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Programs and Degrees

Programs & degrees.

Queen’s offers a range of programs and degrees, including Doctoral (PhD) Programs, Master's programs, and Graduate Diplomas, which you can explore through the links on this page. Our Academic Calendar includes important rules, regulations, and deadlines.

Our Grad Maps help as you navigate through Queen’s and beyond, offering program-specific advice on academics, research, networking, and launching your career.

View Grad Maps

Faculty of Health Sciences

Visit the Health Sciences Graduate Studies website .

Visit each program's website for a full description of the program, areas of study, faculty members, admission requirements and more.

Faculty of Arts and Science

Visit the Arts and Science Graduate Studies webpage.

Smith Engineering at Queen's University

Visit the Smith Engineering and Applied Sciences Graduate and Professional Studies website .

Visit each program's website for a full description of the program, areas of study, faculty members, admission requirements and more.

** - part of the Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy Program

Faculty of Law

Visit the Law Graduate Studies website .

Smith School of Business

Visit the Smith School of Business Graduate Programs website .

The Smith School of Business also provides additional graduate programs - Master of Business Administration, Master of Finance, Master of Financial Innovation & Technology, Master of International Business, Master of Management Analytics, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence, Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Graduate Diploma in Business, Graduate Diploma in Accounting.

Faculty of Education

Visit the Faculty of Education Graduate Studies website .

Online Programs From Queens University of Charlotte

At Queens University of Charlotte, we provide personalized education with a global perspective. Our online programs are founded on values we’ve held on campus since 1857, emphasizing experiential learning and meaningful relationships between students and faculty.

Queen’s University is committed to supporting our students and communities.  Click here for COVID-19 updates .

Experience More, Achieve More

At Queens, you always get the best of both worlds: We combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, blend structured curricula with flexible online study, and complement a liberal arts core with rigorous career preparation.

• Master’s
• Certificate

16 Programs available

• Flexible MBA
• Flexible MBA: Cybersecurity Management Specialization
• Flexible MBA: Executive Coaching Specialization
• Flexible MBA: Finance Specialization
• Flexible MBA: Global Business Management Specialization
• Flexible MBA: Healthcare Management Specialization
• Flexible MBA: Leadership and Change Specialization
• Flexible MA Communication
• Flexible MA Communication: Organizational Communication Specialization
• Flexible MA Communication: Strategic Communication Specialization
• MA in Educational Leadership
• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• MS in Nursing (MSN)
• MS in Nursing (MSN): Clinical Nurse Leader Specialization
• MS in Nursing (MSN): Nurse Administrator Specialization
• MS in Nursing (MSN): Nursing Informatics Specialization

11 Programs available

• Cybersecurity Management Certificate
• Executive Coaching Certificate
• Finance Certificate
• Global Business Management Certificate
• Healthcare Management Certificate
• Leadership & Change Certificate
• MSN: Clinical Nurse Leader Post-Master’s Certificate
• MSN: Nurse Administrator Post-Master’s Certificate
• MSN: Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate
• MSN: Nursing Informatics Post-Master’s Certificate
• Strategic Communication Certificate

Quick Facts

years of training industry leaders with a student-first approach to education

of Queens classes have fewer than 20 students, U.S. News & World Report , 2020

ranked in Regional Universities South, U.S. News & World Report , 2023

Choose Queens. Choose the Best in Yourself.

We’re dedicated to transformative educational experiences. Whether you learn online or on campus, we keep our class sizes small so faculty can focus on your needs.

A Queens education is rooted in ethical citizenship within a global community. In addition to our student focus, we promote integrity, respect, stewardship, creativity, innovation, and service.

When you graduate from Queens, you’ll not only have gained the knowledge needed to advance in your field, but also have broadened your personal horizons.

“ My degree helped me enhance my understanding of my identity and learn how I could construct the person I wanted to become in the workplace and in society. This learning was crucial to bettering myself with my colleagues and my loved ones. ” – Vanessa Faura, Knight School of Communication

Flexible Online Learning

Queens online students receive personalized attention and an educational experience that’s just as rigorous and rewarding as our on-campus programs. Enjoy the flexibility to study on your schedule, communicate easily with instructors and peers, and receive 24/7 technical support.

With You Every Step

Throughout your time at Queens, you’ll benefit from the personal guidance and attention from our expert support team of academic coordinators. From enrollment to tuition guidance and assistance with your online studies, you’ll be in good hands.

Accreditation

Queens University of Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and masters degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Queens University of Charlotte may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org )

For more information about State Authorizations of Online programs, please click here .

Admitted Student Events | May 18 | An inside look at life as a Royal | Register now!

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Helpful links.

• Presbyterian School of Nursing

The next generation of nurses starts here. The Presbyterian School of Nursing is home to ambitious undergraduates and graduate students. What sets us apart? Aside from being nearly next door to the state’s leading health care systems, we also have The Hunt Nursing Simulation Center—the award-winning, hands-on facility where students can put their learning into action. High school students can also apply for direct admission into our prestigious program. A four-year nursing degree will give you confidence and a more well-rounded set of skills, starting you higher up the healthcare ladder.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree in nursing and master’s degree in nursing from the Presbyterian School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE serves the public interest by ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. For more information regarding our university and program accreditations, please visit our Accreditation webpage .

Upcoming Events

Graduate health programs information session.

Join us for the Queens Presbyterian School of Nursing’s Graduate School virtual information session for the online Master of Science in Nursing and the RN to MSN pathway (Master of Science in Nursing) programs. The MSN program takes two years to complete. It is a 12-course, 36-credit hour program. This program offers specialized tracks for professional licensed nurses to choose for their growth. These tracks include Nurse Administrator , Clinical Nurse Leader , and Nurse Informatics . Additionally, after you complete your degree program, you should return to take our Post-Masters Certificate in Nurse Educator , where you can prepare to be a leader in academic and clinical settings.

