This catalog is for 1999-2000 only. For the printed version, contact Admissions at 703-522-5600.

The School of Health Professions aims to support the mission of Marymount University to foster the individual development of each student and enable students to become competent health professionals. The School of Health Professions offers graduate programs in

Health Promotion Management (M.S.),
Nursing (M.S.N.) and
Physical Therapy (M.S.P.T.)

Marymount’s location provides excellent opportunities for clinical learning experiences in diverse health care institutions and community agencies in the Washington Metropolitan area.

The Master of Science in Health Promotion Management (HPM) is designed for those individuals who are new to the field as well as current practitioners. Coursework provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in key areas of health behavior change as well as the design, management, and evaluation of health promotion programs.

The Master of Science in Nursing majors build on the baccalaureate education in Nursing and professional practice. The Nursing majors integrate three core content areas: clinical practice, research, and role development.

The Master of Science in Physical Therapy is an entry-level degree program that prepares generalist practitioners for professional roles consistent with contemporary practice throughout the United States.

HEALTH PROMOTION
MANAGEMENT (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Health Promotion Management (HPM) is designed for those individuals who are new to the field as well as current practitioners. Health promotion professionals plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion and wellness programs in a variety of settings: hospitals, corporations, health maintenance organizations, community health agencies, health clubs, government agencies, and academic campuses. Coursework provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in three areas:

· Design and evaluation of health promotion programs

· Behavior change

· Program management

· Specific health content areas, such as fitness assessment, program design, nutrition, weight control, and stress management.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University-wide requirements for admission to graduate programs, applicants must also meet the following criteria:

· Acceptable scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). (See note on page 17.)

· Candidates must obtain a total of at least 1,000 points based on the formula:

(200 x GPA) + (MAT total x 12) or

(200 x GPA) + (average of 2 highest GRE subtests)

· Interview with a program advisor.

Note: If a candidate already holds a master’s degree, the testing requirement is waived.

Degree Requirements

A total of 36 graduate credits is required, of which 18 credits are core courses and 18 credits are electives.

HPR core requirements

HPR 501 Foundations of Health Education and Health Promotion

HPR 520 Epidemiology of Injury and Disease

HPR 540 Designing and Evaluating Health Promotion Programs

HPR 550 Management of Health Promotion Programs

HPR 598 Internship

OD 521 Organizational Diagnosis and Change

HPR electives

At least 6 elective credits must be in Health Promotion Management. HPR electives include the following courses:

HPR 500 Exercise Physiology

HPR 510 Health and Culture

HPR 534 Topics in Nutrition and Weight Management

HPR 536 Stress Management

HPR 560 Design of Adult Fitness Programs

HPR 565 Graded Exercise Testing

HPR 588 Selected Topics in Health

HPR 599 Research Project

Other electives

Electives may also be chosen from

· Business and Human Resources graduate courses (offered in the School of Business Administration) and

· Psychology graduate courses.

Nursing (M.S.N.)

The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program offers four majors:

Critical Care Nursing

Nursing and Health Administration

Nursing Education

Family Nurse Practitioner

All majors build on the baccalaureate degree in Nursing and integrate three core content areas: role development, research, and clinical nursing practice. All Nursing programs at Marymount University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC)–350 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014; (212) 989-9393–and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Critical Care Nursing major prepares nurses for positions in advanced critical care nursing. Emphasis is given to the integration of pathophysiology, diagnostic measures, treatment modalities, and intensive nursing care management. Laboratory simulations and/or clinical experiences present the latest advances in critical care nursing and technology.

The Nursing and Health Administration major is designed to prepare nurses for managerial positions in both hospitals and community health agencies. The curriculum is based upon research findings on competencies needed in nursing administration, and it emphasizes management and finance. Graduates are eligible to write ANA Certification Examinations in Nursing Administration.

The Nursing Education major is designed to prepare nurses for positions in higher education, staff development, and continuing education.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurse practitioners to provide primary care to the family. An in-depth study is made of health and common, acute, and chronic illnesses throughout the life cycle. Laboratory and clinical experiences are provided to develop competence in the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses. The program prepares graduates for a nationally recognized certification examination.

Admission Requirements

· Graduation from a B.S.N. program. Students without the B.S.N. will be evaluated on an individual basis for prerequisite requirements.

· RN licensure in Virginia. Practitioner students are required to have licensure also in Maryland and DC prior to placement in clinical courses.

· GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

· Liability/malpractice insurance.

· Practitioner students are required to have the equivalent of two year’s full-time experience.

· Interview with Nursing chair.

Graduate Clinical Course Requirements

· Students must provide written verification of up-to-date immunizations prior to the beginning of each semester.

· Written verification of accident and health insurance coverage must be submitted to the clinical instructor each semester.

· Written verification of CPR certification is required prior to registration for the first Nursing course. Current CPR certification must be provided to the clinical instructor each semester.

Degree Requirements

Students must plan a program of study with an M.S.N. faculty advisor.

