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Doctor of Philosophy: Health Professions Education

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Degree Designation

Doctorate

Academic Level

Graduate

College/School

College of Health Professions

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Code

DR.PHD.DHPE

Cip Code

51.3202 - Health Professions Education

Description of Program

The Ph.D. in Health Professions Education is a 48-hour (post master’s degree) cohort-based program with an online delivery format. The degree prepares students from diverse healthcare backgrounds for college and university teaching, leadership, and research careers. Graduates of the program will fill the significant shortages of academically qualified faculty to meet regional and professional accrediting body requirements in healthcare related fields including, but not limited to nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology, medical laboratory sciences, imaging sciences, radiation therapy, dental hygiene, and health care administration. Coursework can be completed in eight semesters (no more than two courses per semester) with the dissertation completed in semesters nine and ten.

Bellarmine’s PhD in Health Professions Education curriculum prepares students to teach in both the college/university and clinical settings. The program includes student development theories, as well as pedagogical strategies for teaching in the classroom, online, clinical, and laboratory settings. In addition, the program prepares graduates to understand and employ multiple teaching-learning theories and evaluate program and curricular effectiveness. Coursework in both qualitative and quantitative statistics and research methods will ultimately prepare students to engage in scholarly activities.

Requirements for Admission

Applications for admissions to the Ph.D. in Health Professions Education program are evaluated on a case-by-case basis using several factors which, taken in sum, suggest the potential for successful completion of doctoral level work.

1. Complete the application at: www.bellarmine.edu/applynow

2. Minimum of one-year experience in an educator role and/or 3 years of experience in a health professions practice role.

3. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.2 in all graduate coursework completed at the time of application.

4. Must hold a master’s degree or professional doctorate.

5. Two professional references addressing academic skills, including oral and written communication, from individuals who hold a master's or doctoral degree.

6. 300–500-word essay addressing professional goals.

7. Current CV or resume, describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.

8. Proof of active, unrestricted professional license (if appropriate).

9. Final official transcript(s) from each college or university attended should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission and should not be marked “Issued to Student.” If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, you must provide an official copy to be evaluated by the Bellarmine International Programs Office. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).

10. Applicants will complete a formal interview with the doctoral program faculty.

11. Students for whom English is a second language must submit an official score report of TOEFEL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

For application information contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 1-800-272-8258 or the Department Chair.