We are proud to offer a 100% online RN to Master of Science in Nursing degree (RN to MSN), which also features specializations in Nurse Administrator , Clinical Nurse Leader , and Nurse Informatics . Additionally, we offer a post-master certificate in Nurse Educator designed to take your career to the next level. This program has 14 courses, and it consists of 42 credit hours. It only takes 2.25 years to complete!

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 4:00-4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) via RingCentral

Once registered, you will receive an email and a text message with the virtual link to log into the event, as well as reminders about the event.

What you’ll learn during the information session…

Discover The Depth of Our MSN Concentration Tracks

At Queen’s University of Charlotte, we understand the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and have crafted our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to equip our graduates with specialized skill sets. Dive deep into our concentration tracks:

• Clinical Nurse Leader: For those who want to lead and manage at the point of care. Become the go-to person for clinical expertise in your healthcare facility!
• Nurse Educator: Passionate about teaching? Educate the next generation of nurses, shaping the future of patient care.
• Nurse Administrator: Be the change-maker in healthcare management! Drive operational efficiency, and boost patient care quality.

And more! Stay ahead of the curve with our ever-evolving, industry-aligned tracks.

Delve into the Pinnacle of Healthcare Leadership: The Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Queen’s University of Charlotte’s MHA program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Real-world Curriculum: From healthcare economics to policy, our curriculum is tailored to the challenges and opportunities in today’s healthcare landscape.
• Experiential Learning: Engage in hands-on projects and case studies that simulate real-world healthcare management scenarios.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with professionals from various healthcare backgrounds, enhancing your holistic understanding of the field.

Why Attend This Info Session?

• In-depth Program Insights: Get a comprehensive overview of the MSN and MHA programs, ensuring you make an informed decision about your future.
• Direct Interaction with Faculty: Ask your questions and understand the teaching methodologies from our experienced faculty.
• Financial Aid & Scholarships: Learn about the financial assistance available, making your educational journey more accessible.
• Alumni Success Stories: Hear firsthand accounts of how our programs have accelerated the careers of our graduates.
• Application Tips: Gain insights into what makes a compelling application, increasing your chances of admission.

Why Queens University of Charlotte?

• Esteemed Faculty: Benefit from the expertise and mentorship of accomplished professionals.
• Innovative Learning: Our courses are designed with the latest industry trends in mind, ensuring you’re always ahead.
• Robust Network: Tap into a network of alumni and professionals making waves in the healthcare industry.

Unveil the opportunities that lie ahead in healthcare leadership! Your path to distinction starts here.

Limited seats, MAXIMUM OPPORTUNITIES!

Save the date, mark your calendars, and prepare for an insightful session. See you there!

Undergraduate Degrees

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Graduate Degrees & Certificates

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Clinical Nurse Leader Post-Master’s Certificate  (CNL)
• Nurse Administrator Post-Master’s Certificate
• Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate
• Nursing Informatics Post-Master’s Certificate

The Presbyterian Team

Jullet (jaye) davis weaver.

Dean, Blair College of Health & Presbyterian School of Nursing

Sheryl Cornelius

Director, Presbyterian School of Nursing

JoAndrea Costner

Leah morgan.

Assistant Professor, Nursing

Mission of Service Faculty

The Presbyterian School of Nursing faculty provides rich opportunities for nursing students to learn from award-winning, clinical experts.

Queens is nestled in the historic Myers Park neighborhood, so we are just minutes from Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Come visit us at the Knight-Crane Hall !

Click here to learn how to apply!

Please see below the frequently asked program-related questions. For admissions-related questions, please click here .

Is the summer internship something feasible for a part-time working professional, or is there an expectation that it is full-time for the 200 hours?

The internship would be suitable for a part-time working professional.

Are the courses offered online?

Yes, the majority of courses are held weekly on interactive videoconferencing software. You are required to sign into class once a week for 2.5-3 hours. There are two (2) in-person intensive weeks in the program; students normally attend one intensive week in September and one in January of the first year of the program.

What is the time commitment required to complete the course work in general? 

The average graduate course takes approximately 9-12 hours of reading/preparation each week. Depending on how fast you read and comprehend the information, this time may vary. Following the intensive weeks subsequent classes will be conducted virtually and are usually offered every week (alternating between the two courses).

Does the program run year-round for four (4) years?

Yes, the program runs year-round for four (4) years. Following successful completion of the comprehensive exam in the Fall term of year two, students develop and defend a thesis proposal and then proceed to ethics review, data collection, analysis, and synthesis. 

Can I accelerate through the program?

No. This program is a full-time online program with no option to accelerate.

Are there any funding opportunities for PhDHQ students?

Financial support to students admitted to the PhDHQ program may be offered based on demonstration of financial need. Funding packages for graduate students can be used to pay tuition fees, travel, living expenses, books, and costs associated with the internship. All eligible students who declare that they require financial assistance on their application will be automatically put forward for funding. HQ Programs remains committed to covering the cost of tuition for doctoral students. Doctoral applicants are also expected to pursue external scholarship and grant opportunities, if available.

Do I have to apply for the awards mentioned in the Queen's University Minimum Funding Guarantee for Eligible Doctoral Students?

HQ Programs is committed to covering the cost of tuition for all students. There is no application required for the Queen's Graduate Award and eligible students will be automatically nominated for internal scholarship competitions. Please note that doctoral applicants are expected to pursue external scholarship and grant opportunities and this is a requirement of some internal scholarship competitions. You and your supervisors should discuss awards opportunities and work together on preparing applications.

Am I required to hold a Teaching Assistantship?

Students are not required to hold a TA position, but most students complete at least one teaching assistantship (TA) per year as part of their funding package. If you decide not to take the TA position it will reduce your funding package. Students who declare financial need are expected to apply for TA positions and will be given preference.

Are accommodations covered during the intensive week?

Students are responsible for their own travel, meals, and accommodations for the intensive weeks.

Is the MScHQ degree required to apply for the PhDHQ? 

