College of Nursing and Health Science
Web: cnhs.gmu.edu The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the State Board of Nursing approved the baccalaureate nursing program in 1974. Since that time, the program has grown from a Department of Nursing to a School of Nursing and in 1993, the School of Nursing was reformulated as the College of Nursing and Health Science to provide the breadth needed to respond to dramatic and dynamic fundamental changes occurring in health care. The college's community-based curriculum has become a national and international model serving to inform and guide curriculum change as decentralization trends move the focus of health care from the institutional to regional and local community-based care. The mission of the college is to equip professionals to provide leadership, care, and services related to health promotion, wellness, disease prevention, and quality of life through the promotion of physical, social, and environmental health practices. Graduates practice in a variety of roles in settings that are complex, multicultural, and constantly changing. The college is a resource for health promotion to the university, as well as to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. AdministrationCarlos Sluzki, Acting Dean for Health Science and Research Jeanne Sorrell, Acting Dean for Nursing Rosemarie C. Brenkus, Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs Christena Langley, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Teresa Panniers, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs in Nursing Farrokh Alemi, Acting Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs in Health Science FacultyProfessors: Ailinger, Butler, Carty, Feeg, Johnson-Brown, Maddox, Metcalf, Silva, Sorrell, Wakefield Associate professors: Alemi, Baghi, Chong, Dawson, Douglas, Fisher, Gaffney, Jennings, Moore, Noble, Panniers, Redmond, Vail, Wu Assistant professors: Atherton, Boland, Boyd, Brenkus, Carle, Cangelosi, Cofer, Davidson, Holaday, Kodadek, Langley, McDaniel, Normile, Pawloski, Roberts, Rudowski, Smoczaynski, Willis, Young Adjunct professor: Tornabeni Adjunct associate professors: Bednash, DeLeon, Geolot, Johnson Adjunct assistant professor: Barry Instructors: Alsace, Blasser, Boyd, Durham, Gillette, Liss, Maradiegue, McClean, Merritt, Miklancie, Moss, O'Donnell, Obalde, Robertson, Stoehr, Urban, Venske Lecturers: Brown, Courtney-Jenkins, Heddlesston, Henry, McGihon, Morton, Sharp Student Health ServicesThe George Mason University Student Health Services is operated through a partnership between the College of Nursing and Health Science and University Life. Course WorkThe College of Nursing and Health Science offers all course work designated NURS and HSCI in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. Academic ProgramsUndergraduate Degrees and Pathways
Graduate Degrees and Pathways
Certificates
Undergraduate ProgramsThe undergraduate nursing program at George Mason University uses a community-based curriculum preparing students to deliver superior nursing care and provide leadership in nursing in the increasingly complex and challenging field of modern health care. Graduates are in demand as professional nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and other health care agencies. The program emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention capitalizing on early detection of potential health problems, health maintenance in ambulatory services, and preparation for the managerial responsibilities of nursing. The program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Attendance at the first meeting of all nursing courses (lecture, on-campus laboratory, and agency laboratory) is mandatory. Nursing Professional DevelopmentContinuing nursing education is a commitment of the College of Nursing and Health Science and the university. Activities are planned to meet the special needs of individuals and groups in the community. The College of Nursing and Health Science offers opportunities for credit and noncredit courses. Contract courses are offered in a variety of health care agencies in the Northern Virginia area. These credits can be applied to a program of study in nursing. Comments and suggestions for programming from the health care community are welcomed. To obtain information about specific activities, call 703-993-1910. Nursing, BSNThe BSN degree prepares graduates to function as professional nurses in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and the community. The community-based program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Special accelerated pathways for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) take into account the needs of the working RN and LPN. A twelve-month, full-time accelerated pathway for students with a baccalaureate degree outside of nursing also is offered. (The Saudi Scholarship Project students complete this program in a 15-month sequence.) Students interested in these pathways must contact the nursing program before admission. All pathways lead to completion of the objectives of the undergraduate program. Clinical nursing begins at the junior level. Students must complete a prenursing curriculum and be admitted to junior standing or to one of the accelerated pathways. (This does not apply to students who are currently registered nurses.) Acceptance Into Junior Standing in NursingA student who is interested in pursuing a major in nursing must make an additional and separate application for junior standing through the College of Nursing and Health Science. (This does not apply to students who are currently Registered Nurses.) To be eligible to apply for junior standing, traditional prenursing students must complete the specified general education requirements, which apply to the degree, by the end of the spring semester. LPN students who desire to be full-time students must complete all prerequisite general education requirements by the end of the semester preceding entry into the nursing major. Students must earn a C or better in psychology (6 credits); sociology or anthropology (3 credits); BIOL 124 and 125 (8 credits); and BIOL 246 and 306 (4 credits). Admission to the nursing program is competitive. It is based on a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 in the prerequisite university general education course work (wherever taken) required for the degree (excluding electives, U.S. history, western civilization, global understanding, information technology, and English 302). The acceptable GPA may increase each year based on the number of spaces available in the nursing program. Transfer students and those changing their majors to nursing are ranked downward from 4.000 on the basis of the number of junior spaces available in any given year. Students admitted as prenursing freshmen must have a minimum GPA of 3.000. Students are accepted for junior standing each fall. The application deadline is April 1, and students are notified of their status in early June. LPN students desiring to be full-time students in the spring semester must submit an application by November 15. Part-time LPN students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters. Permission to register for NURS 330, 331, 332, and 333 requires prior acceptance into junior standing in nursing. Full-time nursing requires carrying a heavy schedule; therefore, outside obligations should be limited to ensure success. Degree RequirementsCandidates for the degree must present at least 120 credits. Specific requirements for the BSN are as follows.
