Skip to main content

Nursing

Associate Dean: Goodolf
Associate Professors: Dorney, DiGiulio, Farber, Goodolf, Groller, Hoffman
Assistant Professors: Colancecco, Gannon, Grube, Halliday Mikovits
Assistant Clinical Professor: Guider, Watchous, Zaccardi
Instructors:  Albert, Brown, Butler, Lugo, Sayenga


Nursing education at Moravian University blends compassionate art with scientific inquiry to achieve a transformative education deeply rooted in a rich liberal arts tradition. At its core the program seeks to develop students who are acutely aware of the world in which they live and their responsibilities of living in a global, interdependent community. The undergraduate and graduate programs cultivate a professional nurse graduate who values lifelong learning and service to others within a framework of social justice. These core components provide the foundation for the program and learning outcomes and are detailed in the Student Handbook.

Healthcare initiatives improve the lives of people worldwide every day. Today’s health care professionals must utilize a multidisciplinary approach in promoting and preserving a healthy quality of life for all populations—individuals, families, communities, and nations worldwide. Our nursing and public health programs will prepare you for continuous learning, advanced study, and leadership in health care. 

The Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health offers a traditional four-year pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a 16-month long accelerated BSN program for college graduates in non-nursing fields, a baccalaureate degree completion program for registered nurses (RN to BSN), and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs that prepares clinical nurse leaders, nurse administrators, nurse educators, and nurse practitioners. 

Program Accreditation

The pre licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Moravian University are accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Information on the accreditation process for nursing programs can be obtained from these agencies or the School of Nursing and Public Health office on campus

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAMS

The Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health offers an educational program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, a generalist professional program that prepares graduates for entry-level positions in nursing practice.

BSN Program options include the following:

  • The BSN degree for those students who are entering the four-year program of study for an initial professional degree,
  • The RN to BSN degree for those RNs who wish to complete the BSN degree, and
  • A sixteen-month second degree option for those who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing.

Program Outcomes

The outcomes listed below are congruent with and extensions of Moravian mission. It is expected that the graduate will:

  • Synthesize knowledge from the humanities, sciences, and nursing theory as a basis for making decisions in the practice of nursing;
  • Provide holistic nursing care that contributes to safe and quality outcomes among individuals, families, and communities;
  • Collaborate with other healthcare team members to foster optimal health of individuals, families, and communities;
  • Provide culturally sensitive care with diverse populations in local, regional, national, and global settings;
  • Plan and implement theory-based and evidence-based nursing interventions in the care of individuals, families, and communities;
  • Exhibit civic and leadership behaviors  grounded in a social justice framework to guide practice and foster the attainment of health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities; and
  • Demonstrate professional accountability and advocacy in making ethical decisions through adherence to professional standards.

General Education Requirements for Nursing Majors

Nursing majors must select MATH 107 or HLTP 189 to fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning (F2) requirement and CHEM 108 for the Laboratory Science (F4) requirement. 

The Major in Nursing

To receive the B.S.N. degree, students must earn a total of 32 course units. The following program of nursing studies is prescribed (subject to change):

  • First Year. First semester: BIOL 103, NURS 115. Second semester: BIOL104, CHEM 108.
  • Sophomore Year. First semester: BIOL 205, MATH 107 (may be taken in junior year) or HLTP 189, PSYC 207 (may be taken in spring semester), NURS 212. Second semester: BIOL 206, NURS 311.
  • Junior Year. First semester: NURS 310, 312, and 331.2. Second semester: NURS 314, 332.2, and 339.
  • Senior Year. First semester: NURS 313 and 315. Second semester: NURS 316 and 317.

Dual major, dual degree

Moravian University offers a four-and-one-half-year double major, double degree program for students who decide to pursue a BSN after matriculating into the institution in a program outside of nursing.  These students must meet certain requirements to proceed into the BSN program, but upon successful completion of this double degree program, students will earn a BA or BS in a major other than nursing, and a BSN after 4.5 years of study.  In their first  three years of full-time study, students will complete a major in a field of their choosing or design their own major, most of their general education requirements, and all of the prerequisites for nursing (see below).  In the spring of their junior year, interested students apply for the accelerated nursing program, and, if admitted, continue in an accelerated program of nursing leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Upon conclusion of the accelerated program (which runs for 16 months, beginning in August of the senior year), students are awarded two bachelor’s degrees, one of which is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam.

Students complete the following Learning in Common requirements as part of this double degree program: F1 (writing), F2 (quantitative reasoning), F4 (lab science), then 5 of the M or U classes, selected from among M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 and U1.  The F3 (language) requirement is completed as part of the accelerated nursing program, as is the U2 (moral life) requirement.

At the conclusion of the junior year, students must have completed the following in order to be considered for admission into the accelerated nursing program:

  • A full major other than nursing
  • The Learning in Common requirements listed above
  • A minimum of 23 course units, with an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher
  • The following science courses, with an average of 2.67 and no grade lower than C-:
    • BIOL 103 (no grade lower than C) or 106, 104 or 107 and 206
    • CHEM 108
  • Statistics (HLTP 189 or MATH 107 are preferred)
  • PSYC 207

International Clinical Placement

Nursing students have an opportunity to participate in electives with an international clinical placement. Travel usually is scheduled during break periods or at the end of the spring or fall semesters. Faculty may supervise this experience in a variety of international settings, including Central America and Australia. International savings accounts may be established at the University to help students save money for this additional academic expense.

Additional Requirements

Space in the nursing major is limited. In order to enter the nursing program, students must meet the admissions requirements and declare an interest in nursing during the process of applying to the University. Current students who meet the progressions requirements may apply to transfer into the nursing program from another major. Application to transfer to the nursing major requires an interview and is considered only as space is available. Meeting the progression requirements and completing an application does not guarantee admission into the nursing program.

In addition to meeting University admission requirements, all nursing majors will be required to show proof of the following as prerequisites for clinical nursing courses:

  • Background clearance on criminal and child-abuse behavior.
  • Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
  • Negative urine drug screen.

Students' personal health also should be consistent with requirements for a professional nurse, including required immunizations as prescribed in the policy statement in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Applicants and students should be aware that Pennsylvania Registered Nurse Law prohibits licensure of individuals convicted of felonies related to controlled substances and may prohibit licensure if there is a conviction for any felonious act. For details, refer to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing regulations. Prior to enrolling in Nursing 212: Holistic Assessment, all nursing students are required to submit to the School of Nursing and Public Health a Federal Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Background Check, and a Child Abuse History Clearance. These clearances must be updated periodically and are maintained electronically on file in the School of Nursing and Public Health. Copies will be provided to clinical sites upon request.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the requirements of the University, students enrolled in the nursing program must complete the following:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better in nursing courses, an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better, and a GPA of 2.67 or better in biology and chemistry courses that are required of the major. 
  • Satisfactory clinical evaluations in all nursing courses.
  • Completion of the prescribed nursing program of study, including the standardized nursing assessment program, NCLEX-RN preparation, and end-of-program survey/exit interview.

Additional Expenses in the Nursing Program

In addition to general matriculation fees—tuition, room and board, books, etc.—for all undergraduates, students in the nursing program incur additional expenses for such things as physical examinations, specialized immunizations, uniforms, malpractice insurance, graduation pin, clinical laboratory fees, and normative-based testing fees. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical practice sites.

