Comparative Study of Nursing PhD Curriculum in Iran and Pennsylvania University of United States

The education and training of nursing PhD students is of great importance because they are expected to act as factors for the advancement of nursing science, professional counselors and future nursing researchers. In order to achieve more success in PhD course Nursing in Iran and identify its weaknesses and strengths, comparative studies and utilization of successful universities’ strategies and experiences are necessary. This study aimed to compare the curricula of nursing PhD programs in Pennsylvania University and Iran.

The present descriptive-comparative study was performed in 2019. This study compared the Iranian Nursing Education PhD system with the American University of Pennsylvania using the Brady Model in four stages of description, interpretation, matching, and comparison.

The program of both universities is based on the principles of strategic planning with values and mission, vision. The philosophy of the Pennsylvania School of Nursing has included cultural and ethnic differences, while nursing care in Iran has not been given due attention to different cultures and ethnicities. Courses are presented in both in-person and virtual classes in Pennsylvania University. Educational plans are more various and Some of the units are optional and they are selected by the appropriateness of student's need, thesis title and supervisor's recommendation.

According to the results of this study, while considering the role and duties of nursing graduates and taking into account the complex and changing needs of society, it is suggested to make reviews in the content and methods of presentation and evaluation of this course.