Faculty
Juliann G. Sebastian, Dean and Professor
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Shirley A. Martin, Dean Emeritus
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Roberta K. Lee, Hubert C. Moog
Endowed Professor of Nursing,
Dr. P.H., University of Texas-Houston
Jean Bachman, Associate Professor,
D.S.N., University of Alabama-Birmingham
Anne Fish, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ruth L. Jenkins, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Kathleen Borcherding, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Wilma Calvert, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Dawn Garzon, Assistant Professor
Ph.d., PNP., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Kuei-Hsiang Hsueh, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Arizona
Dottye Akerson, Teaching Professor
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Judith Maserang, Teaching Professor,
Ph.D, Saint Louis University
Cynthia Billman, Associate Teaching Professor, Coordinator, RN-BSN Option
MSN, University of Missouri-Columbia
Susann Farberman, Associate Teaching Professor
M.Ed., PNP, Washington University
Susan Kendig, Associate Teaching Professor
MSN, PNP, University of Missouri-Columbia
Deborah Kiel, Associate Teaching Professor
MSN, Saint Louis University
Sandy Lindquist, Associate Teaching Professor,
Director of the Undergraduate Program
Ph.D., Saint Louis University
Diane Saleska, Associate Teaching Professor
MSN, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Darlene Sredl, Associate Teaching Professor
Ph.D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Vicky Becherer, Assistant Teaching Professor, Coordinator of Continuing Education
MSN, Jewish Hospital College of Nursing
Julie Campbell, Assistant Teaching Professor
MSN, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Kathy Lee, Assistant Teaching Professor
MSN, Jewish Colleges of Nursing and Allied Health
Elizabeth Mantych, Assistant Teaching Professor
MSN, Saint Louis University
Jean Nelson, Assistant Teaching Professor
Ph.D., University of Missouri-St. Louis
Linda Sherman, Assistant Teaching Professor
MSN, Southern Illinois University‑Edwardsville
Claudia Valentine, Assistant Teaching Professor
MSN, FNP, University of Texas at Arlington
Yakima Young-Shields, Assistant Teaching Professor
MSN, ANP, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Beth Dudley, Lecturer
MSN, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Amanda Finley, Lecturer
MSN, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Gary Frandsen, Lecturer
MSN, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Chris Recktenwald, Lecturer
MSN, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Chris Spencer, Lecturer and Nursing Lab Assistant
MSN, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Jennifer Taylor, Lecturer
MSN, University of Missouri-St. Louis
General Information
The College of Nursing offers academic nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Knowledge and skills needed to complete the professional licensure examination to become a registered nurse are available through a basic baccalaureate option. Nurses who have obtained their basic nursing education through associate degree or diploma nursing programs may fulfill the requirements for the B.S.N. completion option without repetition of previous nursing education. The Master of Science in nursing program, offers studies in the roles of nurse educator and advanced practice nursing. The Ph.D. program in Nursing is offered in cooperation with the Schools of Nursing at University of Missouri‑ Columbia and Kansas City. Admission to the Ph.D. program is available at the post B.S.N. and M.S.N. levels. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is offered in cooperation with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and prepares students for the highest level of advanced clinical nursing practice.
Undergraduate Studies
The College of Nursing provides course work leading to the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education through June, 2010 and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing through December, 2009. The undergraduate program offers two means for achieving the bachelor’s degree in nursing: studies that are preparatory for completion of the professional nurse licensure examination (pre-licensure track) and advanced placement for the professional registered nurse without repetition of fundamental nursing and clinical courses (RN/BSN track). An accelerated pre-licensure option is available for qualified persons who hold earned degrees in nonnursing fields, or outstanding students who have completed all prescribed general education and science course work. Baccalaureate students meeting admission criteria may participate in the Pierre Laclede Honors College. Students who have been dismissed from another nursing program are not eligible for admission to the pre-licensure BSN program.
Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) - Traditional 4 Year Track Admission (Pre-licensure)
BSN Traditional Admission Criteria
NURSING MAJOR (Pre-clinical)
Students admitted to the nursing major begin by completing all nursing prerequisites and general education coursework. Admission to the nursing major does not guarantee enrollment in clinical nursing courses unless a student is admitted into the Freshmen Honors Program. In order to be considered for the nursing major students must meet the following criteria:
Freshmen Honors Program
First-time freshmen and applicants with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:
- Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- High school class rank in upper ¼ of graduating class.
- Minimum ACT of 24.
