The School of Nursing
and Health Studies

HISTORY AND PURPOSE

Since its founding over a century ago, the School of Nursing and Health Studies (NHS) has been at the forefront of the health care field, preparing future leaders to respond to the growing complexity of health care delivery at all levels. Graduates pursue careers including nursing, medicine, law, health policy, health management, research and public health among many others. The Undergraduate Program offers its students a broad liberal arts education balanced with the natural and behavioral sciences through innovative curricula in either the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or the Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in Health Care Management and Policy, Human Science, and International Health. Students have an opportunity to study and intern at health care facilities and agencies throughout Washington, D.C., such as Georgetown University Hospital, the National Institutes of Health, and the Pan American Health Organization.

All majors in NHS focus on cura personalis--the care and development of the whole person--by educating students for a meaningful life, challenging them intensively, but also supporting them in their learning. The School embraces the Jesuit inspired principles shared by the entire Georgetown community, which emphasize the pursuit of knowledge with a responsibility to contribute to the common good. Students develop into health professionals who can recognize and respond to the full human experience encountered in the health field. During their first year at Georgetown University, NHS students participate in the First Year Colloquium. This course is taught by faculty across the interdisciplinary team at NHS. All students are exposed to the various arenas of health care with opportunity to dialogue and critique health policy, quality and care.

Graduates of the Health Care Management and Policy, Human Science, and International Health Departments at Georgetown have received a strong scientific and liberal arts education that prepares them for a myriad of careers in health care or basic science. Students interested in careers such as health education, health policy, public health, medicine, physical therapy, international health, scientific writing, consulting or health management and policy will have a solid curricular foundation as well as focusing experiences in seminars, independent research, and internships in the areas of their selected interest. Having taken advantage of the School’s pre-professional advisement program, graduates wishing to pursue graduate or professional studies will have the necessary courses to prepare them for advanced education.

Excellence in both liberal and professional education is made possible through University offerings, which afford students a complete selection of major and minor concentrations and courses. In addition, the Georgetown Medical Center and other clinical agencies and associations afford students an opportunity to participate and to learn from the full range of their health care offerings. Further information about graduate studies in midwifery, acute care, acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthesia, family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and health systems administration may be obtained from the NHS Office of Admissions and Outreach.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for the bachelor’s degree in the School of Nursing & Health Studies must complete the following graduation requirements:

1. Successful completion of 40 or more courses (depending on major);
2. Completion of the major’s listed requirements;
3. Completion of liberal arts core requirements;
4. Achieve a final cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The general education requirements are ordinarily fulfilled in the student’s first and second years.

To complete this requirement all students are required to take two courses in Humanities and Writing.

1. To be completed as early as possible in the student’s college career but no later than the end of the sophomore year; an Intensive Writing Seminar, HUMW-011, which has many sections organized around themes chosen by the professors. The courses will be offered by the English Department and must be taught in English.
2. An introduction to a humanities discipline other than Philosophy, Theology, taught in English, with a writing component. Courses satisfying this requirement are listed below:

ARTH-101		Intro to Art History I
ARTH-102		Renaissance to Modern Art
ARTH-140		Modern Art
CHIN-024		East Asia: Text & Contexts
CLSS-160		Intro to Roman Literature
ENGL-040		Gateway
ENGL-041		Gateway
ENGL-042		Gateway
ENGL-043		Gateway
FREN-043		Knights of Old & Harry Potter
GERM-043		Witches
ITAL-042		Gateway to Major (Italian)
JAPN-411		Japanese Literature in Film
MUSC-161		Music & Dance in America
MUSC-260		Intro to Film & Music
RUSS-379		Gogol: Cross-discipinary Quotes
RUSS-473		Btw Opposites: Lit/Revolution
TPST 130		Play Analysis
TPST 200		Adaptation & Performance of Literature<
WGST-140		Women’s and Gender Studies

To fulfill the philosophy requirement, all students must take two courses in philosophy, normally one in the first year and one in the second year. One course must be in ethics and in non-ethics (an area other than ethics). The first class should be PHIL-010 or 020. If the first class is in PHIL-010, the second should be PHIL 150–199. If the first class is PHIL-020, the second should be PHIL-100–149.

Students choose either The Problem of God (THEO-001) or Introduction to Biblical Literature (THEO-011) plus one additional course offered by the Theology Department.

STUDENT ADVISEMENT

In addition to the general counseling services provided by the University, the School of Nursing and Health Studies maintains an academic advisement program that assigns each student to a professional advisor within the NHS Office of Student Academic Affairs. It is designed to assist the student to adjust to academic life and to succeed in his/her program of study.

On arrival to campus, each student is assigned to a faculty academic advisor in his or her academic program and to a professional advisor in the Office of Student Academic Affairs. Student advisement is rooted in the Jesuit philosophy of “cura personalis,” which encourages the development of the complete person with respect for human dignity. The relationship between faculty, staff, and students should be viewed as reciprocal, with rewards and responsibilities for both parties. The faculty member and staff person advise students regarding academic, professional, and other matters that may affect academic success.

Through the academic advisement program, students are assisted in orienting themselves to the University, in resolving problems which may interfere with the academic experience, and in making decisions concerning educational goals. Students requiring help beyond the scope of the advisor’s competence are referred to appropriate University support services. All first-year students will meet with their advisors during Orientation Week and are expected to maintain close contact throughout each semester.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

The Department of Nursing prepares future leaders to respond to the growing complexity of the health care delivery system. The NHS mission of health and well being for all people, with its emphasis on preparing morally reflective health care leaders and scholars, guides the program and initiatives of the department. The department’s programs are built on several core principles, including: the recognition of the dignity of human beings; the growth-affirming role of society; the concept of health as a dynamic entity; the complex, caring nature of nursing; and the individualized and life long process of education. Therefore, the vision of the Department of Nursing is to prepare women and men who are committed to promoting human flourishing through culturally sensitive, evidence-based nursing practice.

