Common Questions

What is the focus of the PhD track in the program?

The PhD emphasize integration of Interprofessional theory into healthcare practice and education.

If I really want to earn the PhD but I am interested in the track of simulation courses, can I also take those?

Yes, the simulation courses can be used to meet the elective requirements in the PhD program.

Why the focus on interprofessionalism in this degree?

Learning with, from and about other health professionals is the foundation of interprofessionalism (IP) in healthcare and health professions education.  It is the building blocks of this program upon which we work with students to facilitate development of a strong research foundation and exposure to a variety of IP content related by subject matter experts. Learning with, from and about other health professionals is the foundation of interprofessionalism in healthcare and health professions education. 

Is the program structured so that one must begin in the fall and continue in sequence?

The program is delivered in a cohort model. A new cohort typically starts in the Fall of every other year.  Students must progress with their cohort or take a leave of absence (LOA) until the next time the course is offered.  Students must complete the program within seven years from matriculation.

Are there any course work, GPA or prior degree prerequisites?

Students must submit a transcript that shows a grade of B or higher in a graduate level statistics course. Students also must have earned a Master’s degree or clinical doctorate in a healthcare related field such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, physician assistant studies, nursing, clinical laboratory sciences or others from an accredited college or university. A minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the master’s degree or professional doctorate is required. See Application Requirements.

Does the program require previous experience in healthcare?

Yes, applicants must be a licensed, registered, certified or otherwise credentialed healthcare professional in the United States with at least two years of experience in their professional discipline.

Do I need to have previous experience in taking online courses?

Our students have told us that while it is not required, it does help. We will provide you with an online orientation introducing you to our learning management platform, D2L by Brightspace. If you frequently use the internet to search for information, watch videos, and post messages on social media, you may find it easier to adapt to the online learning platform.  Additionally, our training is available regardless of your level of experience to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

How are courses structured/what is the degree of flexibility?

The courses are designed to facilitate ongoing interaction among students. Typically, the courses include weekly online discussions, projects, and other assignments that must be completed by a specific deadline. Since the program is asynchronous, there is flexibility within the courses. You are not required to be online at a specific time or day of the week, as long as you meet the assignment deadlines. Students can respond to each other at their convenience, unless they are collaborating on a team project and the team agrees to have a synchronous meeting using virtual meeting technology.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Most students complete the program on a limited schedule of 2 to 4 credits per quarter (with the exception of the first quarter which is 5 credits) in order to complete the program in five and one-half academic years.

Can I work full time while I am enrolled in the program?

Yes, the majority of our students do. The experience of our students working in healthcare or health professions education enhances the learning of all students. The program requires being self-motivated and self-directed to be successful in both, but many students find that developing a schedule that includes time for work, study, and for family life is a good way to balance.  In addition, some of our young working parents have told us that they do most of their work at night after the kids have gone to bed or early in the morning before they get up. Others get on their computer during the lunch break and get a head start for that day’s assignments. 

Are there specific times one must be available for interactive content?

Occasionally a course may offer a real-time webinar format for students to participate in live discussions. Those are typically informative and are recorded for viewing at a later date by participants who are unable to attend.  

Are there weekly assignments, or is it flexible (within the confines of the quarter)?

There are weekly assignments with specific due dates and they must be completed within the confines of the published schedule for each quarter.

What is Qualifying?

Qualifying is an activity in which the student will develop and present a portfolio including evidence and explanation of how they developed as a scholar, met the programmatic competencies, and their proposed dissertation research study. Qualifying occurs after the student has completed a prescribed sequence of courses that provides instruction in research foundations and Interprofessional content. Department faculty attend the qualifying presentation. IPHS faculty will determine readiness for the student to transition to dissertation research. Qualifying must be passed before dissertation research may begin. 

Will I be required to write a traditional dissertation?

Yes, PhD students are required to write a traditional dissertation under the guidance and supervision of a doctoral committee. Students must publicly present and defend their work as a requirement for program completion.

Where do dissertation research projects take place?

Students are responsible for discovering their own research sites. Their dissertation committee will be available for support and guidance. 

Who supervises students when they are involved in dissertation research projects?

Students are supervised by a three person committee; an on-campus 
Chair, an on-campus faculty member, and an outside committee member to be identified by the student. The outside member must have appropriate credentials to support doctoral student research and projects. Final approval of the committee is the authority of the program director and department chair.