Note: Students admitted to the Honors Nursing Program will be guaranteed a space in the clinical major, providing satisfactory academic progress.
General Freshmen Admission Nursing Major (Pre-clinical) Admission Criteria
First-time freshmen and applicants with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours:
- Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 on 4.0 scale
- High school class rank in the upper 1/3 of graduating class
- Minimum ACT of 21
Transfer Admission to Nursing Major (Pre-clinical) Criteria
Applicants with 24 or more transferable college credit hours:
- Minimum 2.5 G.P.A. on 4.0 scale on 24 or more transferable credit hours from an accredited college or university.
Clinical Major Admission Criteria for 4 Year Traditional Track
Spaces for the clinical nursing major are assigned on a competitive and space available basis for each admission period. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. on 4.0 scale (all attempts of all transferable courses calculated)
- Completion of all prerequisite courses (minimum grade of C-)
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. in Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, and Microbiology (first attempt calculated only)
- Required science courses completed within 10 years prior to enrollment
BSN Traditional Application Procedure
To Apply For Nursing Major (Pre-clinical)
First-time freshmen and applicants with fewer than 24 transferable college credit hours, send the following:
- Completed University application
- Official high school transcripts or GED score
- Official ACT or SAT score
- Official college transcripts, if applicable
Applicants with 24 or more transferable college credit hours, send the following:
Completed University application
Official college transcripts
To Apply For Clinical Major in the 4 Year Traditional BSN Track
To be considered for the clinical major, students must file a separate clinical major application available through the College’s website or Office of Student Services and send it directly to the College of Nursing. Students must complete an application for the Clinical Major during their last semester of enrollment in prerequisite coursework and send the following:
- Completed University application
- Completed College of Nursing Clinical Major application
- Official college transcripts
Application deadlines for the clinical major
To be admitted to the clinical nursing major all material must be submitted to the College of Nursing, Office of Student services by the following dates:
- Fall admission – February 1st
- Spring admission – October 1st
- Baccalaureate or degree from a regionally accredited college or university or a minimum of 62 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale for students with baccalaureate or higher degree or 3.2 on a 4.0 scale for students not holding a baccalaureate degree.
- Completion of all prerequisite general education and science courses for the major in nursing with grade of C or higher.
- Required science courses completed within 10 years prior to enrollment.
- Application deadlines for the Accelerated track.
- To be admitted to the accelerated track that begins in May of each year only, all materials must be submitted to the College of Nursing, Office of Student Services by the following dates:
- Integrate into practice theories and concepts from nursing, the arts, sciences and humanities to provide comprehensive nursing care in a variety of settings.
- Integrate critical thinking and problem solving in professional practice.
- Administer competent, compassionate, holistic care to a diverse population of individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Apply research from nursing and related disciplines to enhance care and guide professional practice.
- Utilize interpersonal communication, and educational strategies that enhance the quality of personal and professional relationships.
- Integrate principles of management and leadership in organizing, coordinating, and directing outcome-based professional practice.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions based on intrapersonal values, ethical and legal obligations, standards of practice and economics.
- Participate in professional and community organizations to effect societal change.
- Exhibit motivation and self-direction in activities that contribute to personal, professional and intellectual development.
- Admission to the University (see Undergraduate Admission and Application Procedure section in this Bulletin.)
- Graduate of either an accredited diploma or associate degree program in nursing.
- Evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse with eligibility for licensure in Missouri.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) on a minimum of 30 transferable credit hours (excluding nursing course work)
- Demonstrate integration of advanced knowledge and skills within the context of an advanced professional.
- Provide leadership with interprofessional colleagues engaging strategic partners to improve health care outcomes and patient safety.
- Integrate informatics in the design, implementation and evaluation of population-specific interventions.
- Evaluate research findings to implement and disseminate evidence based professional nursing practice.
- Provide ethically grounded, culturally competent health promotion* with diverse populations.
- B.S.N. or M.S.N. from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Current professional licensure with eligibility for Missouri license
- Successful c ompletion of an undergraduate general statistics course
- Successful completion of an undergraduate health assessment course or equivalent
- Two letters of reference regarding the applicant’s academic potential (NP option)
- Narrative outlining goals (NP option)
- Two years of clinical experience with chosen population are preferred prior to starting clinicals. (NP option)
- Computer literacy
- Evidence of 2 years of neonatal nursing experience within the last 5 years and a minimum of one year experience in a Level 3 NICU
- Evidence of Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification
- Must reside in the United States
- Generate integrated clinical and translational strategies to improve health care delivery and health outcomes in the region and in complex clinical environments
- Use clinical scholarship and analytical methods in collaboration with multiple disciplines to shape healthcare delivery and policy
- Lead the health care community by providing excellence in advanced clinical nursing practice.
