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Carolynn Masters, Ph.D., R.N., CARN,
Chairperson and Director
The School of Nursing is committed to preparing students for living and life as
well as for the practice of professional nursing. The curriculum maintains a
balance between general education (liberal arts), cognate courses, and
professional education in nursing. The curriculum is composed of three distinct
but interrelated elements: (1) a common liberal core which is the same for all
baccalaureate students in the University and which reflects the parent
institution’s concepts concerning a liberal educations; (2) supportive courses
which are required prerequisites for the development of the major; and (3) major
field courses which prepare the student for a particular field of endeavor for
the future. Of the total 128 credits required for graduation at Gannon
University, the nursing major comprises 60 credits or 46.8 % of the total
program. The responsibility for planning and instruction in the major field
courses is assumed by the faculty of the School of Nursing; the placement of
courses within the prescribed program of study provides the basis on which to
build professional practice. Therefore, certain liberal studies courses and all
supporting course must precede the major portion of nursing courses because they
provide the learning, knowledge, understanding and
basic skills to professional preparation. The behavioral, natural and physical sciences
are required prerequisites since they are basic to the student’s understanding
of person, society, health and nursing. Statistics is identified as a
prerequisite because of the student’s need to transfer this knowledge and to
utilize it throughout clinical nursing course. The curriculum follows a
sequential pattern and is structured to provide a process of continuous
expansion and advancement of learning experiences from preceding courses. Level
one nursing courses focus on preparing the student in effective use of the
nursing process to provide care to individuals and families across the lifespan,
as well as assisting the student to adopt beginning behaviors of the
professional role. Level two nursing curses emphasize the application of
concepts related to health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention
across the lifespan. Level three nursing courses continue to emphasize the
application of concepts related to health promotion, risk reduction and disease
prevention. In addition, the courses provide the student the opportunity to
provide leadership in improving care and in establishing health partnerships.
The baccalaureate program in Nursing provides for a balanced study of natural
and social sciences in addition to humanities within the content of professional
education to promote critical thinking, effective communication, caring,
respect, and concern for individuals.
In addition to the undergraduate degree in Nursing, the School Nurse Certificate
is offered for current students or for professional nurses with a current BSN,
who wish to seek Pennsylvania School Nurse certification.
Opportunities also exist for Registered Nurses who hold Associate Degrees or
Diplomas and wish to pursue the Baccalaureate Degree. The RN-BSN option provides
ease in articulation of students by providing up to 32 articulation credits for
prior nursing education, validation of prior learning by student-created
portfolio, challenge exams, CLEP exams, and transfer credits. The portfolio and
articulation credits provide the student the opportunity to present evidence of
previous educational events and/or practical experience that minimizes
repetitive learning. Open-university, internet, and traditional classroom
experiences are structured for the adult learner. The Next Step Program is
available to students who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing and are currently
licensed.
Academic Programs
Nursing
RN-BSN
School Nurse Certification
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