Curriculum

A common core of knowledge at the master’s level provides a foundation for nurses in advanced nursing roles. The theoretical base specific to each specialization is included in the course of study and accompanied by practical experience, thus providing students the opportunity to apply theory in a variety of settings.

Six Program Tracks are offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family/ Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner (FNP),  Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  The Nurse Practitioner specializations prepare nurses for a career in the AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP or PMHNP specialization. Students in all specializations are required to take the common core curriculum prior to starting the specialty courses.

Students in the NP tracks are required to complete a mandatory on campus skills session during the program track courses.  This mandatory skills session will account for 24 hours of clinical time.

A passing grade of 83 (B) is required for successful completion of all graduate level nursing courses.

According to the Department of Nursing policy, students who fail to successfully complete a nursing course on the second attempt at any institution or fail a second nursing course are dismissed from the nursing major.

Matriculated students will have a maximum five (5) years to complete the program.

Additional Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

1. BSN from an accredited institution
2. Active unrestricted, unencumbered RN license in the US
3. Cumulative GPA 3.0
4. Submission of all official transcripts
5. Must have statistics and health assessment as an undergrad with a B or better and courses must be current.
   *Students may apply without having met this requirement, however, any acceptance offered to such a student will be conditional upon completion of the appropriate preparatory courses with a B or better.
6. Submission of a current Resume or CV
7. Submission of a Career statement following the prompt provided in the application

** NP Applicants:   Describe the NP role in the context of advanced practice. How does obtaining a graduate nursing degree fit into your professional development goals?
*** Administration / Education Applicants:  In 750 words or less, please describe how a nurse with an advanced degree impacts practice and how you plan to use your advanced degree after graduation.

8. 3 references- from a peer, a supervisor and prior faculty
9. TOEFL if needed

Note:  Applicants who have had license sanctions must be without restrictions during the two years prior to Saint Joseph’s application.

International Applicants

International applicants must be graduates of nursing programs equivalent to ACEN or CCNE-accredited baccalaureate nursing degrees. International applicants educated in countries other than the United States must contact the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (COGFNS) for credentialing at: Commission of Foreign Nursing Schools, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 USA. Applicant Inquiries:  215-349-8767. Graduates of foreign nursing schools must submit an official report from the COGFNS.