Since its launch in 2002, the Loma Linda University School of Nursing PhD program has undergone several key changes in its delivery format. First as a full-time in-person program, it changed to a summer intensive in the early 2010s. In 2017, the PhD program moved to a hybrid format and in 2022 it moved to a fully online format. In 2023 we accepted the first cohort into the global track. The global track includes an annual face-to-face intensive held each July, like the Off-campus MS program offered within the Graduate Department. The first global cohort is completing coursework and beginning the dissertation phase.
Most recently several curriculum additions have been implemented to meet the changing landscape of healthcare academia. In response to evolving research methodologies emerging from the evidence-based practice movement, an Advanced Synthesis course was added. Additionally, three new elective courses—Mixed Methods Research, Big Data Analytics, and Bivariate Statistical Analysis—were added. Historically, PhD students completed electives through consortium agreements with other universities; however, this option was not viable for our new Global track students due to financial constraints. As a result, all students can take more courses within the School of Nursing which has increased revenue.
Following these significant changes, systems are being implemented to stabilize the program and support student success. The newly introduced courses are already fostering increased student dissemination of scholarship, even prior to the dissertation phase. Admissions have tripled with growth in the U.S. track and the first and second cohorts of the Global track. In fall 2026, the program will host site visitors and peer academic leaders for a formal program evaluation.