Academic Policies in the School of Nursing

Acceptance to Moravian University does not guarantee that a student will be accepted into the nursing program. General academic policies specific to the nursing program appear below. 

Progression in the Program

Declaration of and Acceptance into the Nursing Major

  1. For the student to declare nursing as a major, and prior to entering any nursing course that has a clinical requirement (e.g., Nursing 212), the student must earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.67 or higher in required biology and chemistry courses (Biology 103 and 104, and Chemistry 108) and have an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better.
  2. If progression criteria are met, students will be declared a nursing major prior to the start of NURS 212. This declaration will be made by the Associate Dean of Nursing and Public Health.
  3. Non-transfer students must take the natural science biology (BIO 103, 104, NURS/HLTH 205, 206) and chemistry (CHEM 108) at Moravian University as displayed in the program plan, or a seat will not be guaranteed in the nursing program.

Progression into the Major

  1. Once a student declares nursing as a major, then a nursing grade point average of 3.00 or better must be achieved and maintained by the end of the first clinical course (i.e., Nursing 212). The student must also continue maintaining the overall cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better, and a GPA of 2.67 or better in biology and chemistry courses required of the major (Biology 103, 104, 205, and 206; and Chemistry 108) for progression purposes. The student will not be permitted to retake a nursing course to boost the nursing GPA. The student will not be permitted to retake a biology or chemistry course to boost the natural science GPA. The student must maintain the above cumulative GPA requirements at the end of each semester in the nursing program in order to progress in the nursing major.
  2. All required biology and chemistry courses (Biology 103, 104, 205 and 206; and Chemistry 108) are to be completed prior to beginning the junior-level nursing courses (Nursing 310, 312, 314, 331.2, 332.2, and 339).
  3. There is no probationary period for the student who does not meet the science, overall, and/or nursing major GPA requirements.
  4. Students who transfer into nursing, either internally or externally, are required to have an overall cumulative GPA of B (=3.0) or better, a natural science cumulative GPA of B- (=2.67) or better, and a nursing cumulative GPA of B (=3.0) or better. Students who transfer science courses from non-LVAIC institutions are required to earn a B (=3.0) or better in the required sciences in order to have those courses count toward the nursing program requirements. Previous C work in the required sciences will transfer to the University as a general elective, and students will have to take the appropriate prerequisite or co-requisite course at Moravian. Once the student transfers into Moravian University, the student is held to the same standards as previously described in order to declare nursing as a major and to progress in the program.

Note: Once the student matriculates at Moravian University, only those grades earned at Moravian University count towards the GPA targets; that is, the GPA targets are not based on an average of grades earned at Moravian and grades earned at other institutions.

Other Criteria

Students are required to possess the physical, cognitive, and emotional ability to perform the functions which are necessary for the safe practice of nursing and essential to the licensing requirements. Students must be capable of meeting the performance standards (see the School of Nursing Student Handbook) with or reasonable accommodation in order to be admitted to the nursing program. A criminal background check, child abuse check, urine drug screen, and health screen are required for all students prior to entering clinical nursing courses. Negative finds from criminal background checks, child abuse checks, urine drug screenings, and health examinations, as well as a satisfactory record of immunizations against common communicable diseases, are required for all students prior to entering clinical nursing courses and at periodic intervals during the program of study.

Transfer students are typically not awarded nursing course credit for previous nursing courses taken at other institutions. Previous coursework, total Moravian equivalency units, and the preceding criteria will determine admission and placement in the nursing program.

The program uses Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) to continuously monitor individual student progress and overall curricular benchmarks. This program consists of a variety of review materials, online videos, online practice assessments, and proctored assessments. Students must achieve predetermined benchmark proficiency levels on the proctored assessments in order to progress in the program without remediation. More specific information on utilization of ATI is included in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

The nursing faculty uses a uniform standard of numerical equivalents for the assignment of letter grades. For details, consult the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Nursing students are required to meet the prerequisites for progress in the nursing course sequence; therefore, a grade of incomplete may disrupt the student's progression.

Student Clinical-Performance Evaluation

Students are required to earn a Satisfactory evaluation of clinical performance in each nursing course in order to progress in the curriculum. Further information on clinical performance requirements appears in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Other Pertinent Policies

Departmental policies concerning class attendance, professional dress, temporary medical disability, bloodborne pathogen exposure control, infectious exposure, health screening, and other issues appear in the School of Nursing Student Handbook. Nursing majors are held accountable to these standards.

Undergraduate Courses in Nursing

NURS 115. Foundations of Nursing and Healthcare. The process of critical thinking as a basis for open inquiry into assumptions, beliefs, and values about the discipline of nursing will be analyzed for nursing in a dynamic, multidisciplinary health care environment. Professional, historical, and socio-cultural issues, as well as ethical and legal standards, will be discussed within the context of health care challenges of the 21st century. Nursing majors only.

NURS 212. Holistic Assessment. A clinical course and practicum utilizing the techniques of physical, psychosocial, functional, spiritual, and cultural assessments. Assessments will be performed in a variety of practicum settings and will include individuals and families across the life span during various states of health. Students will utilize data collected for an interpretive analysis of health status. Prerequisites: BIOL 103 and 104; NURS 115. Co-requisite: NURS 115, if not taken prior to enrolling in NURS 212.

NURS 216. Intersection of Culture and Healthcare. (also Interdisciplinary 216) In this course the student will develop an understanding of health, illness, and the meanings of these concepts for members of non-western socio-cultural populations. Topics include culturally bound practices; the impact on healthcare practices and decision-making; structures that promote access to healthcare and structures that impede access. The concept of delivering culturally competent care will be examined and strategies for promoting competence will be explored. (M5)         

NURS 230. Global Disaster Preparedness & Management. (also Interdisciplinary 230) Examines global disaster management and the socio-cultural needs of individuals, particularly of vulnerable populations. Current evidence-based information on disaster response will be explored in order to prepare for the unique cultural needs of populations impacted by disasters. The student will develop an understanding of the nature of different types of global disasters and develop a plan for disaster management at a personal, community, and global level (M5).       

NURS 231. Nutrition for Health. (Also HLTR/HLTP 231) Is an introduction to the science of nutrition with emphasis on applications for the allied health professions. As such, focus will be on the nutrient needs of the body, the processes by which nutrients are obtained and processed, and the foods that meet these needs in selected social, environmental, cultural, and performance contexts. The course is designed for students entering professional fields such as nursing, physical or occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, athletic training, and public health which require a functional understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health or performance. Students will be introduced to tools and techniques of the field by completing an individual dietary assessment and consulting robust scientific literature to answer discipline-specific questions. (U1)

NURS 260. Moral Injury. (also REL/HLTP 260) Moral Injury has been defined as “the inevitable outcome of moral engagement with the reality of war and killing,” (Antal and Winings: 2015) and as “the result of participation in the moral distortion of the world created by war” (Denton-Borhaug: 2021). In this course participants will explore and analyze moral injury through multidisciplinary methods including public “whole” health, spiritual, philosophical and theological frameworks, the arts and humanities, as well as through diverse social and physical scientific paradigms/methods. Our aim will be to illuminate increased understanding of the individual experience of moral injury; analyze the relationship between moral injury and U.S. War-culture; and engage in reflective moral deliberation regarding what the phenomenon of moral injury requires of us as individuals, citizens, people with religious (or no-religious) identities, and members of diverse moral communities. (U2)  

NURS 310. Quest into Phenomenology of Nursing. Application of nursing knowledge and interventions to clinical practice in association with the lived experiences of humanity as part of a system. Students apply theory and knowledge related to selected acute and chronic health problems to the care of individuals, families, and communities. Nursing role behaviors of the practitioner, counselor, educator, advocate, collaborator in various settings. Prerequisites: BIOL 206; NURS 115, 212, 311. Co-requisite: NURS 331.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.