The MScHQ degree is not a prerequisite for the PhDHQ. Applicants who have a project based or thesis based research master’s degree in health, health-related law, business, architecture, or engineering will be eligible to apply for admission. Potential applicants who have course-based master’s degrees in other disciplines would be encouraged to discuss the suitability of the degree with the Associate Director (Health Quality Programs) prior to applying. Please contact [email protected]  if you wish to be connected with our Associate Director.

What locations are acceptable for the internship?

Your internship location can be in your geographical locations and should suit your interests. The internship is intended to expand the knowledge of an individual student and so we would not encourage an internship in the place where you work. If the internship is at your place of work, it must be a different scope than your current position. More information regarding internships will be distributed during the first intensive week.

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Applying for a PhD at Queen’s

Application process.

Students are admitted to our doctoral programme twice a year, in September and February, with applications received by the dates below:

Your application will be considered by the Research Committee, which meets twice a term. If we consider the application has merit, you will be interviewed either in person at Queen’s or via Skype, in order to determine your suitability as a researcher.

Before offering you a place at Queen’s, we must ascertain that the requisite supervisory expertise exists at Queen’s and VU Amsterdam. Once we have a reasonable degree of confidence in this, and in your proposal, you will be offered a place as a postgraduate researcher at Queen’s for up to 12 months. During this time, an adviser will be appointed to work with you to develop your proposal and the required Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) to the point where it can go to the Professors’ Meeting at VU Amsterdam. The TSP consists of various required training elements to be completed throughout the duration of your research.

Once your proposal is accepted at VU Amsterdam, you become a PhD student of the University and a full supervisory team is appointed (consisting of supervisors from Queen’s and VU Amsterdam) to guide you through the research. For further information about admissions for Research students please see click  here .

Entrance requirements

To be eligible for consideration for the PhD degree at Queen’s, and with our partner university, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), you must have:

• An awarded Master’s degree or equivalent qualification with a research component (e.g. dissertation/thesis). Most vocational Master’s programmes (e.g. MDiv) do not meet the VU requirements.
• Sufficient proficiency in written and spoken English to complete the programme of work satisfactorily and to prepare and defend a thesis in English. Where a candidate has not completed prior degrees in an English-speaking country the candidate should have achieved: British Council /UCLES IELTS 7 (6 in writing) or TOEFL (paper-based test 600, computer-based test 250, internet test 100).
• Appropriate theological educational background. We would normally expect applicants to have a Master’s degree in theology or a related discipline. Alternatively, there must be evidence of sufficient theological competence to pursue doctoral theological research. If intending to pursue biblical research, we would normally expect you to have competency in biblical languages or be willing to acquire this.
• A realistic and convincing research proposal that fits with the interests and expertise of staff at Queen’s and the Faculty of Religion and Theology at VU Amsterdam.

Before submitting your proposal, we recommend that you take time to look at the Queen’s website and the research interests of our staff and honorary research fellows as well as the Faculty of Religion and Theology Graduate School web pages  in order to establish that we have the requisite supervisory expertise to supervise your project.

Postgraduate research student fees for new and continuing students can be found on our Tuition fees sheet . Students should bear in mind additional costs that can incur during the course of their study, including some books and resources, computer equipment and software, travel to and costs of conferences and supervision meetings, costs of particular courses useful for their research as part of completing the Training and Supervision Plan, ‘pocket money’ for when visiting VU Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and any visa costs. Students are responsible for the costs incurred (including travel and accommodation) in attending their own dissertation public defence at the end of their studies.

Application

It is strongly encouraged that you read this guidance on completing the Application Form.

• For general information about admissions at Queen’s please consult our Study pages.
• For specific information about admissions for Research students please click here .

Admissions complaints

Applicants who have a complaint relating to the admission to any academic programme should raise it as soon as possible with the Academic Registrar ( [email protected] ). For further information about the complaints procedure relating to academic admissions, please see the relevant policy .

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St. Paul’s School of Nursing in Queens

Offering associate degree programs in nursing and medical assisting.

Request Information

By submitting this form, you are giving your express consent without obligation for St. Paul's School of Nursing or its parent company, Education Affiliates Inc, to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or recurring text messages, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. Message and data rates apply. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes. You may opt out of recurring text messages at any time by replying STOP or reply HELP for assistance. For more details, please see our mobile  Terms and Conditions , our  Privacy Policy , or you can contact an  Admissions Advisor .

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St. Paul's School of Nursing: Queens Campus

If you are interested in earning the education required to enter an exciting career in healthcare, St. Paul’s School of Nursing, in Queens, is the place to be. Founded more than a century ago, and formerly known as Saint Vincent Catholic Centers School of Nursing, today St. Paul’s School of Nursing is a non-religious institution of higher education.

New York City metro area residents can receive the education at Saint Paul’s School of Nursing that they will need to launch challenging careers in healthcare specialties, such as entry-level nursing and medical assisting. Conveniently located in Queens, we are right off the Whitestone Expressway on Queens Boulevard.

Take your life and your career to the next level. Make plans now to visit our campus in historic Queens, New York, and see for yourself what you’ve been missing.

Associate Degree in Nursing

With advancements in medicine and our aging population, there will be continuous need for nurses for years to come. At SPSON, you can develop the personal, academic and clinical skills to care for patients of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural groups in a variety of clinical settings.  

Healthcare / Medical

Medical assisting.

Our aging population and expanding healthcare system means growing opportunity for qualified medical assistants. As medical technology continues to advance, doctors will need medical assistants for various patient care needs.  

We value your opinion and would love to hear all about your experience as a student at St. Paul's School of Nursing. Sharing your review online can help us make improvements to enhance your learning experiences and those of prospective students.

• Review Us On Yelp
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Accreditation

St. Paul’s School of Nursing is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD 20852 P. (301) 291-7550  [email protected]

Saint Paul’s School of Nursing satisfies the regulatory criteria for provisional authority to award the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree and the Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S) degree by the by the New York State Board of Regents, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Room 110 EB, Albany, New York, 12234, 518-474-5889, www.regents.nysed.gov.