These beliefs provide the foundation for the program of study in each of the baccalaureate program offerings: traditional BSN, second degree BSN, and RN to BSN. The belief that baccalaureate nursing education prepares professional nurses who have a broad knowledge of nursing science, the humanities, and the biological and social sciences, gives rise to a curriculum in which a broad liberal arts education is balanced with the natural and behavioral sciences, as illustrated in the Programs of Study.

The terminal objectives of the baccalaureate program provide clear statements of expected results, derived directly from the Georgetown Nursing Model, and reflect the vision of the School’s mission and core values.

1. Practice Professional Nursing reflecting the Jesuit values, ideas and principles of the Georgetown University Nursing Practice Model of valuing cura personalis, excellence in the pursuit of knowledge, holistic care of the patient, and integrating the principles of common good and social justice.
2. Demonstrate evidence-based practice through the use of critical thinking in clinical decision making.
3. Formulate a personal and professional ethical framework to guide conduct and decision making in professional Nursing.
4. Evaluate, apply, and communicate research findings to improve professional practice and patient outcomes.
5. Analyze and evaluate leadership and management theories in nursing practice and discuss implications for human flourishing.
6. Evaluate how health policy processes address the common good/social justice concerns and the improvement of the health and well-being for all members of society.
7. Demonstrate a commitment to a life-long process of education and personal and professional development through continuing education and participation in professional organizations.
8. Demonstrate a dedication to human flourishing for diverse cultural groups through humanitarian service and a commitment to the core values of individual and collective excellence, professional care and compassion, person-centered orientation, the common good and social justice.
9. Engage in professional communication and collaboration with all members of the health care team, including patient, family, and community, to improve the quality of health care delivery.

The basic four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for high school graduates who wish to combine general education in the arts, sciences and humanities with preparation for a career in professional nursing. The curriculum includes a core of knowledge in the humanities and the behavioral, physical, and biological sciences, as well as the theory and practice of professional nursing. Coursework in bioethics and leadership prepares graduates to take their place in the current and future health care delivery system.

The School’s nursing courses are based on the Georgetown University Values Based Nursing Model and prepare graduates for practice as generalists. Minor areas of concentration and certificates are available in many other disciplines.

The nursing component of the curriculum provides for development of clinical skills as well as a strong theoretical base. The “Professional Nursing: Foundations for Practice” course takes place in the first year with students having the opportunity to hear practicing nurses describe the many facets of the nursing profession which will be available to them as graduates. Nursing coursework and clinical practice begin in the first year, with practice in sophomore, junior, and senior years. The senior clinical experience allows students to request a particular clinical or professional area of interest in which to expand their knowledge and leadership skills.

After completion of the baccalaureate program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure to practice as professional nurses.

Graduates are also encouraged to pursue graduate study at the masters and doctoral level in order to prepare for specialization and increased levels of responsibility.

The programs offered through the Department of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Nursing Association, the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.

The purpose of this Honors Program is to allow specific traditional undergraduate nursing students to be challenged at the highest level. Participants in the Honors Program in nursing will address, through scholarly inquiry, a contemporary issue related to clinical nursing practice. The Honors Program in Nursing requires an independent research project, policy analysis, or health/illness education project. The culmination of the student’s project leads to both an oral presentation and completion of a senior honors thesis. All participants are required to pass the oral presentation and senior honors thesis as determined by the assigned review committee. Prior to graduation, participants in the honors program are expected to submit results of the senior honors thesis for publication. Participants in the Honors Program are expected to complete all requirements for the nursing major, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3, and successfully complete the Honors Seminar and an Honors Thesis Tutorial. Traditional nursing students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher are eligible to apply; the application deadline is October 15 in the fall of the junior year. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the honors program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honors). Students are also eligible to complete the program with distinction, which would be indicated on the official transcript as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honors, Passed with Distinction).

Highly selective students who wish to continue study at the graduate level at Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies are eligible to apply upon completion of their sophomore or junior year of undergraduate study. In order to be competitive, these students will have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 with a minimum of 3.3 in both clinical and science coursework. In order to matriculate in the graduate nursing programs, students need to pass NCLEX and successfully complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

This program is designed for successful college graduates who now wish to pursue a career in professional nursing. The program extends over sixteen months of full-time study. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination so that they may be licensed to practice as registered nurses. The program matriculates students twice a year; in January to end the following May and August to end the following December. The direct entry to MS program is available in certain specialties. Please see the Graduate School Catalog for more information about the Direct Entry to MS option.

Nursing students who have altered their course of study may elect to complete clinical course work in the summer semester if they meet the following criteria:

1. Overall GPA of 3.2
2. Successful completion of previous clinical nursing courses
3. Permission from the chair of the Department of Nursing

In addition to the activities which Georgetown University offers all of its students, the School of Nursing and Health Studies offers the opportunity for membership in Sigma Theta Tau, the International Nursing Honor Society. Sigma Theta Tau honors practitioners and students of nursing who exemplify outstanding qualities of leadership, scholarship, and service to the profession of nursing. Tau Chapter was founded at the Georgetown University School of Nursing in 1960.

