ND, MD, DVD, etc are practice doctrates, a PhD in any field is usually research based. I am currently trying to pick a doctoral program that focuses on practice and education.......but it is very hard ! Most programs are PhD....and would require on site research work for years ! PhD programs just set my teeth on edge ! The paternalism of "come sit at my feet and learn, till i decide you know enough " just grates me on every level ! I would rather earn a few more master's degrees any day ! I may find a DNsC, which is the nursing practice doctrate.