Department website: http://nursing.hsc.wvu.edu
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing Advanced Practice
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Introduction
The mission of the WVU School of Nursing is to lead in improving health in West Virginia and the broader society through excellence in student-centered educational programs, research and scholarship, the compassionate practice of nursing, and service to the public and the profession. This mission is responsive to changing healthcare needs and emerging national and state changes in technology and healthcare delivery and is enhanced by a supportive and open environment. The faculty’s educational effort is directed at providing high quality, student-centered programs of instruction at all levels which prepare superb professional nurses to meet basic healthcare needs; advance practiced nurses to address complex health needs; and enable doctorally-educated nurses to advance nursing knowledge through research, to assist in the formulation of policies to improve health care, and to serve as faculty in higher degree programs. Unique characteristics of the state mandates that the healthcare needs of rural populations and vulnerable groups be a major focus of education, research, and service, including faculty practice.
The School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-graduate certificates of study. The baccalaureate program (BSN) is available for high school graduates who aspire to a career in nursing (basic or traditional BSN program) and to registered nurses (RNs) who are licensed graduates of associate degree or diploma nursing programs seeking to continue their career development (RN to BSN program). In addition, a BS/BA to BSN (fast track) program is available for the college graduate seeking a BSN.
The MSN programs at WVU offer baccalaureate-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a master's degree and prepare graduates to sit for national advanced practice certification (family nurse practitioner). The SON also offers a post-graduate certificate program in that area for nurses who already have a graduate degree. The School of Nursing has expanded its post-master's certificate program options. In addition to the FNP certificate program, the SON offers psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and nurse executive leadership options.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses with graduate degrees to practice at the highest level of professional nursing. Graduates of the DNP program advance the application of nursing knowledge through the translation and implementation of evidence for practice to improve health outcomes for diverse populations. This expert-level practice builds on past advanced practice education, experience, and certification.
The DNP Nurse Anesthetist program prepares registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) through a rigorous, challenging curriculum, heavily based in sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, and physics.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) prepares nurse scholars/scientists for roles in research, teaching, and service. The program prepares graduates who will contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, educate the next generation, and lead, ultimately impacting health policy, improving health, and reducing disparity.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The WVU Nurse Anesthetist Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through October, 2024. The COA may be contacted by mail at 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906; Rosemont, IL; 60018-5603; 224-275-9130 or on the web at https://www.coacrna.org.
Fees, Expenses, Housing, Transportation, and Immunization
Students enrolling at the Morgantown campus pay fees which are detailed at http://admissions.wvu.edu/pay. Special fees and deposits are also required. Students enrolling at other sites pay the fees shown in the catalog for that site. Fees are subject to change without notice. Students’ expenses vary according to the course of study and individual needs. Information concerning financial assistance, application forms, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form may be obtained from the financial aid website at https://financialaid.wvu.edu/students/professional-hsc or by contacting the HSC Financial Aid Office, PO Box 9810, Morgantown, WV 26506-9810; telephone (304) 293-3706 (toll free) or 1-800-344-WVU1.
The University Housing and Residence Life Office, telephone (304) 293-4491, provides information concerning university-owned housing. The Student Life Office in E. Moore Hall, telephone (304) 293-5611, provides information concerning privately owned, off-campus housing.
Students are expected to provide their own transportation, equipment, and instruments for the clinical courses. Some clinical experiences require travel in a multi-county area.
Proof of specific immunizations is required for all health sciences students. Students in the BSN, BA/BS to BSN, RN-BSN, MSN Advanced Practice, DNP, and Post graduate certificate programs must undergo a criminal background check prior to clinical courses. Felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, illicit drug use, or positive drug screens may preclude participation in the clinical courses. This could, in turn, prevent the completion of course requirements and completion of the nursing program.
Scholarships
The School of Nursing offers several scholarships. These scholarships are administered by the Health Science Center Financial Aid Office and require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in order to be considered for financial aid. Most School of Nursing scholarships are available only to students already admitted to the School of Nursing and are awarded each April for the following academic year. However, there are a limited number of scholarships for which students may apply before admission. Further information is provided on the School of Nursing website: https://nursing.hsc.wvu.edu/students/current-students/.
Additional Information
Visit the School of Nursing website at https://nursing.hsc.wvu.edu/. Call the WVU School of Nursing Office of Student and Alumni Services at 1-866-WVUNURS or (304) 293-1386. Write to WVU School of Nursing at PO Box 9600, Morgantown, WV 26506-9600
Administration
Dean
- Tara F. Hulsey - PhD (University of South Carolina)
Professor
Associate Dean of Curriculum
- Stacy Huber - EdD (West Virginia University)
Clinical Education Associate Professor
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs
- Brad Phillips - PhD (West Virginia University)
Assistant Professor
Associate Dean for Research
- Ubolrat Piamjariyakul - PhD (University of Kansas)
Professor
Associate Dean of Faculty Practice
- Emily Barnes - DNP (West Virginia University)
Clinical Professor
Associate Dean of Community Engagement
- Angel Smothers - DNP (West Virginia University)
Clinical Associate Professor
Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Services
- Gregory T. Cave - BA (West Virginia University)
Director and Assistant Dean of Business & Finance
- Karis P. Wolfe - MBA (West Virginia University)
Chair, Department of Adult Health
- Heather Carter-Templeton - PhD (The University of Tennessee Health Science Center)
Associate Professor
Chair, Department of Family/Community Health
- Billie Vance - PhD (West Virginia University)
Clinical Associate Professor
Chair, Beckley Division
- Hillary Parcell - MSN (Marshall University)
Clinical Education Associate Professor
Chair, Bridgeport Division
- Veronica Gallo - PhD (West Virginia University)
Clinical Education Associate Professor
Chair, Charleston Division
- Katherine Atassi - PhD (Medical University of South Carolina)
Clinical Education Assistant Professor
Chair, Keyser Division
- April L. Shapiro - PhD (West Virginia University)
Associate Professor
Director of Evaluation and Accreditation
- Heather Carter-Templeton - PhD (The University of Tennessee Health Science Center)
Associate Professor
Director, PhD Program
- Roger Carpenter - PhD (West Virginia University)
Associate Professor
Director, DNP Program and FNP Track Coordinator
- Kendra Baker - DNP (West Virginia University)
Clinical Associate Professor
Director, CRNA Program
- Aaron Ostrowski - DNP (University of Pittsburgh)
Clinical Assistant Professor
Assistant Director, CRNA Program
- Kellon Smith - DNAP (Saint Vincent College)
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Undergraduate Programs
- Tina Antill-Keener - PhD (West Virginia University)
Assistant Professor
Director of Nursing Simulation
- Andrea Bailey - MSN (West Virginia University)
Clinical Education Assistant Professor
Director, Continuing Education
- Rebecca Smeltzer - DNP (Case Western Reserve University)