Saint Paul’s School of Nursing (Institution ID: 51031007) is registered by the New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York, 12234, 518-474-3852, www.nysed.gov .

St. Paul's School of Nursing is exempt from the requirement to seek licensure from New Jersey Department of Education Licensure Commission approval per N.J. Admin. Code § 9A:1-7.5

Our Mission

St. Paul's School of Nursing’s mission is to serve the needs of society by offering an excellent education exemplifying the highest standards for nursing practice. Nursing is both an art and a science providing a human service. The core values of respect, integrity, compassion and excellence are imbedded throughout the curriculum as the foundation for providing care to all.

Consumer Information - Queens Campus

The following links provide consumer information required by federal regulations, and in accordance with school policy, that will allow you to make informed decisions relevant to your education. For details regarding each category below, please hover over the titles. For more info please  click here  for a complete glossary of terms.

A hard copy of each disclosure is available by request from the Admissions Office.

Arbitration Agreement and Class Action Waiver (as a condition of enrollment) Not Registered to Vote? Click here to learn how. College Navigator Website Title IX Policy Title IX Staff Annual Training Title VI Policy

CARES ACT OF 2020 HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (HEERF) ALLOCATION AND SUMMARY REPORTING DISCLOSURES

The US Department of Education Certification and Agreement directs each institution receiving Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) to comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and to post the following communication in accordance with requirements set forth by the Secretary of Education. The HEERF distribution reports are posted above. For further information on these funds, please visit:  https://www.edaff.com/cares-act-information.php .

Licensure and Certification

This program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) in the state of New York and New Jersey.

We have not made a determination for the following states*: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.

Those who successfully graduate from the professional nursing program may be eligible to take the NLCLEX-RN ®. Approval to take the examination is not automatic. Successfully passing the NCLEX is one of several requirements for licensure.

Requirements for licensure vary among states. In order to locate the licensure eligibility requirements of another state, please refer to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to find the contact information the Board of Nursing of that state. Click here to visit the NCSBN website.

*If you need additional information on state eligibility or transferability requirements for these states, please contact the Campus President or Dean of Nursing.  

Graduation does not guarantee eligibility to sit for licensure, certification, or registry exams. Please understand that licensure and certification eligibility can be affected by unlawful events that take place after acceptance into a program. As part of the licensure, certification, and registration application process, arrest and court records of final adjudication for any offense other than a minor traffic violation may be submitted to credentialing agency for review. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony and whose civil rights have not been restored may be considered incomplete by the College until documentation of restoration of civil rights is received. 

Licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Students who relocate to another state during their enrollment may or may not satisfy the eligibility criteria to obtain a professional license or certification in that state.  

Please contact the Campus President or Dean of Education/Nursing if you have additional questions pertaining to your program of interest. 

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Master of Nursing Science

Designed for those passionate about developing a scientific basis for nursing practice, the MNSc program is offered in both course-based and thesis-based patterns. You'll learn critical appraisal and research skills within a supportive academic environment that embodies scholarship. With this degree, you'll be equipped for success in clinical practice, nursing education, or health care management.

Questions? Contact the graduate nursing office →

Program overview, general information.

Our thesis-based MNSc program consists of course work and a thesis. The thesis requires independent, original research and makes up at least two-thirds of the time normally required for the program. You will be taught primarily in small graduate seminars, providing a lively and critical environment to explore theory and clinical practice, while also giving you the opportunity to delve into your own research. With close mentoring relationships with faculty supervisors, you'll be nurtured throughout the program. Typically, students complete the program within two years.

Queen's Nursing also offers a course-based MNSc option, with a focus on advanced nursing practice. Students will take the same four core courses as thesis-based students in the first year and then complete a clinical project course during the summer and continuing into the fall of their second year. Students are also required to take three 800-level electives from a pre-approved list of courses in the School of Nursing, Health Quality Programs, the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, and the Department of Public Health Sciences.

Additional Resources

• School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA)
• SGSPA Academic Calendar
• SGSPA Academic Calendar - Nursing Section
• Society of Graduate and Professional Students
• Queen’s Nursing and Health Research
• Queen’s Collaboration for Health Care Quality (QcHcQ)

Course Sequence (Thesis-Based)

Fall Year 1

• Nurs 802 Qualitative Methodology & Methods
• Nurs 811 Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research
• Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc supervisor)     

Winter Year 1

• Nurs 800 Intermediate Statistics and Analysis
• Nurs 803 Intermediate Quantitative Research Design
• Special Topic Course (elective)
• Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc supervisor) 

Spring/Summer Year 1

• Nurs 899 Thesis Research (independently with MNSc Supervisor)
• Thesis proposal exam (in late summer)
• Final thesis exam (end of Year 2)

Course Sequence (Course-Based)

Fall/Winter Year 1

• NURS 802: Qualitative Methodology & Methods (Fall)
• NURS 811:  Theoretical Bases of Nursing Research (Fall)
• NURS 800:  Intermediate Statistics and Analysis (Winter)
• NURS 803: Intermediate Quantitative Research Design (Winter)
• NURS 897 – Clinical Project

Fall Year 2

• NURS 897 – Clinical Project (continued from Summer term)
• Elective (from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS)

Winter Year 2

• Two Electives (from NURS, EPID, AGHE, HQRS or RHBS)

For more course information please visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Academic Calendar .

School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

International student resources, funding & awards, indigenous applicants.

Deadline to apply: Applications for Fall 2024 are due February 1, 2024.

Applications to all graduate programs are made through the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs starting in September for admission the following year.

Please note, only complete applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Committee in the School of Nursing.