Students pursuing a BSN must take BIOL 124 and 125. This will meet the natural science portion of the university general education requirements. Nursing students are exempt from the university general education requirement of a fine arts course. Nursing students must take an approved synthesis course (NURS 465, 3 credits). The university provides opportunity for credit by examination in several courses for students presenting evidence of previous education. Programs of study are based on student needs. Writing-Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course in their majors designated "writing intensive" at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in nursing fulfill this requirement by successfully completing NURS 465. Academic Grade StandardsProgression Nursing Academic Warning A final nursing course grade of less than C prohibits further progress in the nursing major until that course is repeated and a satisfactory grade of C or better is earned. The student is placed on "nursing academic warning" and must notify the assistant dean for undergraduate programs in writing, within two weeks of final exams, of his/her intent to repeat the course. Students should be aware that space may not be available in some clinical nursing courses that they may need to repeat. Although attempts will be made to place the student clinically, it must be understood that the student may have to sit out a semester or more until space becomes available. A nursing course in which a grade of less than C is earned may be repeated once. A student who fails to earn a C or better in the repeated course is dismissed from the nursing program. Upon earning a grade of C or better in the repeated course, the student may resume progress in the sequence of required courses. Earning a grade of less than C in a second nursing course results in dismissal from the nursing program. A nursing major who has failed a course must repeat the course and earn a C or better to resume progression in classes with NURS/HSCI prefixes. Before the course is repeated, the student may not register for any other courses with a NURS or HSCI prefix. Professional Conduct Policy The College of Nursing and Health Science reserves the right to discipline (i.e., place on probation, suspend, or dismiss) a student from the program who does not demonstrate professional conduct. This includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse and/or insubordination, as well as behavior that threatens the safety of a client, another student, a faculty member, or other health care provider when the behavior occurs within the context of the academic program. The student has the right to appeal. The process for implementation of this Professional Conduct Policy is documented in the College of Nursing and Health Science Student Handbook. Readmission Readmission to the nursing program for nonacademic and/or professional infractions is not automatic. A former student must apply in writing for readmission to the assistant dean for undergraduate programs by September 1 for the spring semester, by February 1 for the fall semester, or by November 1 for the summer term. The letter requesting readmission should include the following:
Students meeting the above criteria are considered for readmission on a space-available basis. Students have the right to appeal unfavorable decisions. Leave of Absence A leave of absence from the nursing program of up to two semesters may be requested in writing by a student in good standing. Readmission following the leave of absence is granted only on a space-available basis. Appeal Process Although the faculty members of the nursing program are generally the best judges of a student's professional performance, in some instances a student may feel that their judgment of readmission or dismissal is unfair. In such cases, the student should ask the assistant dean for undergraduate programs to reconsider the decision. If the student remains dissatisfied, the matter may be appealed to the dean. If the dean believes that the student may have a legitimate complaint, the dean will appoint a committee of three faculty members and a student peer to review the decision. After the committee thoroughly reviews the student's case, it will issue a written recommendation to the dean with a copy to the assistant dean. Undergraduate Honors ProgramThe honors program within an undergraduate major in the College of Nursing and Health Science provides opportunities for highly motivated, self-directed students seeking enriched course work and research involvement. Highly qualified students in any of the nursing and health science programs are eligible to participate in specialized course work while working closely with an honors faculty advisor and graduate students to accomplish individualized projects. Policies that apply to the honors program within the undergraduate nursing program are described below: 1. Course work: The undergraduate honors program includes a minimum of 6 credits or two to three semesters of honors course work. This course work is accomplished through one or more of the following options:
All honors courses contain the word "honors" so they are easily identified in the University Catalog, Schedule of Classes, registration forms for specialized courses, and on student transcripts. 2. Criteria for admission to the undergraduate nursing honors program:
3. Students admitted to the nursing honors program do not constitute more than 10 percent of the graduating students receiving BSN degrees each year. Student Learning PortfolioAll students in the College of Nursing and Health Science initiate a learning portfolio in the first semester of the junior year. The purpose is to provide evidence of a student's ability to meet programmatic outcomes of provider of care; designer, manager, and coordinator of care; member of the profession; demonstrate development of professional values and behaviors through providing evidence of work completed throughout the nursing program; and develop a "Best Works" portfolio at the conclusion of the nursing program to evaluate program outcomes and to use for ongoing professional development. Each course requires elements of the portfolio and is integrated into the course syllabus. Required Computerized NCLEX AssessmentAll students are required to take a computerized version of a practice NCLEX-RN exam in the first semester of their senior year. Students must achieve a score of 80 percent or higher. Students who do not achieve this score must complete an individualized study program, repeat the NCLEX review exam, and score 80 percent or above. Successful completion of the NCLEX review exam is required in order to receive a passing grade in NURS 465. Special RequirementsFees and Expenses Fees and expenses specific to the nursing program are as follows: laboratory equipment kit, standardized testing fee, uniforms, stethoscope, name pin, books, course materials, transportation to and from agencies, CPR certification, fee for review of health forms, immunizations, and any other additional fees as mandated by clinical agencies (i.e., clinical background check). A one-time