Prior to matriculation, all nursing majors must complete a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course for Healthcare Providers. Classes are held at Georgetown University semi-annually to support this competency. All students must maintain current certification in CPR through their date of graduation. Evidence of compliance with the above must be submitted to NHS by July 1 for fall entry and January 1 for spring entry.

When beginning their clinical experiences in NHS, nursing students must provide verification of standard immunizations or validate immunity with appropriate blood work. In accordance with occupational health guidelines, each individual who is involved in providing direct patient care must have an annual health examination by a physician or nurse practitioner and this examination must include a medical history, physical examination, and an annual intradermal tuberculin test or chest x-ray. Confirmation of compliance with all health screening requirements must be presented to the Office of Student Academic Affairs July 1 for fall entry and January 1 for spring entry. Additionally all nursing majors will complete drug screening. Nursing majors are also required to provide annual evidence of a criminal background check. Students will not be permitted to begin their clinical experiences for the academic year without such verification. Failure to provide the health clearance and criminal background check information in a timely manner may result in registration reversal in clinical nursing courses.

All students in the clinical setting are required to wear the Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies uniform and to be well groomed at all times. School uniforms are not to be worn when engaged in nursing activities which are not sponsored by the School of Nursing and Health Studies.

All nursing students are required to participate in the designated assessment and review program (ATI). The program involves an assessment of critical thinking at the beginning and end of the program, an assessment of nursing knowledge after core nursing courses, and a comprehensive diagnostic predictor examination that is administered in the senior year prior to graduation. The tests evaluate specific knowledge mastery as students progress in the program and determines readiness to obtain licensure as a registered nurse. The majority of the testing is administered in a computerized format. Feedback about the test results is provided to the students as part of the overall program.

In order to receive authorization from the Department Chair to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, a student must earn a score on the ATI comprehensive predictor examination that equates to a 95% probability or higher of passing the NCLEX-RN. To facilitate achieving this requirement, rising senior nursing students identified to be at risk for not passing the NCLEX-RN will be required to participate in the department’s knowledge mastery program throughout their senior year.

Students unable to achieve a 95% or higher probability of passing the NCLEX-RN on the ATI comprehensive predictor examination must submit documentation of a remediation plan (i.e., NCLEX-RN review course) to the Department Chair in order to receive authorization from the Department Chair to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

It is strongly recommended that the NCLEX-RN Licensing Examination be completed within six months of graduation. Students who choose to take the exam after six months from the time of graduation must submit documentation of the recent completion of an NCLEX-RN review course to the Department Chair before receiving authorization to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The student must sit for the exam within ninety days after the authorization is given.

B.S. IN HUMAN SCIENCE

The vision of the Department of Human Science is for students to understand human physiological adaptation and health through complementary study of the continuum of human nature (the humanities) and the development of health as a science. The Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality teaching in the basic biomedical health sciences, including a strong emphasis on appreciating the diversity of human cultures, and on empowering our students to be leaders in the health sciences. The program prepares students for a variety of graduate programs such as medicine or dentistry, as well as many careers in biomedical science, including communicating science, research, teaching, and administration.

The human science major within the Department of Human Science is designed for those individuals who wish to have a strong foundation in the basic and health sciences. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the ability of the human body to adapt to widely changing environments at the molecular, cellular, and organ system levels. In addition to the Human Biology and General Chemistry requirements, human science students will study Genetics, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathophysiology.

Throughout their study of human science, students will be guided in building critical thinking and analysis skills as they develop a questioning mind. Experiential activities in laboratory research and community activities will provide additional breadth and depth in their study of human health. Internships will further focus the student in the direction he or she wishes to pursue, whether it is a career in scientific writing, communication or medical informatics, biomedical or clinical research, sales and marketing, or further graduate or professional education.

During the first two years in the program students are introduced to foundational courses, including human biology, chemistry, nutrition, mathematics, pathophysiology, health promotion/disease prevention, research methods in health care, and communication in science. These courses are expanded by complementary studies in the liberal arts, including English, philosophy, ethics, and theology. Students also have the opportunity to choose electives that they may ultimately want to build into a minor or to study abroad. The senior health science internship provides the opportunity for each student to design his/her own area of discovery in an experiential, laboratory or archival setting of the student’s choosing and to develop their written and oral expression as the student prepares to complete her or his studies and graduate as a human science student. Students with high academic achievement and a quest for independent discovery may also apply for Honors in Human Science beginning as early as the second semester of their first year, which culminates with a thesis describing their independent research in the spring of their senior year.

The purpose of this program is to permit students of high academic achievement to enjoy greater responsibility and initiative in their major work. The Honors Program in Human Science requires a significant research experience which leads to both oral presentation of the research results in a seminar deemed satisfactory by the faculty members in attendance, and completion of a research-based thesis deemed acceptable by the faculty. Students in the Honors Program are required to maintain at least a B average both in their major and overall. They complete the requirements of the Human Science major, plus take a semester each of Honors Research, a final semester of Honors Thesis, and the Human Science Internship/research courses. Students with a B average may apply for the Human Science Honor anytime after the end of the first semester of their freshman year. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the honors program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Science (Honors). Students are also eligible to complete the program with distinction, which would be indicated on the official transcript as Bachelor of Science in Human Science (Honors with Distinction).

Minors in Human Science for
Human NHS Undergraduates

The Integrative Human Physiology minor will be useful for students wishing to expand their knowledge in human biology and the varieties and depth of normal human functioning. Students who pursue this minor may consider post-baccalaureate activities in related basic or applied health science.

