The Reality of Doctoral Programs Why They’re Not as Intimidating as They Appear

While doctoral programs take a lot of work, they aren’t as hard as many people say they are. Yes, they require an investment both timewise and financially, but the opportunities they offer are worth the challenge. Even still, there’s no need to feel ashamed if you’re intimidated by the doctoral program you plan to pursue.

After all, it takes a lot of work and has serious implications for your future career. However, doctoral programs become much less intimidating when you realize they aren’t too different from your academic career thus far. Follow along as we explore the many nuances that come with doctoral programs and highlight why they are worth the challenge. 

Doctoral Programs Are Rewardingly Challenging

Doctoral programs aren’t necessarily easy, but there’s no reason to be intimidated. That’s especially true if you consider the many benefits that come along with a doctorate, such as:

It’s a Natural Evolution

You’ve already gone through years of school by the time you reach a doctoral program. Each next step increasingly gets more challenging as you move through the academic journey. That’s why the challenges that doctoral programs pose don’t come as a shock when you reach them. 

Doctoral programs offer a natural evolution of the academic and time investment that higher education requires. It’s not like you’re thrown straight into a doctoral program upon graduating high school. Armed with a master’s degree, you can conquer the challenges that doctoral programs offer. 

You Get to Utilize Existing Skills

Doctoral programs are the logical conclusion of your journey through college and a master’s degree program. Along the way, you pick up many skills that will make your doctoral program much easier. For example, by now, you most likely have a solid grip on how to study, retain information, and meet deadlines. 

Putting such skills to use academically will help you prepare to use them in the field. It may seem intimidating, but you already have the foundation to glide through a doctoral program if you work hard. For example, working toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) means that you’re already armed with a BSN and master’s degree in most cases. 

That means that you already have plenty of academic and clinical nursing experience. Each academic and practical skill you pick up goes toward conquering the doctoral program. 

The Schedule is Manageable

Anyone who graduated college with a high GPA knows a thing or two about time management. That’s especially true if you move on and enter a master’s degree program. Postgraduate degrees are time-consuming, but you have the time management skills to cope with it. 

You’ve already juggled your academic, social, and family life for years by the time you enter a doctoral. Many postgraduate students must also balance their work life while pursuing another degree. Luckily, earning a bachelor’s degree alone prepares you to handle the time commitment that doctoral programs require. 

The Benefits Outweigh the Challenges

Naturally, people pursue doctoral programs because of the many benefits they offer. It’s easy to forget about the benefits when you’re stressed about the challenges involved. However, the challenges themselves pale in comparison to the benefits, such as:

Better Career Opportunities

Most people who pursue doctoral degrees do so because of the amazing career opportunities. A doctoral degree can help you land your dream job and a generous salary. The prospect of a high-paying job makes getting over the stress of postgraduate degrees much easier. 

Whether you want to become an advanced practice nurse or a biomedical engineer, doctoral programs are worth the trouble. You can earn over $136,000 per year, depending on your location and employer. Many hospitals, clinics, and medical practices constantly look for promising doctoral program graduates, so getting hired is relatively easy. 

Earning a Leadership Role

Many people enter doctoral programs with the hopes of eventually holding a healthcare leadership position. Earning a doctorate works wonders to improve your chances of being promoted to a leadership role. By the time you earn a doctorate, you’ve undergone lots of schooling and clinical experiences.

Granted, you may not graduate and immediately become a nurse leader or hospital administrator. However, your advanced degree can help speed up your healthcare leadership journey. 

Make the Most of Your Professional Goals

Nobody embarks on the long journey through college, master’s programs, and doctoral programs unless they’re passionate about their future career. Having well-respected postgraduate degrees ensures you can make the most of your professional goals. 

The academic journey itself builds a strong professional foundation and lets you network with peers. Building such relationships not only prepares you for professional interactions but also introduces you to people you may work with. The knowledge, experience, and relationships you build all contribute to maximizing your professional potential. 

Don’t Let Your Nerves Get in the Way

A doctoral program may not be a cakewalk, but it isn’t as hard as you may think. Everything you’ve done and been through to qualify for a doctoral program will make the program itself much easier. Once you commit to it, you can conquer a doctoral program and more easily navigate the challenges it poses.