Admission Requirements The applicant must:
All correspondence concerning admission should be addressed to Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Office of Student Affairs, School of Nursing, McLeod Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Matriculation Once a student has been admitted into the Master of Science in Nursing program he/she has one calendar year in which to matriculate. A student who fails to begin classes within one year must re-apply for admission.
Special Student Status Under special circumstances, students with baccalaureate degrees in nursing may complete a maximum of two graduate nursing courses without formally seeking admission to the degree program. Special Student Status will be granted only when there are vacancies available. An application for Special Student Status, obtained from the Office of Student Affairs, must be submitted prior to the registration period for the semester in which the student desires to enroll. Admitted students receive priority for enrollment in courses which are oversubscribed. Completion of coursework as a special student does not guarantee admission to the program.
Students wishing to take UVA off-Grounds, credit courses at a UVA Continuing Education Center may take a maximum of six credits which will be accepted towards the master's degree if the courses meet program requirements. This is in lieu of taking two on-Grounds courses as a special student in the School of Nursing. Decisions about the acceptability of a course are determined by the faculty advisor or course professor depending on whether the course is a required course or an elective.
Transfer of Credit Students may receive transfer credit for a maximum of two graduate level courses completed at other accredited institutions. In order to be accepted for transfer, the courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of B.
Credit for transfer courses will be determined following evaluation of each student's course work and overall plan of study. Evaluation of credits for transfer will not occur until after the student is admitted to the program. Information on the procedure for transfer of credit is available from the Office of the Associate Dean.
Application for Degrees Applications for degrees may be obtained from the Office of the Associate Dean. Formal application for master's degrees to be conferred must be submitted by students to the School of Nursing Office of the Associate Dean no later than October 1 for fall, February 1 for spring, and June 1 for summer. A student who has been listed as a degree candidate and then fails to complete degree requirements must reapply. A student who has been registered for a degree and then fails to meet the requirements for the degree must pay a fee of $10 for the preparation of a new diploma.
Acceptance of Degrees Formal commencement exercises are held only once a year, in May. All those who have completed the program in August or December are invited to attend the exercises the following May.
Voluntary Withdrawal An official application to withdraw must be approved by the Dean of the School of Nursing or his/her designate. Withdrawal applications may be obtained from the Office of the Associate Dean. The application must then be endorsed by the Associate Dean. Student identification cards will be collected at the time of withdrawal.
A student will not be given permission to withdraw later than two weeks before the beginning of the examination period in any semester except for providential reasons.
A student who withdraws from the University for reasons of ill health must obtain permission from the Department of Student Health; and subsequent medical clearance from the Department of Student Health is required for readmission.
Readmission After Voluntary Withdrawal Readmission to the Master's Program of the School of Nursing is not automatic. After absence of a semester or longer, a former student must apply for readmission to the School of Nursing. Application for readmission must be made to the Associate Dean, by December 1 for spring semester or April 1 for fall semester. Readmission following a withdrawal or leave of absence will be granted only if space is available.
Leaves of Absence The Associate Dean may grant leaves of absence to students for a semester or a session upon written application which states the reason for temporarily leaving the University.
The 36 credit curriculum leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles with opportunities for specialization in an area of clinical concentration. Students in the program complete core courses in nursing theory, research, epidemiology/population-based assessment, resource management and health policy as well as a clinical area in adult health nursing, community/home health nursing, critical care nursing or psychiatric-mental health nursing. Elective credits complement and enhance the program. The program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study (two semesters and two six-week summer sessions). Part-time study is available.
Students may enter one of the CNS tracks after completing a baccalaureate in nursing or they may progress after satisfactorily meeting the criteria for progression in the Second Degree to MSN program. The entire sequence of courses for the Second Degree to MSN program may be found in the Undergraduate Record.
Program Course Work
The ratio of clinical hours to credits is 4.1. Courses will be taught only if there is a sufficient number of students registering for them. Semester schedules published by the Office of the Registrar must be consulted for courses to be offered during a given semester.
Following are descriptions and recommended course sequences for the specific areas of clinical concentration.
Adult health nursing emphasizes the preparation of nurses for advanced practice roles in the care of adults with acute or chronic health deviations. Advanced practice roles include clinical practice, teaching, consultation research and management. Students work with faculty and preceptors to develop knowledge, clinical expertise and leadership abilities in directing the nursing care of selected client population in hospitals, clinics and/or rehabilitation settings.