NURS 311. Quest toward Individual Well-Being. Application of fundamental concepts of nursing, health and well-being in theory and practice. Students develop a foundation for holistic nursing practice utilizing physical and psychosocial skills to plan and deliver nursing care. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, and 205; CHEM 108; NURS 115 and 212. Co-requisite (if not taken previously): CHEM 108. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.

NURS 312. Embracing the Dynamic Family. A clinical practicum course that provides a foundation to facilitate growth and development of children and their families. Students experience nursing role behaviors in addressing health needs in a variety of dynamic family systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS 115, 212, and 311; PSYC 207. Co-requisite: NURS 331.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.

NURS 313. Embracing the Challenged Family. A course that emphasizes integration of nursing skills and knowledge to facilitate the individual’s and families’ meeting severe episodic and chronic health challenges across the life span. Students analyze these critical challenges to individual and family systems in order to provide holistic and comprehensive nursing care given the resources available to the family within their community. Prerequisite: NURS 115, 212, 310, 311, 314, 339, 331.2, and 332.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.

NURS 314. Embracing the Dynamic Community. A clinical practicum course that provides a foundation to facilitate community partnerships and collaboration in promoting health and assessing care. Students experience nursing role behaviors in a multiplicity of health care situations within the community. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS115, 212, 310, 311, and 331.2. Co-requisites: NURS 332.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.

NURS 315. Embracing the Challenged Community. Application of nursing knowledge, interventions, and attitudes for vulnerable populations challenged by acute and chronic alterations in physical and mental health. Students analyze responses to mental health crises and episodic interruptions of health, and experience collaborative health care delivery in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: NURS 115, 212, 310, 311, 314, 329, and 331.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours. 

NURS 316. Applied Research in Nursing. A clinical practicum course in which the student collaborates with a nurse researcher in an ongoing nursing research project during one or more of the investigative phases. Students develop insight into process and application of research in nursing practice. Writing-intensive. Prerequisites: MATH 107; NURS 313 and 315. Theory 3 hours; clinical 8 hours.  

NURS 317. The Professional Nurse. Incorporation of leadership and management principles with a clinical practicum in which students establish their role as a professional nurse. Students transition to entry-level practitioners by incorporating concepts of autonomy, interdependency, leadership, and collaboration. Prerequisites: NURS 313 and 315. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.                                                                                           

NURS 320. Nursing of Populations at High Risk for Health Problems. Elective helps senior-level student understand a specific population's health problems. International placement for this course experience is encouraged. 

NURS 321. Integrative Therapies in Health. This nursing elective course seeks to examine selected complementary and alternative therapies. Issues related to the integration of complementary therapies into health care and development of a nursing perspective on utilization of complementary therapies for treatment and healing will be discussed. Selected opportunities for clinical experience and internship may be included. Two 70-minute periods each week. 

NURS 322. Populations at High Risk for Health Problems: Honduras. (Also IDIS 322 and Health 322). This course seeks to facilitate student understanding of a specific population of people at high risk for health problems. The population may be found in any location. International placement for this course experience is required. [M5]

NURS 331.2. Pharmacology I. Examination of the pharmacological process utilized by nurses, including knowledge of medications, administration of medications, and medication calculations in patients throughout the lifespan. Pharmacological issues, over-the-counter medications, and herbal medication use will be examined. Reactions, compliancy, and other patient responses to pharmacological therapies will be discussed. This course will be built upon prior nursing knowledge and coordinate with current required nursing course. Prerequisite: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS 115, 212, and 311. Co-requisites: NURS 310 and 312. One 70-minute period.

NURS 332.2. Pharmacology II. Examination of the pharmacological process utilized by nursing including knowledge of medications, administration of medications, and medication calculations in patients throughout the lifespan. Pharmacological issues, over-the-counter medications, and herbal medication use will be examined. Reactions, compliancy, and other patient responses to pharmacological therapies will be discussed. This course will be built upon prior nursing knowledge and coordinate with current required nursing course. Prerequisites: BIOL 103, 104, 205, and 206; CHEM 108; NURS 115, 212, 310, 311, and 331.2. Co-requisites: NURS 314, 339. One 70-minute period. 

NURS 340. Health Program Planning and Evaluation. (also HLTP 340) This course introduces students to the theory and application of public health program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The curriculum focuses on community needs assessment, partnership building, designing clear objectives, developing a strategic plan, implementing culturally competent interventions, formative and summative evaluation, and sustainability of programs. Students will design their own public health program and evaluation plan using a logic model and public health planning models. Prerequisites: HLTP 110 or Nursing 115.

NURS 339. Individual Health Challenges. A course which applies nursing knowledge, interventions, and attitudes for the management of individuals' complex health problems throughout the adult years in theory and in clinical practice. Students analyze various human responses to challenging health conditions to provide holistic ad comprehensive nursing care. Prerequisites: All major-required natural science courses, NURS115, 212, 310, 311, 331.2. Co-requisites: NURS 332.2. Theory 3 hours, clinical 8 hours.

NURS 360. Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare. This course provides the foundation of ethical theories and bioethics relative to healthcare. The relevance of ethics to decision-making within the healthcare system is explored. Ethical issues that affect healthcare professionals and individuals across the lifespan are analyzed. (U2)

NURS 370. Nursing in the Global Community. This course seeks to facilitate student understanding of populations across the globe at high risk for health problems and the health disparities.  The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will guide the study in this course as students investigate the role of health care professionals in impacting global health. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or higher. (M5)

NURS 190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
NURS 286, 381-383. Independent Study.
NURS 384. Independent Research.
NURS 288, 386-388. Internship.
NURS 400-401. Honors.

RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN Program is administered through the Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing and Public Health at Moravian University. Applicants to the program must meet the minimum admission requirements established by Moravian University. The nursing education outcomes of the RN to BSN Program are identical with those of the day division Baccalaureate Program. 

Admission to the program: 

1. Applicants must meet all University and RN to BSN program admission requirements.

A. Students must have active RN Licensure to enroll in nursing courses. General education courses and cognate courses may be taken prior to RN licensure.

B. Students must have graduated from their basic nursing program within the past three years or Students must have graduated from a basic nursing program and practiced at least 1,000 hours as a nurse within the past three years or students must have graduated from a basic nursing program and taken a Pennsylvania State Board approved nursing refresher course within the past year. 

2. Moravian University reserves the right to review each candidate’s personal qualifications and to deny admission to any individual whom Moravian deems unqualified for the program. 

