Georgetown University

What you'll study

The programme combines core advanced practice nursing subjects with specialised coursework in nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Core content typically covers advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacology for advanced practice, leadership and organisation of healthcare, healthcare policy and ethics, and informatics.

Students select a pathway or concentration that emphasises either administration, research or clinical practice. Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Nursing Administration: strategic leadership, financial management for health services, human resources and workforce planning, quality improvement and safety, and change management.
• Nursing Research: research methods and design, biostatistics, qualitative methods, grant writing, critical appraisal of evidence and dissemination of findings.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical decision making, complex care management, specialty-focused practicum placements, and interprofessional care coordination.
• Capstone or Scholarly Project: a practice-based capstone or a research thesis/project that integrates coursework with clinical or organisational practice.
• Clinical Practicum: supervised practicum hours in hospital or community settings, matched to the chosen concentration to develop applied competencies.

Teaching methods blend seminars, simulation-based clinical skills training, small-group case work, supervised clinical placements and independent research or project work. Assessment methods commonly include examinations, written assignments, practicum evaluations and the capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equivalent pre‑licensure nursing degree and to be a registered nurse with a current, active licence in their jurisdiction. Typical academic requirements include a strong undergraduate record; many successful applicants have a minimum GPA in the upper second‑class range, although admissions decisions consider the whole profile.

Other usual requirements include:

• Current RN licensure
• Clinical work experience as a registered nurse (the amount expected varies by pathway but relevant professional experience strengthens an application)
• Transcripts from all post‑secondary studies
• Personal statement outlining professional goals and reason for choosing the specific concentration
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• References, typically including at least one professional reference from a clinical manager or supervisor
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency via recognised tests

Some specialisations or accelerated routes may require interviews, prerequisite coursework (for example in statistics) or demonstration of clinical competencies prior to starting clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles across acute, community and policy settings. Common career paths include:

• Nursing administration and leadership roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, or operational lead in hospitals and health systems
• Clinical specialist roles providing high‑level patient care, clinical coordination and mentorship
• Careers in nursing research, working as research coordinators, investigators within clinical trials or contributors to evidence synthesis and healthcare evaluation
• Quality improvement and patient safety roles focused on process redesign and outcome measurement
• Positions in public health, health policy, advocacy, and healthcare consultancy where clinical expertise informs system level change
• Academic and educational roles, including clinical education and training responsibilities (often combined with further doctoral study for those pursuing tenure‑track careers)

Placements and the capstone project frequently provide direct employer contacts and pathways into leadership posts or research teams.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown's nursing programmes are delivered within a university known for its emphasis on ethics, service and public engagement. The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers interdisciplinary connections across public policy, global health and bioethics, enabling students to situate clinical practice within broader health systems and policy contexts.

Students benefit from partnerships with hospitals, community clinics and federal health institutions in the Washington, D.C. area for diverse practicum experiences, as well as access to simulation labs and faculty actively engaged in clinical scholarship. Small cohort sizes and a focus on mentorship mean personalised supervision for clinical placements and research projects, supporting the development of leadership and scholarly skills needed for advanced nursing roles.