Undergraduate students interested in obtaining a minor in Human Science: Integrative Human Physiology must submit a proposed plan to Dr. J.P. Hyatt, Coordinator for Minors within the Human Science Department. This plan should include a list of the required and elective courses that will be completed to fulfill the minor requirements. Students will be assigned a minor advisor (Human Science Faculty) who will be available to discuss the proposed plan and course options.

The minor in Health Promotion will provide students with an understanding of the variety of activities and approaches contributing to healthful functioning. This minor will be of special interest to students who wish to explore fields such as health science education, health science policy and public health.

Undergraduate students interested in obtaining a minor in Human Science: Health Promotion must submit a proposed plan to Professor Joan Riley, Coordinator for Minors within the Human Science Department. This plan should include a list of the prerequisites and electives that will be completed to fulfill the minor requirements. Students will be assigned a minor advisor (Human Science Faculty) who will be available to discuss the proposed plan and course options.

B.S. IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT AND POLICY

The Healthcare Management and Policy curriculum builds on a strong liberal arts base and examines how health systems and health policy contribute to the health of individuals and populations. The program’s mission is to prepare graduates for careers in the administration of health services through a well-designed liberal education and an in-depth understanding of the organization and management of health services. To that end, students take courses in international health, health economics, health policy, health promotion/disease prevention, epidemiology, and health services research. The core healthcare management sequence includes organizational theory and leadership, accounting, health finance, research, statistics, health law, health information systems, managerial communication, marketing, and strategic planning. There are opportunities to take electives in other schools within the University, to minor in an area of interest, and to study abroad. The senior year includes a semester-long internship that focuses on quality of care in the Georgetown University Hospital under the preceptorship of an experienced executive. The internship provides the student with an opportunity to experience the organization and delivery of health services in the most complex of care delivery systems, and to hone their analytical and leadership skills as they prepare for subsequent professional roles and/or graduate school.

The emerging health care system calls for leadership at all levels. The health care management and policy major attracts those students who aspire to management and leadership careers in the ever-changing environment in health care. Program graduates are prepared for careers in health services and health care management, policy and advocacy, health law, medicine, public health, and related fields.

In 2003, Georgetown University established a chapter of the national academic honor society for students in health care administration. Membership in Upsilon Phi Delta is conferred upon undergraduate and graduate students in recognition of outstanding academic accomplishment. The Society also honors leadership in health care administration practice.

B.S. IN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH

The mission of the Department of International Health is to become an academic leader in the field of international health and development, and to provide a range of international health related learning and research opportunities for students and faculty. In the face of persisting and emerging global health threats such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, tobacco, obesity, SARS and avian flu, international and national health organizations have shown an increasing demand for well-qualified and globally trained health professionals. There is no more challenging and important mission than improving the health of populations around the globe.

The international health major, which emphasizes international development and public health, provides the first step toward a career in private voluntary organizations, government agencies, multilateral organizations, and consulting companies that comprise most of the field. The curriculum provides an overview of the field of international health while also providing the tools students need to pursue various career opportunities. Students study the interaction of environment, culture, economics, and politics, and how those relationships influence global health. Experts from agencies such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, USAID, The Global Health Council and other nongovernmental organizations participate in a variety of curricular activities. Experiential learning opportunities provide students with experience both in international health organizations and in the field.

During the first two years of the undergraduate program, students explore the biological sciences and fundamental concepts, frameworks, and topics in international health. During this time, they will develop skills in public health research methods including epidemiology, data collection and statistical analysis which will prepare them for field research during their senior year practical experience abroad. Students in the major will also examine specific themes related to topics like maternal-child health, health in conflicts and disasters, and global patterns of disease. During the course of the four-year program, students will develop critical thinking skills that they will also apply in improving the health of the people with whom they are working.

International Health students will undertake a semester long practical experience abroad during the fall of their senior year. Students conduct an internship focused on policy and research issues tailored to their particular site, usually involving the health of underserved populations. Pre-requisites for the practical experience abroad include senior standing, good academic and disciplinary standing which requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of core courses (INTH-175, INTH-177 and INTH-441), and faculty approval.

The record of each student who plans to participate in the practical experience will be reviewed by the international health faculty prior to departure When the student does not meet the prerequisites for participation in the practical abroad experience or is otherwise unable to go abroad, he or she must complete an undergraduate thesis during the fall semester.

All students majoring in international health in NHS must achieve proficiency in a modern language through the intermediate level. Placement exams are offered in most languages during New Student Orientation. Students who do not place above the intermediate level of a language on these placement exams can fulfill this requirement by completing courses in a modern language through the intermediate level.

The Individualized Program of Study within the School of Nursing & Health Studies allows the exceptional student to design a coherent, progressive plan around an individualized theme related to health and health care. The Program is intended for those School of Nursing & Health Studies students who excel academically and who demonstrate a particular or interdisciplinary interest that cannot be adequately addressed through the School’s current majors or certificates. This proposal must be serious in purpose and rigorous in content and must take into account core requirements as outlined below. Students are also required to incorporate relevant NHS offerings into the curriculum design, which will include a senior research project culminating in a written thesis and an oral defense. The program is highly selective and is designed for those students with exceptional academic records, unusual academic needs and interests, and who possess personal and intellectual characteristics of curiosity and independent thinking. Students in good academic standing may propose an Individualized Program of Study at the end of the first year.

