

PH-D-NURSING in General at Kempegowda Institute of Nursing


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at Kempegowda Institute of Nursing Bengaluru?
This Ph.D. Nursing program at Kempegowda Institute of Nursing focuses on advanced scholarly inquiry and original research, preparing nurse scientists to address complex healthcare challenges. Given India''''s evolving health landscape and emphasis on evidence-based practice, the program equips graduates to contribute significantly to nursing education, clinical practice, and health policy. It emphasizes generating new knowledge relevant to national health priorities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for experienced M.Sc. Nursing graduates, clinical specialists, and nurse educators who aspire to leadership roles in research, academia, or advanced clinical practice. It attracts professionals committed to critical thinking, scientific rigor, and improving patient outcomes through innovative research. Candidates should possess strong analytical capabilities and a passion for advancing nursing science in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to assume influential positions such as professors, research directors, and advanced practice consultants in India''''s top academic and healthcare institutions. They will be skilled in leading research projects, influencing health policy, and mentoring future generations of nursing professionals. Entry-level salaries for Ph.D. holders in research/academia typically range from INR 8-15 lakhs annually, with substantial growth.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Statistics- (Semester 1 (during coursework))
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly grasp advanced research methodologies and biostatistics during your coursework. This knowledge is fundamental for designing sound research and critically analyzing data. Actively participate in workshops, seek one-on-one mentorship, and practice using statistical software.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R statistical software, Workshops by RGUHS and Kempegowda Institute, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL)
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are crucial for developing impactful research, securing grants, and enhancing your credibility as a researcher in both academic and clinical settings.
Cultivate Advanced Critical Thinking and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2 (during and post-coursework))
Develop a systematic and critical approach to reviewing existing literature in your area of interest. Utilize advanced search techniques to identify gaps in knowledge and articulate a clear, concise research problem. Engage actively in journal clubs and academic seminars to refine your analytical and synthesis skills.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management
Career Connection
Proficiency in critical appraisal and literature synthesis is essential for crafting high-quality research proposals and publications, which are vital for academic progression and recognition.
Establish a Strong Rapport with Your Research Supervisor- (Ongoing from Semester 1 throughout the program)
Foster open and regular communication with your assigned Ph.D. supervisor. Clearly articulate your research interests, progress, and challenges, seeking consistent guidance on topic refinement, methodology, and academic expectations. Proactive engagement ensures timely progress and invaluable feedback throughout your doctoral journey.
Tools & Resources
Regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings, Email communication, Collaborative document sharing platforms
Career Connection
A robust supervisory relationship is paramount for successful thesis completion and can significantly open doors to future collaborative projects and professional networking opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Develop and Refine a Robust Research Proposal- (After coursework, typically Year 1-2)
Focus intently on drafting a comprehensive and scientifically sound research proposal that clearly defines your research question, objectives, methodology, and ethical considerations. Present your proposal in institutional review board (IRB) meetings for ethical clearance and constructive feedback, iteratively refining it for approval.
Tools & Resources
Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines and forms, Sample successful proposals, Mentorship from supervisor and senior scholars
Career Connection
A meticulously structured and approved proposal is a fundamental requirement for securing research funding, demonstrating your capacity for independent scholarly work, and is a prerequisite for most research positions.
Initiate Academic Writing and Publication Efforts- (Year 2-3 of the Ph.D. program)
Begin preparing sections of your thesis or related review articles for submission to peer-reviewed journals even before your final thesis submission. This practice significantly refines your academic writing skills, familiarizes you with the publication process, and initiates your scholarly publication record. Seek continuous feedback from your supervisor and co-authors.
Tools & Resources
Targeted scholarly journals in nursing (e.g., Indian Journal of Nursing Studies), Plagiarism checker software, Academic writing workshops and resources
Career Connection
Early publications are critical for establishing your scholarly profile, enhancing your curriculum vitae, and are often prerequisites for post-doctoral fellowships and academic faculty positions.