Teaching Assistant Professor, NEL Track Coordinator
Faculty
Professors
- Jennifer Mallow - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Mary Jane Smith - PhD (University of New York)
Associate Professors
- Susan Newfield - PhD (Texas Tech University)
- Suzy Walter - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Kesheng Wang - PhD (Augusta University)
Clinical Assistant Professors
- Amy Ankrom - MSN (University of Pittsburgh)
PMHNP Track Coordinator - Susan McKenrick - DNP (West Virginia University)
- Laurel Miner - PhD (Capella University)
- Kayla Watson - DNP (West Virginia University)
PNP Track Coordinator - Stephanie Young - PhD (West Virginia University)
Clinical Education Associate Professors
- Christy Barnhart - DHSc (California University of Pennsylvania)
- Patricia J. Maramba - DNP (West Virginia University)
- Elizabeth Minchau - DNP (West Virginia University)
- Tonya Thompson - DNP (Waynesburg University)
Clinical Education Assistant Professors
- Kimberly Adams - MSN (Waynesburg University)
- Dana Friend - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Gina Greathouse - MSN (University of North Carolina - Charlotte)
- Amanda Kitzmiller - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Ann Hendrickson - DNP (University of South Alabama)
- Alexis Hicks - EdD (Grand Canyon University)
- Donna Leonard - MSN (Walden University)
- Jessica Matthews - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Danielle McGinnis - MSN (Waynesburg University)
- Amy Miner - MSN (Waynesburg University)
- Marian Reven - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Laura Vollmer - MSN (Chamberlain University)
- Amber Walker Ziese - MSN (Marshall University)
Clinical Education Instructors
- Derrick Conner - MSN (West Virginia University)
- LaMeekiaa Johnson - MSN (Chamberlain University)
- Colleen Kroll - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Kelly Lemon - MSN (Georgetown University)
- Amanda Nicola - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Joanne Rose - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Arden Townsend - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Kendall Tuttle - MSN (Waynesburg University)
Senior Lecturers
- Ashley Barber - PhD (West Virginia University)
- David Keefover - MSN (Liberty University)
Lecturers
- Debbie Bellisario - MSN (University of Phoenix)
- Michael Bellisario - BSN (West Virginia University)
- Megan Boyle - DNP (Robert Morris University)
- Christine Cleaves - DNAP (University of Michigan)
- Mary Craft - MSN (Vanderbilt University)
- Mike Frame - DMPNA (Marshall University)
- Angela Jeffries - DNAP (Missouri State University)
- Marian Longstreth - DNP (Waynesburg University)
- Diana McCarty - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Amanda McQuillan - PharmD (The University of Findlay)
- Katrina Pepin - MSN (Waynesburg University)
- Luke Velickoff - BSN (West Virginia University)
Dean Emeritus
- E. Jane Martin - PhD (University of Pittsburgh)
Professor Emeritus
- Laurie Badzek - MSN, JD (DePaul University)
- Sandra "Sam" Cotton - DNP (West Virginia University)
- Susan Coyle - PhD (West Virginia University)
- June Larrabee - PhD (University of Tennessee)
- Nan Leslie - PhD (University of Utah)
- Susan McCrone - PhD (University of Utah)
- Gaynelle McKinney - MSN, ED (Indiana University)
- Georgia Narsavage - PhD (University of Pennsylvania)
- Alvita Nathaniel - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Barbara Nunley - PhD (University of Kentucky)
- Aletha Rowlands - PhD (University of Virginia)
- Marilyn Smith - PhD (University of Tennessee)
Associate Professor Emeritus
- Peggy Burkhardt - PhD (University of Miami)
Charleston Division - Theresa Cowan - DHEd (A.T. Still University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Professions)
Charleston Division - Pamela Deiriggi - PhD (University of Texas)
- Imogene P. Foster - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Debra Harr - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Nancy A. Koontz - MSN (University of Maryland)
- Barbara Kupchak - PhD (University of Texas)
- Lois O'Kelley - MSN (Wayne State University)
- C. Lynne Ostrow - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Kari Sand-Jecklin - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Elisabeth Shelton - PhD (Widener University)
- Patricia Simoni - EdD (West Virginia University)
Assistant Professor Emeritus
- Ann Cleveland - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Daniel DeFeo - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Suzanne Gross - PhD (University of Texas)
- Dorothy Johnson - EdD (West Virginia University)
- Susan Pinto - MSN (West Virginia University)
Beckley Division - Assistant Professor
- Peggy Lambert Fink - PhD (West Virginia University)
Beckley Division - Clinical Education Assistant Professors
- Mindy Harris - MSN (Marshall University)
- Kelly Morton - MSN (Capella University)
Beckley Division - Clinical Education Instructors
- Linda Angus - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Cynthia Clark - MSN (Chamberlain University)
- Kelley Coleman - BSN (West Virginia University)
- Susan Rogers - BSN (Mountain State University)
- Heather Wood - BSN (Liberty University)
Beckley Division - Clinical Education Lecturers
- Tina Bias - MSN (Philadelphia University)
- Debra Crowder - MSN (Philadelphia University)
- Taylor Holland - BSN (West Virginia University)
- Michelle Huerta - BSN (Northern Colorado University)
- Kathy Talley - MA (Marshall University)
Bridgeport Division - Clinical Education Assistant Professor
- Kimberly Derico - MSN (Marshall University)
Bridgeport Division - Clinical Education Instructors
- Linda Griffith - BSN (West Virginia University)
- Tina Lucas - BSN (Alderson Broaddus College)
Charleston Division - Clinical Education Assistant Professor
- Jarena Kelly - DNP (West Virginia University)
Charleston Division - Teaching Associate Professors
- Evelyn Martin - DNP (West Virginia University)
- Teresa Ritchie - DNP (West Virginia University)
- Crystal Sheaves - PhD (West Virginia University)
Director of Clinical Placements - Melanie Whelan - PhD (West Virginia University)
Keyser Division - Clinical Education Assistant Professors
- Heather Dignan - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Matthew Hottle - PhD (West Virginia University)
- Diana Niland - PhD (West Virginia University)
Keyser Division - Clinical Education Instructors
- Krystal Abucevicz-Swick - MSN (West Virginia University)
- Kasey Beckman-Sirk - DNP (Chamberlain College of Nursing)
Keyser Division - Senior Lecturer
- Mary Beth McCloud - PhD (Medical University of South Carolina)
Degree Designation Learning Outcomes
Master of Science in Nursing Advanced Practice (MSN)
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing Advanced Practice program, the graduate will be prepared to:
- Use disciplined reasoning from sciences and the humanities to:
- Integrate nursing and related sciences into the delivery of advanced nursing care to diverse populations.
- Design nursing care for a clinical or community focused population based on biopsychosocial, public health, nursing and organizational sciences.
- Apply ethical analysis and clinical reasoning to assess, intervene, and evaluate advanced nursing care delivery.
- Analyze nursing history to expand thinking and provide a sense of professional heritage and identity.
- Incorporate current and emerging genetic/genomic evidence in providing advanced nursing care to individuals, families, and communities while accounting for patient values and clinical judgment through:
- Synthesizing broad ecological, global and social determinants of health; principles of genetics and genomics; and epidemiologic data to design and deliver evidence based, culturally relevant clinical prevention interventions and strategies.
- Designing patient-centered and culturally responsive strategies in the delivery of clinical prevention and health promotion interventions and/or services to individuals, families, communities, and aggregates/clinical populations.
- Integrating clinical prevention and population health concepts in the development of culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate health education, communication strategies, and interventions.
- Support quality improvement and patient safety by:
- Promoting a professional environment that includes accountability, peer review, advocacy for patients and families, reporting of errors, and professional writing.
- Contributing to the integration of healthcare services to affect safety and quality of care to improve patient outcomes and reduce fragmentation of care.
- Participating in, and leading when appropriate, in quality initiatives that integrate socio-cultural factors affecting the delivery of nursing and healthcare services.
