Georgetown University

What you'll study

The undergraduate nursing curriculum combines foundational science, nursing theory and hands-on clinical practice to prepare graduates for registered nursing roles and specialised trajectories in administration, research and clinical care. Core coursework typically covers anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, adult and paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community and public health nursing, and ethics in healthcare.

Alongside core modules, students engage in clinical practicum placements in a range of settings — acute care, community clinics, long-term care and specialty units — supervised by faculty and experienced clinical preceptors. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice and research methods, with modules in nursing research, statistics for health sciences and quality improvement projects that prepare students for roles in nursing research and administration.

Depending on pathway and elective choices, study options include:

• Clinical nursing focus: advanced clinical assessment, acute care management, complex care coordination and simulation-based learning to build clinical competence.
• Nursing administration: leadership and management in healthcare, organisational behaviour, healthcare finance and policy, strategy for service delivery and workforce management.
• Nursing research: research design, data analysis, grant writing, translational research and participation in faculty-led research projects that contribute to evidence-based practice.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate nursing programme is competitive. Typical applicants present a strong secondary school academic record with emphasis on science and mathematics. Common expectations include successful completion of prerequisite subjects such as biology and chemistry; coursework or demonstrated competence in anatomy, physiology or statistics is advantageous.

Other elements that strengthen an application include relevant healthcare or volunteer experience, well-crafted personal statements, academic references and evidence of interpersonal and communication skills. For applicants entering through advanced or bridge routes (for example, applicants who are already licensed RNs or those with prior degrees), documentation of professional licensure, transcripts and work experience are considered as part of the selection process.

All admitted students must meet institutional health and safety requirements for clinical placement, which typically include immunisations, background checks and basic life support certification.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to register and work as professional nurses across a wide range of clinical settings, including hospitals, community health centres, outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Staff registered nurse roles in medical-surgical, critical care, maternal-child and mental health settings.
• Nursing administration and management positions such as charge nurse, nurse manager or roles in quality and safety.
• Clinical specialist and research roles, including positions supporting clinical trials, translational research teams and evidence-based practice initiatives.
• Nurse education and workforce development, preparing nurses for teaching roles or academic progression to graduate-level education (MSN, DNP, PhD).
• Policy, public health and global health positions that draw on clinical expertise to influence health systems and community programmes.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown's nursing programme is grounded in the university's Jesuit tradition, emphasising ethical practice, social justice and care for the whole person. Students benefit from clinical placements across a broad network of hospitals and community partners in the Washington, D.C. region, exposing them to diverse patient populations and health system settings.

The School of Nursing & Health Studies supports interprofessional education, allowing nursing students to learn alongside peers in public health, medicine and allied health disciplines. Faculty include clinicians and researchers engaged in practice and scholarship, and students have opportunities to participate in research projects, quality improvement initiatives and global health electives. These resources, combined with strong clinical mentorship and a focus on leadership and evidence-based care, prepare graduates for immediate nursing practice and for further professional development.