Those students who meet these requirements will be admitted to Moravian University on a rolling admission basis as Baccalaureate Candidates. In order to fulfill the requirements for the nursing major, students must: 

Complete all RN to BSN Program cognate courses. Cognate courses for the program include the following Moravian University courses (or their equivalent)

  • Biology 103-104 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Nursing/Health 205 Pathophysiology 
  • Biology 235 Microbiology or Biology 206 Microbiology for Health Sciences 
  • Chemistry 108 Fundamentals of Chemistry 
  • Mathematics 107 Elementary Statistics or HLTP 189 Biostatistics
  • Psychology 207 Lifespan Development 

Courses may be transferred from other institutions if they meet the Moravian University requirements for transfer of courses. These may include (but are not restricted to): 

  • All transferred courses must be graded “C” or above. No more than 80 credits will be transferred to Moravian University (Does not include grades of a C- or below). 
  • Up to 20 course units in total, may be accepted for transfer credit. 
  • Thirty-two course units must be completed with an overall Quality Point Average (QPA) of not less than 2.00.  
  • At least 8 course units must be completed at Moravian University. 
  • Six nursing courses must be completed at Moravian University with a grade of C or better.  
  • Upon completion of the required cognate courses, active RN Licensure will be recorded on the Moravian University transcript as 6 units (24 credits). No prelicensure nursing courses will be transferred directly.

Students enrolled in the RN-BSN degree-completion program may meet the F3 requirement for LinC by completing either SPAN 100 and SPAN 105 or by simply completing SPAN 105 if this is the level of language at which they begin the F3 sequence. The rationale for this decision is based on the fact that SPAN 110 is not offered in a format appropriate for the EA/EF student population. Similarly, students who transfer in a 100-level language other than Spanish will have the second part of the F3 requirement waived because language courses, outside of SPAN 100 and SPAN 105, are not offered in a format appropriate for the EA/EF student population. 

RN to BSN Courses in Nursing 

NURS 205 Pathophysiology. Mechanisms of disease in humans.  Emphasis is on dysfunction at cellular, tissue, and organ levels.  Chemical, physical, and genetic stress factors are examined to understand how they affect human systems. Theory 3 hours weekly. 

NURS 230 Global Disaster Preparedness. Examines global disaster management and the socio-cultural needs of individuals, particularly of vulnerable populations. Current evidence-based information on disaster response will be explored in order to prepare for the unique cultural needs of populations impacted by disasters. The student will develop an understanding of the nature of different types of global disasters and develop a plan for disaster management at a personal, community, and global level. (M5)

NURS 324 Cornerstone of Professional Nursing. Health care and nursing culture analyzed through perspectives in economics, public policy, ethics, demographics, and evolving global issues.  Focus on critical thinking to advance the profession and improve health care. Theory 3 hours weekly.

NURS 331 Holistic Assessment. A course designed for the RN student for developing knowledge and techniques for physical, psychosocial, functional, spiritual, and cultural assessments.  Assessment techniques will be applied in a laboratory practice environment and will include techniques to be used with individuals and families across the life span during various states of health. Theory 3 hours weekly, laboratory, 15 hours over the term.

NURS 332 Embracing the Dynamic and Challenged Communities. This course provides a foundation to facilitate community health nursing and is based on the synthesis of nursing knowledge and public health science.  Emphasis is on partnerships and collaborations in health promotion and disease prevention programs for communities. Theory 2 hours weekly, 50 project hours over the term. 

NURS 333 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. This course provides an introduction to evidence-based clinical practice, with a particular emphasis on clinical nursing inquiry.  Students are introduced to methods that guide inquiry, including how to search for information on best practices, discern levels of evidence that guide practice, critically appraise research and formulate novel questions that may lead to additional research-based projects. (Writing Intensive Course). Theory 3 hours weekly, 25 project hours over the term. 

NURS 334 The Professional Nurse as an Emerging Leader. This course provides the RN student with an expanded view of the concepts of autonomy, interdependency, and collaboration as a professional nurse.  Particular emphasis will be placed on developing leadership qualities based upon the Transformational Model of leadership.  Students will learn essential competencies needed to succeed in a variety of nurse leader roles. Theory 2 hours weekly, 50 project hours over the term. 

NURS 340 End of Lifespan Advances in medical technology have enabled individuals to live longer lives, orchestrate their own healthcare, and participate in end of life decisions. Inherent within end of life issues are cultural decisions, ethical issues, Anticipatory grief, palliative care, loss, and bereavement. This course will use a holistic approach to examine cultural considerations/rituals, religious influences, loss, grief, socioeconomic challenges, end-of- life physical concerns across the lifespan. Preparing for and caring for the individual/family at the time of death will be explored. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. (U2)

Approved Nursing Electives. Nursing elective courses might include but are not limited to:

NURS 381-384 Independent Study
NURS 390-399 Special Topics

MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS

The MSN programs prepare professional nurses at the graduate level for essential leadership roles in nursing administration, education, and advanced nursing practice. Graduate level coursework is designed to foster exchange and learning between nursing, education, and business administration programs. This interdisciplinary approach broadens and enriches the healthcare perspectives of the graduates. Applicants to any of these programs must have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and meet additional admission requirements.  Information on each of the MSN programs can be found on the Graduate Nursing website (Please click here).

MSN Program options include the following: 

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 

General Core Courses
NURS 502Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
NURS 504Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
NURS 506Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 536Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care

Direct Care Core Courses
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
NURS 507Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities 

Acute Care Clinical Year
NURS 710Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and  Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with adults in internal/hospital medicine)
NURS 711Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with adults in critical care settings)
NURS 712Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship 
(includes 100 hours in a specialty, 150 hours internal medicine)

 

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner 

General Core Courses
NURS 502Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
NURS 504Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
NURS 506Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 536Law, Regulation, and Ethics in Health Care

Direct Care Core Courses
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
NURS 507Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities

Primary Care Clinical Year
NURS 720Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
NURS 721Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
NURS 722Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship  
(includes 250 practicum hours in primary care settings)

 

Family Nurse Practitioner 

General Core Courses
NURS 502Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
NURS 504Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
NURS 506Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 536Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care

Direct Care Core Courses
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
NURS 507Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities

Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Year
NURS 720Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
NURS 721Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
NURS 735Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Theory
(2 credits theory on pediatrics and women's health)
NURS 736Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Practicum
(3 credits; 150 practicum hours with pediatrics and women's health)
NURS 733Family Nurse Practitioner Seminar and Internship
(includes 100 practicum hours in family practice settings)

 

Clinical Nurse Leader 

General Core Courses 
NURS 502Epidemiology & Bioinformatics
NURS 504Policy, Quality & Safety in Health Care
NURS 506Nursing Role Theory & Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 536Law, Regulations & Ethics in Health Care
Direct Core Courses 
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health & Physical Assessment 
Clinical Nurse Leader Specialty Courses 
NURS 610CNL Roles and Responsibilities
NURS 750CNL Capstone Seminar & Internship I
NURS 755CNL Capstone Seminar & Intership II
NURS 751Clinical Nurse Leader Seminar & Internship I
NURS 756 Clinical Nurse Leader Seminar & Internship II

 

Nurse Educator 

General Core Courses 
NURS 502Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
NURS 504Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
NURS 506Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 536Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care 
Direct Care Courses 
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
Nurse Educator Courses 
NURS 613Assessment and Evaluation Methods
NURS 614Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators
EDUC 610Differentiating Instruction
EDUC 655Standards-Based Curriculum Design
NURS 765Nurse Educator Seminar and Internship
Includes 100 practicum hours in the nurse educator role.