- Demonstrate organizational and systems leaderships that:
- Emphasizes clinical practice.
- Continually improves health outcomes.
- Ensures patient safety.
- Analyze and evaluate evidence to integrate scholarship into practice through:
- Integrating theory, evidence, clinical judgment, and interprofessional perspectives to improve practice and health outcomes for patient aggregates.
- Articulating to a variety of audiences the evidence base for practice decisions, including the credibility of sources of information and the relevance to the practice problem.
- Applying practice guidelines to improve practice.
- Participating, and leading when appropriate, in collaborative teams to improve care outcomes and support policy changes through knowledge generation, dissemination, and implementation.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the analysis and use of information systems and technology to sustain improvements and promote transparency using high reliability and just culture principles through:
- Analyzing current emerging technologies to support safe practice environments, and to optimize patient safety, cost-effectiveness, and health outcomes.
- Using information and communication technologies, resources, and principles of learning to teach patients and others.
- The use of current and emerging technologies in the care environment to support lifelong learning for self and others.
- Assume an advocacy role in healthcare policy by:
- The analysis of the influence of policy on the structure and financing of health care practice and health outcomes.
- Participation in the development and implementation of institutional, local, state, and federal policy.
- The examination of the effect of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice, health care delivery, and outcomes.
- Interpreting research and bringing the nursing perspective for policy makers and stakeholders.
- Advocating for policies that improve the health of the public and the nursing profession.
- Collaborate with other professions to improve patient and population health outcomes by:
- Advocating for the value of the professional nurse as members, and leaders when indicated, of interprofessional healthcare teams.
- Using collaboration in the design, coordination, and evaluation of patient-centered care.
- Mentoring and coaching new and experienced nurses and other members of the healthcare team.
- Understanding other health professions scopes of practice to maximize contributions within the healthcare team.
- Plan, manage, and evaluate evidence-based clinical prevention and population care by:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical prevention interventions that affect individual and population-based health outcomes.
- Delivering patient-centered and culturally responsive strategies in prevention and health promotion to individuals, families, communities, and aggregates/clinical populations.
- Ensure accountability for advanced practice based on refined assessment skills; advanced communication skills; and biophysical, genetic, genomic, psychosocial, sociopolitical, economic, ethical, and cultural principles through:
- Delivering safe, quality care to diverse populations in a variety of settings and roles.
- Conducting a comprehensive and systematic assessment as a foundation for decision making.
- Applying the best available evidence from nursing and other sciences as the foundation for practice.
- Using knowledge of illness and disease management to provide evidence-based care to populations, perform risk assessments, and design plans or programs of care.
- Incorporating core scientific and ethical principles in identifying potential and actual ethical issues arising from practice, in assisting patients and other healthcare providers to address such issues.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the graduate will be prepared to:
- Use disciplined reasoning, science-based theories, and concepts from sciences and humanities to:
- Determine the nature and significance of health and health care delivery phenomena.
- Describe actions and advance strategies to improve healthcare delivery, to diverse populations.
- Develop, deliver, and evaluate theory-based health care.
- Analyze nursing history to expand thinking and provide a sense of professional heritage and identity.
- Demonstrate organizational and systems leadership that:
- Emphasizes clinical practice.
- Continually improves health outcomes.
- Ensures patient safety.
- Use analytical methods, evidence, and nursing science to:
- Critically appraise existing literature to identify and evaluate best practices and practice guidelines.
- Facilitate the evaluation of systems of care in order to improve patient outcomes.
- Serve as a practice specialist/consultant in collaborative knowledge generating research.
- Disseminate results through translational scholarship.
- Demonstrate proficiency and provide leadership for the integration of information systems/technology to:
- Support, monitor, and improve patient care, healthcare systems, clinical decision- making, nurse-sensitive outcomes, and academic settings.
- Support quality improvement and patient safety.
- Assume a leadership role in advocacy and health care policy development.
- Establish, participate, and lead interprofessional collaborations for improving patient, population, and systems outcomes.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate practice and healthcare delivery models for the purpose of quality improvement and improved patient outcomes considering
- Safety and quality.
- Epidemiological, bio-statistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data.
- Culturally appropriate care.
- Values based professional practice and behaviors.
- Economies of care, business principles and health policy related to individual, aggregate, and population health.
- Ensure accountability for advanced practice based on refined assessment skills, advanced communication skills, biophysical. genetic, genomic, psychosocial, sociopolitical, economic, ethical, and cultural principles.
- Practice and provide services for populations with in the area of advanced nursing specialization.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthetist
Upon completion of the nurse anesthetist program, the graduate will be prepared to:
- Implement advanced knowledge in nurse anesthesia science, theory, and practice.
- Evaluate, develop, implement, and lead organizational change to improve care delivery and quality.
- Develop evidence-based interventions and implement solutions to address clinical problems.
- Examine and evaluate technology and the utility of information systems and data to improve patient care.
- Influence and participate in health policy development in the institution and region of practice.
- Collaborate with the healthcare community, working with nursing, medical, surgical and anesthesia team members to promote patient advocacy and safety.
- Demonstrate technical, professional, and cultural competence in nurse anesthesia practice by safely caring for patients across the lifespan and at all levels of acuity.
- Formulate physiologically sound plans for anesthesia care.
- Participate in the clinical, administrative, and educational advancement of fellow CRNAs and other advanced practice practitioners.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Upon completion of the PhD program, the graduate will be prepared to:
- Rigorously test, generate, and extend knowledge to inform nursing science, practice, and policy.
- Contribute to the development of knowledge and interventions to address health disparity and promote or improve health.
- Assume collaborative leadership roles in academia, health organizations, research teams, and scholarly networks.
- Demonstrate expertise within an area of study that incorporates nursing and trans disciplinary perspectives.
School of Nursing Academic Progression Standards
MSN Progression Policy
To progress in the graduate programs, a student must meet these academic standards. Failure to meet the criteria will result in dismissal from the program.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
- Degree seeking graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 program GPA. A student who falls below a 3.0 in program courses after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic notice.
- Full-time degree-seeking graduate students will have only one semester to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the program GPA to 3.0 by the next enrolled semester will result in program dismissal.
- Part-time graduate students will have two semesters to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the program GPA to 3.0 by the next enrolled semester will result in program dismissal.
- Degree seeking graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 program GPA. A student who falls below a 3.0 in program courses after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic notice.
- Course grade requirements:
- Students must earn A, B, C, Pass, or Satisfactory in all required courses.
- A grade of F, Fail, or Unsatisfactory in any course results in program dismissal.
- Students can only carry forward one C grade in a nursing course. A second C in any nursing course will result in program dismissal.
- Students can only carry forward two course withdrawals (resulting in a “W” on the academic transcript). The withdrawals cannot occur in the same course more than one time.
- Course age requirements:
- Students are permitted to continue in a graduate nursing program for a maximum of 7 years following their term of admission to the programs or 5 years following PhD candidacy. A course completed more than 7 years prior to the term of degree or certificate completion will be reviewed by program administrators and the Associate Dean of Curriculum. The student may be required to validate current knowledge in the subject area, repeat the course(s), or complete competency evaluation. The University’s time limit requirements must also be met.
If a student needs to withdraw from all courses in a semester, the student must meet with their faculty advisor. (see Leave of Absence and Withdrawal policies below).