lab fee is required of all students before beginning the first semester of nursing. A one-time health records review fee of $10 is required for all students before their first clinical rotations. Nursing students are required to obtain a health examination and immunizations before registering for their first clinical course. Students must complete two of the three hepatitis B immunizations in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations before entering the first clinical setting. The cost of the immunizations is the responsibility of the student. Student immunization records are monitored at the College of Nursing and Health Science Office of Student Academic Affairs, which charges a small fee for this service. Clinical agencies sometimes require additional records and documentation, such as criminal background checks, before student participation. Any cost is the responsibility of the student. Student assignments are based on the learning needs of the student without regard to the HIV or HBV status of the client. Failure to practice universal precautions and blood-borne pathogen safety results in dismissal from the nursing program. No student or faculty member is discriminated against or denied admission to the nursing program for the sole reason that the student or faculty member has been exposed to, infected, or diagnosed with HIV or HBV. In the event that a student has a clinical experience/practicum exposure to body fluids of a client, procedures and appropriate incident reports are to be completed according to institutional and nursing policies. Information related to exposure or infection is confidential, and dissemination of such information is based on the need to know criteria that apply generally in health care situations. A complete and detailed HIV/HBV policy is available in the College of Nursing and Health Science Office of Student Academic Affairs All students are required to have an active George Mason University e-mail account. Students are responsible for their own uniforms and transportation. Student liability insurance is provided by the university. Students are strongly advised to maintain health insurance coverage at all times. An accident and health insurance plan is available through the university. Each student is responsible for his or her health care, including emergency care. The nursing program assumes no financial responsibility for the health care of students. All students must have CPR certification before entering the first clinical nursing course and maintain it through the remainder of the program. Either the American Red Cross Professional Rescuer or the American Heart Association Basic Life Support is required. The drop period for nursing courses offered for fewer than 14 weeks is three weeks. Because knowledge, skills, and behavior patterns in the major field of this program are so vital to the health and perhaps even the survival of individuals or groups being served, failure or borderline achievement cannot be tolerated. Therefore, the faculty of the nursing program has established, with approval of university faculty and administration, special major field quality standards that go beyond the general university quality standards printed elsewhere in this catalog. RN and LPN Licensure RequirementRN and LPN students are required to submit a copy of his/her license prior to entering the first nursing course. Health Science, BSThe BS in health science prepares students to function as managers and clinicians in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, community health, schools, home care, long-term care, employee health, managed care organizations, group medical practices, manufacturing, medical technology and supply organizations, the health insurance industry, and financial consultant services. Two pathways are available: health systems management and health care coordination. The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis, and special accelerated pathways for graduates of allied health technical programs take into account the needs of the adult learner. Interested students should contact the health science program before admission. All pathways lead to completion of the objectives of the undergraduate health science program. The major begins at the junior year. Students must check with their advisors to ensure that all university general education requirements have been met prior to graduation. Program RequirementsHealth Systems Management Traditional Pathway
Concentration in Assisted LivingStudents must meet all requirements listed in the Health Systems Management Traditional Pathway with the exception of the two Health Science electives and 3 credits of general electives. These courses are replaced with the following courses: HSCI 307, 480, and either 492 or 585. An internship is required. Students choose to do this internship either in Senior Services (HSCI 498, 9 credits) or Hospitality Services (15 credits; 9 credits for HSCI 498 and 6 credits Independent Study work.) Health Care Coordination Traditional Pathway
Students pursuing the health care coordination pathway in the health science major must take BIOL 124 and 125. This will meet the natural science portion of the university general education requirements. Health Systems Management Accelerated Pathway for Students with Associate's Degrees in Allied Health
* Upon completion of bridge course HSCI 334, students are awarded 19 advanced placement hours from the associate's degree program. Health Care Coordination Accelerated Pathway for Students with Associate's Degrees in Allied Health
* Upon completion of bridge course HSCI 334, students are awarded 13 advanced placement hours from the associate's degree program. Students pursuing the health care coordination pathway in the health science major must take BIOL 124 and 125. This will meet the natural science portion of the university general education requirements. Gerontology TrackAdmission RequirementsThe BS in Health Science gerontology concentration is designed for students interested in providing services to the elderly in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, community health centers, home health, senior centers, senior housing, long-term care, and many others services arenas. The program provides foundational knowledge in health science and in aging and is suitable for students who wish to function as clinicians, managers, and advocates for the elderly. Students will be able to synthesize health science knowledge with gerontological knowledge and skills an apply it to this rapidly developing field of aging to improve the quality of life for a growing population of elderly. The degree is desirable for students who wish to prepare for a beginning career in gerontology, for workers already in the field, and individuals who wish to increase their understanding of the aging process and human development in the later years. Students from a variety of disciplines may be admitted to this program. Students must show a capacity for undergraduate work and must be prepared to complete a 128-hour practicum experience of 6-8 hours per week in an appropriate organization.