 

Nurse Administrator 

General Core Courses 
NURS 502Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
NURS 504Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
NURS 506Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 536Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care 
MBA Courses 
NURS 533Managing Health Care Organizations
NURS 535Health Economics
Nursing Administration Courses 
NURS 520Financial Management in Health Care
NURS 522Project Management in Health Care
NURS 524Strategic Planning in Health Care
NURS 760Nurse Administrator Seminar and Internship
Includes 150 practicum hours in nursing administrator role.
Leadership Elective (select one) 
NURS 511Leadership Competencies
NURS 512Women in Leadership
NURS 513Leading People in Organizations

 

MSN-MBA Dual Degree

MSN Core Courses

  • NURS 502: Epidemiology and Bioinformatics
  • NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care
  • NURS 506: Nursing Role Theory and Evidence-Based Practice
  • NURS 536: Law, Regulations, and Ethics in Health Care

Specialty Courses

  • NURS 520: Financial Management in Health Care
  • NURS 522: Project Management in Health Care
  • NURS 524: Strategic Planning in Health Care
  • NURS 533: Managing Health Care Organization
  • NURS 535: Health Care Financing System
  • NURS 760: Nurse Administrator Capstone, Seminar and Internship

MBA Core Courses

  • Seven courses from the School of Professional Studies and Innovations will be required.

MSN PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the program of study, it is expected that the MSN graduate will:

1. Synthesize new and prior learning for clinical decision-making, policy development, and healthcare leadership. 
2. Analyze population health perspectives in provision of safe, person-centered care to foster optimal health outcomes and well-being for diverse individuals, families, communities, and populations. 
3. Conduct scholarly inquiry using information technology to synthesize best evidence to inform nursing practice, education, research, and policy. 
4. Perform quality improvement initiatives that ensure cost-effective healthcare, promoting a culture of safety at the individual and systems levels. 
5. Refine one’s own professional identity through adherence to professional standards of practice and code of ethics. 
6. Create a culture of collaboration across disciplines through transformational leadership.

 

Post-Master’s Certificates in All Program Tracks:

Nurse Educator Certificate

  • NURS 613: Assessment and Evaluation
  • NURS 614: Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators
  • EDUC 610: Differentiating Instruction
  • EDUC 655: Standards-Based Curriculum Development

Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)

  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

Nurse Administrator Certificate

Required Nursing Administration Courses

  • NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare
  • NURS 520: Financial Management in Healthcare
  • NURS 522: Project Management in Healthcare
  • NURS 524: Strategic Planning in Healthcare

Management and Leadership, Elective Options (select one)

  • NURS 533: Managing Healthcare Organizations
  • NURS 511: Developing Managerial Competencies
  • NURS 512: Women in Leadership
  • NURS 513: Leading People in Organizations

Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate

Required CNL Courses

  • NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare*
  • NURS 610: CNL Roles and Responsibilities
  • NURS 750: CNL Seminar and Internship 1
  • NURS 755: CNL Seminar and Internship II

*NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare is required; however, this requirement will be waived if this course or course equivalent is completed prior to enrolling in the certificate program.

Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)

  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Direct Care Core Courses
NURS 507Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment


If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” and or if taken more than 5 years prior to enrollment, the student may need to take 1 or more of the direct care core courses listed above.
 

Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses, The Clinical Year

NURS 720Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
NURS 721Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
NURS 732Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Theory and Practicum
NURS 733Family Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship

 

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Direct Care Core Courses
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
NURS 507Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student may need to take 1 or more of the direct care core courses (above).

Primary Care Clinical Year

NURS 720Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
NURS 721Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
NURS 722Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship
(includes 250 practicum hours in primary care settings)

 

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Direct Care Core Courses
NURS 530Advanced Pathophysiology
NURS 532Advanced Pharmacology
NURS 534Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
NURS 507Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities


If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student may need to take 1 or more of the direct care core courses (above).
 

Acute Care Clinical Year

NURS 710Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and  Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
NURS 711Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum
(includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
NURS 712Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship 
(includes 250 practicum hours in primary care settings)

 

Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate

Nursing Education Courses

  • NURS 613: Assessment and Evaluation
  • NURS 614: Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators
  • EDUC 610: Differentiating Instruction
  • EDUC 655: Standards-Based Curriculum Development

Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)

  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

 

Post-Master’s Nurse Administrator Certificate

Required Nursing Administration Courses

  • NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare
  • NURS 520: Financial Management in Healthcare
  • NURS 522: Project Management in Healthcare
  • NURS 524: Strategic Planning in Healthcare

Management and Leadership, Elective Options (select one)

  • NURS 533: Managing Healthcare Organizations
  • NURS 511: Developing Managerial Competencies
  • NURS 512: Women in Leadership
  • NURS 513: Leading People in Organization

 

Post-Master’s Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate

Required CNL Courses

  • NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare*
  • NURS 610: CNL Roles and Responsibilities
  • NURS 750: CNL Seminar and Internship 1
  • NURS 755: CNL Seminar and Internship II

*NURS 504: Policy, Quality, and Safety in Healthcare is required; however, this requirement will be waived if this course or course equivalent is completed prior to enrolling in the certificate program.

Required Advanced Science Courses (The 3 P’s)

  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

 

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Direct Care Core Courses

  • NURS 507.1: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities 
  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses, the Clinical Year

  • NURS 720: Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
  • NURS 721: Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum.  (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
  • NURS 735: Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Theory
  • NURS 736: Care of Women and Children in Primary Care, Practicum 
  • NURS 733: Family Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship

 

Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate 

Direct Care Core Courses

  • NURS 507.1: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities 
  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

Primary Care Clinical Year

  • NURS 720: Care of Younger Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
  • NURS 721: Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Practicum.  (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
  • NURS 722: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship.  (includes 250 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)

 

Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate 

Direct Care Core Courses

  • NURS 507.1: Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities 
  • NURS 530: Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 532: Advanced Pharmacology
  • NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

If determined to be needed through “gap analysis” (within 5 years), the student will need to take 1 or more of the 3Ps (above).

Acute Care Clinical Year

  • NURS 710: Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and  Practicum. (includes 200 practicum hours with younger adults in primary care settings)
  • NURS 711: Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum.  (includes 200 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)
  • NURS 712: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship.  (includes 250 practicum hours with older adults in primary care settings)

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practice doctorate that prepares graduates to be clinical scholars and leaders in the provision of evidence-based healthcare in diverse settings within a complex healthcare system. Students will gain the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams, integrate appropriate technology, lead quality improvement initiatives to achieve equitable, cost-conscious outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and patient populations. |

This Post Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice program requires 35 credits and can be completed in 2 years of full-time study. Graduates of Moravian University’s Master of Science in Nursing program can be accepted with advanced standing as they have already completed graduate-level courses, NURS 802: Epidemiology and Bioinformatics and NURS 804: Policy, Quality and Safety.  Verification of supervised clinical hours completed in prior graduate courses will be required.

