arts and sciences
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education & human services
health professions
liberal arts core
pre-professional studies
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Dean: Dr. Theresa Cappello

Health Fitness Management (B.A., B.S.)
Nursing (A.A.S., B.S.N.)
Pre-Physic
al Therapy Program

For more information, please see the School of Health Professions Web site.

The School of Health Professions offers undergraduate programs in Health Fitness Management (B.A. and B.S.) and Nursing (A.A.S. and B.S.N.).
The School 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 seeks to promote:

  • a scholarly climate that fosters critical thinking, creativity, ethical decision making, and self-directed lifelong learning in an environment where knowledge and research are valued;
  • a prominent presence in the community by providing health care, health education and promotion, and continuing education offerings;
  • graduates who are competent health professionals prepared to contribute and respond to society’s changing health needs; and
  • respect for life, human development, and individual differences.

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HEALTH FITNESS MANAGEMENT (B.A., B.S.)
The growing national interest in prevention of disease through achievement of optimal health and physical fitness is appropriately reflected in the undergraduate Health Fitness Management programs in the Department of Health and
Human Performance.

The undergraduate programs offer students resources for developing professional skills in exercise testing, physical activity, leadership, and health promotion. Graduates are prepared for beginning administrative, supervisory, and leadership positions in commercial and community health and athletic clubs, in corporate fitness and wellness programs, and for graduate study in Health, Exercise Science, or Physical Therapy. Students may choose from 2 emphasis areas:
n Health Fitness emphasis is based upon recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. Students in this program earn a B.A. in Health Fitness Management.
n Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis is intended for those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Physical Therapy and includes coursework in the biological and physical sciences. Students in the Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis earn a B.S. in Health Fitness Management.
Key elements of each curriculum are fitness assessment, development of exercise programs, prevention and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries, fitness and sports administration, nutrition, and techniques of promoting lifestyle changes. The programs offer courses leading to certification in lifesaving, water safety instruction, first aid, and swimming pool management.
Students completing the baccalaureate degree in Marymount’s Health Fitness Management program are qualified to apply for fitness instructor certification by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Internships
During the senior year, students are placed in a supervised practical experience in a fitness or health setting. Among internship sites available in the Washington metropolitan area are several highly acclaimed health clubs, national associations, hotel health clubs, sports rehabilitation facilities, and the employee fitness programs of several large corporations. Students with considerable work experience in the health/fitness field may request an internship waiver from the department chair.
The occupational outlook for the health and fitness field is considered excellent. Employers and their insurance carriers have recognized the importance of physical well-being in reducing absence from work and in reducing health insurance costs.

The Major
Each student plans the program of study with a faculty advisor in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Liberal Arts Core requirements: EN 101-102 English Composition I & II, COM 300 Report Writing, 3 credits of Mathematics numbered above 100 (Pre-Physical Therapy students must take MA 132 Statistics), BIO 161-162 Anatomy and Physiology I & II, SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences, PSY 210 Human Growth and Development, ECO or POL course, and 18 credits of Humanities. See Liberal Arts Core for more details.

Health Fitness emphasis requirements: HPR 108 Weight Training or HPR 111 Advanced Weight Training, HPR 201 Introduction to Health and Exercise Science, HPR 202 Exercise Physiology, HPR 220 Health and Safety or HPR 225 Health Psychology, HPR 260 Introduction to Sports Medicine, HPR 301 Health/Fitness Program Management, HPR 302 Fitness and Health Assessment, HPR 304 Developing Physical Training Programs, HPR 320 Athletic Injury Recognition and Prevention, HPR 340 Nutrition for Physical Fitness, HPR 400 Internship, HPR 406 Stress Management, HPR 410 Anatomical Kinesiology and Cardiovascular Physiology, HPR 415 Applications in Human Performance, HPR 421 Project or elective, MGT 123 The Business Experience, MKT 301 Principles of Marketing, HCA 301 Introduction to Health Services Administration. The following courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better: HPR 202, 260, 302, 304, 410, and 415.

Pre-Physical Therapy emphasis requirements: HPR 201 Introduction to Health and Exercise Science, HPR 202 Exercise Physiology, HPR 220 Health and Safety or HPR 225 Health Psychology, HPR 260 Introduction to Sports Medicine, HPR 301 Health/Fitness Program Management, HPR 302 Fitness and Health Assessment, HPR 304 Developing Physical Training Programs, HPR 320 Athletic Injury Recognition and Prevention, HPR 340 Nutrition for Physical Fitness, HPR 406 Stress Management, PSC 151-152 Principles of Chemistry I & II, PSC 171-172 General Physics I & II, BIO 151-152 General Biology I & II, and MA 132 Statistical Analysis. The following courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better: HPR 202, 260, 302, and 304.

