A Cause for Celebration - DNS to PhD

Twenty-eight pioneers of the early doctoral program here at the School of Nursing, who originally received the designation Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), have, at long last, received the degree designation they have earned – a PhD!

This is an almost unparalleled decision in the annals of the University and we are thrilled to celebrate the historic event!

First, a Little History

In the 1980s, faculty at the UCLA School of Nursing were working to introduce a doctoral program to the curriculum. At the time, some viewed nursing science as too immature to justify a PhD and believed that a DNS would be much more acceptable.

Ten years later, the UCLA Graduate Council determined that the doctoral nursing program was a research- based program, and graduates were worthy of the designation of a PhD. Unfortunately, the change was not retroactive to the 28 individuals who had already received their DNS; individuals who went on to be NIH- funded scientists, endowed chairs and national leaders in nursing.

Why this Was So Important (for the 28 and for nursing)

Over the years, many of the holders of the DNS, including faculty at the School of Nursing, were troubled by holding a degree that required them to explain their training and education, something that doesn’t happen with those holding the universally recognized research degree of PhD. Those three letters caused credibility to be questioned and other scientists to ask “who really did the research.”

As nursing moves to the forefront of the future of healthcare around the globe, it was time for the academic background of these nursing leaders to be recognized. Interim Dean Linda Sarna, who benefitted by having her DNS degree from UCSF converted to a PhD, took up the cause for degree conversion at UCLA and was finally successful.

Congratulations to these 28 pioneers who now have the degree that have long deserved.