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Reading time: 2 minutesNurse scientists work collaboratively to improve the health of our community.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (SONDH) is relaunching its Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program. Set to welcome its first new cohort in fall 2026, the PhD program aims to prepare nurses to become researchers, educators and leaders capable of generating knowledge that improves health outcomes and strengthens the profession.
“This program is designed to grow the number of nurse scientists equipped to tackle the complex health challenges that exist in Hawaiʻi and beyond” said Clementina Ceria-Ulep, dean of SONDH.
Learn how to apply for UH Mānoa’s PhD in Nursing
PhD-prepared nurses conduct research that leads to real-world solutions—from improving patient care to shaping health policy. With the global nurse shortage, they are needed now more than ever to help educate the next generation and expand the evidence base that supports effective and equitable care.
“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,” said Lorrie Wong, associate dean for academic affairs. “Nurses are also clinicians (nurse practitioners), educators, researchers and leaders. PhD-prepared nurse scientists are actively shaping health care delivery.”
“There’s a critical need for more nurse scientists, especially in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific,” said Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research. “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.”
Rooted in Hawaiʻi, aimed at global change
The relaunched program is grounded in place. Students will be encouraged to pursue research questions that are important to the communities they serve, whether improving access to care in rural areas, addressing health disparities, or developing culturally responsive care models. Students will learn how to conduct culturally relevant, community-based research, ensuring that findings are meaningful and will have a positive impact within their communities.
They’ll learn how to be a leader in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.
—Molly Altman
“Students won’t just be learning how to do research,” said Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD program director. “They’ll be learning how to be a leader, in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.”
Using the unique nursing perspective, faculty mentors will guide students in the development of innovative research and foster the growth of leadership skills so that graduates are able to become agents of change in academic, clinical and policy settings.
By relaunching its PhD in Nursing program, SONDH is committed to investing in the future of nursing and in the health of our islands.
Apply now for fall 2026
SONDH is currently accepting applications for its fall 2026 PhD cohort. Applications will become available on September 1, 2025. To attend informational sessions, visit the SONDH event calendar for upcoming dates. For more details or to apply, visit the PhD in Nursing website or email phdnurs@hawaii.edu.
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