- Graduation from a MSN program with national nursing accreditation
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- 2 Reference letters
- An identified preceptor who will mentor the student during clinical practica*
- A proposed DNP project that matches faculty expertise
- Acceptable GRE scores, including writing test
- Graduate level general statistics course
- Interview by invitation
- Evidence of current advanced practice certification and
- Currently practicing in an advanced practice role
- Current APN status in Missouri or eligible to apply for Missouri APN status
- Leadership development and change
- Policy
- Practice-focused evaluation/translational research
- Clinical excellence
- NURSE 7402 Research Institute I (2)
- NURSE 7200 Nursing Science (3)
- NURSE 7211 Biostatistics I (3)
- NURSE 7220 Leadership in Practice (3)
- NURSE 7230 Epidemiology (3)
- NURSE 7240 Health Informatics (3)
- NURSE 7250 Frameworks for Health Care Delivery (3)
- NURSE 7260 Program and Practice Evaluation (3)
- NURSE 7270 Policy Application for Improved Health Outcomes (3)
- NURSE 7291 Clinical Scholarship 1 (3)
- NURSE 7292 Clinical Scholarship 2 (3)
- NURSE 7293 Clinical Scholarship 3 (3)
- NURSE 7299 DNP Seminar (1-3)
- Nursing Theory/Science/Modes of Inquiry
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Philosophical foundations of science
- Develop skills and knowledge to establish a program of research and scholarship.
- Design, conduct and disseminate a dissertation that contributes to nursing knowledge.
- Translate nursing research into practice and policy.
- Assume leadership roles in health care by collaborations and partnerships with institutions in the greater St. Louis region. Improve the health care quality of life of individuals/families/communities regionally, nationally and internationally.
- Graduation from a nationally accredited baccalaureate program with 3.2 minimum GPA (4.0) scale. (post-BSN track) OR from a nationally accredited master’s program with a 3.5 minimum GPA (4.0) scale. (post-MSN track)
- Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- Two letters of reference
- Original essay on professional goals and research interests
- Interview by invitation
- Health Promotion and Protection
- Health Restoration and Support
- Health Care Systems
BSN Accelerated Track (Pre-licensure)
Accelerated Track Admission Criteria
Degree or transfer pathway to accelerated option
Early acceptance deadline - September 15th
Regular acceptance - deadline - February 1st
For specific information regarding the B.S.N. degree program, contact Office of Student Services at (314) 516-6066 or 1-888-NURSEUM or visit the College of Nursing website.
Credit by Transfer and Examination
Credit may be granted for selected general studies. See Admission and Application Procedure section in this Bulletin for credit information.
Degree Requirements for B.S.N.
The bachelor of science in nursing degree requires comprehensive course work in general education and nursing. Basic undergraduate nursing course work includes theory, on-campus laboratory and clinical activities. Clinical experiences require weekday, evening, and/or weekend commitments. Full-time study in the pre-licensure baccalaureate track can be completed in four academic years. The pre-licensure accelerated track requires full-time study and can be completed in 15 months. The RN/BSN track is offered at selected metropolitan sites, on-campus, and by Internet. Clinical activities in the RN/BSN Program are community-based and may be completed in the student's home community.
Upon completion of the BSN program, students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (Pass/Fail) Grading
Undergraduate nursing majors may not take required prerequisite general education or nursing courses on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
General Education Requirements
Nursing majors must complete all general education requirements of the university as outlined in this Bulletin (see Undergraduate Studies, General Education Requirements).
In addition to meeting the university's general education requirements, the following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the clinical major. See a curriculum planning guide for specific courses and proper sequencing.
