Office of the Registrar

Degree Conversion: DNS to PhD in Nursing

 
Overview
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has been authorized by the LSU Board of Supervisors to offer eligible alumni the opportunity to convert a previously awarded Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) degree to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. This update reflects evolving academic standards in the nursing profession and allows graduates to hold a credential consistent with modern research-focused doctoral programs. This conversion is OPTIONAL. If you prefer to retain your DNS degree, you may do so.
 
This conversion does not alter the original conferral date of the degree. Your transcript will be updated to reflect the PhD in Nursing, and you will be eligible to order a new PhD diploma after the Registrar’s Office processes your request. Please note that updated diplomas will bear the current authorized signatures approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, not the signatures that appeared on your original diploma.
 
The deadline to request a DNS to PhD degree title conversion is March 31, 2027.
 

To initiate the degree title conversion, alumni must mail the following materials:
    • The form must include the email address you wish the Registrar’s Office to use for official confirmation.
  • A copy of a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID
    • This is required for identity verification.
  • Your original DNS diploma
All materials must be mailed to:
Office of the University Registrar
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
433 Bolivar St, Suite 147
New Orleans, LA 70112
Please allow adequate time for delivery if using standard mail. Alumni are encouraged to use tracking services.

Upon receipt of your materials, the Registrar’s Office will:
  • Verify your identity using the submitted photo ID
  • Confirm eligibility by reviewing your DNS record
  • Authenticate documentation (original diploma or notarized affidavit)
  • Review and approve the request form for completeness
  • Update your degree record in the Student Information System (SIS)
    • The title will be changed from Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
    • Your original degree conferral date will remain unchanged
    • All documentation will be scanned into your permanent academic record
    • From this point on, all degree verifications performed by the Registrar's Office on your behalf will reference ONLY the PhD in Nursing.
You will not receive a new diploma at this point, only after completion of Step 3.

Once your record has been updated in the Student Information System:
  • The Registrar’s Office will contact you using the email address you provided on your request form.
  • The email will include:
    • Confirmation that the degree title has been updated
Diploma Production Timeline
  • Updated diplomas typically take 4–6 weeks to arrive after the order is placed.