Nursing
Marymount offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) and the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.). Marymount’s D.N.P. and M.S.N. programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Department of Nursing Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision Statement
The Marymount University Department of Nursing aims to inspire future leaders in the advancement of the profession and promote the art and science of nursing in a collaborative, culturally sensitive, evolving health care environment.
Mission Statement
In keeping with the mission of Marymount University and the tradition of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the Department of Nursing prepares future nurses and nurse leaders using a framework that is student-centered and evidence-informed. Students actively engage in providing high-quality care focusing on optimizing health outcomes for diverse individuals, families, and communities.
Values
- Social Justice/Advocacy
- Respect
- Pursuit of Excellence
- Ethical Reasoning
- Scholarship
- Leadership
- Service
- Compassion
Department of Nursing Graduate Nursing Student Handbook: Graduate nursing students must comply with additional program-specific policies found in the Department of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook. The handbook is available on the Graduate (M.S.N./D.N.P.) Nursing Student Canvas site. All graduate nursing students are required to read the handbook upon matriculation in the program and to review the handbook each time it is revised. Notification of revisions is made through the Graduate Nursing Student Canvas site.
Programs
Admission Requirements for Degree and Certificate Programs: In addition to university graduate admission requirements for degree-seeking applicants or post-master’s certificate applicants, individuals must
- provide evidence of having earned a nursing degree from a CCNE-accredited college or university;
- M.S.N. applicants must hold a B.S.N. with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Certificate applicants must hold an M.S.N. with a minimum GPA of 3.3.
- D.N.P. applicants entering with a B.S.N. as their highest credential must have a minimum GPA of 3.3.
- D.N.P. applicants with an M.S.N. as their highest credential must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- hold R.N. licensure in Virginia or be eligible for licensure in Virginia. Family nurse practitioner students are required to have licensure in two of the three local jurisdictions prior to placement in clinical courses (DC, MD, VA);
- provide two letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for graduate work. At least one recommendation should be from a direct supervisor (not a charge nurse) within the past two years and the other from an employer or professor who can attest to the applicant's potential for graduate work;
- submit a 250- to 500-word professional essay describing professional goals and motivation for seeking the degree; and
- provide a copy of APN certification, as applicable.
D.N.P. applicants should also identify an area of interest for their scholarly project.
In addition, individuals must meet these requirements:
- D.N.P. applicants and post-master's family nurse practitioner certificate applicants must provide documentation of clinical hours at the master's level.
- M.S.N. family nurse practitioner degree and certificate program applicants must have two years of experience as a registered nurse or the equivalent before beginning practicum courses.
- Post-master's D.N.P. applicants must have completed a graduate-level statistics course within the last five years.
Application materials are submitted via NursingCAS. After a preliminary review of application materials, applicants may be invited to interview with members of the admissions committee.
Enrollment Policies and Application Deadlines
M.S.N./Post-Master's Certificate
Fall enrollment application: March 1 (early-decision deadline)
Final deadline, if space permits: June 15
Spring enrollment application: October 15 (full-time student enrollment only)
D.N.P.
Enrollment application (fall only): March 1 (early-decision deadline)
Final deadline: June 15
Transfer Credit Policy: M.S.N. students may request that up to 12 credit hours be reviewed for acceptance as transfer credit. D.N.P. students may request that up to nine (9) credit hours be reviewed. Only courses in which a student has earned a grade of B or better will be considered.
Nondegree Admission: Faculty approval is required for nondegree student enrollment in graduate nursing courses. Approval is based on applicant qualifications and class space availability. The following courses may be taken on a nondegree basis: NU 501, NU 510, NU 554, NU 590, and NU 700. No more than nine (9) credits may be taken without enrolling in the M.S.N. program.
A student may take core D.N.P. courses with the approval of the D.N.P. director or graduate program chair.
Clinical Requirements: All graduate nursing students must submit evidence of a recent health examination and required immunizations upon entering the university. Additionally, students must submit the Provider Attestation and Technical Standards Forms.
Students must provide evidence of the following before entering each practicum course:
- written verification of PPD testing for tuberculosis (required annually) (If PPD is positive, an initial chest X-ray is required.)
- written verification of CPR certification from the American Heart Association (BLS for health care providers)
- health insurance coverage
- documentation of malpractice insurance
- criminal background check, which is a federal requirement for all persons working with vulnerable populations
- written verification of the following immunizations: hepatitis B, MMR, chicken pox, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, and influenza (Note: influenza immunization is an annual requirement.)
- negative 9-panel (or more) drug screen
- additional requirements as stated by specific health care agencies and the Department of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook
Students enrolled in clinical courses are not guaranteed their choice of placement site. Additional details about placements are outlined in the Department of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook.
Clinical-Experience Transportation: Students provide their own transportation to and from clinical experiences. The university’s free shuttle service connects the Main Campus, the Ballston Center, and the Ballston-MU Metro station.
Graduation Requirements: All graduate nursing students must take and pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation.
Legal Limitations of Licensure: The practice of nursing is regulated by state laws. Questions concerning advanced practice licensure in a specific state should be directed to that state’s board of nursing. Applicants for advanced practice nursing licensure in Virginia are required to notify the Virginia Board of Nursing if they have
- been convicted of (or pled nolo contendere to) a violation of any federal or state law;
- been hospitalized or received treatment for chemical dependence during the two years preceding application to complete the licensing examination; or
- have a mental or physical condition that could interfere with their ability to practice.
Minimum Grade Requirements: Successful completion of a graduate nursing course requires a minimum grade of B. A student may repeat one course in which a grade of B- or lower is earned. A grade of B- in a second course will result in dismissal from the program.
Residency Requirements for Certificate Students: Certificate-seeking students must complete two-thirds of the required credits at Marymount.