William Paterson University

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
MSN Programs
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

It is not easy being a nurse in today’s world of ever changing technology. As the demands of the health care delivery system and the profession change, so must education.

Baccalaureate education is the minimum preparation for the professional practice of nursing. To broaden your career opportunities and meet the challenges of the expanding roles of the nurse, higher education is required.

The Department of Nursing has modeled the admission requirements for the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing on The New Jersey Articulation Model developed by the New Jersey State Nurses Association.

BSN Program Details

The William Paterson University Nursing program is a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program which requires 129 college credits (120 credits effective fall 2010). The curriculum has been revised to an upper division curriculum requiring all pre-requisite and most general education courses be completed prior to taking any NUR prefixed courses. The prerequisites are:

BIO 1120 - General Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO 1130 - General Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO 1700 - Microbiology
PSY 1100 - General Psychology
PSY 2100 - Developmental Psychology
CHEM 1330 - Chemistry for Health Sciences
CSH 2500 - Research & Statistics I
CSH 3500 - Research & Statistics II
PBHL 2240 - Therapeutic Nutrition
BIO 3120 Advanced Anatomy & Physiology

The nursing core sequence of courses begin in both Spring and Fall semesters and continue for 2 years. Part-time options are available however, students must complete the degree within six semesters of starting the nursing sequence of courses. Students who wish to complete the program on a part- time basis are encouraged to take all pre and co­requisite courses and general education courses prior to beginning nursing courses. Once accepted into the major a Nursing advisor will be assigned to help sequence the courses appropriately. Many general education courses are available with day, evening, weekend and online options. Nursing courses are primarily offered during the daytime.

MSN Program Details

The Masters of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) prepares students to function as advanced practice nurses (adult or family nurse practitioners), educators or administrators in community-based settings, including home health care. Through coursework and clinical practice, the individual develops expertise in advanced health nursing care, leadership and research skills. The Graduate Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 1 Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530 Washington D.C., 20036 until 2015.

The requirements for admission are as follows:

-Baccalaureate degree (BSN preferred) and License as Registered Nurse in New Jersey*
-Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
-Acceptable score on the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogies Test
-Work experience in community-based or related area of nursing
-Undergraduate prerequisite courses:
a. Statistics
b. Nursing Research
c. Physical Assessment
-Two professional letters of reference
-Essay including professional experience particularly as it relates to community-based nursing and future career plans.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical scholars and thought leaders.

The DNP program will prepare nurses with knowledge and skills to deliver the highest standard of care for individuals, families, communities and work in interdisciplinary teams in today’s complex healthcare system.

The Post Masters DNP curriculum includes 41 credit hours that can be completed in seven semesters of part-time study (two courses per semester). Course work includes: utilizing technology to advance the quality of care; evaluating health care policy; providing leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care settings; and evaluating systems responses to health and illness, along with knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences, humanities and economics. Students must also complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised post Baccalaureate practice hours. There are two tracks, the advanced practice clinical track for certified advanced practice nurse and the advanced practice administrative track for a masters prepared nurse administrator(s).

Upon successful completion of the DNP, graduates will be able to:

-Provide advanced nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and clinical populations.
-Appraise and utilize current technologies to advance the quality and accessibility of care.
-Critique and selectively translate science to guide clinical decision-making and program development.
-Evaluate and influence health care policy and systems.
-Provide leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care arenas.
-Evaluate systems responses to health and illness as a basis for the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of health and functional abilities and the prevention of illness.
-Integrate advanced knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry.
-Initiate changes in the healthcare system through the design and implementation of health related projects that strengthen the outcomes in the healthcare delivery system.