Villanova University
The oldest and largest Catholic university in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, Villanova is one of 255 institutions and one of 15
Catholic colleges or universities in the nation to have a chapter
of the Phi Beta Kappa, the prestigious liberal arts honor
society.
Villanova's 511 full-time faculty members, 90 percent of whom
hold the highest degree in their field, teach classes that
average 22 students. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Located in a suburban community 12 miles (or 20 kilometers) west
of Philadelphia, the picturesque 254-acre campus features more
than 60 buildings, including a library with extensive electronic
holdings, an 11,800 seat stadium, state of the art academic
facilities and 26 residence halls.
The College of Nursing
The College of Nursing at Villanova University is a pre-eminent
Augustinian school of nursing committed to the education of the
whole person within a framework of Christian values and ethics.
The College of Nursing--designated a Center of Excellence in
Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing--is a
community of scholars and clinicians that share a belief that
excellent professional education depends on an outstanding
education in the liberal arts and sciences. The resources of our
distinguished university enhance the quality of a fine
professional program. An exceptional faculty of clinical experts
and the rich clinical resources of the Greater Philadelphia area
contribute to the high quality and fine reputation of the College
of Nursing's undergraduate, graduate and continuing education
programs.
The College's new state-of-the art building was opened in summer
2008. In addition to enhancements for research, education, global
health and community initiatives, it includes an advanced
clinical simulation center for undergraduate and graduate
education. Teaching-learning strategies using computerized human
patient simulators and standardized patient scenarios expand the
clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills of the
students, preparing them for clinical leadership roles in the
health care setting. They also prepare nurse educators for their
role in teaching future nurses.
The College of Nursing is committed to educating nursing students
from diverse backgrounds and developing culturally competent
nurses. There are multicultural and international opportunities
for study available to students. The university's Office for
Student Life Diversity Initiatives has a mission to ensure that
each student's educational experience takes place in the context
of a welcoming, caring, just and educationally purposeful
community.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN program is a challenging four-year academic program of
high quality that includes laboratory and clinical experiences
under qualified faculty guidance.
During their first two years, students take a combination of
liberal arts and science courses, as well as courses in basic
nursing theory and clinical skills. At the end of the sophomore
year and throughout the junior and senior years, students enroll
in nursing theory courses and clinical courses which provide
experience in a wide variety of health care facilities.
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Adult Learners
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The College of Nursing welcomes applications from adults who wish
to begin preparing for a career in nursing. These include
individuals who possess undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in
other fields as well as those adults entering college for the
first time. Part-time study is possible during the introductory
level of the program. Full-time study is required during the
clinical portion of the program. All applicants must meet the
entrance requirements for admission to the University.
Second Degree BSN: BSNExpress
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Villanova University's BSNExpress program is a 14-month program
specifically designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in
another discipline. The program incorporates all standard
components of the nursing curriculum in an accelerated schedule.
This program begins in May of each year and ends in August of the
following year. Students who wish to study at a slower pace may
enroll in the Alternate Sequence curriculum which encompasses two
academic years and one summer session.
BSN/MSN Gateway for RNs
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Villanova's BSN/MSN Gateway program for registered nurses is the
perfect way to advance your career. We make the course of study
convenient and flexible for the busy RN student to move forward
with earning a bachelor of science and a master of science in
nursing degree. The benefits of attending the program are many,
including:
- Individualized learning programs. Most courses are for RNs
only and you can customize your BSN/MSN experience
- The required clinical course is tailored to meet RN needs
- Flexible scheduling
- You may only need to take 24 credits at Villanova
- Most nursing courses are web-based
- Opportunity to network with distinguished faculty and RN
students
- 30% tuition reduction for RNs working full-time
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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Villanova's MSN program is known for its educational excellence.
Our challenging, cutting edge curricula and distinguished faculty
are invaluable in helping you achieve your professional career
goals.
Since most of our students are working professionals, classes are
offered in the evenings and on a part-time basis to complement
the busy lifestyles of adult students. All of our core courses
are available in a distance learning format.
MSN concentrations include:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Health Care Administration
- Nursing Education
- Nurse Anesthetist
Post-master's certificates are available in all of the
above-listed concentrations, with the exception of the health
care administration.
PhD in Nursing
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The doctoral program offered by Villanova's College of Nursing
leads to award of the PhD and is designed to prepare nurses as
teacher-scholars for academic careers in higher education.
Doctoral education builds upon baccalaureate and master's
preparation in nursing, through emphasis on both research and
theory development and on teaching preparation. Villanova's
program is distinguished by its special focus on the application
of nursing knowledge and scholarly inquiry that address
professional and practice concerns relating to the learning
process.
The program will combine innovative and traditional modalities,
offering distance learning opportunities in fall and spring
semesters and on-site experiences during summer sessions.
Designed as a 51-credit program, the length of the program may
vary depending on previous education, currency of graduate
education and individual needs.
Continuing Education
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The College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing
education in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center
(ANCC) Commission on Accreditation. A variety of courses and
certificate programs are offered, including those in
pharmaceutical research, nursing management, nurse
practitioner-specific topics, plus a post-master's certificate in
nursing administration, a Faculty Development Institute and more.
Courses are provided by request to health care groups and
agencies. Since fall 2008, online courses are available in a
variety of clinical and managerial subjects.