Bridges to the Doctorate Program

Photo of a CWRU FPB student smiling by a microscope.

Your Bridge to the Future

Interested in getting a PhD in Nursing, but don’t know how to start? Would you like to conduct research but can’t afford the hours away from work?

The Bridges to the Doctorate Program is Here to Help.

This new five-year, NIH-funded program will pay you—Ursuline College and Cleveland State University MSN students from underrepresented ethnic groups—to conduct research. At the same time it will introduce you to the PhD program at Case Western Reserve University. You’ll also receive other essentials to launch a successful research career like mentoring and financial support for related expenses.

Why Should I Get My PhD?

Health care and nursing education needs more highly trained nurse educators from underrepresented ethnic groups on faculty at schools of nursing around the country and in leadership roles at hospitals nationwide.

According to a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report, fewer than 3,000 of all nurses—less than 2 percent nationally—have earned doctorate degrees. And minorities make up less than 12 percent of the faculty at nursing schools nationwide. That’s not what the real world looks like. You can change that. And the Bridges to the Doctorate Program can help you.

What Are the Specifics?

The Bridges to the Doctorate program provides Ursuline College and Cleveland State University MSN students from underrepresented ethnic groups with:

How do I apply?

The application is easy and geared toward your education and career goals. The first step is to contact one of the following faculty members:

Diana Lynn Morris, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA
Interim Associate Dean for Nursing Academic Affairs
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Case Western Reserve University
dlm5@case.edu

Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF
Dean
The Breen School of Nursing
Ursuline College
440-684-6032
psharpnack@ursuline.edu

Maureen M. Mitchell, EdD, RN
Graduate Program Director
Associate Professor, School of Nursing
Cleveland State University
216-523-7128
m.m.mitchell1@csuohio.edu

After Talking to One of Them You Will Need:

  • A one to two page essay
    • The essay should discuss your career goals and why you want to get a PhD. Make sure to include your current research interests so we can match you up with the best mentor.
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendations from MSN faculty members at your school.