Doctoral Nursing Education in Taiwan

Abstract

Introduction

Taiwan started its first doctoral nursing program in 1997 at the School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University. At present, there are nine doctoral programs that recruit nursing students with a variety of research interests in nursing; of the total number, five programs are under the auspices of schools of nursing (Table 1, programs A to E); three programs are under the auspices of schools of clinical medicine, public health, or medical science (programs G to I), and one program jointly offered collaboratively by faculties of physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy and clinical psychology (program F). The doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree is awarded in all programs, reflecting that these programs are research-focused. Currently, no professional nursing doctorates are awarded in Taiwan. More than half of the student population are faculty members in colleges or universities, serving as lecturers or clinical preceptors. Most of these individuals plan to return to their positions upon graduation. Some of the students hold positions as administrators at teaching medical centers.

This paper describes curriculum patterns of nursing doctoral programs, and discusses issues and challenges faced by nursing doctoral education in Taiwan based on the quality criteria suggested by AACN and Kim, McKenna & Ketefian which include qualified faculty and academic leadership, qualified students, sufficient resources, as well as a comprehensive, systematic, and ongoing evaluation plan.