Department of Nursing

Health Professions Building, Suite 5100
Phone: 410-704-2067
Fax: 410-704-4325
Email: nursingadmissions@towson.edu

Programs of the Department 

Nursing is both an art and a science with an evolving body of specialized knowledge derived from nursing research, as well as from the synthesis of knowledge from related disciplines. Nursing, independently or collaboratively, guides and ­influences the behavior of others in their efforts toward optimizing the health status of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Towson University offers a program in professional nursing leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. The Nursing curriculum includes courses in the liberal arts, the sciences, and nursing. The curriculum, designed for basic and registered nurse students, prepares the graduate to accept responsibility and accountability for the care of clients and families in a variety of health care settings, to function in beginning leadership roles, and to be consumers of and participants in nursing research. Students are also provided with the foundation for graduate study in nursing.

Accreditation & Memberships

The Nursing Program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Basic/pre-licensure students graduating from the Nursing major are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Department of Nursing holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs of the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Academics Standards

Once admitted to the nursing major, students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at TU in order to continue in the major. All nursing theory/lecture courses must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher; clinical courses must be completed with a S grade on the satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading basis.

Students enrolled in the basic/pre-licensure option of the program are expected to earn the standard score established by the Department of Nursing on the designated benchmark examination during their senior year, second term, in order to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination required for licensure. Students enrolled in the degree completion options of the program are required to have passed the NCLEX-RN examination and hold an active, unencumbered RN license in Maryland or a compact state prior to completing their final practicum course.

The Nursing Student Handbook provides additional information concerning department policies and is distributed upon enrollment in the major.

Admission to the Nursing Major 

The nursing major is a screened and competitive program with limited seats for enrollment. Admission to Towson University does not constitute or guarantee admission to the major. Direct entry into the major is not offered to incoming freshman students. Nursing program admission requires students to be enrolled at the university as a degree-seeking student. New transfer or second bachelor's students must apply through University Admissions, and students returning to TU after a break in attendance to continue their degree must apply through the Reenrollment Office. Students may apply to the nursing major prior to applying to the university, or vice versa, as long both the university and nursing program deadlines are met.

The information outlined here pertains to the Nursing major's basic/pre-licensure option. Admission requirements, screening process, and deadlines for the Nursing major's degree completion options vary based on the option and community college partners. Visit the Degree Completion Options section within this catalog or the Nursing Degree Completion Options site for admission and program details.

Preparing for the Nursing Program

The Nursing major requires math and science prerequisites as part of its admission criteria. Success in prerequisites, especially math and sciences, is critical for success in the nursing curriculum. High school students are advised to take the following courses to gain the foundation necessary to complete the nursing major’s prerequisite courses:

  • mathematics – three units (two years of algebra and one year of geometry)
  • chemistry – one unit
  • biology – one unit
  • physics - one unit*

*While physics is not a prerequisite for the nursing major, a base understanding of physics is recommended to support a student's success in college-level sciences.

Students should plan to begin their science and math courses early in their studies. Many math and science courses require prerequisites or placement testing; delaying prerequisites or placement testing may affect progression through prerequisite courses in a timely fashion.

Admission and Screening Process

Admission to the Nursing major is granted only by the Department of Nursing. To be screened for admission, applicants must apply, submit required materials, and meet the minimum criteria to apply by published deadlines.

Because the process requires official transcripts from all educational institutions that students have attended, students should allow sufficient time for receipt of transcripts in the department by the due dates. It is an applicant’s responsibility to make certain that their application and all required documents are received by the application and materials deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. Admission screening takes place during the term prior to the student’s anticipated enrollment in the first nursing course. 

All applicants must meet the application and material deadlines in order to be eligible for admission screening. The application deadline is for the submission of the program application and application fee. The materials deadline is for the submission of all required application materials, including transcripts, test scores, and individual admissions materials (if applicable). Late applications are not accepted.

For detailed instructions to apply and submit required materials, visit the Admission Requirements website.