Provisional Admission - Graduate Students
Provisional graduate admission may be offered to students when they have earned a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university but do not meet the criteria for regular admission. Provisionally admitted graduate students may have program-defined deficiencies or an undergraduate or graduate scholastic record that shows promise but is below the required 3.0 overall and/or nursing GPA required for admission to the nursing program. Students will be considered for provisional admission on a case-by-case basis depending upon space available and other qualifications.
Readmission Policy
Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.
- Students previously enrolled in a WVU nursing program must complete all exit procedures and forms during the semester of withdrawal to be eligible for readmission.
- Readmission to a WVU graduate nursing program will be considered one time only.
- Students unable to complete the program within 7 years of the original admission date (all graduate programs) and within 5 years of entry into candidacy (PhD program) will be required to restart the program if readmitted.
- Readmission is not guaranteed and is dependent upon space available, applicant qualifications, and academic discretion.
- Students may be required to repeat courses, revise the original progression plan, and/or validate clinical skills/knowledge obtained from previous courses.
DNP Progression Policy
To progress in the graduate programs, a student must meet these academic standards. Failure to meet the criteria will result in dismissal from the program.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
- Degree seeking graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 program GPA. A student who falls below a 3.0 in program courses after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic notice.
- Full-time degree-seeking graduate students will have only one semester to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the program GPA to 3.0 by the next enrolled semester will result in program dismissal.
- Part-time graduate students will have two semesters to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the program GPA to 3.0 by the next enrolled semester will result in program dismissal.
- Degree seeking graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 program GPA. A student who falls below a 3.0 in program courses after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic notice.
- Course grade requirements:
- Students must earn A, B, C, Pass, or Satisfactory in all required courses.
- A grade of F, Fail, or Unsatisfactory in any course results in program dismissal.
- Students can only carry forward one C grade in a nursing course. A second C in any nursing course will result in program dismissal.
- Students can only carry forward two course withdrawals (resulting in a “W” on the academic transcript). The withdrawals cannot occur in the same course more than one time.
- Course age requirements:
- Students are permitted to continue in a graduate nursing program for a maximum of 7 years following their term of admission to the programs or 5 years following PhD candidacy. A course completed more than 7 years prior to the term of degree or certificate completion will be reviewed by program administrators and the Associate Dean of Curriculum. The student may be required to validate current knowledge in the subject area, repeat the course(s), or complete competency evaluation. The University’s time limit requirements must also be met.
If a student needs to withdraw from all courses in a semester, the student must meet with their faculty advisor. (see Leave of Absence and Withdrawal policies below).
Provisional Admission - Graduate Students
Provisional graduate admission may be offered to students when they have earned a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university but do not meet the criteria for regular admission. Provisionally admitted graduate students may have program-defined deficiencies or an undergraduate or graduate scholastic record that shows promise but is below the required 3.0 overall and/or nursing GPA required for admission to the nursing program. Students will be considered for provisional admission on a case-by-case basis depending upon space available and other qualifications.
Readmission Policy
Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.
- Students previously enrolled in a WVU nursing program must complete all exit procedures and forms during the semester of withdrawal to be eligible for readmission.
- Readmission to a WVU graduate nursing program will be considered one time only.
- Students unable to complete the program within 7 years of the original admission date (all graduate programs) and within 5 years of entry into candidacy (PhD program) will be required to restart the program if readmitted.
- Readmission is not guaranteed and is dependent upon space available, applicant qualifications, and academic discretion.
- Students may be required to repeat courses, revise the original progression plan, and/or validate clinical skills/knowledge obtained from previous courses.
DNP Nurse Anesthetist Progression Policy
To progress in the graduate curriculum, a Nurse Anesthetist Program student must meet the following performance standards. Failure to meet the criteria below will result in dismissal from the program.
- Maintain an overall academic Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 in all work attempted in the DNP Nurse Anesthetist Program. A student who falls below 3.0 after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic probation and has only one semester to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the cumulative GPA to 3.0 in one semester will result in dismissal from the program.
- Earn a letter grade (A, B, C, or Pass) on all required courses. A grade of F or Fail in any course results in dismissal from the program.
- Carry forward only one C grade in a core DNP nursing course. A second C in a core DNP nursing course will result in dismissal from the program.
- A student earning below a B- grade in any anesthesia specialty course must repeat the course. This means the student will fall out of progression with the current cohort and must wait until the course is offered in the next academic year.
- Repeat only one course in the DNP Nurse Anesthetist progression plan and only one time.
- Students can only carry forward two course withdrawals (resulting in a "W" on the academic transcript). The withdrawals cannot occur in the same course more than one time.
- Course age requirements: Students are permitted to continue in a graduate nursing program for a maximum of 7 years following their term of admission to the programs or 5 years following PhD candidacy. A course completed more than 7 years prior to the term of degree or certificate completion will be reviewed by program administrators and the Associate Dean of Curriculum. The student may be required to validate current knowledge in the subject area, repeat the course(s), or complete competency evaluation. The University’s time limit requirements must also be met. http://catalog.wvu.edu/graduate/advisingcoursesdegrees/degree_regulations/#timelimitstext
If a student needs to withdraw from all courses in a semester, the student must meet with their faculty and academic advisors to request a Leave of Absence if they plan to return to course work. Students at all times are expected to demonstrate professionalism and respect for faculty, staff, preceptors, and student colleagues. If a student is dismissed from their clinical placement site for lack of professionalism, or if the student's behavior compromises the school's relationship with the agency, the student is subject to failure in the course and dismissal from the program. See program handbook for Leave of Absence and Withdrawal policies at https://nursing.wvu.edu/students/resources/student-handbooks/.
Provisional Admission - Graduate Students
Provisional graduate admission may be offered to students when they have earned a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university but do not meet the criteria for regular admission. Provisionally admitted graduate students may have program-defined deficiencies or an undergraduate or graduate scholastic record that shows promise but is below the required 3.0 overall and/or nursing GPA required for admission to the nursing program. Students will be considered for provisional admission on a case-by-case basis depending upon space available and other qualifications.
Readmission Policy
Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.
- Students previously enrolled in a WVU nursing program must complete all exit procedures and forms during the semester of withdrawal to be eligible for readmission.
- Readmission to a WVU graduate nursing program will be considered one time only.
- Students unable to complete the program within 7 years of the original admission date (all graduate programs) and within 5 years of entry into candidacy (PhD program) will be required to restart the program if readmitted.
- Readmission is not guaranteed and is dependent upon space available, applicant qualifications, and academic discretion.
- Students may be required to repeat courses, revise the original progression plan, and/or validate clinical skills/knowledge obtained from previous courses.
PhD Progression Policy
To progress in the PhD curriculum, a student must meet the following performance standards:
Grade Criteria for Progression
- Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
- Degree seeking graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 program GPA. A student who falls below a 3.0 in program courses after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic notice.
- Full-time degree-seeking graduate students will have only one semester to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the program GPA to 3.0 by the next enrolled semester will result in program dismissal.
- Part-time graduate students will have two semesters to bring up the GPA to the 3.0 requirement. Failure to raise the program GPA to 3.0 by the next enrolled semester will result in program dismissal.
- Degree seeking graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 program GPA. A student who falls below a 3.0 in program courses after nine or more credit hours are completed in the program will be placed on academic notice.
- Course grade requirements:
- Students must earn A, B, C, Pass, or Satisfactory in all required courses.