Degree RequirementsApplicants must satisfy the university wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree, and the College of Nursing and Health Science (CNHS) requirements for the B.L. in Health Science Degree, Gerontology Track. Candidate for the degree must complete 120 credits of undergraduate course work. This includes 41 credits of general education requirements, 6 credits of CNHS prerequisites, 36 credits of health science and gerontology specialization core requirements, which includes 9 credits of gerontology internship, and 37 credits of electives for health science and gerontology specialization. Program of StudyPlease refer to the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog for descriptions.
Minor in NutritionThe minor in nutrition offers a variety of courses in nutrition for students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees at George Mason University. Students who may be interested in completing the minor include, but are not limited to, those pursuing degrees related to nutrition, health and education. The minor is intended to help those interested in nutrition and diet to increase their current knowledge in nutrition issues. This minor is in no way an equivalent to the Registered Dietician license and does not provide a license to practice therapeutic nutrition. Minor RequirementsApplications are encouraged from all areas including but not limited to nursing and the health sciences. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science. Students are required to take an introductory nutrition course such as HSCI 295. To complete the minor, the student is required to pass 15 credits of undergraduate/graduate course work for the nutrition minor. At least six credits must be completed at George Mason University and no more than three credits of C- or D in the minor are accepted. Course Requirements:
Certificate in GerontologyThe undergraduate certificate program in gerontology prepares students for work with older adults, as well as with professionals who are already working with the elderly. The program provides a background of basic knowledge in gerontology and permits the student to prepare in professional skill areas such as counseling, recreation, social work, nursing, and administration. The certificate program is administered by the College of Nursing and Health Science. Three other academic units participate in the program: the Graduate School of Education, Department of Psychology, and Department of Sociology and Anthropology. A Gerontology Certificate Committee determines program policy and curriculum. Academic advising and an application form are available through the College of Nursing and Health Science. Certificate RequirementsThe certificate program in gerontology consists of 24 credits. Students receiving the certificate either must hold a baccalaureate degree or have earned one from George Mason University by the time they receive the certificate. The 24 credits are divided as follows:
Undergraduate Certificate in NutritionThe certificate in nutrition offers a variety of courses in nutrition for future and present health care professionals, researchers, and others who are commonly faced with community-related nutrition issues. The program is intended to help health care professionals and others who would like to increase their current knowledge in nutrition. This certificate is in no way an equivalent to the registered dietician license and does not provide a license to practice therapeutic nutrition. Certificate RequirementsApplicants need not have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Applications are encouraged from all areas of nursing and health sciences. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science. A requirement for the certificate is 24 credits of undergraduate/graduate coursework. Program of Study
Graduate ProgramsNursing, MSNThe MSN program is accredited by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. The program prepares nurses for a variety of leadership roles in the health care delivery system. The Adult, Adult and Gerontological, and the Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care tracks are part of a collaborative program with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The Adult, Adult and Gerontological, and the Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care tracks have been approved by the state boards of nursing and medicine in Virginia. The track in advanced clinical nursing prepares nurses to provide and manage care of individuals, families, and groups, including the chronically ill, the elderly, and others with self-care limitations. The track in nursing administration prepares nurses to function in management positions in hospitals, nursing homes, community health agencies, and other health-related facilities. Admission RequirementsIn addition to meeting the graduate admission requirements, an applicant to this program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work, hold an active license as a registered nurse, and submit three letters of recommendation. Although the GRE is not formally required, applicants may be asked to submit GRE scores at the discretion of the school when it believes those scores will lead to a clearer presentation of the applicant's qualifications. Applicants must have successfully completed undergraduate statistics as well as a graduate bivariate statistics course. Students applying to the tracks in advanced clinical nursing and all the nurse practitioner tracks must have a health assessment course with a skills component within 18 months of the clinical practicum in the master's program. In addition, applicants to the nursing administration track are required to have the equivalent of one year's experience in direct patient care as a registered nurse. It is recommended that students applying to the advanced clinical nursing track have the equivalent of one year's experience in direct patient care as a registered nurse. Students applying to any nurse practitioner track are required to have a minimum of one year experience in direct patient care. Special RequirementsGraduate students are required to have annual health examinations and immunizations before enrolling in practicum courses. Students enrolled in the advanced clinical nursing, The Adult, Adult and Gerontological, and the Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care tracks must be in the process of completing a hepatitis B immunization series when they enroll for their first practicum course. Nursing administration students who have practicum placements in health care agencies also must be in the process of completing a hepatitis B immunization series when they enroll for their first practicum course. Student health and immunization records are monitored at the College of Nursing and Health Science Office of Student Academic Affairs, which