Evaluating a New Doctoral Nursing Program: A Jordanian Case Study

Establishing and maintaining a quality nursing doctoral program in a country with limited resources is a challenge to program managers. Continuous evaluation is essential to pinpoint areas of improvement. This study aims to evaluate a nursing PhD program from the perspective of its first graduate cohort to provide feedback for improvement. Qualitative design using focus group method was used to collect data from a purposive sample of graduates (N=14). Content analysis revealed seven themes: Opportunity to earn a PhD-A dream comes true; A need for peer collaboration and support; Innovative strategies to overcome faculty shortage; A need for improved mentorship; Successfully merging national and international experience; Enhanced professionalism and scholarship; Coping with limited resources. The study findings suggest reviewing program admission criteria and curriculm content to meet student and marketplace needs. Maintaining national and international partnership, innovative teaching-learning strategies, and developing further strategies to meet resources challenges were recommended.