Early Application Review

The Department of Nursing conducts early application review for qualified students who apply and submit required materials by the priority deadline. Competitive students may be given an early offer of admission with the expectation that they will accept or decline their admission early. Any application that does not qualify for early admission will be deferred to the regular application pool for review.

Students must meet apply, submit all required materials (transcripts and TEAS scores), and meet the minimum application and admission criteria by the priority deadline of the term for which they are applying in order to qualify for early application review. Early application review will be based on the coursework completed at the time of application. Students who must apply under the Individual Admissions Policy are not eligible for early review.

Deadlines

Students must apply and submit materials by the published deadlines in order to complete their application. 

Fall Admission
  • Priority Application Deadline: December 15
  • Priority Materials Deadline: December 31
  • Regular Application Deadline: January 15
  • Regular Materials Deadline: February 1

Coursework completed through the fall term will be included in priority application screening. Coursework completed through the minimester (winter) term will be included in regular application screening.

Spring Admission
  • Priority Application & Materials Deadline: July 15
  • Regular Application Deadline: August 15
  • Regular Materials Deadline: September 1

Coursework completed through the spring term or early summer terms will be included in priority application screening. Coursework completed through the summer term will be considered in regular spring application screening. 

Application Eligibility

A student may only apply to the major once they have met the minimum criteria for application review:

  • Minimum of 42 undergraduate units earned
  • Completion of three (3) laboratory science prerequisites courses
  • Completion of English composition with a C (2.0) or higher (TU's ENGL 102 or equivalent transfer credit)
  • Score ranked Proficient or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) (Version 7)

These criteria must be met by the priority application deadline for early review or by the conclusion of the most recent term. For fall applicants, this includes coursework completed through the minimester (winter) term. For spring applicants, this includes coursework completed through the summer term.

In progress coursework does not count toward the minimum earned units or for completion of prerequisite courses. Any applicant that does not meet these requirements will not be reviewed for admission.

Admission Criteria

All students must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission:

  • Overall cumulative grade point average GPA of 3.0 or higher from all colleges/universities attended
  • C (2.0) or higher in all nursing prerequisite courses
  • No more than two (2) repeat attempts of any nursing prerequisite courses due to a grade below C (2.0)
  • Completion of all science and mathematics prerequisites within 10 years of applying
  • Completion of all nursing prerequisite courses with a C (2.0) or higher by the start of the program

Students may apply with some prerequisites in progress as long as they have met the minimum criteria to apply. Any offer of admission would be contingent upon the completion of those prerequisites prior to the start of the term.

Meeting the minimum criteria is not a guarantee of admission to the major. Program admission is highly competitive due to limited space in the major and rigor of the curriculum. The competitiveness of admission varies each term based on the number of applicants and the strength of the applicant pool.

Individual Admissions Policy

Applicants who do not meet select minimum admission criteria may still be able to apply for admission consideration under the Individual Admissions Policy. To be considered, the individual must demonstrate the ability to be successful in a rigorous academic curriculum through recent strong academic performance in relevant course work. Applicants who wish to be considered under this policy must submit supplemental materials with their nursing application. The Individual Admissions Policy does not apply to the application eligibility criteria. For more details about how to apply under this policy, visit the Individual Admissions Policy site.

Transfer and Second Degree Students 

Transfer and second degree students must apply and be admitted to the university according to university policies and procedures. Prerequisites for nursing admission can be satisfied through transfer credit.

Students enrolled in another nursing program are not permitted to transfer directly into the nursing major. Students must still meet the posted application and admission criteria. Students who were unsuccessful in another nursing program may apply under the Individual Admissions Policy if they meet all other admission criteria. If admitted, students must complete all required nursing courses at TU. Any nursing courses completed in another baccalaureate nursing program may be evaluated individually for equivalence to TU nursing courses only if a student has been admitted to the major. Nursing courses completed at the associate level will not be accepted as equivalent to any TU nursing courses.

