The College of Nursing is a tangible expression of Villanova University's mission, tradition, and commitment to human service. As a major school of nursing under Catholic auspices, it carries responsibility for the education of nurses within the framework of Christian beliefs and values and the heritage of the Order of St. Augustine. The academic programs in the College of Nursing are directed to interpretation of nursing as a healing ministry emanated by love and demonstrated through service and the care of others. As a healing art as well as an applied science and practice discipline, nursing as taught at Villanova University emphasizes the concern for spiritual health as well as that of mind and body. Curricula reflect the integration of these elements and their application in clinical practice and concern for others regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. The College of Nursing educates individuals for service to a diverse society including all sectors and strata of the population; as such, graduates are prepared to assume roles in all settings where health care is delivered.

A program based on love

Within this context, nursing draws its worth and spirit from motives based on love of one's fellow men and women who are made in the image and likeness of God. As a social service to the community, nursing responds to the needs of the sick, poor and disabled, and promotes wellness as the pre-eminent goal of nursing care. The practice of nursing within a Christian environment requires that those who nurse recognize and respect the needs of each person and that they teach while they nurse in order to assist their patients and the community to achieve the highest possible level of wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

The College of Nursing, consistent with the mission of Villanova University, assumes responsibility for the education of individuals who will be prepared to provide a vital service to society and who are liberally educated, clinically competent, compassionate and ethically motivated. The college is committed to providing high quality education in the liberal arts and sciences and expert preparation in the knowledge and clinical skills of professional nursing to qualified individuals who must be prepared and empowered to confront the health care demands of a complex and technologically advanced society.

The College views itself as an important locus of education, research and organizational leadership within Nursing's professional and educational communities. It views with great seriousness its prominent role with the constellation of collegiate nursing programs under Catholic auspices.

Degrees

The College awards the baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) and provides basic preparation in nursing to those who are studying for the first professional degree in the field. Such students include high school graduates with no prior college experience, registered nurses who were prepared in hospital or junior college programs and who have not yet attained the baccalaureate, college graduates with degrees in other disciplines who have made a late decision to study nursing, and mature adults who are studying for their first college degree.

"As a premier school that enjoys a growing international reputation, the College of Nursing will be known for excellence in teaching and scholarship, for responsiveness to the needs and trends in health care and for a deep concern for the people we serve."

M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN
Connelly Endowed Dean, Professor of Nursing

The Graduate Program awards a master's degree in nursing (MSN) and provides preparation and leadership development in selected areas of advanced nursing practice, development of research skills, and knowledge of health policy. In addition, course options prepare individuals for positions as administrators of nursing and health services, case managers, clinical teachers, faculty, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists. The Graduate Program also awards the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in nursing, preparing teacher-scholars for academic careers in higher education.

The Program in Continuing Education is committed to providing short courses, conferences, workshops and symposia for nurses, other health professionals and the public-at-large on topics related to health care. Some of these programs are developed to update the knowledge of practicing nurses while others provide an academic arena for the sharing and critique of papers and ideas relevant to current issues or trends in health care.

The College of Nursing's emphasis on education in values and ethical principles is a pervasive and central theme and emanates from the Catholic and Augustinian tradition of the University. The faculty are expected to serve as role models and mentors for the professional development of students in the exercise of their academic responsibilities.