Text/HTML

PhD Pre-Conference

In Search of Nursing Science: Moving Beyond our Current Crises in PhD Education

January 13, 2026

This 1-day pre-event is designed for deans and associate deans from schools offering research-focused doctoral nursing programs or those planning a new program. Issues germane to PhD education and the challenges commonly encountered are represented by leaders in doctoral education.

Register Here

Program & Speakers

Program Agenda

8:00–9:00 a.m. Registration & Light Continental Breakfast
   
9:00–10:15 a.m. Keynote: In Search of Nursing Science: Our Roots, Evolution, and Future
The keynote address will open the PhD Pre-Conference by "setting the stage" for further discussions throughout the day. Dr. Rita Pickler from The Ohio State University College of Nursing will highlight key historical events of PhD training in nursing, including the evolving educational needs of PhD programs in preparing students for future roles as nurse scientists. The address will highlight the evolution and future of nursing science, with suggestions for program leaders to meet academic and scientific needs for training students in nursing  PhD programs. It will also serve as a catalyst for the panel discussion and is intended to spark discussion and collaboration among conference attendees.
   
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Advancing Excellence: Strengthening Rigor in Nursing PhD Programs
This panel of PhD educator-leaders from varied academic institutions, including pre- and post-doctoral training programs, will discuss the challenges and potential strategies for positioning PhD programs to prepare emerging scientists for successful post-doctoral research careers. Building upon the keynote presentation, the panel will offer valuable perspectives and strategies for enhancing rigor in nursing PhD programs. These insights will focus on advancing nursing science both in substance and methodology, enriching students’ educational experiences, attracting prospective PhD candidates, and increasing both financial and non-financial resources to better support PhD students. Panelists will share their expertise from local, national, and international levels to advance this crucial conversation on the future of nursing PhD education.
   
12:00-1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
   
1:30–2:45 p.m. Ways of Knowing: How AI Is Changing Graduate Nursing Education
As we enter 2026, it is increasingly clear there is no turning back from the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its growing influence in both our personal and professional lives. Higher education has been particularly affected by the acceleration of generative AI, presenting both significant pedagogical challenges and opportunities. Graduate nursing education plays a critical role in preparing nurses to advance nursing knowledge, lead practice innovation, and steward the profession through this period of transformation. Dr. Tracie Risling from the University of Calgary  will provide an overview of AI in nursing, with a focused examination of the key issues graduate educators must address today to produce the graduate nurses urgently needed for our AI tomorrow.
   
2:45–4:15 p.m.  Next Generation PhD Scholars: Experiences and Recommendations
This panel will feature recent Nursing PhD program graduates who are transitioning into their new roles.  They will share their personal experiences and observations before, during, and after their PhD programs.  The discussion will include their sources of inspiration for seeking a research-intensive degree, factors that affected their choice of programs, learning experiences they considered particularly helpful, as well as the content, experiences, and support systems that could be increased. They will also offer advice for increasing recruitment of PhD students.  The session will end with audience questions, comments, and discussion.
   
4:30-5:30 p.m. What Does a Successful PhD Program Look Like? 
   
5:30-5:45 p.m.  Closing Remarks

Who Should Attend

Deans/directors/chairs and/or associate deans who offer research-focused doctoral nursing programs or for those planning a new program.

Conference Venue

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
5001 Coconut Road
Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Registration Fees

PhD Pre-Conference Early
Ends Dec. 14
Standard
Starts Dec. 15
AACN Member $399 $499
AACN Non-Member $499 $599

Pre-Conferences

  • You may substitute your registration to another individual within your organization. This must be done by contacting the AACN Conference Department via email at conferences@aacnnursing.org
  • If a substitution is not possible, your cancellation request must be received in writing and confirmed by AACN; otherwise, it cannot be honored. The following refund arrangements will then apply:
    • Cancellation requests received by January 2, 2025, will be refunded minus a non-refundable administrative fee of $90.
    • No refunds will be given after January 2, 2025, nor will refunds be given for no-shows.
    • No-show registrations with an open balance will be charged the non-refundable administrative fee as outlined above after the event.
  • Your cancellation request must be submitted in writing to conferences@aacnnursing.org and confirmed by AACN.

Please note: AACN will issue refunds within a 2-week time period of receipt of written cancellation notice.

Event Cancellation by AACN

AACN reserves the right to modify, postpone/reschedule or cancel this conference and any related group activity for any circumstance beyond AACN's control, including but not limited to emergency, acts of God, government regulations, disaster, strike, and non-fulfilment of minimum group requirements. If AACN cancels an event, every attempt will be made to reschedule or provide a modified virtual offering, and registration fees will be applied to the rescheduled/virtual event. If a cancelled event cannot be rescheduled, AACN will issue a full refund of the registration fee(s). Any travel, lodging, or incidental expenses incurred related to a cancelled/postponed event cannot be refunded under any circumstances as AACN resumes no responsibility for such expenses.

 

Looking for Answers?

Contact AACN Nursing Education Coordinator Bridget Bingle at bbingle@aacnnursing.org