For more information and resources, visit the Transfer Students or Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing site.

Courses

NURS 325C CLINICAL RE-IMMERSION (2)

Focuses on the nursing care of patients in the healthcare setting and skills competency for physical and psychosocial assessment across the lifespan. Course is required to review and evaluate competency in nursing assessment and skill mastery prior to entering the clinical area if there has been a gap of two consecutive traditional academic clinical semesters. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: completion of at least one semester in the Nursing Major.

NURS 332 PROFESSIONAL NURSING I: INTRODUCTION TO NURSING (3)

Introduces students to the profession of nursing including the historical and theoretical basis of nursing and current issues facing the nursing profession. Prerequisite: admission to Nursing Program.

NURS 333 WRITING FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE: ISSUES IN PROFESSIONAL NURSING (3)

Advanced writing course for nursing that focuses on social policy and the contemporary issues and challenges of the healthcare system and nursing. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190, or equivalent; all first-semester junior-level Nursing courses or Admission to the Degree Completion Option. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

NURS 340 PATHOPHARMACOLOGY (5)

This comprehensive course focuses on human pathophysiological and pharmacological concepts as a basis for nursing practice. Prerequisite: admission to the Nursing Program.

NURS 347 HEALTH ASSESSMENT ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (3)

Focus on the acquisition of psychomotor and interpersonal skills to perform a health assessment across the lifespan. Prerequisite: admission to the Nursing Program.

NURS 349 HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND HEALTH PROMOTION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN (4)

Major concepts of health, health promotion and maintenance, and therapeutic communication. Focuses on the acquisition of skills for physical and psychosocial assessment across the lifespan. Students who have successfully completed NURS 347 will not receive additional credit for NURS 349. Prerequisites: admission to the Degree Completion Option or permission of the Department.

NURS 351 NURSING PRACTICE I: HEALTH PROMOTION ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN (4)

Major concepts of health, health promotion and maintenance for clients throughout the life span. Initial experience in the provider role of the professional nurse. Prerequisites: admission to the nursing major; NURS 331, NURS 341, NURS 343, NURS 345, and NURS 347 (may be taken concurrently).

NURS 353 NURSING PRACTICE II: ADULT HEALTH (5)

Nursing care of adults experiencing alterations in health. Application of critical thinking skills and therapeutic nursing interventions in a variety of community- based environments. Prerequisite: completion of all courses in junior year, first term.

NURS 356 ADULT HEALTH NURSING I: FOUNDATIONS [LEC] (3)

An introduction to the profession of nursing with a focus on historical, theoretical and conceptual knowledge base of foundational nursing care of the adult patients across the lifespan. Corequisites: NURS 361, NURS 3365, NURS 347, & NURS 356C. Prerequisite: admission to the nursing major.

NURS 356C ADULT HEALTH NURSING I: FOUNDATIONS CLINICAL (2)

Focuses on the foundational clinical nursing care of adult patients across the lifespan in the healthcare setting. Graded S/U. Corequisites: NURS 361, NURS 365, NURS 347, and NURS 356. Prerequisite: admission to nursing major.

NURS 358 PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTAL HEALTH NURSING [LEC] (3)

The focus is on the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base of nursing care for patients experiencing alterations in psychological and social behaviors; preparing undergraduates to acquire knowledge and clinical skills in psychiatric-mental health care across the lifespan. Corequisite: NURS 358C. Prerequisites: all first-term junior-level courses.

NURS 358C PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTAL HEALTH NURSING [CLINICAL] (2)

Focuses on the nursing care of patients, in a variety of community-based environments, experiencing alterations in psychological and social behaviors. Graded S/U. Corequisite: NURS 358. Prerequisites: successful completion of junior level, first semester nursing courses.

NURS 360 ADULT HEALTH NURSING II [LEC] (3)

Focuses on the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base of nursing care for the adult patient/client experiencing common illnesses. Corequisite: NURS 360C. Prerequisite: successful completion of all first-term junior-level nursing courses.

