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Dean: Dr. Theresa Cappello

The School of Health Professions aims to support the mission of Marymount University to foster the individual development of each student and enable them 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 physical therapy practice throughout the United States.

HEALTH PROMOTION MANAGEMENT (M.S.)

Department of Health and Human Performance

The Master of Science in Health Promotion Management (HPM) prepares new and current health promotion practitioners to 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 skill in:

• designing and evaluating health promotion programs;
• behavior change;
• program management; and
• 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);
• 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); and
• 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 are required, of which 21-24 credits are core courses and 12-15 credits are electives.

HPM core requirements

A grade of B- is needed to pass core courses.

HPR 501 Foundations of Health Education and Health Promotion

HPR 502 Introduction to Public Health and Preventive Medicine

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

NU 591 Health Care Research

OD 521 Organizational Diagnosis and Change

HPM electives

At least 6 elective credits must be in Health Promotion Management. HPM 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.)

Department of Nursing

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

Critical Care Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing and Health Administration

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.

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 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.

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.

Admission Requirements

• Graduation from a B.S.N. program. A Bridge Program provides a multiple-entry option to the M.S.N. degree. R.N.s with a degree in another discipline may enter the master’s program upon successful completion of NU 400, 410, and 411. R.N.s with an associate degree or diploma in Nursing must meet general education requirements in the B.S.N. program prior to starting the bridge courses;
• R.N. licensure in Virginia. Practitioner and Critical Care 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 the Graduate Nursing chair; and
• A current résumé.

Graduate Clinical Course Requirements

• Students must provide written verification of testing for tuberculosis and the following immunizations: Hepatitis B, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Chicken Pox, Tetanus/Diphtheria, and Influenza prior to the beginning of each semester.
• Written verification of accident and health insurance coverage must be submitted to the clinical agency coordinator each semester.
• Written verification of CPR certification (adult, child, and infant) is required prior to registration for the first clinical Nursing course. Current CPR certification must be provided to the clinical agency coordinator each semester.
• Students will not be permitted to begin clinical practicums until all requirements are satisfied.

Degree Requirements and
Academic Progression

Students must plan a program of study with an M.S.N. faculty advisor/chair. Successful completion of a graduate Nursing course requires a grade of B or better.

• Critical Care Nursing major requirements (36 credits): 12 credits in Nursing core courses, 6 credits in support courses, 9 credits in critical care, and 9 credits in electives. Courses that fulfill degree requirements are:

NU 501 Theoretical and Ethical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (3)

NU 512 Nursing and Health Care Systems and Organizations (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 552 Advanced Pharmacology (3)

NU 590 Health Care Data Analysis (3)

NU 591 Health Care Research I (3)

Electives (6)

• Family Nurse Practitioner major requirements (40 credits): 12 credits in Nursing core courses, 12 credits in support courses, 13 credits in primary care family courses, and 3 credits in electives. 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 Theoretical and Ethical Foundations of Advanced Nursing
Practice (3)

NU 512 Nursing and Health Care Systems
and Organizations (3)

NU 550 Advanced Pathophysiology I (3)

NU 551 Advanced Pathophysiology II (3)

NU 552 Advanced 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)

Elective (3)

• 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. Courses that fulfill degree requirements are:

NU 501 Theoretical and Ethical
Foundations of Advanced Nursing
Practice (3)

NU 512 Nursing and Health Care Systems
and Organizations(3)

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

NUA/HCM 520 Introduction to Managed
Care (3)

NUA 503 Introduction to Nursing
Administration (3)

NUA/HCM 590 Health Care Data
Analysis (3)

NUA/HCM 550 Health Care Finance (3)

NUA/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)

Graduation requirements

All graduate Nursing students must take and pass a comprehensive examination in the semester of graduation.

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

Physical Therapy

The Master of Science in Physical Therapy 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., clinician, 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. Class size is limited. Students seeking early consideration should submit a complete Physical Therapy application to the Graduate Admissions Office by December 16, 2002. All other applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis until the class is filled. Application materials are available on the University Web site or from the Graduate Admissions Office. 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).

The Physical Therapy program’s Admissions Committee reviews all applications. 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 two full-time semesters at Marymount prior to applying, Marymount University graduates, and persons from minority groups that are underrepresented in the profession.

Applicants are selected based upon their qualifications and potential to contribute to the profession and their community, and who represent a broad diversity of backgrounds. Applicants are invited to campus to participate in Interview Day. Two Interview Days are scheduled each spring semester (January and March). Interview Day consists of a personal interview, group activity, and the completion of a writing sample. Please call the Office of Graduate Admissions to determine the dates of Interview Day for the upcoming year. Applicants who are unable to participate in Interview Day will be scheduled for an individual interview at the convenience of both the applicant and the program. Admissions decisions are announced to applicants within 15 days following their scheduled interview. All accepted students must confirm acceptance within three weeks of notification.

Admission Eligibility

1.Bachelor’s degree

Except for students enrolled in an approved undergraduate/graduate articulation (Pre-Physical Therapy 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.

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)

College-level Math (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)

PSY 101 General Psychology (3)

PSY 210 Human Growth and Development (3)

3.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.

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; and
• 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.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of all required courses (86 credits), including clinical practicum:

PT 500 Critical Assessment of Information (2)

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 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 510 Research Principles/Critical Inquiry (3)

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

PT 512 Evaluation and Management of Patients with Spinal Musculoskeletal Disorders (5)

PT 513 Thesis Seminar I (1)

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 Thesis Seminar II (2)

PT 519 Clinical Practicum II (3)

PT 520 Clinical Practicum III (3)

PT 521 Critical Inquiry Project (3)

PT 522 Clinical Integration Seminar (3)

PT 525 Physical Agents and Electrotherapeutics (3)

PT 526 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice (2)

PT 527 Special Populations in Physical Therapy (1)

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 examination after completion of all coursework. All Physical Therapy program faculty members contribute questions to the exam.

Academic Progression Requirements

In addition to meeting University academic standards for graduate students, Physical Therapy students MUST successfully complete all required PT courses with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- or below indicates an unsatisfactory performance. When a course grade is unsatisfactory, the student MUST repeat the course (or a comparable course approved by the department chair) and receive a grade of B or better. Upon receiving an unsatisfactory final grade in any PT course, the student should immediately contact the PT department chair to examine remediation/continuation options. Students can be dismissed from the PT program if they demonstrate unsatisfactory performance in three or more required PT courses.

Program Accreditation