If accepted into the Physical Therapy program, the student is not required to take HPR 400 Internship, HPR 410 Anatomical Kinesiology and Cardiovascular Physiology, HPR 415 Anatomical Kinesiology and Cardiovascular Physiology, or COM 300 Report Writing. The student will take the following courses during the senior year: PT 500 Critical Assessment of Information, PT 501 Clinical Neuroscience, PT 502 Applied Pathophysiology, PT 503 Health Care Delivery and Contemporary Society, PT 504 Gross Anatomy, PT 505 Foundations of Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment.
Note: If a student in this emphasis is not admitted to the Physical Therapy program during the spring of the junior year, the student may then complete the requirements of the Health Fitness emphasis and an internship during the senior year.

When other requirements are successfully completed, the student is placed in a 260-hour, 6-credit internship (HPR 400) in the senior year. Prerequisites for the internship are a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better, a grade of C- or better in all courses required in the major, and a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount.

The Minor
Many students choose to major in another discipline, such as Business or Psychology, and minor in Health Fitness Management. Students whose cumulative grade point average at the end of freshman year is 1.80 or better may declare a minor in Health Fitness Management, Health Fitness emphasis.
Minor requirements: HPR 202 Exercise Physiology, HPR 302 Fitness and Health Assessment, HPR 340 Nutrition for Physical Fitness, HPR 304 Developing Physical Training Programs, and an additional 6 credits of Health Fitness electives approved by the dean of the School. Grades of 2.0 or better are required in all courses applied to minors.
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NURSING (A.A.S., B.S.N.)
The Marymount A.A.S. and B.S.N. Nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC is located at 61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006 (212) 363-5555, ext. 153.
The Marymount Department of Nursing offers several approaches to the baccalaureate Nursing degree:

  • a four-year bachelor of science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program. After successfully completing four years of coursework, the B.S.N. student takes state board examinations (NCLEX-RN) to work as a registered nurse.
  • an associate degree in Nursing (A.A.S.) program, in which students take state board examinations following successful completion of sophomore requirements. These students have the option of interrupting study to work as registered nurses after receiving the A.A.S. or continuing to the B.S.N. completion program after passing the state boards (NCLEX-RN).
  • accelerated A.A.S./B.S.N. programs for students with a previous bachelor's degree in another field.

Legal Limitations of Licensure
The practice of nursing is regulated by state laws. Questions concerning licensure in a specific state should be directed to that state’s Board of Nursing. Applicants for nursing licensure in Virginia are required to notify the State Board of Nursing if they have:

  • been convicted of (or pled Nolo Contendere to) a violation of any federal or state law;
  • been hospitalized or received treatment for chemical dependence during the two years preceding application to complete the licensing examination; or
  • a mental or physical condition that could interfere with their ability to practice.

A.A.S. Requirements
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is a four- to five-semester program that offers an entry-level degree in Nursing to those who do not have a previous college degree. Prior to enrolling in NU 111, A.A.S. students must achieve a satisfactory score on the ATI Preadmission Examination.

Liberal Arts Core requirements: EN 101-102 Composition I & II, 3 credits of Mathematics numbered above 100, BIO 161-162 Anatomy and Physiology I & II, SOC 100 Introduction to the Social Sciences or SOC 131 Principles of Sociology, PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits each from EN and PH or RST/TH. A grade of C or better is required in BIO 161 and BIO 162. See Liberal Arts Core for more details.

Major requirements: BIO 260 Microbiology, NU 110 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NU 111 Medical/Surgical Nursing I, NU 113 Health Assessment and Nursing Clinical Skills I, NU 112 Medical/Surgical Nursing II, NU 114 Health Assessment and Nursing Clinical Skills II, NU 221 Maternal Newborn Nursing, NU 220 Nursing Care of Children, NU 222 Medical/Surgical Nursing III, and NU 223 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. A grade of C or better is required in BIO 260. A grade of C+ or better is required in all Nursing courses.

B.S.N. Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students to practice as professional nurses.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: EN 101-102 Composition I & II, 15 credits of Humanities (PH ethics course is required), MA 132 Statistics, BIO 161-162 Anatomy and Physiology I & II, SOC 131 Principles of Sociology, PSY 210 Human Growth and Development, and one course from ECO or POL. A grade of C or better is required in BIO 161 & 162. See Liberal Arts Core for more details.