NURS 360C ADULT HEALTH NURSING II [CLINICAL] (2)

Focuses on nursing care of adults experiencing common illness. Graded S/U. Corequisite: NURS 360. Prerequisites: all first-term junior-level nursing courses.

NURS 361 PHARMACOLOGY (3)

Pharmacology focuses on the application of pharmacological concepts to nursing practice. The course builds on pre-requisite knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. Corequisite: NURS 365. Prerequisite: major standing.

NURS 365 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY (3)

This comprehensive course focuses on human pathophysiological concepts as a basis for nursing practice. Prerequisites: major status and consent of department.

NURS 416 DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN HEALTHCARE (3)

Examines social, cultural, spiritual, economic, and political determinants of health, equity, and access to health care through the lens of the social justice framework. Prerequisites: junior-level standing in the Nursing Program, admission to the Degree Completion Option, or permission of the department. Core: Diversity & Difference.

NURS 435 NURSING RESEARCH FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (3)

Emphasis is on further development of critical thinking and professional communication skills through an introduction to the research process with a special emphasis on nursing evidence-based practice. Prerequisites: completion of all courses in junior year or admission to Degree Completion option; basic statistics or biostatistics course (MATH 231 or MATH 237; PSYC 212).

NURS 460 NURSING & HEALTHCARE IV: OLDER ADULTS (2)

Utilizes the nursing process as it relates to the unique needs of older adults. Prerequisite: all first and second term junior-level nursing courses or Admission to the Degree Completion Option.

NURS 470 SPECIAL TOPICS IN NURSING (1-3)

An examination of current and evolving topics in nursing. The specific requirements and prerequisites will vary with each topic and will be designated by the department. May be repeated for credit provided a different topic is covered.

NURS 472 NURSING AND HEALTHCARE V: FAMILY HEALTH [LEC] (3)

Focuses on the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base of nursing care for women & families throughout the reproductive lifespan. Corequisite: NURS 472C. Prerequisite: all first and second term junior level nursing courses.

NURS 473 NURSING CARE OF FAMILIES AND NEWBORNS (3)

The focus of this course is the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base of nursing care of newborns and childbearing people throughout the reproductive lifespan. Corequisite: NURS 473C. Prerequisites: all first and second semester Junior level nursing courses.

NURS 473C NURSING CARE OF FAMILIES AND NEWBORNS [CLINICAL] (2)

Focuses on the nursing care of individuals of reproductive age and their neonates. Graded S/U. Corequisite: NURS 473. Prerequisites: all first and second semester, junior level nursing courses.

NURS 474 NURSING AND HEALTHCARE VI: CHILD HEALTH [LEC] (3)

Focuses on the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base for nursing care of families whose children are experiencing alterations in health. Corequisite: NURS 474C. Prerequisites: all first and second term junior level nursing courses.

NURS 475 CHILD HEALTH (3)

Focuses on the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base for nursing care of families whose children are experiencing alterations in health. Corequisite: NURS 475C. Prerequisites: all first and second semester, junior level nursing courses.

NURS 475C CHILD HEALTH [CLINICAL] (2)

Focuses on the nursing care of children and families experiencing alterations in health. Students will apply critical thinking skills and therapeutic nursing interventions in a variety of environments. Graded S/U. Corequisite: NURS 475. Prerequisites: all first and second term junior level nursing courses.

NURS 476 PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING (3)

Focuses on health promotion and disease prevention at the public health level. It includes theoretical and conceptual knowledge base of nursing care for complex families, aggregates, and communities. Corequisite: NURS 476C. Prerequisites: all nursing courses through Senior level, first semester courses.

NURS 476C PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING [CLINICAL] (2)

Focuses on health promotion and disease prevention at the public health level. It includes nursing care for complex families, aggregates, communities and systems. Graded S/U. Corequisite: NURS 476. Prerequisites: all junior level and senior level, first semester courses completed.