DNP Courses 

 

Graduate Courses in Nursing

NURS 500:  Scholarly Writing

This course develops effective written communication skills necessary for knowledge dissemination related to health care delivery and leadership. Students will incorporate information technology for scholarship, select appropriate sources, critically appraise existing literature, and create original scholarly works on a topic of interest using appropriate citations and references, which may be expressed in a variety of formats. Three graduate credits. (Post-Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice students register for NURS 800).

NURS 502:  Epidemiology and Bioinformatics

This is an epidemiology methods course designed with the broad perspective required for the determination of the distribution and determinants of health and illness in diverse population groups. Students will focus on the information systems, data sets, and algorithms used in solving health problems and finding solutions needed for evidence-based practice. Students will perform a critical evaluation of research reports in professional literature. Students will design health promotion and disease prevention programs for important local, regional, and global health problems. Three graduate credits. (Graduate Business students register for MGMT 502).

NURS 504:  Policy, Quality, and Safety in Health Care

This course provides an overview of how policies affect the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of health care. Students analyze the effects that values, special interests, and economics have on the delivery and financing of health care, which may or may not improve the health of the public and specific subsets of patients. Three graduate credits. (Graduate Business students register for MGMT 504).

NURS 506:  Nursing Role Theory & Evidence-Based Practice

This course provides students a framework to guide advanced clinical inquiry.  Students learn how to formulate researchable and clinically relevant evidence-based practice (EBP) questions, perform advanced literature searches, and critique the strength of current evidence. Students identify and propose EBP projects that are relevant to their specialty areas and present project findings upon completion. Three graduate credits.

NURS 536:  Law, Regulations, and Ethics in the Health Care Environment

This course provides an overview of legal issues associated with healthcare, including HIPAA and Medicare fraud and abuse, and the regulatory and accreditation environments of Medicare, Medicaid, JCAHO, and OSHA.  Ethical issues associated with the practice of medicine and decision-making in the healthcare environment are also examined.  Three graduate credits.  (Graduate Business students register for MGMT 536).

Direct Care Core 

NURS 530 Advanced Pathophysiology

This course introduces advanced models of mechanisms that result in disease, with an emphasis on dysfunction at the genetic, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Students are provided foundational concepts in pathophysiological processes that may be applied to advanced specialty areas.

NURS 532 Advanced Pharmacology

This course provides students an overview of advanced pharmacological concepts including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and prototype drugs.  Students learn major drug categories and concepts important to assure the safe prescription and use of drugs in a case study-based format. Three graduate credits.

NURS 534:  Advanced Health and Physical Assessment

This course prepares students for performing the components of a comprehensive health history and physical examination on patients across the lifespan with a variety of health concerns. It builds upon prior assessment knowledge. Students learn advanced techniques and apply findings that may lead to the formulation of differential diagnoses. Includes 30 laboratory practice hours. Prerequisite: Completion of a baccalaureate course in health assessment with a C grade or higher or equivalent course content. Includes 30 laboratory practice hours. Prerequisite: NURS 530. Three graduate credits.

Nurse Practitioner Core  

NURS 507:  Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities

This course introduces students to the multiple roles and responsibilities of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in a hybrid model. Students apply prior knowledge and experience of professional nursing in appraising advanced practice nursing roles. Students develop personal philosophies of practice that are consistent with nurse practitioner competency standards as set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN). Students will review the licensure and scope of practice requirements as set forth by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Note: This course is taken in the spring semester, prior to the start of the clinical year. 

NURS 600:  Diagnostic Reasoning

This course builds upon advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health and physical assessment to further develop the diagnostic reasoning necessary for advanced practice. Students will use a systematic approach to the collection of subjective and objective information, development of differential diagnoses, and prioritization of diagnoses and other problems for specific patients and diverse populations. Critical analysis of information will be practiced in both individual and group work.   Two graduate credits. Prerequisite: NURS 534: Advanced Health and Physical Assessment


Clinical Nurse Leader 

NURS 610:  CNL Roles and Responsibilities

This course introduces students to the multiple roles and responsibilities of the clinical nurse leader (CNL), which include advocate, member of the profession, team manager, information manager, systems analyst/risk anticipator, clinician, outcomes manager, and educator.  Exemplars and case studies of role integration will provide a basis for student learning.   Three graduate credits.

NURS 750: CNL Capstone Seminar and Internship I

This course is the first of two CNL Capstone courses that provide students with seminar and precepted clinical opportunities to engage in self and peer review to facilitate successful implementation of a beginning clinical nurse leader (CNL) role, synthesizing advanced concepts learned during the program of study.  Students set professional development goals and present weekly case studies for individual and group analysis and evaluation. Prerequisites: General and Direct Care Core Courses and NURS 610. Five graduate credits. Includes 200 internship hours.

NURS 755: CNL Capstone Seminar and Internship II

This course is the second of two CNL Capstone courses that provide students with seminar and precepted clinical opportunities to engage in self and peer review to facilitate successful implementation of a beginning clinical nurse leader (CNL) role, synthesizing advanced concepts learned during the program of study.  Students set professional development goals and present weekly case studies for individual and group analysis and evaluation. Prerequisites: General and Direct Care Core Courses, NURS 610, and CNL Capstone 1. *The CNL’s Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester. Six graduate credits. Includes 200 internship hours.

NURS 751: CNL Seminar and Internship I

This course is the first of two CNL Capstone courses that provide students with seminar and precepted clinical opportunities to engage in self and peer review to facilitate successful implementation of the clinical nurse leader (CNL) role, synthesizing advanced concepts learned during the program of study.  Students set professional development goals and present weekly case studies for individual and group analysis and evaluation. Prerequisites: General and Direct Care Core Courses and NURS 610. Includes 250 hours of clinical immersion. Five graduate credits.

NURS 756: CNL Seminar and Internship 2

This course is the second of two CNL Capstone courses that provide students with seminar and precepted clinical opportunities to engage in self and peer review to facilitate the successful implementation of a beginning clinical nurse leader (CNL) role, synthesizing advanced concepts learned during the program of study.  Students set professional development goals and present weekly case studies for individual and group analysis and evaluation. Prerequisites: General and Direct Care Core Courses, NURS 610, and CNL Capstone 1. Prerequisites: General and Direct Care Core Courses and NURS 610. Includes 250 hours of clinical immersion. Six graduate credits. *The CNL’s Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.


Nurse Educator 

NURS 613:  Assessment and Evaluation Methods

This course provides a framework for assessing and evaluating learning in academic and clinical settings, preparing the student for the role of the novice educator. Students will learn to prepare and evaluate educational programs and student, staff, and patient learning. Various assessment and measurement instruments will be identified and utilized in relation to projects geared toward their target population. Three graduate credits.

NURS 614:  Theory and Practice for Nurse Educators

This course critiques existing models and theories of nursing science and their application to healthcare, nursing, and nursing education.  Students analyze multiple roles of the nurse educator, including responsibilities of teaching, scholarship, community service, and learner engagement.  Students have opportunities to explore foundational concepts essential for role integration in academic and staff development settings.  Exemplars and case studies of role integration will provide a basis for student learning. Three graduate credits.

NURS 765:  Nurse Educator Seminar and Internship

This course provides students opportunities to engage in self and peer review to facilitate successful implementation of the nurse educator role, synthesizing advanced concepts learned during the program of study. Students engage in precepted direct care and education practicum experiences based on professional development goals.