Major requirements: PSC 125 Life Chemistry, BIO 260 Microbiology, HPR 340 Nutrition, Science elective, NU 230 Theoretical Foundations of Professional Nursing, NU 231 Principles and Applications of Nursing Technologies, NU 234 Health Across the Life Span, NU 302 Health Assessment, NU 331 Clinical Nursing I: Adult Health, NU 332 Clinical Nursing II: Adult Health, NU 333 Clinical Nursing III: Childbearing Family, NU 360 Advanced Therapeutics, NU 362 Pathophysiology, NU 400 Community Health Nursing, NU 403 Research and Critical Inquiry, NU 410 Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice, NU 411 Social and Political Issues in Nursing, NU 430 Clinical Nursing IV: Psychiatric-Mental Health, NU 432 Clinical Nursing V: Child Health, NU 490 Nursing Internship. A grade of C or better is required in PSC 125, BIO 260, and all Nursing courses.

B.S.N. Completion Program
Students who have completed the A.A.S. may go on to the B.S.N. Completion Program. R.N. licensure is required for all clinical courses. Students who have less than 1,200 hours of work experience as an R.N. are required to take NU 490 Nursing Internship as an elective.

Liberal Arts Core requirements: EN 101-102 Composition I & II; 15 credits of Humanities (PH ethics course is required); MA 132 Statistics; BIO 161-162 Anatomy and Physiology I & II; SOC 131 Principles of Sociology, PSY 210 Human Growth and Development or PSY 101 General Psychology; and one course from ECO or POL. A grade of C or better is required in BIO 161 and 162.

Major requirements: PSC 125 Life Chemistry; BIO 260 Microbiology; Science elective (other than Introduction to Biology); NU 302 Health Assessment; NU 310 The Nurse, the Client, and the Health Care System; NU 360 Advanced Therapeutics; NU 362 Pathophysiology; NU 400 Community Health Nursing; NU 403 Research and Critical Inquiry; NU 410 Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice; NU 411 Social and Political Issues in Nursing; NU 490 Nursing Internship or Nursing elective. A grade of C or better is required in PSC 125 and BIO 260. A grade of C+ or better is required for all clinical Nursing courses.

Accelerated A.A.S./B.S.N. for Second-Degree Students
Students who have earned a non-Nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or its territories may request in writing from the associate dean of the School of Health Professions an exemption from the ATI Preadmission Examination.

Program prerequisites: Sociology, General Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II (8 credits).
Major requirements for Accelerated A.A.S.:
BIO 260 Microbiology, NU 110 Introduction to Professional Nursing, NU 111 Medical/Surgical Nursing I, NU 113 Health Assessment and Nursing Clinical Skills I, NU 112 Medical/Surgical Nursing II, NU 114 Health Assessment and Nursing Clinical Skills II, NU 221 Maternal Newborn Nursing, NU 220 Nursing Care of Children, NU 222 Medical/Surgical Nursing III, NU 223 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. A grade of C or better is required in BIO 260. A grade of C+ or better is required in all Nursing courses.

Major requirements for Accelerated B.S.N.:
PSC 125 Life Chemistry; Science elective (other than Introduction to Biology); NU 302 Health Assessment; NU 310 The Nurse, the Client, and the Health Care System; NU 360 Advanced Therapeutics; NU 362 Pathophysiology; NU 400 Community Health Nursing; NU 403 Research and Critical Inquiry; NU 410 Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice; NU 411 Social and Political Issues in Nursing; NU 490 Nursing Internship or Nursing elective. A grade of C or better is required in PSC 125. A grade of C+ or better is required for all clinical Nursing courses.

R.N. to B.S.N. Program
This program is designed for the entering student who is already a registered nurse with diploma or associate degree credentials.
Applicants who have received the associate degree from a program accredited by the NLN, may begin taking upper-division Nursing classes. Those who graduated from a diploma program or a program that is not NLN accredited but have R.N. licensure in the U.S. are eligible to receive 30 transfer credits in Nursing that will be placed in an escrow account. These credits will be granted upon successful completion of all 300-level Nursing courses.
Applicants may also establish general education credits by passing validation examinations in any or all of the following subject areas: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. All general education validation examinations are registered for and administered in the Learning Resource Center. Study guides can be purchased in the Learning Resource Center.