· Critical Care Nursing major requirements (36 credits): 12 credits in Nursing core courses, 15 credits in critical care, and 9 credits in electives. Courses that fulfill degree requirements are:

NU 501 Foundations of Advanced Nursing
Practice (3)

NU 502 Advanced Care Health Practice (3)

NU 550 Advanced Pathophysiology I (3)

NU 551 Advanced Pathophysiology II (3)

NUC 503 Critical Care Nursing I (4)

NUC 505 Critical Care Nursing II (5)

NU 590 Health Care Data Analysis (3)

NU 591 Health Care Research I (3)

Electives (9)

· Nursing and Health Administration major requirements (36 credits): 12 credits in Nursing core courses, 15 credits in interdisciplinary courses, and 9 credits in Nursing Administration courses. It is recommended that students take graduate courses in the following sequence to fulfill degree requirements:

NU 501 Foundations of Advance Nursing
Practice (3)

NU 502 Advanced Health Care Practice (3)

NUA/HCM 510 Introduction to Health Care
Management (3)

NUA/HCM520 Introduction to Managed
Care (3)

NUA 503 Introduction to Nursing
Administration (3)

NU/HCM 590 Health Care Data Analysis (3)

NUA/HCM 550 Health Care Finance (3)

HU/HCM 591 Health Care Research (3)

NUA 590 Nursing Administration Practicum I
(3)

NUA/HCM 535 Health Care Policy (3)

NUA/LA 540 Health Care Law (3)

NUA 591 Nursing Administration
Practicum II (3)

· Nursing Education major requirements (40 credits): 31 credits in Nursing courses and 9 credits in electives.

NU 590 Health Care Data Analysis (3)

NU 501 Foundations of Advanced Nursing
Practice (3)

NUE 503 Nursing Education I (3)

NU 550 Advanced Pathophysiology I (3)

NU 502 Advanced Health Care Practice (3)

NUE 504 Nursing Education II (3)

NUE 505 Nursing Education III (3)

NU 551 Advanced Pathophysiology II (3)

NUE 590 Nursing Education Practicum (4)

Electives (9)

· Family Nurse Practitioner program requirements (40 credits): 12 credits in Nursing core courses, 25 credits in primary care family courses, and 3 credits in electives. Students enrolled in full-time study may finish the FNP program in 3 semesters if they begin the program in the fall term. Students who begin full-time in the spring term will require at least 4 semesters to complete the FNP program. Students enrolled in clinical courses are not guaranteed their choice of placement sites. It is recommended that students take graduate core courses prior to courses in the major:

NU 501 Foundations of Advanced Nursing
Practice (3)

NU 502 Advanced Health Care Practice (3)

NU 550 Advanced Pathophysiology I (3)

NU 551 Advanced Pathophysiology II (3)

NU 552 Pharmacology (3)

NU 590 Health Care Data Analysis (3)

NU 591 Health Care Research I (3)

NU 503 Advanced Assessment
and Health Screening (3)

NUF 503 Primary Care of the Family I (7)

NUF 504 Primary Care of the Family II (6)

Electives (3)

PHYSICAL THERAPY (M.S.P.T.)

The Master of Science in Physical Therapy major began in fall 1996. It is an entry-level degree program that prepares generalist practitioners for professional roles consistent with contemporary Physical Therapy practice throughout the United States. Specific program goals are to

· graduate scholarly practitioners who have sound clinical decision-making skills and are well prepared for general practice;

· nurture self-responsibility, active learning, intellectual curiosity, and self-efficacy in lifelong learning;

· prepare students for the various professional roles of the Physical Therapist practitioner (e.g., manager, educator, advocate, researcher, consultant); and

· produce well-informed ethical decision makers.

Admissions Procedures

Students enter the three-year, full-time-only graduate program in the fall semester. Admission is limited and highly competitive; a complete application must be submitted to the Admissions Office no later than the first Friday in January. A complete application includes

· the University application form for the Physical Therapy program;

· an autobiographical essay, as described in the application packet, that outlines the student’s interest in Physical Therapy and educational and career goals;

· official transcripts for all college and university coursework;

· verification of completion of 40 hours of clinical observation or work in a physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist;

· two letters of recommendation (using the form provided in the application packet) from faculty, academic advisors, or employers addressing the applicant’s ability, motivation, and interest in pursuing graduate studies in Physical Therapy; and

· scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

After the first Friday in January, the Physical Therapy program’s Admissions Committee reviews all applications to select a final group of applicants for interviews. Initial evaluation of applicants includes assessment of overall GPA, prerequisite science and math GPA, GRE scores, applicant’s written statement, community activities, and recommendations.

Special consideration is given to current Marymount students who have completed at least three full-time semesters at Marymount prior to applying, Marymount University graduates, and persons from minority groups that are under-represented in the profession.

Approximately 90 applicants, chosen because of their high qualifications and high potential to contribute to the profession and their community, and who represent a broad diversity of backgrounds, will be invited to campus for personal interviews and to complete a writing sample on Saturday, April 8, 2000. The class of 38 students will be chosen from these 90 applicants. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by May 1. All accepted students must confirm within two weeks of notification.

Admission Eligibility

1.Bachelor’s degree

Except for students enrolled in an approved undergraduate/graduate articulation (3+3 program), applicants to the Master of Science in Physical Therapy program must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to entry into the Physical Therapy program.