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology (4)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 730 Adult Health Seminar I (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 702 Family Health Promotion (3)
GNUR 731 Adult Health Seminar II (3)
GNUR 732 Adult Health Practicum I (3)
Summer Session
GNUR 590 Health Policy and Issues (3)
GNUR 707 Health Informatics (2)
GNUR 733 Adult Health Practicum II (4)
GNUR 791 Resource Management I (3)
The critical care nursing option is designed to prepare practitioners with advanced skills in the care of critically ill individuals. Emphasis is placed on examining human responses and functional patterns of critically ill individuals and designing appropriate nursing care strategies for managing patients in critical care settings. Clinical experiences are designed to provide relevant opportunities in the five components of the advanced practice role: expert clinician, manager, researcher, teacher and consultant.
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology (4)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 760 Seminar I: Intro to Clinical Decision Making in Bio-System Dysfunction (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 590 Health Policy & Issues (3)
GNUR 707 Health Informatics (2)
GNUR 736 Critical Care Practicum I (3)
GNUR 761 Seminar II: Problem Based Clinical Decision Making in Complex Patients (3)
Summer Session
GNUR 737 Critical Care Practicum II (3)
GNUR 791 Resource Management I (3)
Elective (3)
This area of concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice in promoting the health of individuals, families, groups and communities. Emphasis is on assessing the health status and health delivery systems of communities and the care needs of individuals and groups and designing nursing interventions in organizationally complex settings. Courses provide the required knowledge and expertise needed to plan and evaluate care in community settings, including home health, primary care clinics and public health departments. The focus is on care management to assure continuity of health service delivery for individuals and groups.
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 700 Health Assessment of Communities (3)
GNUR 721 Care Management in Community and Home Health (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 702 Family Health Promotion (3)
GNUR 722 Community and Home Health Care Systems (3)
GNUR 723 Community and Home Health Practicum I (3)
Summer Session
GNUR 590 Health Policy and Issues (3)
GNUR 724 Community and Home Health Practicum II (3)
GNUR 791 Resource Management I (3)
Elective (3)
This area of concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice in the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing. A major emphasis is placed on critical consideration of scientific information about neurostructural-neurochemical, cognitive, behavioral, social and cultural correlates of psychiatric illness in the context of the advanced practice of psychiatric mental health nursing. Supervised clinical practice is directed toward the application of the above emerging scientific knowledge to patient care through psychiatric mental health nursing interventions with the persistently mentally ill, geriatric and other special populations. Faculty work closely with students to develop individualized clinical experiences in acute, chronic and community settings.
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 770 Biological Basis of Mental Health and Mental Illness (3)
GNUR 771 Psych-Mental Health Nursing Seminar I (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 702 Family Health Promotion (3)
GNUR 773 Theoretical Foundations of Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing (3)
GNUR 774 Mental Health-Psyc Practicum I (3)
Summer Session
GNUR 590 Health Policy and Issues (3)
GNUR 775 Mental Health-Psych Practicum II (3)
GNUR 791 Resource Management I (3)
Elective (3)
The 55 credit curriculum leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing prepares nurses for advanced practice as family nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners or women's health nurse practitioners. Students in the program complete core courses in nursing theory, research, epidemiology/population-based assessment and health policy. In addition, courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, family health promotion, nutrition and advanced health assessment are required of all students in the primary care nurse practitioner tracks. Clinical seminars and preceptorships are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to practice as nurse practitioners in primary care settings. The program may be completed in four semesters and two six-week summer sessions of full-time study. Full-time study is recommended but part-time study is available. One year prior relevant experience is required for admission to the primary care nurse practitioner tracks.
A 57 credit curriculum leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing combines preparation for advanced practice in a specialty area with the knowledge and skills required of a primary care nurse practitioner. Students in the program complete core courses as described in the previous paragraph as well as selected courses in an area of clinical specialty. Combined programs are available in community/home health and psychiatric- mental health. The program may be completed in four semesters two six-week summer sessions of full-time study. Full-time study is encouraged but part-time study is available. One year prior relevant experience is required for admission to the combined track.
Following are recommended course sequences for the specific areas of concentration in Primary Care Nurse Practioner Track.