L.P.N. to R.N. Program
Licensed practical nurses (L.P.N.s) who are admitted to the University and pass the ATI Preadmission Examination may challenge NU 111 Medical/Surgical Nursing I and NU 113 Health Assessment and Nursing Clinical
Skills I. Contact the Admissions Office for fees. L.P.N.s may receive up to 12 credits by successfully completing validation examinations in anatomy and physiology (8 credits) and microbiology (4 credits). Registration for all general education validation examinations is in the Learning Resource Center which administers the exam. Study guides can be purchased in the Learning Resource Center.

R.N. to M.S.N. Program
Students in this program will enter as an undergraduate transfer student. Refer to the graduate admissions Nursing page for more details.

Undergraduate Clinical Requirements

  • A copy of each student’s medical examination record is required upon admission.
  • Students must provide written verification of testing for tuberculosis and the following immunizations: Hepatitus B, MMR, Chicken Pox, Tetanus/Diphtheria, and Influenza prior to registering for classes.
  • Written verification of accident and health insurance coverage must be submitted to the clinical agency coordinator.
  • 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 register for classes until all requirements are met.

Transportation
Students provide their own transportation to and from clinical experiences. The University’s free shuttle service runs between the Main Campus, the Ballston Campus, and the Ballston-MU Metro station.

Academic Progression Requirements
Nursing students must achieve satisfactory performance each semester and satisfactory progress toward graduation. Failure to meet requirements outlined below will result in review by the Committee on Admissions and Academic Standards and may result in academic dismissal.

  • Satisfactory performance each semester is defined as achieving a grade point average of 2.0 and a grade of C+ or better in all 100- and 200-level Nursing subjects. Nursing students must receive a grade of C or better (not including C-) in anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. Failure in any Nursing course that requires clinical experience necessitates repetition of both the lecture and clinical portion of the course. All A.A.S. Nursing courses must be taken in sequence.
  • Students should maintain continuous enrollment in Nursing courses. If enrollment is interrupted, skill competency testing may be required prior to enrollment in the subsequent Nursing course.
  • Baccalaureate Nursing students must receive a grade point average of 2.0 or better and a grade of C or better in life chemistry and baccalaureate Nursing courses.
  • Satisfactory progress toward graduation is defined as successful regular matriculation unless sufficient requirements have been fulfilled by acceptance of transfer credit. No Nursing course may be repeated more than once. Failure of 9 credits in the A.A.S. or B.S.N. level results in automatic dismissal from the respective Nursing program.
  • Passing scores on Nursing comprehensive examinations are required for graduation from the A.A.S. and B.S.N. programs.

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PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
Marymount University offers a program which provides undergraduate students an opportunity to qualify for early acceptance into the Physical Therapy (PT) graduate program. All Pre-Physical Therapy student applications should be received by December 15, 2003 for early consideration.
Marymount University offers three Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate majors:

  • Human Biology;
  • Health Fitness Management; and
  • Pre-Physical Therapy under the Department of Psychology.

Each Pre-Physical Therapy plan of study is rigorous, and substantial academic discipline is needed to complete the coursework consistent with stated program prerequisites. Detailed Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum plans for Biology, Health Fitness Management, and Psychology are available from the respective departments.

Those students meeting the established criteria may apply for entry into the Physical Therapy graduate program in the sixth semester of their Pre-Physical Therapy undergraduate plan of study. In order to qualify, students must:

  • complete at least two full-time semesters at Marymount by the December 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.

Physical Therapy Scholars Program
This competitive admissions program, open to first-time college students, guarantees admission into the Physical Therapy (PT) graduate program to a select group of well-qualified incoming freshmen. These students, chosen by the PT Admissions Committee, must meet stringent continuation requirements.

To be accepted into the program, students must have:

  • a score of 1100 or above on SATs;
  • a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or above;
  • a high school math and science GPA of 3.0 or above;
  • a position in the top 25 percent of their high school class;
  • at least 40 hours of volunteer/work experience in PT with a positive recommendation from the clinical supervisor;
  • an autobiographical essay that demonstrates commitment and preparedness to pursue a career in physical therapy;
  • 3 years of high school science (chemistry, biology, and physics preferred);
  • 3 years of high school math;
  • 4 years of high school English.

To continue in the program, students must:

  • maintain an overall GPA of 3.0;
  • maintain a science GPA of 3.3 (A science GPA is defined as the grades received in the science courses required as prerequisites to PT coursework);
  • demonstrate active involvement in the greater Marymount community; and
  • attend a problem-based learning workshop held by the Physical Therapy faculty.

Decisions regarding general undergraduate admission to the University and admission to the PT Scholars Program are done separately. Qualified applicants interested in the PT Scholars Program should contact the Office of Admissions for specific application instructions. The application deadline for the PT Scholars Program is February 1. Applications received after February 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.
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