3+3 Program: Undergraduate students enrolled at Marymount pursuing an approved 3+3 plan of study may apply for entry into the Physical Therapy program during their junior year of study. These students must present a planned program that will ensure completion of bachelor’s degree requirements concurrent with the first year of professional coursework in Physical Therapy. Detailed 3+3 curriculum plans for Biology, Health Fitness Management, and Psychology majors are available from the major advisors.

2.Prerequisite Coursework

The following prerequisite courses, or their equivalent, must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to beginning the Physical Therapy program. No more than 12 credits from this group of courses may remain incomplete at the time of application to the program. For those students admitted to the program, final transcripts for these courses (if applicable) must be submitted to the PT office by mid-August.

PSC 151-152 Principles of Chemistry I & II (8) BIO 151-152 General Biology I & II (8)

BIO 161-162 Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (8)

PSC 171-172 General Physics I & II (8)

HPR 202 Exercise Physiology (3)

MA 131 Elementary Functions (3)

The following prerequisite courses, or their equivalent, must be completed with a grade of C or better by the end of the second semester in the Physical Therapy program. It is recommended that no more than two of these four courses should be left to be taken prior to beginning the Physical Therapy program.

MA 132 Statistical Analysis (3)

PS 101 General Psychology (3)

PS 203 Human Growth and Development (3)

PH 210 General Ethics (or medical ethics) (3)

Other Requirements

· A 2.85 or higher cumulative GPA for all college and university coursework.

· A 2.85 or higher cumulative GPA for all prerequisite science or math coursework.

· Completion of 40 hours of observation or volunteer service work in a physical therapy clinical setting, verified by a physical therapist from the clinical setting. These hours may be completed at more than one clinical facility. These hours must be completed before the application deadline.

International Students

In addition to meeting all admission requirements of the graduate program, all degree applicants for whom English is a second language are required to have a minimum score of 600 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited postsecondary institution where the language of instruction is English are exempt from this requirement.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of all required courses (90 credits), including clinical practicum:

PT 501 Clinical Neuroscience (5)

PT 502 Applied Pathophysiology (5)

PT 503 Health Care Delivery and Contemporary Society (3)

PT 504 Gross Anatomy (5)

PT 505 Foundations of Physical Therapy Assessment and Treatment (6)

PT 506 Roles and Responsibilities of the Physical Therapist in the Clinical Setting (2)

PT 507 Evaluation and Management of Patients in Acute Care (5)

PT 508 Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Management of Patients in Acute Care (5)

PT 509 The Physical Therapist as an Educator (3)

PT 510 Research Principles/Critical Inquiry I (3)

PT 511 Evaluation and Management of Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders (5)

PT 512 Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders (5)

PT 513 Integrative Seminar/Critical Inquiry II (3)

PT 514 The Physical Therapist as a Manager (3)

PT 515 Clinical Practicum I (3)

PT 516 Evaluation and Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders (5)

PT 517 Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Management of Patients with Neurological Disorders (5)

PT 518 Integrative Seminar/Critical Inquiry III (3)

PT 519 Clinical Practicum II (3)

PT 520 Clinical Practicum III (3)

PT 521 Critical Inquiry Project (4)

PT 522 Clinical Integrative Seminar IV (4)

The Thesis

All candidates are required to complete a written thesis as part of a small group research project that spans the three-year curriculum and culminates in a professional presentation of the scientific findings during the final semester of the program.

The Comprehensive Examination

Each student must pass a comprehensive written exam after completion of all coursework. All Physical Therapy program faculty members will contribute questions to the exam.

Program Accreditation

In October 1996, as the first class of students entered the Physical Therapy program, the program was awarded Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A final accreditation site visit occurred in January 1999, as the first class of students entered its final semester in the program. The on-site team forwarded its findings to CAPTE for consideration at CAPTE’s spring meeting. CAPTE’s decision regarding granting accreditation to Marymount’s Physical Therapy program should be available after May 8, 1999.

Early Application for Marymount Undergraduates (3+3 Program)

Marymount University offers a 3+3 Program which provides undergraduate students an opportunity to qualify for early acceptance into the Physical Therapy graduate program. All 3+3 student applications are taken into consideration with the entire pool of applications for the upcoming year, and all applicants are reminded that acceptance into the Physical Therapy graduate program is highly competitive.

Plans of study have been developed at Marymount for three undergraduate majors which allow the 3+3 option: Biology, Health Fitness Management, and Psychology. Each 3+3 plan of study is rigorous, and substantial academic discipline is needed to complete all coursework in a timely fashion and with a GPA that allows you to be competitive in the PT application process.

Those students meeting the established criteria may apply in the sixth semester of their 3+3 undergraduate plan of study. In order to qualify, you must

· complete at least three full-time semesters at Marymount (equivalent of 48 credit hours) by the January PT application deadline;

· be a current full-time Marymount student;

· complete all prerequisite requirements by the end of the third year of study;

· complete all requirements for an undergraduate degree at Marymount University by the end of the fourth year of study (which will overlap the first year of the graduate program); and

· submit a completed Physical Therapy
application.