PRE-MEDICAL AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

The pre-medical curriculum is not a major in itself, but rather can be undertaken by any undergraduate student at Georgetown University, including students in degree programs offered by the School of Nursing & Health Studies. NHS students interested in pre-med or pre-professional studies should seek appropriate advising from their NHS academic advisor. Students interested in attending medical school also usually work with the Georgetown Pre-Medical Recommendation Committee, of which NHS is a full participant. To qualify for a review from the Georgetown Pre-Medical Recommendation Committee, a student must have completed all core pre-med coursework, including one year each of Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. NHS students may use Human Biology I &II for the year of Biology work. All of these courses must be taken as real college coursework (except for Mathematics where one semester of AP credit may be used). Non-majors coursework is not included. Summer school credit (Georgetown or elsewhere) may be used if a full load (15 credits) is pursued during the academic year, especially if the student is working towards other curricular objectives, such as study abroad or double majoring. At least 32 credits of major-level math/science must be taken at Georgetown. Transfer students and post-baccalaureate students are expected to meet this 32- credit requirement even if they have completed all or some of the core pre-med coursework elsewhere.

Nursing majors taking pre-medical requirements will substitute two semesters of General Chemistry for Biochemistry and will take two semesters of Organic Chemistry, Calculus I, and two semesters of Physics. Health studies and nursing majors should expect that completion of this program option may require summers and/or additional time beyond four years of study. Students need to have a strong background and high aptitude in science and math.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies, along with the other Schools of the University, has an agreement with the Georgetown Medical School whereby a select number of students, at the end of their sophomore year, may be assured admission to the Medical School, contingent upon satisfactory completion of the junior and senior year course work. The program is designed to encourage exceptionally well qualified students to undertake ambitious academic programs with a degree of certainty about eventual admission to medical school. In addition, students admitted through this program are not required to take the MCAT.

Students interested in preparing for dental, physical therapy, law, and graduate school will integrate prerequisite courses within their curriculum.

This certificate is designed for undergraduate nursing students interested in pursuing a career in international health. Students must register for the certificate with Academic Affairs at NHS.

Requirements:

1. Introduction to International Health (INTH-140) and two of the following:
• Ecology of Global Hunger (INTH-401)
• Globalization and Health Care (INTH-445)
• Global Patterns of Disease (INTH-444)
• HIV/AIDS: Who Will Live? Who Shall Pay? What Can Be Done? (INTH-443)
• Health in Conflicts/ Crises/ Disasters (INTH-449)
• International Disease Control Programs (INTH-406)
• Maternal & Child Health in Developing Countries (INTH-202)
• Political Economy of Health and Development (INTH-410)
2. Clinical experience in either Public Health Nursing or Nursing Care of Vulnerable Populations, with an immigrant or other underserved population.
3. An elective in a course offered at Georgetown University, other consortium universities, or universities where students will study abroad. This elective should enhance a student’s knowledge of IH issues. Students can also propose a research and/or service oriented independent study in IH, or achieve intermediate level proficiency as defined by the language department.

This certificate is designed for undergraduate Health Care Management & Policy and Human Science majors interested in the field of international health. Students must register for the certificate with Academic Affairs at NHS.

Requirements:

1. Introduction to International Health (INTH-140) and two of the following:
• Ecology of Global Hunger (INTH-401)
• Globalization and Health Care (INTH-445)
• Global Patterns of Disease (INTH-444)
• HIV/AIDS: Who Will Live? Who Shall Pay? What Can Be Done? (INTH-443)
• Health in Conflicts/ Crises/ Disasters (INTH-449)
• International Disease Control Programs (INTH-406)
• Maternal & Child Health in Developing Countries (INTH-202)
• Political Economy of Health and Development (INTH-410)
2. All students will add a Community-Based Learning Credit with an international component (either working with an immigrant population in the U.S. or actually engaging in a service-oriented program abroad) to one of the following courses:
• INTH-177 Epidemiological Approach to Population Health (HSCI)
• HESY-184 Epidemiological Principles, Patterns, and Practices for Health Care Management Policy (HCMP)
• HEST-195 Population Health Concepts and Contemporary Issues
• HESY-201 Politics of Health Care
• INTH-449 Health, Environmental Issues, and Development
• Or document the completion of at least 60 hours in a community-based service organization abroad or working with immigrants in the U.S.
3. All students will fulfill one of the following options:
• Select an elective from a list of courses across campus which will enhance the students’ knowledge base related to IH issues;
• Propose an elective related to health issues, culture, or community-based learning that they take during a semester abroad;
• Propose another course on campus or within the Consortium and make a case for how it would enhance their program;
• Propose an independent study, perhaps service oriented, that would produce a project related to IH; OR
• Show evidence of achievement of the intermediate level of a foreign language (as defined by the College).

The undergraduate Certificate in Population Health provides an opportunity for the School of Nursing and Health Studies to respond to a growing interest in examining and improving health in the aggregate. From traditional public health to managed care; in ambulatory, acute, and long term care venues; and community-wide partnerships, the relevance of population health to policy, planning, delivery and evaluation of health care is clear. A focus in population health complements a variety of disciplines through the study of broadly defined determinants of health; the economic, political and social impact of healthy versus unhealthy populations; and ethical and social justice considerations of health disparities.

Requirements:

The six-course Certificate in Population Health combines essential elements in a core of three courses, while maintaining choice among electives taken from University-wide offerings. The remaining required course, a capstone seminar, provides a forum for integrating prior content, and culminates in a service learning experience facilitating the practical application of knowledge about population health.