charges a small fee for this service. All students are required to have an active George Mason e-mail account. Degree RequirementsThe master's program in nursing requires 37-48 graduate credits. Of these, a 14-credit core consists of course work in the theoretical foundations of nursing, applications in nursing research, a seminar in the ethics of health care, and a course on the organization of nursing and health care delivery systems. The nursing administration and advanced clinical nursing tracks require an additional 24 credits; The Adult, Adult and Gerontological, and the Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care tracks require an additional 29 credits; and the family nurse practitioner track requires an additional 35 credits. A graduate course in which a grade of C or below is earned may be repeated only once. Graduate students (both master's and doctoral students) may repeat no more than two courses in their total programs of study. RN-MSN PathwayThis pathway allows registered nurses who have completed 63 general education credits and have demonstrated substantial involvement in professional nursing within the past two years to earn the MSN degree with a minimum of undergraduate course work. Three credits of the 63 credits are earned from a computer course. Students entering a major through this pathway must meet all the requirements for admission to that major. Admission RequirementsIn addition to fulfilling admission requirements for degree status in the university, applicants to this pathway must
Program of Study
Nursing Tracks (select one): Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Clinical Nursing, or Nursing Administration
MSN/MBA ProgramThe MSN/MBA program, offered jointly with the School of Management, prepares nurses for mid- and top-level administrative, leadership, and health policy roles in health and health-related organizations. A variety of health care and health-related settings are used for clinical practice experiences. The MSN/MBA program requires 59.5 graduate credits, including graduate nursing, business, decision sciences, and elective courses. Applicants to the MSN/MBA program must have GMAT scores sent directly to George Mason University and must meet the admission requirements for graduate degree status in both the College of Nursing and Health Science and the School of Management.
Health Systems Management, MSThe MS in health systems management provides students with the skills and tools to work in one of three capacities: 1) leaders and executive-level managers in evolving health systems; 2) health policy analysts; or 3) consultants and managers of electronic commerce and technology products and enterprises in the health system. The 39-credit curriculum was developed in response to the demand for advanced, health management and policy preparation for a variety of health care and allied health professionals. The program of study is designed to prepare graduates with state of the art technical and humanistic skills to serve as leaders, managers, consultants, and health policy advisors in a variety of settings. Graduates are prepared to work in public and private health care systems; legislative arenas and public health agencies; health management and policy-related trade and consumer organizations; and health accreditation/regulatory organizations. The curriculum integrates concepts selected from a variety of disciplines with application in health management and policy endeavors; business management, economics, philosophy, organizational behavior, information technology, social psychology, public policy, law, and ethics as they uniquely apply to health management and health policy analysis. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to prepare graduates with an understanding of the larger sociopolitical and economic context of which the health system is a part. It prepares working professionals with leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities that serve to improve efficiency and effectiveness of health systems by alignment of decisions and resource management that optimizes organizational and health-related public policy objectives/goals. Students examine issues and mechanisms of universal access as a social imperative, and the feasibility, need, and mechanisms of strengthening market factors. They create linkages and alignment between public and private sectors, and among voluntary, market, and regulatory forces in the context of a variety of public policy frameworks. From a community focus, students explore the design of seamless systems of care that provide health services on the life span continuum, and how to manage these systems and their impact on outcomes of care using ethical principles. Admission Procedures and RequirementsApplicants must submit the following: transcripts from all previous college-level studies, a letter of interest specifying study goals, a curriculum vita, and a complete George Mason Graduate Admissions Form. A standardized graduate admissions test (GRE/GMAT) may be requested if the applicant does not have a graduate degree or has less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants are competitively selected. Admitted students begin study in January and September each year. Provisional admission can be made for students whose undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0 but whose work since school indicates a high likelihood of success in graduate work. Students admitted provisionally with less than a 3.0 GPA must achieve a 3.0 GPA in the first 12 credits of graduate work (usually HSCI 701, HSCI 708, HSCI 709, and HSCI 715.) Program Format and Curriculum FeaturesThe program is scheduled to be convenient for working professionals. The usual schedule for students involves part-time study comprising two classes (6 credits) per semester. Classes are held primarily in evenings, with some Saturday day classes. Selected courses also are available via the Internet. Courses in the health systems management curriculum offer content with the following unique features:
Health policy analysis concentration courses build on and integrate content from the courses in the degree program to prepare graduates for mid-level policy advisor or health policy analyst positions in government agencies, public policy and legislative arenas, and the health sector (i.e., formulate, analyze, interpret, and evaluate health policy). Degree RequirementsProgram of study for the MS degree in health systems management comprises 39 credits (three concentrations). Twenty-four credits form the common core of the degree, and another 15 form each of the three concentrations. Note: If students have not had recent relevant experience in the U.S. health system/industry, an additional three-credit core course is required—HSCI 678* Introduction to the U.S. Health System—bringing the number of credits required to 39.