Spring Semester
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 590 Health Policy & Issues (3)
GNUR 702 Family Health Promotion (3)
GNUR 707 Health Informatics (2)
Summer Session
GNUR 550 Pharmacology (3)
GNUR 551 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar I (3)
GNUR 568 Primary Care Preceptorship I (3)
Fall Semester
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar II (3)
GNUR 569 Primary Care Preceptorship II (3)
GNUR 572 Collaboration Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
Elective (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar III (3)
GNUR 571 Primary Care Preceptorship III (6)
GNUR 572 Collaboration Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
Fall Semester
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology (4)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 770 Biological Basis of Mental Health/Mental Illness (3)
GNUR 771 Psych-Mental Health Nursing Seminar I (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 590 Health Policy & Issues (3)
GNUR 702 Family Health Promotion (3)
GNUR 773 Theoretical Foundations of Mental Health-Psych Nursing (3)
Summer Session
GNUR 550 Pharmacology (3)
GNUR 551 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar I (3)
GNUR 568 Primary Care Preceptorship (3)
Fall Semester
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar II (3)
GNUR 569 Primary Care Preceptorship II (3)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar III (3)
GNUR 571 Primary Care Preceptorship III (6)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology (4)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 700 Community Assessment (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 590 Health Policy & Issues (3)
GNUR 702 Family Health Promotion (3)
GNUR 722 Community/Home Health Care Systems (3)
Summer Session
GNUR 550 Pharmacology (3)
GNUR 551 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar I (3)
GNUR 568 Primary Care Preceptorship I (3)
Fall Semester
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar II (3)
GNUR 569 Primary Care Preceptorship II (3)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 721 Care Management in Community/Home Health (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar III (3)
GNUR 571 Primary Care Preceptorship III (6)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
A 47 credit curriculum leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice as acute/critical care nurse practitioners. This option prepares students for a scope of practice beyond that of other advanced practice roles in acute care. Students in the program complete core courses in nursing theory, research, epidemiology/population-based assessment, and health policy. In addition, emphasis is placed on the refinement of advanced health assessment skills and acquisition of knowledge in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, clinical decision making and advanced therapeutics. Clinical seminars and preceptorships are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to practice in the full continuum of acute care services. The program may be completed in two semester and two summer sessions (12 weeks each) of full-time study. The program is designed to begin in the summer. One year prior relevant experience is required for admission.
The following is the recommended course sequence for the specific areas of concentration in Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Track.
Summer Session (two six-week sessions)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology (3)
GNUR 551 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
Elective (3)
GNUR 762 Immunocompetence in Vulnerable Populations (3) or GNUR 738 Forensic Nursing (3)
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 584 Pathophysiology (4)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 760 Seminar I: Introduction to Clinical Decision Making in Bio-System Dysfunction (3)
Spring Semester
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 707 Health Informatics (2)
GNUR 761 Seminar II: Problem Based Clinical Decision Making in Complex Patients (3)
GNUR 763 Acute/Critical Care Preceptorship I (3)
Summer Session (two six-week sessions)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 590 Health Policy & Issues (3)
GNUR 764 Acute/Critical Care Preceptorship II (3)
GNUR 765 Acute/Critical Care Preceptorship III (3)
The baccalaureate and master's curricula have been modified to provide a three year plus one summer session track leading to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing degrees for non-nurses. With the exception of a complete course sequence of human anatomy and physiology, specific general education courses are not required for admission based on satisfactory completion of a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution. During the first two years, students meet requirements for the baccalaureate through satisfactory completion of a combination of baccalaureate and master's courses. Students who have met progression standards of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B), a minimum of B- on all graduate level courses and licensure to practice as a professional nurse are permitted to progress to the master's portion of the program. During the third year of the program, students complete requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing in one of the clinical nurse specialist tracks. Students wishing to progress to the primary care or acute/critical care nurse practitioner tracks must have one year prior relevant experience in order to progress to the master's portion of the program.
The Health Systems Management Track is designed to prepare nurses at the graduate level to manage the delivery of nursing and health services across multiple settings and specialty areas. A major objective is to provide a unique educational experience to individuals capable of leadership and innovative in a dynamic health care delivery system. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership positions in a variety of health care settings, including public and private sector hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and long-term facilities.
The curriculum builds on both the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the bachelor's prepared nurse. Students are exposed to content fundamental to management, and develop competencies needed to analyze managerial problems and provide resourceful solutions. Special opportunities are provided for students to acquire the breadth of management knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively at the business and clinical interface of health care delivery organizations.
Fall Semester
GNUR 580 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3)
GNUR 582 Research Processes for Health Care Practitioners (3)
GNUR 585 Epidemiology/Population Based Assessment (3)
GNUR 780 Organization Theory for Administrative Practice
Spring Semester
GNUR 590 Health Policy and Issues (3)
GNUR 707 Health Informatics (3)
GNUR 791 Resource Management I (3)
Elective (3)
Summer Session (two six-week sessions)
Fall Semester
Other areas explored in the nurse practitioner program include
the changing health care delivery system, the expanded role of
the nurse, and nursing issues, particularly as they relate to
the nurse practitioner.
An essential part of the nurse practitioner program is the clinical
preceptorship. This preceptorship immediately follows the didactic/clinical
portion of the program and is arranged at an agency/physician's
office that reflects the clinical content of the primary care nurse
practitioner program.
The practitioner program is approved by the Joint Committee of
the Boards of Nursing and Medicine in Virginia. Graduates are
eligible to apply for practitioner certification by this Joint
Committee and are also eligible to sit for National Certification
Examinations.