1. Population Health: fulfilled by HEST-195 Population Health Concepts and Contemporary Issues (formerly Public Health Concepts)
2. Research Methods: fulfilled by HSCI/NURS-175 Research in Health Care or its equivalent
3. Epidemiology and Biostatistics: fulfilled by INTH-177 Epidemiological Approaches to the Health of Populations or its equivalent

The two elective courses can be chosen from a broad range of relevant courses, framed within four major areas: Science and Technology; Culture and Society; Health; and Ethics and Justice. Students will choose one course from at least two of these areas. Students should see the Program Director for a list of relevant courses within each area. All substitutions must be approved by the Program Director.

To provide students with an opportunity to integrate diverse experiences and knowledge about population health, a final capstone seminar is required. This three-credit course serves as a forum for students to learn from one another, and requires a service learning experience at one of the many organizations in the Washington metropolitan area concerned with the health of population. Students attend a two-hour seminar each week, and complete a 40 hour service learning component.

There are multiple options for Nursing and Health Studies students to study abroad. The options, however, depend on the student’s major, academic background, and placement in the curriculum. All Georgetown University students participating on Georgetown study abroad programs pay full Georgetown tuition for the semester. Some need-based scholarships are available. Currently, academic semester study abroad programs designed specifically for NHS students exist at Curtin University and Charles Sturt University in Australia, the University of York in the United Kingdom, and Denmark’s International Studies Program in Denmark. Current summer options include the Community-Based Learning Program in Santiago, Chile, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Health studies students may also choose from over 90 programs approved by Georgetown University in every region of the world. Admissions standards vary by program, but students should maintain at least a 3.0 to be considered for most programs. Summer programs often have slightly lower GPA requirements.

NHS students interested in studying abroad should begin planning early. They should review options open to NHS students and then visit the Resource Center in the Office of International Programs (OIP) on the 2nd floor of Poulton Hall. In their research, students should take into consideration such things as the course offerings for specific sites, curricular needs, academic background, and language of instruction. Once students have narrowed their options, they should meet with the regional advisor in OIP as well as their advisor in the NHS Office of Student Academic Affairs.

Qualified applicants may be admitted to the Reserve Officers Training Corps of the United States Army, which supports a unit on the Georgetown Campus. Students complete the nursing major as well as required courses in military science. Graduates serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps for their obligation period, with consideration of choice of location and clinical assignment. Air Force and Naval units are available at neighboring institutions. For further information, please refer to the “Expenses and Financial Assistance” section in this Bulletin.

Several areas of advanced practice specialization are offered to registered nurses through the Department of Nursing: nurse-midwifery, family nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner, nursing education, acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist, and nurse anesthesia.

In addition, an MS in Health Systems Administration is offered through the Department of Health Systems Administration for those individuals interested in working in Healthcare Administration. These programs may be completed in both full- and part-time study. See the Graduate School Bulletin for more information.

Core Requirements

ENGLISH: 2 courses, HUMW-011 (freshman year) AND ENGL-040–043 (see Degree Requirements)

PHILOSOPHY: 2 courses, 1 General Philosophy AND 1 Ethics before junior year

THEOLOGY: 2 courses, 1 intro. level AND 1 additional theology course, any level

PSYCHOLOGY: 2 courses, General Psychology AND Abnormal Psychology, before junior year

MATHEMATICS: 1 Statistics course, MATH-006, before junior year, or MATH-040, if pre-med

SOCIOLOGY: 1 intro. level sociology/anthropology course before junior year

ELECTIVE: 3 three-credit free elective courses (or 9 credits) in any combination of disciplines

* Required courses that can be taken throughout the curriculum as they are typically offered every semester.

CORE REQUIREMENTS:

ENGLISH: 2 courses, HUMW-011 (freshman year) AND Gateway ENGL-040–043 (see Degree Requirements)

PHILOSOPHY: 2 courses, 1 General Philosophy AND 1 Ethics before junior year

THEOLOGY: 2 courses, 1 intro. level AND 1 additional theology course, any level

MATHEMATICS: 1 Statistics course, MATH-006, before junior year

ELECTIVES: 10–14 free elective courses of varying credits equaling
39 total credits in any combination of disciplines

*Required courses that can be taken throughout the curriculum as they are typically offered each semester.

Core Requirements:

ENGLISH: 2 courses, HUMW-011 (freshman year) AND Gateway ENGL-040–043 (see Degree Requirements)

PHILOSOPHY: 2 courses, 1 General Philosophy AND 1 Bioethics before junior year

THEOLOGY: 2 courses, 1 intro. level AND 1 additional theology course, any level

PSYCHOLOGY: 1 course, General Psychology (PSYC-001)

MATH/SCIENCE: 1 Stats course, MATH-006, before junior year AND HSCI-100 Language of Health and Disease

SOCIOLOGY: 1 intro. level sociology/anthropology course

ELECTIVE: 6 three-credit free elective courses (or 18 credits total) in any combination of disciplines AND 1 career-related elective (3 credits)

* Required courses that can be taken throughout the curriculum as they are typically offered each semester.

Core Requirements:

ENGLISH: 2 courses, HUMW-011 (freshman year) AND Gateway ENGL-040–043 (see Degree Requirements)

PHILOSOPHY: 2 courses, 1 General Philosophy AND 1 Ethics before junior year

THEOLOGY: 2 courses, 1 intro. level AND 1 additional theology course, any level

Language Requirement: Proficiency in modern language through the intermediate level.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH CORE ELECTIVES: 4 elective courses (in addition to required major courses listed above) from levels 100–500 for 12 total credits.

ELECTIVES: 6–8 free elective courses of varying credits equaling 22 total credits in any combination of disciplines.