*The Nurse Educator’s Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.

Prerequisite: Must be taken during the last semester of study. Includes 100 practicum hours. Four graduate credits.


Nurse Administrator 

NURS 511:  Developing Leadership Competencies

Managerial competencies, such as communicating, analyzing, reflecting, strategic thinking, time management, managing information, stress management, and career management, contribute significantly to an individual’s effectiveness as a leader. Using a variety of tools and techniques, participants in this course will assess and develop their managerial competencies, emotional intelligence, capacity to make judgments, and relationship management skills through reflective practice to align their theoretical knowledge with their workplace experience. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving styles, building global and cultural awareness, ethical decision making, and developing knowledge management skills. Three graduate credits.  

NURS 513:  Leading People in Organizations

Leaders and managers achieve goals working with and through others. To lead, managers must have skills in teaching, mentoring, and coaching. They must be skilled in developing individuals to work in teams, in facilitating teams, and in managing conflict. Leaders and managers must understand organizational and national cultures and how they affect the achievement of goals. Leaders and managers must not only hold strong ethical values, but also model them. This course examines the role of managers as leaders in organizations and develops knowledge and skills needed by managers in today’s business environment to successfully achieve organizational goals. Three graduate credits.  

NURS 520:  Financial Management in Health Care Organizations

This course focuses on the synthesis of theoretical and practical principles of financial and investment decisions within health care organizations. Students utilize accounting and financial information to execute effective decisions that enhance organizational objectives and patient outcomes.  Three graduate credits.  

NURS 522:  Project Management in Health Care

This course focuses on defining projects and identifying how to manage them within health care organizations.  Students learn to identify project management process groups, methods to formulate and execute goals, break project components into work breakdown structure, and critique project case studies to assure performance improvement. Three graduate credits. 

NURS 524:  Strategic Planning in Health Care

This course examines models of change within healthcare organizations and identifies strategic and leadership decisions necessary to effect positive organizational outcomes. Factors that assure short-term and long-term success in a competitive healthcare environment, including developing partnerships and cultivating human and other resources are analyzed. Students utilize case studies to critique the strategic decision-making process and make recommendations for effective strategic change.  Three graduate credits.  

NURS 533:  Managing Health Care Organizations

This course examines the unique environment of health care and the challenges confronting managers in that environment. Topics examined include marketing health care services, recruiting and retaining staff necessary for meeting mission, the strategy of health care services delivery, health care informatics, and decision making in the health care market place. Three graduate credits. 

NURS 535:  Health Economics

This course reviews the history of healthcare financing in the United States and financial issues in the present healthcare environment.  Principles of financial management and insurance are integrated and applied to the healthcare environment.  Topics include: healthcare capital and operating budgets; healthcare payment methods, including Medicare's payment systems for hospitals and physicians, and risk-adjusted capitation payment systems; population-based healthcare finance and managed care; and financing aspects of public health policy.  Prerequisite:  CCBU 517 (Corporate Financial Management) or instructor approval.  Three graduate credits.  

NURS 760:  Nurse Administrator Seminar and Internship

This course provides students seminar opportunities to engage in self and peer review to facilitate successful implementation of the nurse administrator role, synthesizing advanced concepts learned during the program of study.  Students set professional development goals and present case studies for individual and group analysis and evaluation.  Students explore options for collaborative health projects that enhance nursing engagement and leadership in the global community.

*The Nurse Administrator's Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.

Prerequisite: Must be taken in the last semester of study. Includes 150-hour practicum in a nurse administrator role.  Five graduate credits.


Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse  Practitioner 

NURS 701:  Introduction to Acute Care Patient Evaluation and Management

This course is designed to provide students with theory to facilitate their preparation for advanced clinical practice and development as acute care providers. Common acute care conditions will be examined, including the essential comprehensive assessment skills, clinical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making inclusive of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing patient care in acute care settings. An assessment of clinical readiness will occur during this course to allow for any potential remediation deemed necessary prior to starting clinical rotations.  Prerequisites: Nurse Practitioner Core: NURS 507, NURS 530, NURS 532, NURS 534, NURS 600. Two graduate credits

NURS 710:  Care of Younger Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as acute care providers for younger adults. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing care of younger adult clients in acute care settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating acute care of younger adults. The practicum provides 200 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the acute care nurse practitioner rolePrerequisites: NURS 507. Seven graduate credits

NURS 711: Care of Older Adults, Acute Care Theory and Practicum

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as acute care providers for older adults, including the frail elderly.  Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of older adult clients in acute/critical healthcare settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating care of older adults in acute and critical care settings. The practicum provides 200 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the acute care nurse practitioner role. Prerequisite: NURS 710. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 712: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Capstone, Seminar and Internship 

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as acute care providers for adults from adolescents to end of life. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing care of adult clients in acute care settings. The practicum provides 250 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the acute gerontology acute care NP role. Prerequisite: NURS 711

*The Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.

Prerequisites: Must be taken in the last semester of study. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 713: Acute Care of Older Adults, Theory and Practicum

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as acute care providers for older adults, including the frail elderly. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing care of older adult clients in acute/critical health care settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating care of older adults in acute and critical care settings. The practicum requires 250 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the acute care nurse practitioner role. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 714: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Seminar and Internship

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as acute care providers for adults from adolescence to end of life. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing care of adult clients in acute care settings. The practicum requires 300 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the adult gerontology acute care NP role. In addition to clinical, there will be 30 hours of didactic work during this semester. Seven graduate credits.

*The Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.

Prerequisites: Must be taken in the last semester of study. Seven graduate credits.


Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

NURS 700:  Introduction to Primary Care Patient Evaluation and Management

This course is designed to provide students with theory to facilitate their preparation for advanced clinical practice and development as primary care providers. Common primary care conditions will be examined, including the essential comprehensive assessment skills, clinical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making inclusive of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing patient care in primary care settings. An assessment of clinical readiness will occur during this course to allow for any potential remediation deemed necessary prior to starting clinical rotations. Prerequisites: NURS 507, NURS 530, NURS 532, NURS 534, and NURS 600. Two graduate credits.

NURS 720:  Primary Care of Younger Adults, Theory and Practicum 

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for younger adults. Students apply and evaluate essential comprehensive assessment skills, clinical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making to include pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of younger adult clients in primary care settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating the primary care of younger adults. The practicum provides a minimum of 200 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the primary care family nurse practitioner role. . Seven graduate credits.

NURS 721: Care of Older Adults, Primary Care Theory and Practicum

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminars, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for older adults, including the frail elderly.  Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of older adult clients in primary healthcare settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating care of older adults in primary care settings. The practicum provides 200 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the primary care nurse practitioner role. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 722: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Seminar and Internship  

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for adults from adolescents to end of life. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing care of adult clients in primary care settings. The practicum provides 250 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the adult gerontology primary care NP role.

*The Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.