Academic Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited university.
• Minimum overall average equivalent to B.
• Two academic letters of reference (e.g. course professors).
• Undergraduate courses in research methodology and statistics ; if you are unsure whether your course meets program requirements, email [email protected] .
• Why have you chosen this MNSc option (thesis-based or course-based)? Describe your research experience to date and your proposed research interests (e.g. focus, population, methodology, theoretical framework). Max. 200 words.
• Describe how you have advocated for health equity, diversity, inclusion, indigeneity, and/or accessibility (EDIIA) within the healthcare system. How has your experience influenced your career path and other pursuits to this point? Max. 200 words.
• What will be your strategy in your personal and professional life to manage the time commitment this program requires? This can include any academic accommodations that you plan to request. Max. 200 words.
• We encourage thesis applicants to contact a potential supervisor before applying.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the online application submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, the following must be submitted by  email or hard copy to: Graduate Program Coordinator in the School of Nursing, Queen’s University, 92 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON Canada K7L 3N6.

• Proof of current registration (or eligibility to register) as a registered nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario  or provincial/territorial equivalent (international applicants see next tab).
• Curriculum Vitae .

International Applicants

In addition to the above requirements, international applicants must provide:

• Proof of registration as a registered nurse in your country (you will not be required to register with College of Nurses of Ontario). International students who are not registered in Ontario will be unable to conduct thesis research that requires registration.
• Proof of proficiency in English. Applicants whose first language is not English or who have not recently studied for at least one complete year at a post-secondary institution where English is the official language of instruction, will be required to obtain satisfactory results in an English language proficiency test, as part of the application process, and before their application will be considered complete.
• Please visit the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs for more details on international student admission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an international student who is not registered with the college of nurses of ontario, can i still apply.

As an international applicant you are not required to be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario, but must be registered as a nurse in your own country.  If you are not registered as a nurse in Ontario during the program you will be unable to conduct thesis research that requires registration.  This limitation on thesis research topics should be considered and discussed with a potential thesis supervisor prior to submitting your application.

Can I take the program part-time?

No, this is a full-time program only. Most of the course work involved in the program occurs in the first year and most classes are organized for Mondays and Tuesdays.

How do I decide on a thesis supervisor?

The decision on a supervisor is made by the Graduate Program Committee, following discussions between you and a potential faculty supervisor. A faculty member must be able to supervise thesis research in your area of interest and be willing to do so, given their current work commitments. It is recommended that you review profiles of faculty members on the  School of Nursing website  to determine if there is someone who conducts research in your area.

Do I have to have a thesis topic before I come?

Normally, you should have a general area of research interest before you begin the program, but a specific thesis topic is developed as you engage in course work and discussions with your thesis supervisor. On occasion, an applicant may have a specific plan for research, but this is not typical.

Are there scholarships available?

The Graduate Program Committee nominates individual applicants and students for internal scholarships and awards for which they are eligible. In order to be considered for awards in the first year, your application should be completed by February 1st. You are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships and fellowships as early as possible, as some of these may then be available to you during your first year of study. These are often offered by professional organizations or associations in nursing. You may also have the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant and/or research assistant.   Contact us  if you would like more information about potential external funding. 

I think that everyone should know that the School of Nursing does a fantastic job at making people successful. That skill of being pushed to... some place that is slightly uncomfortable, but knowing that you have the supports around you to be successful.

Morgan Batson , RN, MNSc

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Nursing Careers and Residency at Queen’s

Compassionate. Caring. Excellent. These three words best describe the nurses at Queen’s.

When you join Queen’s Nursing, you become part of a team of caregivers and leaders in your profession.

• Discover the Queen’s difference: The Queen’s Medical Center and Queen’s West O’ahu are the only facilities in the state with Magnet recognition, meaning our staff feels valued and provides the highest care to patients
• The Queen’s Medical Center is ranked the Best Hospital in Hawai‘i by U.S. News & World Report
• Queen’s is home to Hawai‘i’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center and the state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center

Click here to join us on our mission to becoming Hawai‘i’s lifetime partner in health or continue reading to learn more about what sets Queen’s apart.

“Best nurses on the Earth! YOU are the reason my husband is alive today. You are beyond wonderful. We love you all.”

Mark Kido, RN at Queen’s

Mark was among four nurses from Queen’s to recently win a Daisy Foundation Award .

“From the very first time Mark introduced himself, he made me feel like I was important and mattered. Mark's smile, wonderful and positive attitude, made me feel so much better. He always made sure that I was comfortable because of the pain I was feeling by caring so greatly about me as a patient, but also as a human being.” — Queen's patient

Queen’s Hawai‘i Nurse Residency Program

The Queen’s Health System is Hawai’i’s first and only PTAP accredited Nurse Residency Program. Supporting recent nursing graduates as they transition into their new careers is essential to the success of Queen’s Nursing. We offer residency experience in an acute care hospital setting to help you gain the knowledge and tools to jumpstart your career.

Queen’s Hawai‘i Nurse Residency Program is offered five times over the course of the year: January, March, May, July, and September. Applications will be accepted beginning two months before the program starts.

Through the Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing Collaborative, the Queen’s Nurse Residency Program is part of the University Health System Consortium and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nurse Residency Program.

Our curriculum is offered via monthly seminars utilizing a variety of learning opportunities, such as simulation, case studies, reflective practice, group discussion, and lectures.

We have also launched a mentorship program to help you as you transition into a confident and competent nurse during your first year.

Experienced nurses with different backgrounds from The Queen’s Medical Center serve as Resident Facilitators to mentor and coach you as you begin your nursing career.

To qualify, you must either:

• Have a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, or
• Be a Registered Nurse in Hawai‘i with less than 1 year of nursing experience

The Queen’s Nurse Residency Program has three primary objectives:

• Help you achieve autonomy in providing direct care to patients.
• Teach you with research-backed evidence that you can incorporate into your nursing practices.
• Build a community among you and your nursing peers.

Queen’s Nurse Residency curriculum covers a wide range of topics including:

• Evidence-based Practice
• Interdisciplinary Simulation Experience
• Ethical Issues
• Cultural Diversity
• Dealing with Death and Dying

Professional Practice Model

A Nursing Professional Practice Model is a framework that outlines the foundational principles, values, and beliefs that guide nursing practice within a specific health care organization. It serves as a blueprint for nursing professionals, shaping their roles, responsibilities, and interactions within the health care environment.