NURS 480 ADULT HEALTH NURSING III (3)

Examines the role of the nurse in providing care to adult medical-surgical clients with acute and complex health care needs. Corequisite: NURS 480C. Prerequisite: senior major status.

NURS 480C ADULT HEALTH NURSING III [CLINICAL] (2)

Examines the role of the nurse in providing care to adult medical surgical clients with acute and complex health care needs. Graded S/U. Corequisite: NURS 480. Prerequisite: senior major status.

NURS 481 TRANSITION TO PRACTICE: LEADERSHIP, QUALITY, AND SAFETY IN COLLABORATIVE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS (3)

Students will learn to apply leadership concepts and decision-making strategies in implementing holistic, high quality, effective patient outcomes through collaboration, accountability, and care coordination in today’s healthcare climate. Prerequisites: all junior level and first-term senior-level nursing courses.

NURS 483 SENIOR PRACTICUM IMMERSION (3)

Clinical practicum that focuses on refining clinical knowledge and skills used in the professional practice of nursing. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: all junior level and senior level first semester courses.

NURS 484 NURSING LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT (3)

Leadership roles and management functions of the nurse as coordinator of care for clients across the life span in a variety of health care environments. Prerequisites: all junior level and first-term senior-level nursing courses or Admission to the Degree Completion Option.

NURS 485 CLINICAL PRACTICUM (3)

Clinical practicum that focuses on refining clinical knowledge and skills used in the professional practice of nursing. Grading: S/U. Prerequisites: all junior level and first-term senior-level nursing courses.

NURS 486 SEMINAR IN NURSING (1)

Selected topic in nursing and healthcare through enhanced integration of knowledge in theory and practice. May be repeated for a total of 2 units provided a different topic is taken each time. Prerequisite: admission to the Degree Completion Option or permission of the Department.

NURS 488 PREPARATION FOR LICENSURE EXAM (2)

Prepare graduating senior nursing students to use their knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to answer licensure-style questions in preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses. Corequisite: final senior semester courses. Prerequisites: completion of all junior level and first semester senior level courses.

NURS 489 DEGREE COMPLETION PRACTICUM (3)

Clinical Practicum for the RN student with a focus on leadership and community healthcare. Prerequisites: admission to the Degree Completion option; must be licensed as RN in Maryland or compact state; senior standing; NURS 333, NURS 349, NURS 416, NURS 435, NURS 460 or NURS 486, NURS 476, and NURS 484 (NURS 476 and 484 may be taken concurrently with NURS 489).

NURS 491 DIRECTED READINGS (1-3)

Independent reading designed to explore topics and/or issues of special interest to the practice of nursing. Prerequisites: completion of all 300-level nursing courses and permission of chair of the department.

NURS 493 NURSING INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3)

Directed study designed to provide an in-depth educational experience in nursing. Topics related to theory and practice of nursing. Prerequisites: completion of all 300-level nursing courses or equivalent and permission of chair of the department.

NURS 494 TRAVEL STUDY IN NURSING (3-9)

Historical and contemporary socio-political factors that guide the delivery of health care to various population groups in other countries. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Faculty

Professors: Mary Lashley, Hayley Mark (Chairperson)

Associate Professors: Kathleen Ogle, Hyunjeong Park, Briana Snyder (Graduate Program Director)

Assistant Professors: Katherine Brewer, Sarah Caro, Melanie Horning, Stacey Iobst, Marguerite Lucea, Michelle Ness, Laura Sessions, Mark Walker

Clinical Associate Professors: Elizabeth Crusse (Assistant Chair), Mary Curran, Karen Frank, Nancy Hannafin, Claudeth Jeffrey

Clinical Assistant Professors: Nasreen Bahreman, Tammy Bowers, Megan Gildersleeve, Renada Gilliard, Susan Hammond, Marie Kemerer, Susan King, Nana Omole, Alison Pirie, Goma Thapaliya