or a Masters degree with a weighted average mark in the final year of 65 or above completed within the last ten years; and eligibility for registration for professional practice in Australia (where applicable); and at least two years professional practice.

Selection criteria: The La Trobe Masters by Research Equivalence for a Minor Thesis Grade will be referenced in determining whether a Bachelor (Honours), Masters by coursework or ungraded Masters by research degree meets the La Trobe Masters by research standard; Schools may require higher academic requirements for entry to a graduate research specialisation. They may specify particular research requirements for entry, or may specify how applicants may otherwise demonstrate their equivalence to the academic entry requirements with the approval of the Board of Graduate Research; The University will publish all discipline-specific requirements online for prospective applicants and in a Schedule to the Graduate Research Admissions Policy; Candidates may also be required to provide evidence of research expertise; Applicants enrolling in the Doctor of Nursing must be eligible for registration as a registered nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or approved international equivalent,

English language requirements: IELTS: Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0; Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 56 with no communicative skill score less than 46; TOEFL Internet based (iBT): Overall score of 79 with 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing; Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) / Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 with no less than 169 in any component