For The Queen’s Health System, a new model crafted by the collective vision of the nurses, vividly portrays this profound dedication to serving patients. This model encapsulates the essence of nursing through a synergy of scientific excellence, demanding high-quality, evidence-based, shared decision making, advocacy, and innovative care, and the art of nursing, which fosters healing environments characterized by loving kindness, inclusion, compassion, presence, and holistic care.

Crucially, the Professional Practice Model places the patients’ healing, dignity, hope, love, and acceptance at its core, embodying the vision of Queen Emma for all the people of Hawai‘i and illustrating how each nurse actively realizes this vision in their daily practice.

Shared Decision Making: The Queen's Nursing Vision

Nursing at Queen’s is a center of excellence for professional nursing practice. It is known for distinction in clinical nursing practice, innovative strategies in nursing education, and collaborative research which extends the bounds of knowledge.

Shared decision making (SDM)  at The Queen’s Health System is a model that empowers nurses at all levels to take ownership and accountability for their nursing professional practice. Queen’s has 11 organizational level SDM councils that align with the strategic priorities of nursing.

Unit and department-based practice councils drives shared decision making in operational and professional practice at the unit level. Through collaboration with leaders and inter-professional partners, Queen’s nurses provide the latest and superior patient care.

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Explore our Nurse Annual Reports for a complete look at our mission, team successes, program statistics and more.  

Queen’s Nursing Career Development Opportunities

We’re pleased to offer ongoing professional development programs to our nursing staff to help you grow in your skills as a nurse and advance your career at Queen’s.

Professional Development

Our Professional Development Program enables you to participate in workshops, conferences, and courses on nursing. You can receive special certifications that further your career and build skills to improve your practice.

Continuing Education

Queen’s Tuition Reimbursement Program allows you to earn credit from courses at fully accredited institutions of higher learning. We believe that continuing education is critical to your professional success and promotability as a nurse.

Eligibility for continuing education funds are available to you after only one year of employment.

Contact Human Resources at 808-691-4627 for more information.

Employee Benefits

As a nursing professional at Queen’s, you will receive the following benefits:

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans from Queen’s give you medical, surgical, and hospital coverage. With unlimited lifetime maximums, our PPOs also come with a robust prescription drug plan and vision benefits.

Dental Plans

Queen’s participates in the Hawaii Dental Service plan, which provides coverage for routine exams and cleaning, along with other dental services like Preventative Care, Oral Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics.

Supplemental Health Care Spending Accounts

Queen’s covers eligible health expenses that fall outside of your health insurance plan, including co-payments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses you might incur.

Dependent Care Spending Account

Many of our employees caring for dependents on their own or with working spouses require care for their children or elderly dependents. Queen’s may offer reimbursement for day care fees, preschool, and after-school care.

You may also qualify for our dependent spending account as an employee caring for any dependents with mental or physical disabilities, or for an elderly dependent.

Retirement Savings

As an employee of The Queen’s Health System, you are eligible to enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan. You can elect to have up to 100% of your paycheck deducted and placed into a tax-sheltered retirement savings account. Queen’s offers matching contributions.

Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off (PTO) is an important part of our benefits package. In addition to the ten holidays per year that are automatically included in your PTO bank, you accumulate additional PTO according to your seniority.

Extended Sick Leave

In addition to PTO, you may be eligible to accrue time for Extended Sick Leave (ESL). ESL is kept in a separate bank from your PTO hours.

Life Insurance

Queen’s life insurance plans provide basic term life coverage for non-bargaining, full-time employees. You can also purchase Supplemental and Dependent Life Plans to augment your existing policy.

Long Term Disability Insurance

Our long term disability insurance gives you a portion of your income if you become disabled or unable to work. We base the benefit on your pre-disability monthly salary and coordinate it with any other income benefits you might receive (e.g. social security and worker’s compensation).

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

We provide accidental death and dismemberment insurance to be paid to your chosen beneficiary if you pass away or are injured as the result of an on-the-job accident.

Equal Opportunity

With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Learn more about “ EEO is the Law  and  EEO is the Law Poster Supplement “

Begin or Advance Your Nursing Career at Queen’s

When you join Queen’s Nursing, you’ll be an important member of our professional, caring team.

For out-of-state applicants, please visit our relocation page to learn more about all our tropical paradise has to offer.

If you have any questions, please contact our Human Resources Department at 808-691-4627 .

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Nursing homes wield pandemic immunity laws to duck wrongful death suits

Some families who lost loved ones say they were misled about safety

This is a KFF Health News story.

In early 2020, with reports of COVID-19 outbreaks making dire headlines, Trever Schapers worried about her father's safety in a nursing home in Queens.

She had delighted in watching her dad, John Schapers, blow out the candles on his 90th birthday cake that February at the West Lawrence Care Center in the New York City borough. Then the home went into lockdown.

Soon her father was dead. The former union painter spiked a fever and was transferred to a hospital, where he tested positive for COVID, his daughter said, and after two weeks on a ventilator, he died in May 2020.

But when Trever Schapers sued the nursing home for negligence and wrongful death in 2022, a judge dismissed the case, citing a New York state law hastily passed early in the pandemic. It granted immunity to medical providers for "harm or damages" from an "act or omission" in treating or arranging care for COVID. She is appealing the decision.

MORE: Number of NY nursing home residents lost to COVID-19 underreported by up to 50%, probe says

"I feel that families are being ignored by judges and courts not recognizing that something needs to be done and changed," said Schapers, 48, who works in the medical field. "There needs to be accountability."

The nursing home did not return calls seeking comment. In a court filing, the home argued that Schapers offered no evidence that the home was "grossly negligent" in treating her father.

More than four years after COVID first raged through many U.S. nursing homes, hundreds of lawsuits blaming patient deaths on negligent care have been tossed out or languished in the courts amid contentious legal battles.