Prerequisites: Must be taken in the last semester of study. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 723: Primary Care of Older Adults, Theory and Practicum  

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for older adults, including the elderly with multiple morbidities. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of older adult clients in primary healthcare settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating the care of older adults in primary care settings. The practicum requires a minimum of 250 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the primary care family nurse practitioner role. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 724: Primary Care Seminar and Internship  

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for older adults, including the elderly with multiple morbidities. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of older adult clients in primary healthcare settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating the care of older adults in primary care settings. The practicum requires a minimum of 250 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the primary care family nurse practitioner role. Seven graduate credits.

*The Professional Portfolio will be completed during this semester.

Prerequisites: Must be taken in the last semester of study. Seven graduate credits.


Family Nurse Practitioner

NURS 700:  Introduction to Primary Care Patient Evaluation and Management

This course is designed to provide students with theory to facilitate their preparation for advanced clinical practice and development as primary care providers. Common primary care conditions will be examined, including the essential comprehensive assessment skills, clinical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making inclusive of pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing patient care in primary care settings. An assessment of clinical readiness will occur during this course to allow for any potential remediation deemed necessary prior to starting clinical rotations. Prerequisites: NURS 507, NURS 530, NURS 532, NURS 534, and NURS 600. Two graduate credits.

NURS 720:  Primary Care of Younger Adults, Theory and Practicum 

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for younger adults. Students apply and evaluate essential comprehensive assessment skills, clinical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making to include pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of younger adult clients in primary care settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating the primary care of younger adults. The practicum provides a minimum of 200 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the primary care family nurse practitioner role. Prerequisite: NURS 700. Seven graduate credits.  

NURS 721: Primary Care of Older Adults, Theory and Practicum  

This course is designed to provide students with theory, seminar, and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate their development as primary care providers for older adults, including the elderly with multiple morbidities. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of older adult clients in primary healthcare settings. Clinical seminars held weekly focus on diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of managing and coordinating the care of older adults in primary care settings. The practicum requires a minimum of 250 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the primary care family nurse practitioner role. Seven graduate credits.

NURS 733: Family Nurse Practitioner Seminar and Internship

This course is designed to provide students with precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate development as family nurse practitioners in primary care. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of patients across the lifespan in primary care. The practicum provides 100 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the family nurse practitioner role.

Prerequisites: Must be taken in last semester of study. Includes 100 practicum hours. Four graduate credits.

NURS 735: Primary Care of Children and Childbearing Women Theory

This course will describe and analyze primary health care for children and childbearing women, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. Primary prevention, family theory, acute and chronic conditions, wellness, developmental stages, and cultural considerations will be examined during this course. In addition, managing primary care of childbearing women’s reproductive health will include essential aspects of sexual health and maternal care, as well as perimenopausal and postmenopausal concerns Three graduate credits.

NURS 736: Primary Care of Children and Childbearing Women Practicum

This practicum course allows for the application of theory to practice in the care of women and children. The practicum requires a minimum of 150 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of this course in a family nurse practitioner role. Three graduate credits

NURS 738: Family Primary Care Seminar and Internship 

This course is designed to provide students with seminar and precepted practicum opportunities to facilitate development as family nurse practitioners in primary care. Students apply and evaluate essential assessment, pathophysiologic, and pharmacologic concepts that are essential in managing the care of patients across the lifespan in primary care. The practicum provides a minimum of 300 supervised clinical practice hours for the student to meet the clinical competencies of the family nurse practitioner role. Seven graduate credits.


Doctor of Nursing Practice Courses

NURS 805:  Information Technology and Biostatistics 

This course focuses on the interrelationships of information systems, data management, and biostatistics in answering practice questions to improve population health. Students will evaluate informatics as it relates to communication, complex decision-making, patient safety, security, quality improvement, outcomes measurement, and ethical issues in the context of industry-specific requirements. Data collection, management, and statistical analysis techniques typically employed in process and quality improvement initiatives, including survey design, spreadsheets, Pivot tables, and data visualization, will be covered. Three graduate credits.

NURS 810:  Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice 

This course develops advanced skills in clinical inquiry and critical appraisal of literature with an emphasis on application of research evidence in clinical decision-making and healthcare leadership. Students will build upon prior learning and develop an approach to clinical questions related to an advanced practice role utilizing implementation science. Students will evaluate both evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence. Three graduate credits.

NURS 811:  Evidence-Based Practice: Methods 

This course will help the DNP student develop the skills to use implementation science in translating evidence into practice. Students will use evidence-based practice (EBP) appraisal frameworks to promote understanding of scientific information and support critical decision-making in healthcare delivery and policy in a healthcare setting. Different approaches to data management, including descriptive and inferential statistics, theme and content analysis, and cost effectiveness will be explored. Students will use information technology to organize and clean data, analyze quantitative and economic data using appropriate statistical tests. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation of data and reporting of results. Three graduate credits.

NURS 820:  Population Health, Ethics, and Social Responsibility 

This course develops a foundation for evidence-based advanced nursing practice for the examination of ethical implications, social, economic, and environmental influences on diverse populations, and the capacity of the health system to accommodate the needs of the population. Students will use theoretical foundations or frameworks in the evaluation of population health, including risk factors, primary and secondary prevention strategies, and social drivers of health, including the impact on health equity from the local to the global levels. Evaluation of appropriate communication methods of health promotion and prevention strategies will be completed for varied stakeholders in the context of the age, literacy and prioritized needs of the population. Three graduate credits.

NURS 901:  Evidence-Based Project: Systems Thinking 1 

This course is the first of three systems thinking courses and provides the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate, and integrate published research findings into clinical practice. Students will be introduced to the concepts and competencies related to translational research and systems thinking aiding their ability to transform clinical issues into answerable questions. Students will identify factors that contribute to outcomes and search the literature for evidence-based strategies and best practices to address system-based problems and improve outcomes. Students will identify an issue and plan an evidence-informed project which will be implemented in the second systems thinking course. Hours spent in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the DNP project will be applied to the hours necessary for degree completion. Project work is completed with the support of and feedback from a DNP Project Team. Three graduate credits.

NURS 902:  Evidence-Based Project: Systems Thinking 2

This is the second of three systems thinking courses and builds upon the skills developed in prior courses. Students will obtain all necessary approvals for their projects and complete an IRB application. Application will be submitted for IRB review(s) as indicated for the individual project. After appropriate approvals of the project have been obtained, students will implement their quality or process improvement project. Students will incorporate information technology in the collection, analysis and management of data, ensuring that ethical practice standards are met. Three graduate credits.

NURS 903:  Evidence-Based Project: Systems Thinking 3 

This course develops a foundation for evidence-based advanced nursing practice for the examination of ethical implications, social, economic, and environmental influences on diverse populations, and the capacity of the health system to accommodate the needs of the population. Students will use theoretical foundations or frameworks in the evaluation of population health, including risk factors, primary and secondary prevention strategies, and social drivers of health, including the impact on health equity from the local to the global levels. Evaluation of appropriate communication methods of health promotion and prevention strategies will be completed for varied stakeholders in the context of the age, literacy and prioritized needs of the population. Three graduate credits.

This is the third and final systems thinking course. Students will evaluate and disseminate the results of their process or quality improvement project. As part of the evaluation, students will analyze the project findings and include recommendations for system impact including economic, financial and policy implications at the local, state and/or national levels. Through completion of the project, students will develop the skills to translate and disseminate evidence based practices for the purpose of improving system level care and the leadership to promote evidence based change.