Actively Network at Conferences and Seminars- (Year 2-4 of the Ph.D. program)
Actively participate in national and international nursing conferences, research seminars, and workshops. Present your preliminary research findings through posters or oral presentations, engage with senior scholars, and build a professional network. This exposes you to diverse perspectives, provides feedback, and opens doors for future collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Indian Nursing Council (INC) conferences, RGUHS research conferences, Professional nursing associations (e.g., TNAI)
Career Connection
Networking is vital for discovering new research avenues, securing collaborations, finding mentorship, and identifying potential career opportunities in academia, research, and advanced practice roles.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Refinement and Viva-Voce Preparation- (Year 3-5 of the Ph.D. program)
Dedicate intensive focus to the final stages of thesis writing, ensuring logical flow, coherence, and strict adherence to institutional and academic standards. Conduct multiple practice sessions for your viva-voce presentation, anticipating potential questions from examiners and preparing comprehensive, evidence-based answers.
Tools & Resources
Institutional thesis formatting guidelines (RGUHS/Kempegowda), Mock viva-voce sessions with supervisor and peers, Feedback from senior researchers
Career Connection
A strong and confident thesis defense is the culmination of your doctoral journey, demonstrating your mastery of the subject and readiness for independent scholarly work, directly impacting your prospects for future academic and research roles.
Proactively Pursue Post-Doctoral and Grant Opportunities- (Final year of Ph.D. and immediately after graduation)
Strategically research and apply for post-doctoral fellowships, competitive research grants, and faculty positions aligned with your expertise and future research agenda. Tailor your applications to highlight your unique research skills, publication record, and proposed contributions to the field. Develop a strong professional online presence to showcase your work.
Tools & Resources
Funding agencies like DST-SERB, ICMR, UGC, DBT, University career services, Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, ResearchGate
Career Connection
Securing post-doctoral positions or competitive grants is fundamental for continuing your research trajectory, establishing your independence as a leading nurse scientist, and building a sustainable academic career.
Engage in Mentorship and Collaborative Leadership- (Year 4-6 and post-graduation)
Actively seek opportunities to mentor junior M.Sc. Nursing students or research assistants, sharing your expertise and guiding their scholarly development. Explore and participate in interdisciplinary collaborative research projects to broaden your research impact and foster leadership skills beyond your primary thesis work.
Tools & Resources
Institutional mentorship programs, Inter-departmental and inter-institutional research groups, Professional associations
Career Connection
Leadership in mentorship and collaborative research significantly enhances your academic standing, prepares you for senior faculty and research leadership roles, and contributes to the growth of the nursing research community.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Nursing (M.Sc. Nursing) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) or any other university recognized as equivalent by RGUHS, with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. A 5% relaxation in marks is provided for SC/ST/OBC candidates as per Government of India norms. Candidates holding an M.Phil. in Nursing degree from RGUHS or a recognized university are exempted from the entrance test and the coursework component.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (including mandatory coursework and thesis submission)
Credits: 16 credits (for the mandatory coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RGUHS-PHDN-C01 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 6 | Philosophy and Types of Research, Research Designs and Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods and Tools, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing and Statistical Software Applications |
| RGUHS-PHDN-C02 | Advanced Nursing Concepts and Theories | Core | 6 | Grand and Mid-Range Nursing Theories, Conceptual Models in Nursing, Advanced Nursing Practice Roles and Ethical Considerations, Curriculum Development and Educational Technologies in Nursing, Current Trends and Issues in Nursing Education and Practice |
| RGUHS-PHDN-C03 | Computer Applications and Library Sciences | Core | 4 | Computer Fundamentals and Operating Systems, Proficiency in MS Office Suite for Academic Work, Effective Utilization of Online Databases and Literature Search Engines, Referencing Software and Plagiarism Detection Tools, Ethical Use of Information Technology in Research and Academics |




