Comparative Study of Nursing PhD Course in Iran and a Nursing Faculty in University of Auckland, the USA

Nursing PhD is the highest level of education in nursing, so it will play a decisive role in the qualifications of graduates and the professional development of nursing and community health. The aim of this study was to compare the educational system of nursing PhD course in Iran and the School of Nursing, University of Auckland.

This comparative study was descriptive-analytical which was conducted in 2020 by searching in the system of the ministry of health and medical education in Iran and the school of nursing of Auckland University. For comparing, the two educational systems have been used from Beredy pattern in four stages; Description, interpretation, proximity and comparison.

Despite the similarities between the two universities, there are some differences in terms of goals, vision, curriculum, and implemented programs, between them. The roles of graduates in the school of nursing at Auckland University emphasize the ability to provide global and intercultural care, but in Iran, more attention is paid to the educational and research roles of graduates.

To develop educational, research, clinical and leadership capabilities in nursing doctoral students in Iran, to create virtual learning opportunities, to create transnational attitudes towards health, to create opportunities to attract grants from research centers inside and outside the country, developing accreditation centers and academic evaluation of nursing doctoral courses and recruitment of doctoral students in clinical research centers is recommended.