History of the School Of Nursing

The School of Nursing traces its beginning to the summer of 1932 when The Catholic University of America began to offer a group of professional courses in nursing education.  Because of the demand, the work was continued during the following academic year, and in April 1933, the Board of Trustees authorized a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Education.  The first degree was conferred in 1934.

The Division of Nursing Education, which offered this program, was approved for active membership in the Association of Collegiate Schools of Nursing in June 1935.  The Division of Public Health Nursing, offering a curriculum leading to the baccalaureate degree in public health nursing, was initiated in September 1935. 

"In November 1935, the Board of Trustees accepted the recommendation of Bishop James Hugh Ryan that the Divisions of Nursing Education and Public Health Nursing be organized as one of the professional schools of the University." (The Catholic University of America Announcements 1936-1937)

The school was subsequently expanded to include basic professional nursing in addition to the program for registered nurses.  In 1939, the Providence Hospital School of Nursing, Washington, DC, became the Providence Division of the School of Nursing Education and during the next decade gradually moved toward complete identification with the university.  In 1949 the university assumed full responsibility for the undergraduate program.

In 1951, the degree of Master of Science in Nursing was introduced.  The current program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in a clinical specialty, with students prepared as nursing practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and educators.  A program leading to the degree Nursing Science was initiated in 1968.  It was one of the first of its kind in the country and graduates hold major leadership position in education, health care administration and research.  In the spring of 2006, the D.N.Sc. program was converted to a PhD. granting program.  The focus of the doctoral program remains on clinical investigation and development of expert clinicians that can assume leadership positions in many different areas.   In Spring 2007, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree was approved by the University faculty senate.  The focus is heavily on clinical practice, one that is “innovative and evidenced-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings”

 

The school is recognized for its program offerings, the quality of faculty and commitment to diversity and improving the care of vulnerable populations.  Graduates remain the school’s greatest strength because of the leadership, knowledge, clinical expertise and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

 

All academic programs are fully accredited and approved by appropriate external review boards.