The University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene Relaunches Doctor of Philosophy Program
When people hear the word “nurse,” most picture someone in scrubs, offering hands-on care at the bedside. While that image is accurate, it’s only one role in a much larger profession. Nurses are also clinicians (nurse practitioners), educators, researchers and leaders. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-prepared nurse scientists are actively shaping health care delivery.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (SONDH) is relaunching its PhD in Nursing program with a clear goal: Grow the number of nurse scientists equipped to tackle health challenges in Hawaii and beyond.
Why Nurse Scientists Matter
PhD-prepared nurses play a unique and essential role in the health care system. They conduct research that leads to real-world solutions—from improving patient care to shaping health policy. With the nurse shortage in Hawaii and across the globe, PhD-prepared nurses are needed now more than ever to help educate the next generation of nurses at all levels as well as contribute to a growing body of evidence that improves care quality, efficacy, and equity.
“There’s a critical need for more nurse scientists, especially in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific,” says Holly Fontenot PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN, FNAP, Professor, and Associate Dean for Research at SONDH. “This program is designed to build that workforce; plus, support the development of knowledge needed to advance health promotion, shape nursing practice, and improve health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. We hope to foster innovative research that is reflective of our local needs and strengths.”
A Local Approach to Global Issues
The relaunched PhD program is grounded in place. That means students are encouraged to pursue research questions that are important to the communities they come from—whether that’s improving access to care in rural areas, addressing health disparities, or developing culturally responsive care models. The program is poised to create opportunities and elevate nurses who call Hawaii home, such as Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
“Students won’t just be learning how to do research,” says Dr. Molly Altman, PhD, CNM, MPH, FACNM, Associate Professor and PhD Program Director at SONDH.. “They’ll be learning how to be a leader, in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.”
Faculty mentors will guide students through the process of developing their own programs of research, while also helping them build leadership skills that can be used in academic, clinical, and policy settings.
By relaunching its PhD in Nursing program, SONDH is investing in the future of nursing and in the health of our Islands. The program provides an opportunity to train nurse leaders who can spark change, lead with care, and make a lasting impact.
Learn more about the PhD program by visiting the SONDH PhD program website. Informational sessions will be held periodically. Please visit the SONDH event calendar for specific dates.
The school is accepting for a Fall 2026 start date. If you are interested in applying, would like more information, or have ideas about the PhD program, please email phdnurs@hawaii.edu.