*Required courses that can be taken throughout the curriculum as they are typically offered each semester.

APPLICATION FOR THE DEGREE

Degrees are awarded three times a year: in May, August, and December. Seniors must file an application for the degree in the NHS Office of Student Academic Affairs. The last day to file for a May degree is February 1; for an August degree, August 1; for a December degree, November 1. Failure to apply for the degree may necessitate the postponement of graduation.

Diplomas are distributed at Commencement in May. Those students who graduate in August may participate in the previous May Commencement. Those who gradate in December may participate in the following May Commencement. Student may elect to have their diplomas mailed to their homes in the summer following the completion of the degree.

Second Degree students who complete their coursework in the fall semester may participate in the December completion ceremony. These students may also participate in the Commencement ceremony held in May.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

The School of Nursing & Health Studies requires of its students the standards set forth under Academic Regulations in this Bulletin.

Regulations particular to NHS are as follows:

1. Complete of minimum of 60 credits and a minimum of four full-time semesters in residence at Georgetown.
2. A single course may satisfy a general education requirement and also be credited to a major or minor requirement. However, the same course may not be applied to a major and a minor, or to two minors or to any other combination of major, minor, or certificate, unless it is identified as a corollary course in the major.
3. Students are required to complete at least half of the coursework for a major or minor at Georgetown. Transfer credits in excess of half of a major or minor will be counted as free electives toward the degree. Additionally, some departments may set stricter limits on how transfer credits may be applied.
4. Ordinarily, any course that fulfills a major, minor, certificate or general education requirement must be taken for a letter grade.
5. No more than four courses may be taken in summer school away from Georgetown over the four year period. Prior approval for such courses must be obtained from the NHS Office of Student Academic Affairs.
6. Students on leave of absence should not expect to transfer credits for courses taken elsewhere during their leave. In rare circumstances and with expressed written approval of the Office of Student Academic Affairs prior to the leave, students may be allowed to transfer a limited number of courses. In no instance will more than four courses be transferred to the Georgetown record, and all transfers will count against the “summer school” limit noted above.
7. Normally NHS approves a maximum of four courses for summer school work at Georgetown per academic year.
8. For transfers from outside and from within the University, NHS requires a residency of two years (four semesters of full-time status) regardless of summer study.
9. Undergraduate degree candidates are expected to be full-time unless on an approved leave of absence or an approved part-time schedule. Seniors are expected to be full-time and in residence. Seniors must petition the NHS Office of Student Academic Affairs if they wish to be part-time in the final semester.
10. Any student with more than one incomplete in a given term who is unable to complete his or her work by the start of the next term may not begin new courses without formal review and consent of the Office of Student Academic Affairs.

When an emergency arises and a student anticipates being away from the university and unable to attend classes the student should contact their academic advisor in the Office of Student Academic Affairs, St. Mary’s Hall 2nd floor. Individual deans will be able to provide guidance and advice on the necessary steps to take due to an unexpected emergency.

Students should refer to their course syllabi and professors regarding the absence policy for each class. If a student intends to take a leave of absence they should consult the Academic Regulations section of this Bulletin.

The Committee on Students is the Academic Standing Committee for the School of Nursing and Health Studies. In this capacity, the Committee evaluates the academic progress of students in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, implements the policies of the School of Nursing and Health Studies regarding student promotion, probation, suspension, and dismissal, and, as appropriate, makes recommendations regarding changes to such policy.

The Committee on Students reviews the status of undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the end of each semester following receipt of grades from the Registrar, and determines whether the student is eligible for promotion. The Chair of the Committee may also convene special meetings as she/he deems necessary. In cases in which a student is experiencing academic difficulties, the Committee on Students will make a determination regarding whether the student should be placed on probation, suspended, or dismissed.

In addition to the requirements outlined in the Academic Regulations chapter of the Undergraduate Bulletin, all students in the Department of Nursing must satisfy the academic requirements described below.

All students enrolled in the Department of Nursing (nursing majors) must achieve a Quality Point Index at the level required by the University for retention and promotion in courses outside of the nursing major. Any grade below D in a non-nursing course is considered a failing grade.

In addition, students enrolled in the Department of Nursing must achieve a minimum grade of C (73.00) in each nursing and science course in order to be promoted to the next level in the Department of Nursing. A course grade of C (73.00) requires that students achieve a minimum grade of C (73.00) in both the clinical/laboratory and didactic portions of each required nursing and science course(s). The didactic grade is calculated based only on theory exam grades, meaning that a student must achieve a weighted exam average of at least 73.00. Moreover, a student who receives an unsatisfactory clinical performance report or who demonstrates unethical behavior may receive a failing grade in the applicable course.

Students who do not receive a C (73.00) in nursing and science courses must repeat the course, including any applicable clinical component, and achieve a C or better in the course before they can qualify for promotion to the next level. Students who do not achieve the minimum passing grade may be placed on academic probation and/or suspended.

In most cases, failure in a nursing or science course delays graduation by up to one academic year. Students who fail to achieve the minimum passing grade (i.e., who receive a C- or below) in two different clinical nursing or science courses, or who fail (C- or below) the same nursing or science course twice, will be dismissed from the Department of Nursing, and may be dismissed from the School of Nursing and Health Studies.

A nursing student incurring even one failure/deficiency in any required course during any academic year must repeat the failed course as soon as possible before they will be permitted to proceed in the program. Students may be permitted to continue if the failed course is not a prerequisite or parallel (co-requisite) course. Non-nursing courses, except Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, can be taken elsewhere with permission of the Department Chair. All clinical courses must be repeated at the Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies. If a student receives a failing grade in an elective course, the student may repeat the course at his/her option, and with the permission of the Department Chair, may repeat the course at another institution.