The core body of knowledge is derived from the full spectrum of
high-acuity patient care needs. This 27 credit clinical track
prepares the acute care nurse practitioner to assess complex acutely
ill patients through health history, physical and mental status
examination, and health risk appraisal. Diagnostic reasoning,
advanced therapeutic interventions, consultation and referral
to other nurses, physicians and other providers are intrinsic
components of the role.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National ACNP Certification
Examination.
Applicants must:
Applications for admission may be obtained from the School of
Nursing Office of Student Affairs. In addition to the application
form, the applicant must: (1) request that official transcripts
of academic work be forwarded to the School of Nursing Office
of Student Affairs, and (2) obtain three statements of recommendation
from persons who can speak directly to her/his ability to pursue
post-graduate study. The statements of recommendation are to be
sent by the writers of the recommendations to the Office of Student
Affairs, School of Nursing.
The completed application and application fee must be postmarked
no later than March 1 for May enrollment.
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Session (twelve weeks)
GNUR 782 Administrative Practicum I
GNUR 784 Administrative Practicum II
GNUR 862 Concepts & Methods in Nursing/Health Services Research (3)
GNUR 785 Research Practicum (3) (May be taken in lieu of GNUR 862 Concepts/Methods)
GNUR 783 Health Economics (3)
GNUR 792 Resource Management II (3)
Elective (3)
MSN/MBA Joint Degree Program
The School of Nursing and the Colgate Darden Graduate School of
Business Administration offer a joint degree program designed
to prepare managers of health care agencies who possess a unique
blend of clinical and administrative skills. Graduates of the
program will be prepared to assume senior level positions in hospitals,
corporate offices, ambulatory care and long-term care agencies.
In addition, they will also be prepared to contribute to health
policy development. The program may be completed in two and one-half
years of full-time study. Applicants must be registered nurses
holding at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing and they must
meet all admission requirements for both the School of Nursing
and the Graduate School of Business. Additional information can
be obtained by contacting the School of Nursing Office of Student
Affairs.
Post-Master's Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
The Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Program is designed to provide
the Master's prepared nurse with the necessary skills and knowledge
to assume the role of a primary health care provider in various
clinical facilities. The necessary nursing and medical skills
include: psychosocial and physical assessment through health history
and physical examination; identification, screening and triage
of acute minor illness followed by consultation/ referral to a
physician; nursing and medical management of commonly encountered
acute, minor, and chronic illnesses in collaboration and consultation
with a physician; knowledge of community needs and resources available
for health promotion; health teaching, guidance, and counseling
of clients and their families about illness and prevention and
health promotion, maintenance, and management.
Post-Master's Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Track
The Post-Master's Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner clinical
track provides the master's prepared nurse with the necessary critical
care experience, skills and knowledge to assume the role of acute
care practitioner across the continuum of acute care services
in a variety of settings using a collaborative practice model.
Admission
Grades
The standing of a post-graduate student in each course is indicated
by one of the following symbols: A (very distinguished), A- (distinguished),
B+ (very good), B (satisfactory), B- (acceptable, and C (unsatisfactory).
A letter grade of C is considered unsatisfactory and unacceptable
for completion of the program.
Nurse Practitioner Program Completion Requirements
To qualify for a Nurse Practitioner Certificate, the student must:
(1) satisfactorily complete the specific nurse practitioner program;
(2) satisfactorily complete the clinical preceptorship; and (3)
have a minimum grade average of B.
Course Sequence: Post-MSN Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Summer Session (two six-week sessions)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology (3)
GNUR 551 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
GNUR 566 Primary Care Seminar I (3)
GNUR 568 Primary Care Preceptorship (3)
GNUR 564 Nutrition in Health Promotion (2)
GNUR 567 Primary Care Seminar II (3)
GNUR 569 Primary Care Preceptorship II (3)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 570 Primary Care Seminar III (3)
GNUR 571 Primary Care Preceptorship (6)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development /Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
Course Sequence: Post-MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Summer Session (two six-week sessions)
GNUR 550 Pharmacology (3)
GNUR 551 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
GNUR 762 Immunocompetence in Vulnerable Populations (3) or GNUR 738 Forensic Nursing (3)
GNUR 760 Seminar I: Intro to Clinical Decision-Making in Bio-System Dysf (3)
GNUR 761 Seminar II: Problem-based Clinical Decision Making in Complex Pts (3)
GNUR 763 Acute/Critical Care Preceptorship I (3)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development/Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 572 Collaborative Role Development /Multidisciplinary Practice (1)
GNUR 764 Acute/Critical Care Preceptorship II (3)
GNUR 765 Acute/Critical Care Preceptorship III (3)