1) Natural science course work
BIOL 1131, Human Physiology and Anatomy I
BIOL 1141, Human Physiology and Anatomy II
BIOL 1162, General Microbiology
CHEM 1052, Chemistry for Health Professions (or equivalent)
2) Behavioral and social science course work
PSYCH 1003, General Psychology
PSYCH 1268, Human Growth and Behavior
ECON 1000, Introduction to American Economy (or equivalent)
Social science elective
3) Humanities
Any Philosophy course (as part of the University’s 3 humanities requirement)
4) Nursing
NURSE 1010, Orientation to Nursing
NURSE 2103, Nutrition and Health (or equivalent)
NURSE 2105, Communication in the Nursing Profession (or equivalent)
NURSE 3799, Quantitative Analysis in the Health Sciences (or equivalent)
Nursing Course Work Requirements
PRE-LICENSURE - 4 year traditional and accelerated tracks
3101, Nursing and Health *
3106, Assessment of Clients in Health and Illness*
3110, Pathophysiological Bases of Nursing Practice
3111, Pharmacotherapeutics in Nursing Practice
3205, Adult Health Nursing I*
3206, Adult Health Nursing II*
3214, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing*
3215, Nursing of Women and Childbearing Families*
3216, Child and Family Health Nursing*
3804, Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Nursing Practice
3807, Nursing Research
3808, Management and Leadership in Nursing
3817, Introduction to Nursing and Health Informatics
4300, Community Health Nursing*
4310, Senior Synthesis*
Nursing elective (required for 4 year traditional track students)
Students are required to furnish their own transportation to and from campus and clinical agencies. Students must have automobile access for all community experiences through the program.
POST LICENSURE RN to BSNThe RN to BSN curriculum is designated to be completed in six consecutive semesters and takes two years to complete. The innovative FLEX Program offers flexibility and accessibility in a part-time program. The FLEX Program allows students to choose to complete their BSN online, on campus, or at various satellite sites in the St. Louis area.
Admission Requirements RN to BSN include:
3807, Nursing Research (or equivalent)
3808, Management and Leadership in Nursing
3817, Introduction to Nursing and Health Informatics
3900, Dimensions of Professional Nursing
3920, Health Assessment*
4901, Family and Community Nursing*
4905, Values in Professional Nursing
4911, Synthesis in Nursing Practice*
* Includes a laboratory and/or clinical component
Graduate Studies
Master of Science in Nursing
The College of Nursing offers master’s degree nursing studies in two functional roles: nurse educator, and advanced practice nurse. Students with master’s degrees in nursing who wish to pursue one of the nurse practitioner specializations may complete a Post-MSN graduate certificate option. Our MSN programs are offered cooperatively with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Columbia. All MSN students complete the MSN core curriculum and functional role required courses.
This graduate program offers students two functional roles: 1) nurse educators complete a minimum of 36 credit hours with emphasis in the role of the nurse educator; and advanced practice nurses (APN) complete a minimum of 43 credit hours with emphasis in the role of advanced practice nurse (clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner). Advanced practice graduates will be eligible to complete national certifying examinations in their functional role. Current APN roles include Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Health Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates completing the practitioner functional options are eligible for recognition as advanced practice nurses in Missouri. Upon completion of the MSN degree requirements, this degree is awarded by the UMSL Graduate School. Building on baccalaureate nursing education, and on completion of the MSN program or post MSN graduate certificate options, students will be able to:
MSN and Post-MSN Program Requirements
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) students must also submit:
Availability of clinical resources may limit the number of applicants accepted to the practitioner options. Students are required to suggest their own Preceptors for the Nurse Practitioner Clinical Courses NURSE 6954 and NURSE 6955. Deadline for fall admission is April 1 or July 1. Deadline for spring Admission is October 1.
Degree Requirements
MSN Core Courses (required of all MSN students)
6104, Values and Cultural Diversity in Advanced Practice
6106, Policy, Organization, and Financing of Health Care
6140, Health Promotion Across the Life Span
6111, Theoretical Foundations in Nursing
6112, Nursing Research Methods
6114, Evidenced Based Nursing
Nurse Educator
6309, Role of the Nurse Educator
6320, Learning and Curriculum Development in Nursing
6321, Instructional Strategies in Nursing Education
6952, Synthesis Practicum
EDUC 6410, The Adult Learner
ED REM 6707, Classroom Measurement and Evaluation or ED REM 6709, Educational and Psychological Measurement
Advance Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner option)
6509, Role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner
6518, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
6524, Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
6520, Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
6739, Adult Primary Care I: Diagnosis & Management in ANP AND
6740, Adult Primary Care II: Diagnosis & Management in ANP OR
6741, Family Health I: Diagnosis & Management in ANP AND
6742, Family Health II: Diagnosis & Management in ANP OR
6743, Child Health I: Diagnosis & Management in ANP AND
6744, Child Health II: Diagnosis & Management in ANP OR
6746, Women’s Health I: Diagnosis & Management in ANP AND
6747, Women’s Health II: Diagnosis & Management in ANP AND
6954, Advanced Practice Nursing: Internship I
6955, Advanced Practice Nursing: Internship II
Post-MSN requirements are tailored to the individual student, depending on past academic work, experience and the student’s goals. Upon completion of the post-MSN requirements, a graduate certificate is awarded by the College of Nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The focus of the DNP program is preparation, at the highest level, of leaders in clinical nursing who can improve quality of care for individuals and populations through advanced practice and through improving systems of care. The curriculum is based on national standards for DNP education. The DNP is offered cooperatively with UM-KC and is based on the needs of each campus and their communities of interest.
