Thomas Jefferson University

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated MSN Programs
ADN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Nursing Administration - Doctor's degree
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs

BSN Program Details

Students in the traditional Prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing option are prepared as generalists who can provide comprehensive nursing care by promoting wellness, preventing disease, and maintaining or restoring the health status of patients who span the life cycle and may be found in a variety of settings. The program provides an educational foundation for professional nursing practice and for pursuing graduate study in nursing. By emphasizing the relationship between academic and clinical experience, the program promotes continued intellectual inquiry.

The four year traditional Prelicensure BSN option is divided into prerequisite phase and the professional nursing major. Students complete two years or 59 credits of prerequisite course work in sciences, humanities and related disciplines that lay the foundation for professional studies in the General Studies Department at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson School of Nursing or at another college or university.

The professional nursing major consists of four semesters of nursing theory and clinical course work for a total of 64 credits. The BSN Program requires a total of 123 credits. Each prerequisite and nursing course must be completed with a grade of C or better.

MSN Program Details

The Graduate Nursing Programs exemplify the tradition of excellence in nursing education, practice, and research at Thomas Jefferson University. The challenging curricula and outstanding faculty assist students to identify professional career goals and to develop strategies to meet those goals.

Most of our graduate students are working professionals with busy lifestyles and multiples roles. Therefore, part-time study is available as well as full-time study. Courses are available through traditional in-class as well as online venues.

The curriculum is predicated on the belief that professional nursing is an art and a science incorporating theory, research and clinical practice. All students enrolled in the M.S.N. program share a core curriculum. Specialty areas require 36 to 39 credits with the exception of the CRNA. Full-time students can complete the course of study in 15 months beginning with a summer semester. Part-time options, enable students to take up to five years to complete the program. Courses are available via the Internet.

The curriculum is predicated on the belief that professional nursing is an art and a a science incorporating theory, research and clinical practice. All students enrolled in the M.S.N. program share a core curriculum. All specialty areas require 36 to 39 credits. Full-time students can complete the course of study in 15 months beginning with a summer semester. Part-time options, enable students to take up to five years to complete the program. Courses are available via the Internet.

Accelerated BSN Program Details

The Accelerated Pathway to the MSN is an option designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. This special program builds on the baccalaureate degree and allows students to complete a BSN and an MSN in a shortened time frame. Individuals who have a non-nurse baccalaureate degree may apply for admission to the Accelerated Pathway to the MSN. Students accepted into the Accelerated Pathway Program are admitted to both undergraduate and graduate programs. Upon satisfactory completion of the lower division requirements, the student is admitted to the nursing major.

Accelerated Pathway students are enrolled in the undergraduate program for their first two years with selected graduate courses included in the senior year. Following successful completion of the state nursing licensing exam, Accelerated Pathway students then progress to the graduate program to complete the required coursework. It is at this time that students must select the specialty area in the MSN they wish to pursue.

All policies in regard to academic achievement, progression in the nursing major and program completion for the Prelicensure program apply to students in the Accelerated Pathway to the MSN.

An admission interview is not required, but may be requested at the discretion of the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management or School of Nursing. If necessary, an admissions counselor may contact you for an interview.

Accelerated MSN Program Details

The Accelerated Pathway to the MSN is an option designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. This special program builds on the baccalaureate degree and allows students to complete a BSN and an MSN in a shortened time frame. Individuals who have a non-nurse baccalaureate degree may apply for admission to the Accelerated Pathway to the MSN. Students accepted into the Accelerated Pathway Program are admitted to both undergraduate and graduate programs. Upon satisfactory completion of the lower division requirements, the student is admitted to the nursing major.

Accelerated Pathway students are enrolled in the undergraduate program for their first two years with selected graduate courses included in the senior year. Following successful completion of the state nursing licensing exam, Accelerated Pathway students then progress to the graduate program to complete the required coursework. It is at this time that students must select the specialty area in the MSN they wish to pursue.

All policies in regard to academic achievement, progression in the nursing major and program completion for the Prelicensure program apply to students in the Accelerated Pathway to the MSN.

An admission interview is not required, but may be requested at the discretion of the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management or School of Nursing. If necessary, an admissions counselor may contact you for an interview.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

Jefferson's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides academic preparation for professional nurses who will practice at the most advanced level of nursing. Graduates will be able to lead at the highest level of nursing: in clinical practice, administration, education and policy.

The DNP program is inter-professional educational experience. As an academic health center, Jefferson offers students opportunities to take core courses, such as health policy, biostatistics, organizational change and advancements in health care, together with students from Jefferson Medical College, Jefferson College of Graduate Studies and the other disciplines within Jefferson Schools.

The DNP is offered in a mix of on-line and in-class courses. Full-time students who have a MSN may complete the 36-credit program in one calendar year; part-time students complete the degree on their own timeline. A combined MSN/DNP program enables students with a BSN to complete both degrees in three calendar years of full-time study.

Throughout their studies, DNP students complete three practica that comprise the doctoral project and provide the opportunity for application of knowledge gained in all the courses. Each student works with two mentors to develop an individualized practicum plan that will include competencies, content, and practicum experiences needed for clinical practice leadership or systems/organizational leadership. Doctoral Project Options include:

-Evidence-based Practice Change Initiative represented by a pilot study, a program evaluation, a quality improvement project, an evaluation of a new practice model, or a consulting project;
-Research Utilization Project; or
-Substantive Involvement in a Large Scale Project.

All doctoral projects require an integrated critical literature review or systematic review to be submitted by the end of the second specialty-focused practicum; and a manuscript submitted for publication, as well as submission and presentation of the project, by the end of the third specialty-focused practicum. All options must use evidence to improve either practice or patient outcomes.