- A grade of F, Fail, or Unsatisfactory in any course results in program dismissal.
- Students can only carry forward one C grade in a nursing course. A second C in any nursing course will result in program dismissal.
- Students can only carry forward two course withdrawals (resulting in a “W” on the academic transcript). The withdrawals cannot occur in the same course more than one time.
- Unsatisfactory Grade. If students earn an unsatisfactory or “U” in NSG 797 Research, the chair and student must devise a plan to rectify deficiencies in the next semester. If the student receives another “U”, they will be dismissed from the program.
Provisional Admission - Graduate Students
Provisional graduate admission may be offered to students when they have earned a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university but do not meet the criteria for regular admission. Provisionally admitted graduate students may have program-defined deficiencies or an undergraduate or graduate scholastic record that shows promise but is below the required 3.0 overall and/or nursing GPA required for admission to the nursing program. Students will be considered for provisional admission on a case-by-case basis depending upon space available and other qualifications.
Readmission Policy
Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.
- Students previously enrolled in a WVU nursing program must complete all exit procedures and forms during the semester of withdrawal to be eligible for readmission.
- Readmission to a WVU graduate nursing program will be considered one time only.
- Students unable to complete the program within 7 years of the original admission date (all graduate programs) and within 5 years of entry into candidacy (PhD program) will be required to restart the program if readmitted.
- Readmission is not guaranteed and is dependent upon space available, applicant qualifications, and academic discretion.
- Students may be required to repeat courses, revise the original progression plan, and/or validate clinical skills/knowledge obtained from previous courses.
The grading scale for WVU graduate programs is:
A = 93 – 100
B = 85 – 92
C = 77 – 84
F = 0-76
Certificate Programs
The certificate programs at WVU offer masters-prepared nurses the opportunity to earn a certificate in family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), and nurse executive leadership (NEL) specialties.
Admission Criteria
Eligible applicants are required to have:
- Master's degree in Nursing (or higher) from a nationally accredited nursing program and regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum nursing GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate work attempted. (Provisional admission may be considered if the overall GPA is 2.75-2.99 depending upon space available and other qualifications.)
- Active, unrestricted RN license in the state where the student plans to complete clinical hours.
Students must satisfactorily complete background checks and drug screens upon admission.
In addition, applicants:
- for the PMHNP Certificate Programs: must provide evidence of completion of stand-alone graduate level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and advanced physical assessment. Additionally, PMHNP Certificate Program students must provide evidence of national certification and licensure as an APRN.
- for the NEL Certificate Program: must have two years of practice experience at the RN level or higher.
Notes: To be considered, applicants must meet all WVU admission requirements, in addition to program specific admission criteria. Admission criteria are subject to change. Please see the School of Nursing website for the most up-to-date criteria at https://nursing.hsc.wvu.edu.
Readmission Policy
Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.
- Students previously enrolled in a WVU nursing program must complete all exit procedures and forms during the semester of withdrawal to be eligible for readmission.
- Readmission to a WVU graduate nursing program will be considered one time only.
- Students unable to complete the program within 7 years of the original admission date (all graduate programs) and within 5 years of entry into candidacy (PhD program) will be required to restart the program if readmitted.
- Readmission is not guaranteed and is dependent upon space available, applicant qualifications, and academic discretion.
- Students may be required to repeat courses, revise the original progression plan, and/or validate clinical skills/knowledge obtained from previous courses.
Provisional Admission
Provisional graduate admission may be offered to students when they have earned a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university but do not meet the criteria for regular admission. Provisionally admitted graduate students may have program-defined deficiencies or an undergraduate or graduate scholastic record that shows promise but is below the required 3.0 overall and/or nursing GAP required for admission to the nursing program. Students will be considered for provisional admission on a case-by case basis depending upon space available and other qualifications.
If admitted, all graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0 in all work attempted in the nursing program. International students may not be admitted provisionally because such students are not eligible to receive a student visa. WVU will only submit visa paperwork for regularly admitted graduate students.
Provisional graduate students who fail to meet the provisions of admission or who fail to achieve the required grade point average will be dismissed from the program and reclassified as non-degree.
Students who have been provisionally admitted to a certificate program must be reclassified as regular admitted students no later than the semester in which they complete 50 percent of the total credits required for the certificate.
Transfer of Course Work
Certificate seeking students, with approval from the certificate program, may transfer up to 6 of the required credits for a graduate certificate from a different institution or applied from another previous or concurrent WVU degree or certificate. Individual course credits may be applied to no more than two degrees, majors, or certificates. Some professional certificates, with approval from the associate provost for graduate academic affairs and graduate council, are permitted additional transfer or shared credits as described in their individual curriculum requirements. These programs may also exceed the typical credit limit for a graduate certificate as required by their accrediting body.
Progression Standards
To progress in the graduate curriculum, a student must meet the following performance standards. Failure to meet the criteria below will result in dismissal from the program.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements:
- Post-Graduate Certificate students are required to take fewer credits than those in the degree programs. Therefore, a GPA lower than 3.0 will not be grounds for probation or dismissal. However, a minimum GPA of 2.75 based on courses applied to a certificate is required for the award of a certificate.
- Earn a letter grade (A, B, C) on all required courses. A grade of F in any course results in dismissal from the program.
- Carry forward only one C grade in a nursing course. A second C in any nursing course will result in dismissal from the program.
- Students can only carry forward two course withdrawals (resulting in a “W” on the academic transcript). The withdrawals cannot occur in the same course more than one time.
If a student needs to withdraw from all courses in a semester, the student must meet with their advisor to request a Leave of Absence if they plan to return to course work. See Leave of Absence policy in the MSN Student Handbook.
The grading scale for nursing as posted in each course syllabus is:
A = 93 – 100
B = 85 – 92
C = 77 – 84
F = 0-76
Accreditation
The School of Nursing has specialized accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at West Virginia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The WVU School of Nursing DNP Nurse Anesthetist Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) through October, 2024. Contact the COA by phone at 224-275-9130, on the web at www.coacrna.org, or at 10275 W. Higgings Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont IL, 60018-56302.
Courses
NSG 593. Special Topics. 1-6 Hours.
A study of contemporary topics selected from recent developments in the field.
NSG 600. Financial Management in Healthcare Organizations. 3 Hours.
This course introduces concepts of economics and financial management for health care professionals. Course content includes principles of economics, fundamentals of managed care and health reform, budgets and budget preparation, financial analysis, preparation of business plans and health program grant proposals, and issues relevant to international settings and future trends.
NSG 611. System Based Decision Making. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 616. Decision making grounded in an understanding of the organization as an open living system.
NSG 616. Role Seminar for Leadership MSN. 2 Hours.
Exploration, analysis, and evaluation of the role of the master’s prepared nurse in leadership positions as guided by concepts, theories, and research.
NSG 617. Leadership Practicum 1. 3 Hours.
Supervised practicum designed to apply healthcare leadership principles to practice. Students participate in nursing leadership and administrative activities in a selected healthcare setting.
NSG 618. Leadership Practicum 2. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 617. Supervised practicum designed to build on initial application of healthcare leadership principles. Students participate in leadership and administrative activities in a selected health care setting.
NSG 622. Theory and Disciplined Reasoning. 3 Hours.
Introduction to the theoretical foundations of the discipline of nursing as a basis for applying disciplined reasoning to advanced practice.