Certificate in Conflict Resolution for Health ProfessionalsThis is a joint graduate certificate program offered through the College of Nursing and Health Science and the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. The certificate allows students to enrich their understanding of disputes that are specific to the health care arena through a series of courses with topics such as leadership, violence, health and conflict, organizational conflict, and the links between conflict resolution theory and practice. Certificate RequirementsStudents applying to the certificate program must be in a graduate program or already hold a master's degree from an accredited program. Application to this program is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science.
Students must complete all courses with a 3.000 GPA to earn the certificate. If students already have taken the regular section of CONF 501, it can be applied toward the certificate. Certificate in GerontologyThe graduate certificate program in gerontology combines theoretical and applied course work in aging with the student's graduate curriculum in one of several departments. Because gerontology is by definition multidisciplinary, students in the program are required to take course work outside their major field. Two other academic units participate in the program: the Department of Psychology and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. The program is administered by the College of Nursing and Health Science and supervised by a committee with representatives from the participating academic units. Certificate RequirementsStudents applying to the certificate program must have a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related discipline. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science. The certificate requires 18 graduate credits: 6 credits in a field of study, 6 credits outside the field of study, and 6 credits of practicum. A maximum of 3 credits may be transferred from outside the university. Students must complete all courses with a 3.000 GPA to earn the certificate. Certificate in International HealthThe graduate certificate program in international health allows students to develop an understanding of international health through a practicum and a sequence of courses that includes global health, anthropology, international relations, communications, geography, and other courses. Certificate RequirementsStudents applying to the certificate program must hold a bachelor's degree. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science.
Students must complete all courses with a 3.000 GPA to earn the certificate. Certificate in Nursing AdministrationThe graduate certificate program in nursing administration offers formal study in theory and practice in nursing administration in the health care delivery system. Certificate RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science.
Students must complete all courses with a 3.000 GPA to earn the certificate. Certificate in Nursing EducationThe graduate certificate program in nursing education combines foundation courses in education with courses in the principles and practices of nursing education. The program prepares students to function in nursing educational roles in both academic and nonacademic settings. Certificate RequirementsApplicants to the graduate certificate program must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science.
Students must complete all courses with a 3.000 GPA to earn the certificate. Adult Nurse Practitioner CertificateA post master's Adult Nurse Practitioner Certificate program is offered jointly with the College of Nursing and Health Science and George Washington University (GWU) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nurse Practitioner program. This program is designed for nurses who have already earned a master's degree in nursing. The curriculum includes didactic, seminar, and practicum course work. Upon successful completion of the 16-credit course work and a minimum of 500 documented supervised clinical hours, the graduate will obtain a certificate as an adult nurse practitioner. The graduate will be eligible to take a national nurse practitioner certification examination though the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and become certified as an adult nurse practitioner. Application is made through the George Mason University graduate application process and the College of Nursing and Health Science as well as through George Washington University Graduate Programs. Currently courses are offered at the George Washington University's Washington, D.C., campus. Tuition is based on GWU tuition rates. Course of StudyAdult Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program (George Washington University on-campus program)
* Nurs 754/ Hsci 209: Due to GWU tuition structure both didactic and practicum are included in this 4-credit course. Family Nurse Practitioner CertificateA post master's advanced family nurse practitioner certificate program is offered jointly with the George Mason University College of Nursing and Health Science (CNHS) and the George Washington University (GWU) School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nurse Practitioner program. The Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program (FNP) is available to master's prepared nurses who have already been certified as nurse practitioner. This program helps expand their scope of practice using their present practice site as a clinical practicum while they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to provide primary care for families, including children and parents. Classes and seminars are scheduled to allow students to study via distance learning from a Washington, D.C., campus located at George Washington University. Students are required to attend a one-week intensive didactic session on campus (GWU's Washington, D.C., campus. It is usually held in the early part of September). Upon successful completion of 17 credits of didactic work via distance learning and a minimum of 500 documented, supervised clinical hours, the graduate will obtain a certificate as a family nurse practitioner and will be able to apply for certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse's Credentialing Committee (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Application is made through the George Mason University graduate application process and the College of Nursing and Health Science as well as through George Washington University Graduate Programs. Currently courses are offered at the George Washington University's Washington, D.C., campus. Tuition is based on GWU distance learning tuition rates.
