Why choose the Doctor of Nursing Education degree?

Hear from students: Why they chose the online Doctor of Nursing Education 

The Ohio State University’s online Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program has filled a unique gap in nursing education. This doctorate degree focuses on preparing our nurse education students to equip future nurses in both higher education and nursing professional development (NPD) in healthcare environments. DNE students across the country have experienced a transformative, supportive, and enriching academic experience. We recently asked our students what they loved about the Doctor of Nursing Education and here is what they shared.  

A unique degree designed to fit the needs of nurse educators 

Many students were drawn to Ohio State specifically for the Doctor of Nursing Education program because it was unlike anything they had encountered before. For Kelly M., the decision was simple. “I was immediately attracted to the Doctor of Nursing Education degree. I wanted to obtain a terminal degree in nursing, but I knew it wasn’t a PhD. The Doctor of Nursing Practice almost fit what I was looking for. However, once I saw the DNE and reviewed the curriculum, I applied immediately. It was a no-brainer; this is exactly what I was looking for in a terminal degree.” 

Meanwhile, Marci M. shared that the program requirements were part of what attracted her. “It was exactly what I was looking for. A terminal degree that revolved around education and did not require a dissertation.” 

Similarly, Megan A. highlighted the uniqueness of the DNE program as a key factor. “I was attracted to The Ohio State University because of their Doctor of Nursing Education. It was the degree I was searching for that I could not find anywhere else.”  

The program’s ability to fill this educational gap between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and a traditional education doctorate makes this online nursing program unique. This is the very first Doctor of Nursing Education degree in the nation for those working in nursing education and wanting to improve their classroom. This makes the DNE degree ideal for those seeking career advancement by becoming a nursing professor in higher education or becoming a workforce advancement educator in an active healthcare setting.  

As the highest academic degree in the nursing education field, the online Doctor of Nursing Education program is designed to prepare you to be an expert nursing educator dedicated to teaching clinical skills to prepare the next generation of nurses. This online nurse education degree is distinct from DNP programs, which are professional nursing programs that focus on preparing nurses for the highest level of patient care or healthcare leadership but do not typically address how to become a nurse educator. Instead, this online DNE program focuses directly on the needs of nurse education. “Before the Doctor of Nursing Education program, there was no terminal degree for nurse educators.” Tracy K. observed.  

Overcoming concerns about online synchronous learning 

For many prospective nursing education students, the shift to online education raises concerns, but you can do nursing school online. Students consistently describe a surprising and uplifting reality. Victoria L. admitted to initial hesitation. “I was a little nervous about it being online, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out it is mostly synchronous.” Each course contains synchronous elements of live interaction that foster collaboration and engagement, creating a classroom experience that extends beyond screens. Marci M. had a similar experience. “The synchronous classes have allowed us to develop relationships with our peers and with our instructors. We would not have had that with all asynchronous classes.” 

Kelly M. said, “I have never taken online courses and was concerned about technology being a barrier. I have not had any challenges at all. All my professors have been so supportive, and the university has support for anything you need. What I wasn’t expecting was to develop such great friends in an online format. I am in contact with my school peers almost daily, and I look forward to meeting them all at graduation and maintaining lifelong relationships.” 

A supportive and cohesive online community 

The theme of community and mutual support is a cornerstone of the Doctor of Nursing Education program experience. Marci M. remarked, “This is the most cohesive group of students I have ever experienced in all my time taking classes. The interaction with my classmates was amazing. The support I felt from all of them at one time or another was uplifting.” 

Megan A. echoed this sentiment, saying, “Faculty in this program are immensely supportive during and outside of class time. Our cohort is very close and encouraging of each other.” 

Kelly M. highlighted the personal connections formed despite geographic barriers, noting, “It is very personal even though we are states apart, literally from coast to coast. We worry about each other; if someone isn’t online in class, someone will text them and check in. Everyone is invested in each other’s successes!” Tracy K. shared how the program exceeded her expectations. “The online experience at Ohio State has genuinely made me feel like a Buckeye, a part of the community!” 

Faculty dedicated to student success 

The unwavering support of faculty is a recurring highlight from students. “The faculty are supportive, our cohort is close (even though we live all over the country), and the content we learn is applicable to every aspect of nursing education,” said Megan A. Meanwhile, Victoria L. expressed deep gratitude for the faculty’s role in her personal and professional growth: “They believe in us, and it makes it easier to believe in myself because of that. They helped me escape my shell and slowly shed my imposter syndrome.” 

Our nursing faculty go above and beyond to ensure students feel equipped to thrive. As Kelly M. shared, “The faculty has been beyond supportive. They told us on day one that they expected everyone to succeed and have stood behind that 100%. No one is floating by; the program is hard work and rigorous, but the faculty are stretching us to grow with their full support.” Florence O. summarized her experience with the Ohio State faculty by saying, “They have not only guided us to survive, but they have even more guided us to thrive!” 

A well-rounded educational experience 

Beyond coursework, the Doctor of Nursing Education program integrates wellness and professional development as core components. Florence O. applauded the holistic approach, stating, “Wellness is not only preached but actually practiced. The fact that it is embedded into the program encourages us to take proactive measures to live well.” 

From personalized faculty attention to a cohort that feels like family, Ohio State’s online Doctor of Nursing Education program is a testament to the power of purpose-driven education. For those seeking one of the best online nursing programs and a transformative path in nursing education, these students speak for themselves—Buckeyes aren’t just educated, they thrive.