The DNP program is designed for graduates to attain the following program outcomes:
Courses are designed to support nursing science, clinical research, leadership and a specialty area. Concepts woven throughout the courses will include methodologies for translating research into practice, using culturally competent leadership techniques with diverse and underserved populations, advanced nursing science and clinical scholarship, clinical prevention, advanced nursing practice and clinical decision making, understanding organizational systems and change, and policy development. The DNP program is available for currently certified APNs who have completed an accredited MSN degree. This program is administered by the UMSL Graduate School.
Program requirements are listed below and are provisional, pending University Senate approval.
Admission Requirements
The deadline for DNP applications for admission is April 1. Admission may be considered at a later date depending on space.
* Preceptors must be approved by faculty based on criteria available from the College of Nursing.
The DNP curriculum is divided into 4 general categories:
Degree Requirements
Completion of the DNP program requires the following courses:
Near the end of the DNP program, students will complete a clinically focused project that satisfies the Graduate School dissertation requirements.
Total minimum graduate credit hours 41
Doctor or Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in nursing program at the University of Missouri - St. Louis affords students with academic, clinical, and research resources of the University of Missouri system through a cooperative arrangement with the Schools of Nursing in Kansas City and Columbia. Upon completion of all degree requirements, the Ph.D. degree is awarded by the UMSL Graduate School.
The Ph.D. in nursing curriculum is divided into three general categories of knowledge:
The Ph.D. program is designed for graduates to attain the following outcomes:
Admission Requirements
The deadline for Ph.D. applications for admission is April 1. Admission may be considered at a later date depending on space. Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:
International applicants must meet minimum requirements on tests of written and spoken English (TOEFL, Minimum 550 or better is desired). And, international students must also apply through the International Student Services Office.
Degree Requirements
While each program of study is individualized, Post-BSN students complete a minimum of 72 hours of graduate-level course work. Post-MSN students complete 45 credit hours. A maximum of 30 M.S.N. hours, which support the program of study, are individually evaluated to determine eligibility for the application of candidacy.
The following defines the overall structure of the program:
Nursing Theory/Science/Modes of Inquiry
Nursing Theory, 6-9 hours within the College ofNursing that include the development of nursing science and theory.
Philosophical foundations of science
Advanced nursing theory development and validation
Nursing Science, 9-16 hours within the College of Nursing. Of these courses, students choose at least one course from one of the three substantive areas:
Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods
Philosophical Foundations of Science
Research and Inquiry, 6-12 hours external to the College of Nursing, such as advanced statistics, research design, or computer applications.
Nursing Research and Inquiry, 12-18 hours within the
College of Nursing that include quantitative design, and
methods in nursing research; advanced qualitative design
methods and analysis of nursing data; advanced
quantitative measurement and analysis of nursing data;
and qualitative methods in nursing research.
Dissertation, 12 hours
Cognates, 9-12 hours outside the discipline of nursing which support the selected substantive area.
Professional Organizations
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing
Nu Chi is the College of Nursing's official chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Membership is offered by invitation to nursing students in the upper third of their class and to nurses recognized as outstanding community nursing leaders.
Student Nurses' Association
The College of Nursing is a constituent of the National Student Nurses' Association. The purpose of the organization is to provide baccalaureate students an opportunity to connect with the nursing profession through service and professional development activities. The organization is open to all nursing majors and clinical nursing majors.
Black Student Nurses' Association
The College of Nursing is a constituent of the Black Student Nurses' Association. The purpose of this organization is to provide black nursing students in the prelicensure baccalaureate program the opportunity to serve as a support group for African-American students, collaborate with other African-American groups to compile archives relevant to African-American nurses, and to promote participation in interdisciplinary activities.
CONTINUING EDUCATION-EXTENSION
Continuing Education offerings in nursing are presented to provide nurses with new information, techniques, and trends within the nursing profession.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
All students with International or Permanent Resident status are required to complete an English as a second language (ESL) assessment with the UMSL ESL office. Based upon this assessment students may be required to complete recommended ESL courses before enrolling in nursing courses.