NSG 623. Advanced Practice Role & Interprofessional Collaboration. 3 Hours.
Exploration of the concepts, theories, and research that guide the advanced practice nursing role. This foundational course introduces students to the knowledge, skill, and behavioral expectations of the nurse in an advanced practice role, including interprofessional collaboration.
NSG 625. Statistics. 3 Hours.
This course provides an introduction to the collection and analysis of nursing and health sciences data. Topics include sampling, data presentation, summary measures, probability, confidence interval, hypothesis testing, t-test and ANOVA, correlation analysis, simple/multiple linear regression, chi-square test, power and sample size calculation.
NSG 626. Lifespan Health Promotion. 3 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 622 and NSG 623. An in-depth study of theoretical foundations, epidemiological principles, and advance practice strategies for the promotion of health and prevention of disease across the life-span.
NSG 627. Evidence Based Practice. 3 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 625. An analysis of the application of research to guide the advanced practice nurse in evidence-based nursing practice.
NSG 628. Leadership/Policy/Ethics. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 627. An exploration of the concept of leadership in the advanced practice role and application of these leadership behaviors to health care policy and ethical decision making.
NSG 691. Advanced Topics. 1-6 Hours.
PR: Consent. Investigation of advanced topics not covered in regularly scheduled courses.
NSG 693. Special Topics. 1-6 Hours.
A study of contemporary topics selected from recent developments in the field.
NSG 695. Independent Study. 1-9 Hours.
Faculty supervised study of topics not available through regular course offerings.
NSG 697. Research. 1-9 Hours.
PR: Consent. Research activities leading to thesis, problem report, research paper, or equivalent scholarly project, or a dissertation guided by a student-graduate faculty contact based on the course objectives and culminating in a written product. (Grading will be S/U.).
NSG 701. Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 706. Examination of the relationship between pharmacologic principles and the selection of pharmacologic agents in altered health states across the lifespan. This course lays the foundation of subsequent courses in diagnosis, management, and therapeutic interventions.
NSG 702. Population Health Promotion. 3 Hours.
In depth study and analysis of clinical prevention and population health for individuals, aggregates, and populations utilizing advanced nursing practice and program evaluation strategies for the promotion of health and prevention of disease across populations.
NSG 703. Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice. 3 Hours.
Elaboration and integration of theories from nursing, the sciences, and the humanities to build a foundation for the highest level of nursing practice.
NSG 704. Health Care Leadership. 3 Hours.
Critical analysis of leadership in an organizational setting, with development of skills needed to enact the leadership role.
NSG 705. Advanced Lifespan Assessment. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 706. The focus of this course is the advanced health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Skilled interviewing and advanced assessment skills are emphasized.
NSG 706. Advanced Pathophysiology. 3 Hours.
Theoretical basis of pathophysiological changes in acute and chronic illnesses confronted in primary care across the lifespan is presented. The course serves as the foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management.
NSG 707. Evidence Based Practice Methods. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 724. This course provides an overview of research methods, evidence, and epidemiologic measures for understanding the translation of research into practice and the design of interventions to promote change in a variety of settings.
NSG 709. Health Care Informatics. 3 Hours.
Explore information technologies used in point-of-care inpatient and outpatient health settings and describe methods of utilization of technology for practice improvement, quality, and safety.
NSG 710. Health Care Issues, Policy, and Ethics. 3 Hours.
A foundation for leadership in health policy development, implementation, and evaluation, with a focus on advocacy for nursing, leadership, ethics, finance, and policy/program implementation.
NSG 712. Primary Care of Families 1. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 701 and NSG 705. An introduction to the knowledge and skills basic to the health maintenance, diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and revision of care of individuals as members of family units in the primary care setting.
NSG 714. Primary Care of Families 2. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 712. Further acquisition of knowledge and skills basic to the health maintenance, diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and revision of care of individuals as members of family units in the primary care setting. The change in course hours reflects change in content.
NSG 717. Organization and Leadership. 3 Hours.
Provides a foundation for developing organizational and systems leadership skills critical to clinical care and health outcomes. Knowledge will help students to promote patient safety and excellence in health care organizations.
NSG 719. Health Care Policy. 3 Hours.
Provides a foundation for influencing, developing, implementing, and evaluating health care policies and legislation pertinent to issues in health care such as ethics, safety, costs, access, and quality.
NSG 720. Family Practicum 1. 5 Hours.
PR: NSG 712 and PR or CONC: NSG 714. Supervised practicum designed to facilitate the student's competency at the advanced practice level in the delivery of primary health care across the lifespan.
NSG 721. Family Practicum 2. 5 Hours.
PR: NSG 720. Supervised practicum that builds upon Family Practicum 1 and applies theory and evidence to the advanced practice of nursing. Further role and competency development at the advanced practice level of lifespan primary health care.
NSG 722. Topics in Global Health: Honduras. 2 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 720 or 721. Students are introduced to global health concepts through immersion in the culture of Honduras and utilize disciplined reasoning in the application of therapeutics and evidence-based advanced nursing practice in service learning experiences.
NSG 724. Health Research Statistics 1. 3 Hours.
This course provides development of statistical knowledge and skills needed for quantitative health research. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, chi square and regression techniques.
NSG 725. Health Research Statistics 2. 3 Hours.
This course continues the development of statistical knowledge and skills needed for quantitative health research using SPSS, including nonparametric testing, advanced regression topics and diagnostics, ANCOVA, SPSS syntax, classification, and factor, survival and power analyses.
NSG 727. Contemporary Nursing Science. 3 Hours.
Focus is on an analysis of the state of the science for a phenomenon for study. Emphasis is placed on the application of the particular phenomenon to a population of interest.
NSG 728. Nursing Science Theory/Philosophy. 4 Hours.
This course builds on philosophical basis of nursing. Discovery and verification of scientific knowledge are addressed by focusing on theory development. Methodologies include concept analysis and evaluation of middle-range theories of nursing and related sciences.
NSG 729. Quantitative Methods. 3 Hours.
PR: (NSG 724 and NSG 725) with a minimum grade of B-. Quantitative methods and measurement relevant to conducting research in nursing are studied.
NSG 731. Qualitative Research Methods. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 728. An exploration of the philosophical foundation and methods of qualitative inquiry. Research designs, ethical issues, rigor, integrity, data collection, interpretation, and representation are studied in depth.
NSG 732. Seminar in Nursing Scholarship. 3 Hours.
PR: Admission to the PhD program. Exploration of the dimensions of scholarship in preparation for future roles as nurse scholars/scientists.
NSG 733. Research Grant Development. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 729 and NSG 731. Analysis of the grant-writing process, including project goals and objectives, description, methodology, design, personnel, budget, and evaluation. In addition, current federal application formats will provide students with the background to complete a submittable grant proposal in their own area of research.
NSG 734. Use of Data. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 724 and NSG 725 and NSG 729. This course focuses on use of the following data bases: clinical, financial, health services, nursing, local, state, and national. The uses of existing data in clinical and policy decisions and in research will be explored.
NSG 735. Principles: Nursing Education. 3 Hours.
This course examines the research base of educational strategies in nursing education in classroom and clinical settings. The course also examines external determinants on nursing curriculum, accreditation issues, and evaluation of nursing programs.
NSG 736. Advanced Health Policy and Ethics. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 732. Examination of ethical issues of research and current health policy.