Admission to the Department of Nursing does not guarantee progression in the nursing program. Additionally, successful completion of the nursing program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse.

All students in the Departments of Health Systems Administration, Human Science and International Health must achieve the Quality Point Index at the level required by the University in each of their courses, whether major or non-major courses, in order to be promoted.

Any grade below D is considered a failing grade. If a student enrolled in any of the above listed programs receives a failing grade in a required course, the student must repeat the course. Failed courses may be repeated at Georgetown University, or, with the approval of the appropriate Department Chair, at some other comparable accredited institution of higher education. Since repetition of a course may interfere with a student’s planned sequence, graduation may be delayed if it is necessary to repeat a course.

Students wishing to transfer into the Health Care Management and Policy program must have either a GPA of 3.0 or better, or have demonstrated successful completion (B or better) of two Health Care Management and Policy courses.

Transfer to the International Health Program is selective and will vary from year to year due to international placements. The minimum competitive transfer will have a 3.0 GPA.

In addition to the conditions outlined in the Academic Regulations section of the Undergraduate Bulletin, a student will be placed on probation if his/her cumulative Quality Point Index is below 2.000 at the end of any academic semester, or if the Committee on Students determines, in its reasonable discretion, that the student is at risk of having his/her cumulative QPI fall below 2.000. Students enrolled in the Department of Nursing who appear to be in danger of not earning a C or better in a nursing or science course may also be placed on academic probation at the Committee’s discretion.

In order to be removed from academic probation, in the ensuing session (Fall or Spring), the student must achieve a minimum current QPI of 2.000 while attending full time. Limited exceptions to full-time status may be made with permission from the Associate Dean. Nursing students must also achieve a minimum passing grade (C or better) in all nursing and science courses. Students on academic probation who fail to achieve these academic standards may be suspended or dismissed from the School of Nursing and Health Studies.

Students on probation are required to seek the counsel of their academic affairs advisor and/or faculty advisor, and, as appropriate, will be encouraged to use other support services available within the University. Students on probation are also strongly urged to adjust their course load and minimize any activities in order to meet the minimum requirements of good academic standing.

In addition to the conditions outlined in the Academic Regulations section of the Undergraduate Bulletin and described in the Academic Requirements sections above, a student enrolled in any department of the School of Nursing and Health Studies may be subject to suspension or dismissal from the School of Nursing and Health Studies in any of the following circumstances: (1) failure to achieve the promotional Quality Point Index designated to correct a probational status in general University courses and/or in the Department of Nursing; or (2) earning two “failing” grades in a single semester or accumulating three “failing” grades while enrolled at Georgetown. In addition, students enrolled in the Department of Nursing may be subject to suspension or dismissal if they: (3) fail to achieve at least a C (73%) when repeating a nursing or science course; (4) fail two different clinical nursing or science courses; (5) demonstrate unsatisfactory performance in the clinical portion of any nursing course, due either to poor performance or unethical behavior; or (6) fail to successfully complete prerequisite courses after four semesters.

Students on a suspension from the School of Nursing and Health Studies are subject to any program changes which may occur during their absence from the University. Except in exceptional circumstances for which the student has received specific permission from the appropriate Department Chair, courses taken outside of the University during suspension cannot be transferred to Georgetown.

A student who has withdrawn or has been suspended from the University must apply in writing to the Assistant Dean, requesting re-admission six weeks before the date of registration. Requests from students who have been suspended should include the reasons for past poor academic performance, interim activities, and the reasons the student believes s/he will be academically successful upon re-admission. The Assistant Dean will send the request to the Committee on Students for consideration. If the applicant is re-admitted, a plan for matriculation and progression will be outlined, which specifically addresses the circumstances and deficiencies that resulted in the student’s withdrawal or suspension.

Students will be notified in writing of the Committee on Students’ decisions regarding academic probation, suspension, dismissal, and re-admission. Any student who wishes to appeal this decision may do so by submitting a written request for an appeal to the School of Nursing and Health Studies Academic Appeals Board within the time limit specified in the letter communicating the Committee on Students’ decision.

Members of the NHS Academic Board of Appeals are appointed annually by the Dean. The membership includes four School of Nursing and Health Studies faculty members and two students, one Junior and one Senior. The Dean designates one faculty member as chairperson.

The Academic Board of Appeals will hear the student’s appeal in a manner consistent with the process outlined in the Academic Regulations, Appeal of Suspension or Dismissal section of the Undergraduate Bulletin.

The Board may uphold the Committee’s decision or recommend any other academic action it deems reasonable. The Board’s decision is sent in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. It should provide details supporting the decision and must be signed by all members of the Board. The Associate Dean will inform the student of the Board’s decision. The decision of the Board is final.

When time does not permit a hearing of a petition for appeal by the Academic Board of Appeals prior to the start of the next semester, the appellant may attend classes for that semester pending disposition of the appeal. If the decision of the Committee on Students is upheld, the appellant’s registration is canceled immediately and all monies refunded.

The regulations pertaining to Leaves of Absences, including leaves for personal, medical and military reasons, are described in the Academic Regulations section of this Undergraduate Bulletin and in the Student Handbook.

See the description of the Georgetown University Undergraduate Honor System in the Academic Regulations section of this Bulletin.

Undergraduate Bulletin 2009-2010 Table of Contents
Copyright 2009, Georgetown University.