Graduate Certificate in Assisted Living AdministrationThis 15 credit certificate is offered as part of the overall Program in Assisted Living Administration within the College of Nursing and Health Science. The certificate will provide multidisciplinary education in the areas of assisted living and senior housing management and marketing, gerontology, and health science. Courses will allow students to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information relative to the aging population, the evolution of assisted living and senior housing services within the U.S. health system, the application of business practices to these services, and current regulatory and policy issues. Additional focus will be placed on biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Certificate RequirementsRequired 3 credit courses for achievement of the certificate include:
Additional RequirementsCertificate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a health related field or business administration or management, or a non-health or business bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years professional experience in the healthcare industry. Students must complete all courses with a 3.00 GPA to earn the certificate in assisted living administration. Certificate in Quality Improvement and Outcomes Management in Health Care SystemsThe graduate certificate program in quality improvement and outcomes management in health care systems prepares working clinicians and administrative support staff in health care organizations to implement quality improvement initiatives and manage populations of patients to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of care and services. Participants acquire the knowledge and ability to work in interdisciplinary health care teams, to use the tools and techniques of statistical process control, and selected methods and tools from operations research and quality improvement. Additionally, they are able to use information management technology and qualitative decision making applications to identify opportunities for clinical and administrative improvement, support decision making optimization, and improve health service outcomes for identified populations. Certificate RequirementsApplicants to the graduate certificate program must hold a bachelor's degree. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science.
Students must complete all courses with a 3.000 GPA to earn the certificate. Certificate for Health Information SystemsThis certificate prepares clinicians and health care managers to develop and manage health information systems and electronic commerce services. Students learn the development and management of systems and service related to patient records, enterprise data management in health industry, and Telehealth. The certificate is ideal for people with technical and programming skills that have been promoted to new managerial positions in the health care industry and wish to enhance their understanding of health care issues and management techniques. It is also ideal for clinicians and managers with little background in database management, who wish to gain more skills and understanding about organizing health databases. Admission RequirementsStudent applying to the certificate program must have a bachelor's degree. No prior computer programming training is needed, although knowledge of HTML language is assumed. Application is made through the College of Nursing and Health Science. Program of StudyThe certificate of health information system is comprised of 15 credits (five 3-credit courses.) If the student does not have recent, relevant experience in the U.S. health industry, an additional 3-credit course is required: HSCI678The U.S. Health System, thus bringing the number of credits required to 18. Courses are as follows: Prerequisite: A course in U.S. Health Systems Required 3-credit courses:
Certificate in BiostatisticsThe certificate in biostatistics prepares participants to apply statistical methods to quantitative analysis of health care issues. It is aimed at health scientists and professionals in government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, as well as professionals in pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, public health agencies, and other medical research organizations with the need to design medical experiments and to analyze and interpret increasingly complex health care data. The program will also help prepare students to begin careers in such organizations. The certificate is a joint graduate certificate program from the Department of Applied and Engineering Statistics in the School of Information Technology and Engineering and the Graduate Health Science programs in the College of Nursing and Health Science. The certificate is taught jointly by faculty members from both programs. Admission RequirementsA bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a discipline related to health science or statistics with a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits is required. Such fields include, but are not limited to, medicine, biology, nursing, health science, biostatistics, statistics, mathematics, and psychology. A course in mathematics (calculus is recommended) at the undergraduate level with a grade of B or better is required for admission to the program. Program RequirementsThe student must complete one course from each of the six groups.
A minimum of 6 credits must be taken through the Health Science program. Master of Science in Health Science, Gerontology TrackAdmission RequirementsThe Master of Science in Health Science-Gerontology Track is designed for students interested in providing services to elderly, conducting research and/or influencing public policy concerning aging and the elderly, working as program planners and evaluators, and administrators or managers in the field of aging. Opportunities are provided to develop leadership skills in this rapidly developing field and to advocate for a fast growing population of elderly. The degree is suitable for students to wish to prepare for a career in gerontology, executives or practitioners already in the field, and individuals who wish to increase their understanding of the aging process and human development in the later years. Students from a variety of disciplines may be admitted to this program. Students must show a capacity for graduate work and must be prepared to complete a 128-hour practicum experience or 6-8 hours per week in an appropriate organization. The applicant must:
Students may be admitted provisionally if their GPA is less than 3.0. In this case, scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller's Analogies Test (MAT) must be submitted. Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 3.0 GPA in the first 12 credits of graduate work. If they fail to do so, they will be terminated. Degree RequirementsCandidates for the degree must complete 36 credits of graduate course work. This includes 12 credits of gerontology concentration, 12 credits of health science concentration, 3 credits of practicum, and 9 credits of electives. A graduate course in which a grade of C or below is earned may be repeated only once. Graduate students may repeat no more than two courses in their stated program of study. A student must achieve a 3.0 GPA to graduate. Program of Study
