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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTHERN VIRGINIA HEALTH FORCE COALITION ANNOUNCESEXPANDED NURSING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR
FALL 2008 CLASSES
Online and Classroom Instruction Available for ADN, BSN, MS, DNP and PhD Courses of Study at George Mason University, Marymount University, Northern Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University and Shenandoah University
ANNANDALE, Va., March 3 – In response to the critical shortage of registered nurses in Northern Virginia, the region’s colleges and universities have expanded their capacity and are accepting applications for the fall, 2008 classes.
These expanded nursing instruction opportunities are designed for a broad spectrum of students. Some provide a fast track into the workforce with the flexibility to study around an existing work schedule. Others are designed for students going back for a second degree or an advanced nursing degree. Four schools offer online instruction that lead to Associate, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees.
“The time has never been better to begin a nursing career; or to advance one’s nursing career with graduate preparation as a clinician, educator or researcher,” said Christina Langley, Acting Director of the School of Nursing at GMU. “With so many changes in health care, so much additional high tech equipment, and our aging population, nurses need sharp critical thinking skills. Our pre-licensure pathways for traditional, second degree and licensed practical nurses offer preparation through classroom and simulation lab instruction, as well as clinical rotations in health care agencies throughout northern Virginia.
“Our professional role has grown from one of caregiver with responsibilities for the physical care of hospitalized individuals to that of care manager with an array of responsibilities for clients and family members in acute care, community, and public health settings. With these expanded responsibilities, there are new challenges for nurse educators. That is why at George Mason University, we have targeted the advanced education of nurses who are interested in teaching pre-licensure and graduate nursing students. We offer a wide range of options for graduate work: Our master’s students can prepare in a concentration area such as nursing administration, nursing education, clinical specialization, or health information systems – through either online or classroom instruction. We have recently redesigned our PhD program to include offerings for students with interests in nursing administration, nursing education, and a variety of individualized concentrations. We are in the process of developing a DNP for advanced practice nurses with a master’s degree who wish to participate in clinical research in service environments or teach in nursing programs,” Dr. Langley concluded.
Coalition participant schools are proud of their consideration of each individual student. “Marymount University has a reputation for educating care competent nurses in an atmosphere where evidence based practice, community service, and a focus on the individual is paramount,” explained Theresa Cappello, Dean and Professor, School of Health Professions, Marymount University.
Many of the expanded opportunities offer individuals working part time or full time the chance to enter the nursing profession. “Old Dominion University’s course of study allows a working Registered Nurse to study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing,” explained Richardean Benjamin, Chair of the School of Nursing at Old Dominion University.
“Nova’s Associate Degree program, for example, went online this January,” added NVCC Dean of Nursing, Flo Richman.
“Shenandoah University’s program at our Leesburg Campus offers an accelerated Second Degree,” said Helen Mautner, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Shenandoah University Leesburg Campus programs. “These students excel when they return to school for the BSN after obtaining a prior degree. An LPN to BSN program is also offered at the Leesburg Campus. Later this year, SU nursing students in the northern Virginia area will take classes at a new site with double the current capacity.”
“The professional nurse is not only able to use the latest computer technology and medical equipment, but is a professional able to assess, direct, and carry out sophisticated care individually and by supervising and directing other workers in the health care setting,” added Dr. Richman. “We urge anyone with a love of technology and a desire to make a difference to explore the expanded nursing program offerings in our region’s schools and to pursue a career as a professional nurse,” Dr. Richman concluded.
The Northern Virginia HealthFORCE participating colleges and universities and their specialized offerings include:
Online
- Old Dominion University
RN to BSN
- Northern Virginia Community College
ADN (beginning January 2008)
- George Mason University
Core courses in all concentrations in the MSN
MSN Nurse Educator Concentration (Fall 2008)
MS Health Information Systems
- Marymount University
RN to BSN
Associate Degree
- Northern Virginia Community College
Medical Education Campus
Arlington Center
Online (January 2008)
Bachelor of Science Degree
- George Mason University
Four Year BSN
Accelerated Pathways for LPN’s, RN’s and Second Degree Students
- Marymount University
Four Year BSN
Second Degree BSN
- Old Dominion University (Online RN to BSN)
- Shenandoah University (Second Degree Program at Leesburg Campus)
Second Degree BSN
LPN to BSN
Additional Options at Winchester Campus
Master’s of Science Degree
- George Mason University
RN to MSN
Nursing Administration
Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Specialists
Clinical Nurse Leader
Nurse Educator
- Marymount University
RN – MSN
Masters in Education
Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctoral Degrees
- George Mason University
DNP for Advanced Practice Nurses (Fall 2008)
Ph.D. with Concentrations in Administration, Education or Individualized Studies
Potential nursing school candidates wishing to learn more about these expanded opportunities should go online or call the following:
Old Dominion University School of Nursing
http://hs.odu.edu/nursing
757-683-4297
1-800-968-7276
Shenandoah University
http://www.su.edu/nursing/
540-545-7327
540-665-4581
George Mason University
www.gmu.edu/depts/chhs/index.html
(703) 993-1901
Marymount University
http://www.marymount.edu/nursing/
703-284-1500
Northern Virginia Community College
http://www.nvcc.edu/medical/health/nursing/index.htm
703-822-6579
About NoVaHealthFORCE
NoVaHealthFORCE is a coalition of private sector, business, government, community, health care and educational leaders established to address the Northern Virginia health care workforce shortage. The mission of the Coalition is to establish a long-term, business-driven, sustainable strategy to address the Northern Virginia health care workforce shortage. For more information visit www.NoVAHealthFORCE.org.
Media Inquiries Regarding Fall 2008 Enrollment:
George Mason University – 703-993-1901
Marymount University – 703-284-1500
Northern Virginia Community College – 703-822-6579
Old Dominion University – 757-683-4297/1-800-968-7276
Shenandoah University – 540-545-7327/540-665-4581
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