NSG 737. Leadership. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 732. Through exploration of contemporary leadership theory and application to self, an authentic personal leadership style will be developed to enable the student to enact a leadership role in health care and/or education.
NSG 739. Scientific Underpinnings of the DNP Role. 3 Hours.
Integration of theories from nursing, the sciences, and the humanities to build a foundation for preparation of students to fulfill the role of the advanced practice nurse at the highest level of nursing practice.
NSG 740A. Standards of Practice, Professionalism, and Overview of the Nurse Anesthesia Role. 2 Hours.
This course provides information and perspectives on the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Essentials, history of the nurse anesthesia profession, informatics, professional roles, wellness and the effects of substance use disorder, curricular standards, scope of practice, and regulatory authorities pertinent to nurse anesthetists.
NSG 740B. Professional Issues in Nurse Anesthesia. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 740A with a minimum grade of B-. This course builds upon themes related to the role of the nurse anesthetist, which were presented in NSG 740A. Topics include safety, professional interactions, added value of a nurse anesthetist in a variety of arenas, legal issues, and future trends as related to the role of the CRNA.
NSG 741. Genetics, Chemistry, and Physics of Anesthesia. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 706 with a minimum grade of C-. The student will examine science-based principles of genetics, chemistry, and physics that relate to the mechanisms and effects of anesthesia. Mathematics concepts such as converting systems of measurement and calculating drug infusion rates will be explored. Components and functions of the anesthesia gas machine will be introduced.
NSG 742A. Foundations of Anesthesia 1: Basic Principles of Safe Anesthesia Care. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 741 and PR or CONC: NSG 743 and NSG 752A with a minimum grade of B- in each. Core anesthesia principles of preoperative assessment, monitoring, positioning, basic airway and fluid management, and administration and documentation of basic and safe anesthetics for adults are discussed in this course. Students will have the knowledge to prepare for workshops associated with NSG 743 and for clinical practicum, NSG 752A.
NSG 742B. Foundations of Anesthesia 2: Regional Anesthesia and Considerations for Common Procedures. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 742A with a minimum grade of B-. This course addresses basic anesthesia principles for safe administration of regional anesthesia. Students are introduced to anesthesia considerations for patients across the lifespan, including pediatric and geriatric patients, and will examine management fundamentals for common surgical subspecialty procedures.
NSG 743. Foundations of Anesthesia Lab. 1 Hour.
PR or CONC: NSG 742A and NSG 752A with a minimum grade of B- in each. This course develops the necessary psychomotor and critical thinking skills to provide safe anesthesia care in clinical settings. Workshops include conducting a preanesthetic assessment, preparing the anesthesia workspace and gas machine, managing the airway, obtaining vascular access, monitoring, positioning, preparing anesthetic medications, and managing complications that arise during anesthetic inductions.
NSG 744A. Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology 1: Cardiac, Pulmonary, and CNS. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 742A with a minimum grade of B-. The focus of this course is to address advanced concepts in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, incorporating the effects of anesthesia, and discussing management principles for disorders associated with the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and central nervous systems.
NSG 744B. Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology 2: Hepatic, Renal, and Related Systems. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 744A with a minimum grade of B-. The focus of this course is to continue addressing advanced concepts presented in NSG 744A. Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology are presented, incorporating the effects of anesthesia, and discussing management principles for disorders associated with the hepatic, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, and related systems.
NSG 745. Clinical Immersion. 1-5 Hours.
PR: NSG 739 and at least one credit of clinical immersion must occur during the last year of the student's program of study. In this course, students will use the knowledge gained from core and specialty courses at a high level of complexity in clinical practice. This will include integrating the DNP Essentials (AACN, 2006) in leadership-oriented clinical practice experiences.
NSG 746. Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 701 with a minimum grade of C- and NSG 742A with a minimum grade of B-. This course applies principles of pharmacology to anesthesia practice. Pharmacologic properties of anesthetic agents and common adjunctive drugs are discussed to enable the student to develop advanced plans for anesthetic management.
NSG 747. Perioperative Assessment and Care. 1 Hour.
PR: NSG 705 with a minimum grade of C- and NSG 742B with a minimum grade of B-. Students in this lab course apply principles of advanced assessment to nurse anesthesia practice. Comprehensive health history, in-depth physical exam techniques, and evidence-based diagnostic skills are expanded to emphasize critical thinking and decision-making in the perioperative environment. Students will demonstrate use of advanced airway devices and ultrasound to improve patient care.
NSG 748A. Advanced Principles of Anesthesia 1: Cardiothoracic, Vascular, and Neuroanesthesia. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 742B and NSG 744A with a minimum grade of B- in each. Advanced principles of anesthesia management for cardiac, thoracic, vascular, and neurosurgical procedures are presented in this course. Students examine techniques to administer anesthesia to patients undergoing procedures including coronary bypass grafting, lung resections, endovascular aortic repairs, and intracranial tumor resections.
NSG 748B. Advanced Principles of Anesthesia 2: Management Across the Lifespan. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 748A with a minimum grade of B-. Advanced principles of anesthesia including obstetric and pediatric specialties are presented. Students examine anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and anesthetic management unique to the obstetric and pediatric populations. Simulations of induction and management for pediatric patients, aged from neonate to 18 years, and all levels of acuity will be conducted to reinforce didactic concepts.
NSG 748C. Advanced Principles of Anesthesia 3: Management of Special Populations. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 748B with a minimum grade of B-. Advanced principles of anesthetic management including patients of trauma, abdominal transplant, burns, and pain management populations are presented in this course. Students will examine and apply techniques of difficult airway management, blood volume resuscitation, hemodynamic control, and acute and chronic pain management in this course.
NSG 749. Business, Management, and Finance in Nurse Anesthesia Practice. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 704 with a minimum grade of C- and NSG 740B with a minimum grade of B-. Principles of business, management, and finance are applied to nurse anesthesia in this course. Students will analyze reimbursement and billing models, develop plans for business, and evaluate contracts for independent and hospital employment. Management relationships with staff, human resources, and other departments in a health organization will be evaluated. Health care and personal finance will be discussed.
NSG 751. Evidence-Based Anesthesia Review. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 749 and NSG 810 with a minimum grade of B- in each. An evidence-based update and review of the body of knowledge necessary to enter nurse anesthesia practice is the focus of this course. Students will revisit basic sciences, basic and advanced principles of anesthesia, pharmacology, and age and procedure-related management concepts. Students will write a summative Comprehensive Exam and participate in an objective structured clinical exam based on the entire curriculum.
NSG 752A. Foundations Clinical Practicum 1. 1 Hour.
PR or CONC: NSG 742A and NSG 743 with a minimum grade of B- in each. This initial clinical practicum course is designed to integrate basic anesthesia principles into practice. The student will be introduced to anesthesia monitoring, procedures, technology, equipment, medications, and the perioperative clinical environment.
NSG 752B. Foundations Clinical Practicum 2. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 752A and PR or CONC: NSG 742B with a minimum grade of B- in each. This second clinical practicum course is designed to increase the integration of basic anesthesia principles into clinical practice. The student will continue to develop skill with anesthesia monitoring, use of equipment, administration of medications, and gain greater experience in anesthesia management of uncomplicated surgical procedures and regional anesthesia in the perioperative clinical environment.