Nursing, PhDThe PhD program in nursing builds on the MSN degree and requires 61 credits beyond the master's degree. The objective of the program is to prepare nurses for executive roles in selected areas of nursing and health care. The graduate of the PhD program in nursing will do the following:
Admission RequirementsIn addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate degree status, the applicant must have earned a master's degree from an accredited program and have a minimum GPA of 3.250 on a 4.000 scale in the master's program. The applicant must submit evidence of at least one year of professional nursing experience, and Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores, along with evidence of current licensure to practice professional nursing. (Students on foreign student visas must present evidence of professional standing in their respective countries.) Three letters of recommendation are required from professional or academic sources. At least two of the references must be from persons in contact with the applicant within the last two years. An interview with one or more persons on the Graduate Admissions Committee and a short essay describing the applicant's doctoral study goals also are required. A graduate bivariate statistics and organizational behavior course must be completed before enrollment. The Graduate Admissions Committee may offer provisional admission to a degree-seeking applicant even though all admission requirements for degree status have not been met if there is sufficient evidence to suggest capacity to pursue graduate work. Students admitted provisionally must resolve all deficits and be moved to degree status by completing 12 credits of doctoral-level courses. Degree RequirementsIn addition to meeting graduate admission requirements, students must satisfy the specific PhD degree requirements. To earn the PhD degree at George Mason University, the doctoral candidate must have earned a minimum of 90 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureate degree and a minimum of 61 graduate credits beyond the master's degree. A minimum of 48 graduate credits after admission to degree status in the PhD program at George Mason University is required, 36 of which must have been earned at George Mason University. The candidate may apply a maximum of 12 graduate transfer credits toward the PhD degree but may only present graduate credits with satisfactory grades that meet the requirements of the PhD curriculum. A written comprehensive examination must be successfully completed in addition to the program of study outlined in the curriculum for the PhD in nursing program. Successful completion of a dissertation, for which 9 credits are awarded but to which no grade is assigned, and the final oral doctoral examination are required. A graduate course in which a grade of C or below is earned may be repeated only once. Graduate students (both master's and doctoral students) may repeat no more than two courses in the total program of study. Program of StudyThe curriculum of the PhD program in nursing includes the nursing core (24 credits), research core (25 credits), and nursing and related discipline electives (9 credits). Before advancing to candidacy and enrolling for dissertation credit, the student must have his/her program of study approved by the College of Nursing and Health Science and by the coordinator of the doctoral program in the College of Nursing and Health Science. Internship in Health Care Administration/ Policy/EthicsStudents are required to enroll in a one-semester internship, NURS 874 Internship in Health Care Administration/Policy/Ethics (4 credits), which includes planned seminars, for experiential learning in health care administration. For the internship, a student is assigned to a doctorally prepared executive who serves as the preceptor in the student's field of emphasis. A field experience of at least 120 hours is required and NURS 874 Internship is scheduled at the end of the course sequence in the program of study. Advancement to CandidacyAfter a student has successfully completed the qualifying examinations and all required course work, the coordinator of the doctoral program of the College of Nursing and Health Science approves advancement to candidacy. Doctoral Dissertation CommitteeThe Doctoral Dissertation Committee is composed of at least three George Mason University faculty members: a director and reader in nursing, and a reader from outside nursing. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee must be approved by the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Science. Additional members of the George Mason University faculty or individuals from outside the university who present credentials equivalent to criteria for faculty may join the committee at the discretion of the committee and with the approval of the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Science. Doctoral Dissertation ProposalThe proposal must focus on a topic in nursing and must be approved by the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, doctoral program coordinator, and College of Nursing and Health Science dean. The dissertation proposal and written dissertation must be consistent with the guidelines of the university outlined in Guide for Preparing Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Projects. Doctoral DissertationBefore enrolling for dissertation credit, the student must have advanced to candidacy. The student also must have an approved program of study and an approved doctoral dissertation proposal. The student's completed dissertation must be approved by the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, doctoral program coordinator, and College of Nursing and Health Science dean. Final Oral Doctoral ExaminationThe chair of the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, upon preliminary approval of the doctoral dissertation by the committee, petitions the doctoral program coordinator in the College of Nursing and Health Science to schedule the final oral doctoral examination, which includes a defense of the doctoral dissertation. The final oral doctoral examination also demonstrates the candidate's intellectual command and maturity of judgment in the area of emphasis chosen by the candidate and approved by the Doctoral Dissertation Committee. At the close of the final oral doctoral examination, the Doctoral Dissertation Committee makes a final judgment regarding approval of the doctoral dissertation and successful completion of the PhD degree requirements. As outlined in the Guide for Preparing Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Projects, copies of the approved doctoral dissertation must be submitted to the doctoral program coordinator. Time RequirementsThe student must complete all planned course work, excluding electives, and must advance to candidacy within six years of admission to degree or provisional status in the PhD program. The student must successfully complete the doctoral dissertation, final oral doctoral examination, and all PhD degree requirements within five years following the semester of advancement to candidacy. Continuing Professional DevelopmentContinuing nursing education is a commitment of the College of Nursing and Health Science and the university. Activities are planned to meet the special needs of individuals and groups in the community. The College of Nursing and Health Science offers opportunities for credit and noncredit courses. Contract courses are offered in a variety of health care agencies in the Northern Virginia area. These credits can be applied to a program of study in nursing. |