Even some nursing homes that were shut down by health officials for violating safety standards have claimed immunity against such suits, court records show. And some families that allege homes kept them in the dark about the health of their loved ones, even denying there were cases of COVID in the building, have had their cases dismissed.

Schapers alleged in a complaint to state health officials that the nursing home failed to advise her that it had admitted COVID-positive patients from a nearby hospital in March 2020. In early April, she received a call telling her the facility had some COVID-positive residents.

"The call I received was very alarming, and they refused to answer any of my questions," she said.

About two weeks later, a social worker called to say that her father had a fever, but the staff did not test him to confirm COVID, according to Schapers' complaint.

The industry says federal health officials and lawmakers in most states granted medical providers broad protection from lawsuits for good-faith actions during the health emergency. Rachel Reeves, a senior vice president with the American Health Care Association, an industry trade group, called COVID "an unprecedented public health crisis brought on by a vicious virus that uniquely targeted our population."

In scores of lawsuits, however, family members allege that nursing homes failed to secure enough protective gear or tests for staffers or residents, haphazardly mixed COVID-positive patients with other residents, failed to follow strict infection control protocols, and brazenly misled frightened families about the severity of COVID outbreaks among patients and staff.

"They trusted these facilities to take care of loved ones, and that trust was betrayed," said Florida attorney Lindsey Gale, who has represented several families suing over COVID-related deaths.

"The grieving process people had to go through was horrible," Gale said.

A deadly toll

KFF Health News found that more than 1,100 COVID-related lawsuits, most alleging wrongful death or other negligent care, were filed against nursing homes from March 2020 through March of this year.

MORE: Cuomo not charged with COVID nursing home deaths: Manhattan DA

While there's no full accounting of the outcomes, court filings show that judges have dismissed some suits outright, citing state or federal immunity provisions, while other cases have been settled under confidential terms. And many cases have stalled due to lengthy and costly arguments and appeals to hash out limits, if any, of immunity protection.

In their defense, nursing homes initially cited the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act , which Congress passed in December 2005. The law grants liability protection from claims for deaths or injuries tied to vaccines or "medical countermeasures" taken to prevent or treat a disease during national emergencies.

The PREP Act steps in once the secretary of Health and Human Services declares a " public health emergency ," which happened with COVID on March 17, 2020 . The emergency order expired on May 11, 2023.

The law carved out an exception for "willful misconduct," but proving it occurred can be daunting for families – even when nursing homes have long histories of violating safety standards, including infection controls.

Governors of at least 38 states issued COVID executive orders, or their legislatures passed laws, granting medical providers at least some degree of immunity , according to one consumer group's tally. Just how much legal protection was intended is at the crux of the skirmishes.

Nursing homes answered many negligence lawsuits by getting them removed from state courts into the federal judicial system and asking for dismissal under the PREP Act.

For the most part, that didn't work because federal judges declined to hear the cases. Some judges ruled that the PREP Act was not intended to shield medical providers from negligence caused by inaction, such as failing to protect patients from the coronavirus. These rulings and appeals sent cases back to state courts, often after long delays that left families in legal limbo.

"These delays have been devastating," said Jeffrey Guzman, a New York City attorney who represents Schapers and other families. He said the industry has fought "tooth and nail" trying to "fight these people getting their day in court."

Empire State epicenter

New York, where COVID hit early and hard, is ground zero for court battles over nursing home immunity.

Relatives of residents have filed more than 750 negligence or wrongful death cases in New York counties since the start of the pandemic, according to court data KFF Health News compiled using the judicial reporting service Courthouse News Service. No other area comes close.

Chicago's Cook County, a jurisdiction where private lawyers for years have aggressively sued nursing homes alleging poor infection control , recorded 121 COVID-related cases.

Plaintiffs in hundreds of New York cases argue that nursing homes knew early in 2020 that COVID would pose a deadly threat but largely failed to gird for its impact. Many suits cite inspection reports detailing chronic violations of infection control standards in the years preceding the pandemic, court records show. Responses to this strategy vary.

"Different judges take different views," said Joseph Ciaccio, a New York lawyer who has filed hundreds of such cases. "It's been very mixed."

Lawyers for nursing homes counter that most lawsuits rely on vague allegations of wrongdoing and "boilerplate" claims that, even if true, don't demonstrate the kind of gross negligence that would override an immunity claim.

New York lawmakers added another wrinkle by repealing the immunity statute in April 2021 after Attorney General Letitia James noted the law could give nursing homes a free pass to make "financially motivated decisions" to cut costs and put patients at risk.

So far, appeals courts have ruled lawmakers didn't specify that the repeal should be made retroactive, thus stymying many negligence cases.

"So these cases are all wasting the courts' time and preventing cases that aren't barred by immunity statutes from being resolved sooner and clogging up the court system that was already backlogged from COVID," said attorney Anna Borea, who represents nursing homes.

Troubled homes deflect suits

Some nursing homes that paid hefty fines or were ordered by health officials to shut down at least temporarily because of their inadequate response to COVID have claimed immunity against suits, court records show.

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Among them is Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation nursing home in New Jersey, which made national headlines when authorities found 17 bodies stacked in a makeshift morgue in April 2020.

Federal health officials fined the facility $220,235 after issuing a critical 36-page report on COVID violations and other deficiencies, and the state halted admissions in February 2022.

MORE: Long-term care industry facing changes as pandemic pushes more families toward home care

Yet the home has won court pauses in at least three negligence lawsuits as it appeals lower-court rulings denying immunity under the federal PREP Act, court records show. The operators of the home could not be reached for comment. In court filings, they denied any wrongdoing.

In Oregon, health officials suspended operations at Healthcare at Foster Creek, calling the Portland nursing home "a serious danger to the public health and safety." The May 2020 order cited the home's "consistent inability to adhere to basic infection control standards."

Bonnie Richardson, a Portland lawyer, sued the facility on behalf of the family of Judith Jones, 75, who had dementia and died in April 2020. Jones' was among dozens of COVID-related deaths at that home.