NSG 753A. Advanced Clinical Practicum 1. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 752B and PR or CONC: NSG 748A with a minimum grade of B- in each. This third clinical practicum integrates advanced anesthesia principles into clinical practice. The student will continue to develop competency with monitoring, use of equipment, administration of medications, and gain greater experience in anesthesia management of increasingly complex cardiac, thoracic, vascular, and neurosurgical procedures.
NSG 753B. Advanced Clinical Practicum 2. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 753A and PR or CONC: NSG 748B with a minimum grade of B- in each. This fourth clinical practicum continues the integration of advanced anesthesia principles into practice. The student will continue to develop competency with monitoring, use of equipment, administration of medications, and gain experience in anesthesia management including obstetric and pediatric patients.
NSG 753C. Advanced Clinical Practicum 3. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 753B and PR or CONC: NSG 748C with a minimum grade of B- in each. This fifth clinical practicum is designed to integrate advanced anesthesia principles with preparation for clinical immersion. The student will continue to manage general and specialty anesthetic techniques for patients with complex comorbidities and broaden experience in care of special populations.
NSG 754. Transforming Health Care Through Information Technology. 3 Hours.
Utilization of information systems and technology to improve quality, safety, and system outcomes for the improvement and transformation of health care.
NSG 770. Pediatric Primary Care 1. 3 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 767. An introduction to the knowledge and skills basic to the health maintenance, diagnosis, treatment, evaluation and revision of care of children in the primary care setting.
NSG 771. Pediatric Primary Care 2. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 770. Further acquisition of knowledge and skills central to the assessment of health status, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of children in the primary care setting.
NSG 772. Pediatric Practicum 1. 5 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 771. Supervised practicum designed to facilitate the student's competency in the delivery of primary health care to children.
NSG 773. Pediatric Practicum 2. 5 Hours.
PR: NSG 772. Supervised practicum that builds on NSG 772 [Pediatric Practicum 1] and applies theory and evidence to the advanced practice of nursing. Further role and competency development at the advanced practice level for the delivery of primary health care to pediatric populations.
NSG 774. Neuro-Psychopharmacology. 3 Hours.
PR: Admission to the PMHNP Program. Students will focus on principles of neurobiology including neurodevelopment, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and advanced theories in the neuroscience of psychiatric illnesses. Psychopharmacologic agents, their clinical uses in psychiatric illness, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics will be reviewed in depth. Students will learn to synthesize information through a case-based method related to psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders across the lifespan.
NSG 775. PMHNP Role and Foundations. 3 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 774. The focus of this course is on the scope and standards of practice and prescriptive authority for the PMHNP. Students will obtain an overview of the classification system in the DSM-5, an introduction of psychiatric disorders, and levels and standards of the PMHNP role, including the Standards of Profession Performance for the PMHNP.
NSG 776. Psychotherapy Modalities. 3 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 774 and NSG 775. This course will provide students with a comprehensive exploration of selected evidence-based psychotherapeutic concepts, modalities, and interventions for individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan. Students will learn to integrate various psychotherapeutic approaches into a model that will guide their practice. The clinical practicum allows the student to integrate assessment skills and psychotherapeutic interventions into the clinical environment.
NSG 777. PMHNP Management of Adults. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 774 and PR or CONC: NSG 775 and NSG 776. This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform advanced clinical differential diagnoses and management of adults and geriatrics with mental health disorders utilizing the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5. Students will learn to apply the principles of psychopharmacology and psychotherapies to the care of adults of all ages.
NSG 779. PMHNP Management of Child/Adolescent. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 777. This course focuses on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform advanced clinical differential diagnoses and management of children and adolescents with mental health disorders evolving from the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5. Students will also learn to apply principles of psychopharmacology and psychotherapies to the care of children and adolescents.
NSG 781. Research Mentorship. 1 Hour.
PR: NSG 785. In this guided practicum, the student's research skills are developed and cultivated through participation in the mentorship process with an experienced researcher (the chairperson or his/her designee).
NSG 782. PMHNP Clinical Practicum. 1-5 Hours.
PR or CONC: NSG 777 and NSG 779, in order to see children/adolescents in the clinical setting, students must be enrolled in or have previously completed NSG 779. This clinical course allows students to practice the knowledge, skills, and attitudes attained in foundational PMHNP courses. It focuses on the application of neuro-psychopharmacology, assessment, and psychotherapeutic treatments. Students perform advanced clinical differential diagnoses and management of patients across the lifespan with mental health disorders, utilizing the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5.
NSG 783. Dissertation Seminar. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 785. This seminar provides an opportunity for continued knowledge synthesis related to the selected topic of research. Students will participate in proposal presentation and critique.
NSG 785. Qualifying Examination. 1 Hour.
PR: Students must complete all courses except one cognate and NSG 781 and submit a first-authored manuscript relevant to the student's focused area of research to a peer-reviewed journal for publication prior to taking NSG 785. The Qualifying Exam (QE) allows students to demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge gained in coursework in order to be able to progress to dissertation. It is comprised of written and oral components. All elements of the QE must be successfully completed no later than the first semester of the fifth year.
NSG 791. Advanced Topics. 1-6 Hours.
PR: Consent. Investigation of advanced topics not covered in regularly scheduled courses.
NSG 792. Directed Study. 1-6 Hours.
Directed study, reading, and/or research.
NSG 793. Special Topics. 1-6 Hours.
A study of contemporary topics selected from recent developments in the field.
NSG 795. Independent Study. 1-9 Hours.
Faculty supervised study of topics not available through regular course offerings.
NSG 796. Graduate Seminar. 1-3 Hours.
PR: Consent. Each graduate student will present at least one seminar to the assembled faculty and graduate student body of his or her program.
NSG 797. Research. 1-9 Hours.
PR: Consent. Research activities leading to thesis, problem report, research paper, or equivalent scholarly project, or a dissertation. (Grading will be S/U.).
NSG 810. Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Immersion 1. 3 Hours.
PR: NSG 753C with a minimum grade of B-. This sixth clinical practicum is designed to immerse the student in advanced professional practice as a nurse anesthetist. Students develop clinical leadership skills in experiences ranging from a team-oriented academic trauma center to a community hospital with nurse anesthetists in independent practice.
NSG 812. Nurse Anesthesia Clinical Immersion 2. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 810 with a minimum grade of B-. This seventh clinical practicum is designed to conclude the student’s clinical immersion and marks the transition from student to advanced professional practice as a nurse anesthetist. Clinical experiences range from team-oriented, academic trauma centers to community hospitals with independent CRNA practitioners.
NSG 830. Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Development. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 724 and PR or CONC: NSG 707. This course provides the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student with a framework for developing an evidence-based DNP Project. Types of projects include quality improvement, policy analysis, demonstration, clinical inquiry, translation of evidence-based practice, and program evaluation. The student applies principles of business, finance, economics, and health policy to address the identified problem.
NSG 831. Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Implementation. 1,2 Hour.
PR: NSG 830. This course provides the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student with a framework for implementing and evaluating the outcomes of a proposed DNP project. The student will present a project proposal, apply for institutional approval, implement an initiative, and collect and analyze data in preparation for the DNP Project presentation.
NSG 832. Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Presentation. 2 Hours.
PR: NSG 830 (for 2 credits) and NSG 831 (at least 2 credits). This course requires the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student to present the DNP project. The student will demonstrate mastery of the DNP Essentials and DNP program outcomes through a portfolio, a presentation of the project, and a manuscript describing the project.