"It was a very hard-fought battle," said Richardson, who has since settled the case under confidential terms. Although the nursing home claimed immunity, her clients "wanted to know what happened and to understand why." The owners of the nursing home provided no comment.

No COVID Here

Many families believe nursing homes misled them about COVID's relentless spread. They often had to settle for window visits to connect with their loved ones.

Relatives of five patients who died in 2020 at the Sapphire Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in the Flushing neighborhood in Queens filed lawsuits accusing the home's operators of keeping them in the dark.

When they phoned to check on elderly parents, they either couldn't get through or were told there was "no COVID-19 in the building," according to one court affidavit.

One woman grew alarmed after visiting in February 2020 and seeing nurses wearing masks "below their noses or under their chin," according to a court affidavit.

The woman was shocked when the home relayed that her mother had died in April 2020 from unknown causes, perhaps "from depression and not eating," according to her affidavit.

A short time later, news media reported that dozens of Sapphire Center residents had died from the virus – her 85-year-old mother among them, she argued in a lawsuit.

The nursing home denied liability and won dismissal of all five lawsuits after citing the New York immunity law. Several families are appealing. The nursing home's administrator declined to comment.

Broadening immunity

Nursing home operators also have cited immunity to foil negligence lawsuits based on falls or other allegations of substandard care, such as bedsores, with little obvious connection to the pandemic, court records show.

The family of Marilyn Kearney, an 89-year-old with a "history of dementia and falls," sued the Watrous Nursing Center in Madison, Connecticut, for negligence. Days after she was admitted in June 2020, she fell in her room, fracturing her right hip and requiring surgery, according to court filings.

She died at a local hospital on Sept. 16, 2020, from sepsis attributed to dehydration and malnutrition, according to the suit.

Her family argued that the 45-bed nursing home failed to assess her risk of falling and develop a plan to prevent that. But Watrous fired back by citing an April 2020 declaration by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat, granting health care professionals or facilities immunity from "any injury or death alleged to have been sustained because of the individual's or health care facility's acts or omissions undertaken in good faith while providing health care services in support of the state's COVID-19 response."

Watrous denied liability and, in a motion to dismiss the case, cited Lamont's executive order and affidavits that argued the home did its best in the throes of a "public health crisis, the likes of which had never been seen before." The operators of the nursing home, which closed in July 2021 because of COVID, did not respond to a request for comment. The case is pending.

Attorney Wendi Kowarik, who represents Kearney's family, said courts are wrestling with how much protection to afford nursing homes.

"We're just beginning to get some guidelines," she said.

One pending Connecticut case alleges that an 88-year-old man died in October 2020 after experiencing multiple falls, sustaining bedsores, and dropping more than 30 pounds in the two months he lived at a nursing home, court records state. The nursing home denied liability and contends it is entitled to immunity.

MORE: In coronavirus fight, new mandate for nursing homes: Test or face fines

So do the owners of a Connecticut facility that cared for a 75-year-old woman with obesity who required a lift to get out of bed. She fell on April 26, 2020, smashing several teeth and fracturing bones. She later died from her injuries, according to the suit, which is pending.

"I think it is really repugnant that providers are arguing that they should not be held accountable for falls, pressure sores, and other outcomes of gross neglect," said Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition, which advocates for patients.

"The government did not declare open season on nursing home residents when it implemented COVID policies," he said.

Protecting the vulnerable

Since early 2020, U.S. nursing homes have reported more than 172,000 residents' deaths, according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data. That's about one in seven of all recorded U.S. COVID deaths.

As it battles COVID lawsuits, the nursing home industry says it is "struggling to recover due to ongoing labor shortages, inflation, and chronic government underfunding," according to Reeves, the trade association executive.

She said the American Health Care Association has advocated for "reasonable, limited liability protections that defend staff and providers for their good faith efforts" during the pandemic.

"Caregivers were doing everything they could," Reeves said, "often with limited resources and ever-changing information, in an effort to protect and care for residents."

MORE: In first federal count, over 25,000 coronavirus deaths in nursing homes

But patients' advocates remain wary of policies that might bar the courthouse door against grieving families.

"I don't think we want to continue to enact laws that reward nursing homes for bad care," said Sam Brooks, of the Coalition for the Protection of Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities, a patient advocacy group.

"We need to keep that in mind if, God forbid, we have another pandemic," Brooks said.

Bill Hammond, a senior fellow at the Empire Center for Public Policy, a nonpartisan New York think tank, said policymakers should focus on better strategies to protect patients from infectious outbreaks, rather than leaving it up to the courts to sort out liability years later.

"There is no serious effort to have that conversation," Hammond said. "I think that's crazy."

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Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Honorary Doctorate for Penn Nursing Professor

Therese S. Richmond, PhD, RN, FAAN , the Andrea B. Laporte Professor of Nursing, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service (DrPS hon) from the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland . The honor, conferred during the School of Nursing’s convocation on May 14, 2024, recognized Richmond’s extensive research and preeminent role in exploring the critical issues related to gun violence and the resulting trauma on individuals and communities.

“I am deeply honored to receive this honorary doctorate and thank the Board of Regents for the recognition. Life is fragile and the impact of firearm violence on health and well-being is significant,” said Richmond. “We can reduce firearm-related harms through rigorous science, partnering with communities who bear the disproportionate burdens of these harms, and respecting differing worldviews.”

Richmond’s research and scholarship are grounded in understanding and overcoming health inequities experienced by individuals and families living in low-resource and often disenfranchised communities. She is committed to identifying and overcoming structural barriers that lead to and reinforce inequities. Richmond’s research has a dual approach. She partners with valuable community partners to examine the impact of living in pervasively violent, low-resource communities on families and rigorously producing data that can be used by agencies to inform programmatic initiatives to reduce inequity and improve health, well-being, and safety. She also has a substantive body of research that focuses on disparate outcomes after serious injury including PTSD and depression and to identify modifiable targets that drive disparities seen in transition to chronic pain after serious injury.

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