Drew University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines foundational science and liberal arts courses with core nursing theory, evidence-based practice and extensive clinical experience. You will study human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and health assessment before progressing to thematic nursing courses focused on adult health, maternal–child nursing, paediatrics, mental health, community and public health nursing.

Upper-level study includes coursework in leadership and management, quality and safety in health care, nursing research and statistics, and advanced clinical practice. Students choose or are guided into concentrations emphasizing nursing administration (organisational leadership, staffing and policy), nursing research (research methods, evidence synthesis and application) or clinical nursing (advanced assessment, complex care and specialty practicum).

Clinical learning is delivered through supervised placements in hospitals, community settings and long-term care facilities, together with simulation laboratory experiences that reproduce acute and chronic care scenarios. The programme emphasises interprofessional collaboration, cultural competence, ethics and preparation for the national licensure examination for Registered Nurses.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet Drew University’s general admission standards. Typical prerequisites for the nursing major include college-preparatory coursework in biology and chemistry; completion of human anatomy and physiology or equivalent is strongly recommended. Academic performance in science and overall GPA are considered; competitive candidates will demonstrate strength in quantitative and science subjects.

Selection also takes account of a personal statement or essay, letters of recommendation and relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience in health care. Enrolled students must satisfy professional eligibility requirements for clinical placement, which commonly include background checks, immunisations, and occasionally drug screening and CPR certification.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit the national licence exam to become Registered Nurses and begin practice in a variety of settings, including acute-care hospitals, outpatient clinics, community and public health agencies, long-term and home care, and specialist practices. Those who specialise in clinical nursing move into roles delivering direct patient care in medical–surgical, critical care, emergency, maternal–child and paediatric settings.

Graduates who follow the administration pathway qualify for supervisory and unit-management roles and can move into organisational leadership, case management or health services coordination. Students emphasising nursing research gain skills valued in clinical research units, quality improvement teams, academic settings and roles supporting evidence-based practice. Many graduates also pursue further study at the master’s or doctoral level to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators or researchers.

Why study at Drew University

Drew combines a liberal arts foundation with a focused nursing curriculum, giving students strong critical-thinking and communication skills in addition to clinical competence. The university’s small cohort sizes support personalised attention from faculty who have clinical experience and research interests in contemporary nursing practice.

Students benefit from hands-on learning through simulation and supervised clinical placements in the New Jersey / metropolitan area, exposure to diverse patient populations and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The programme’s emphasis on leadership, ethics and research prepares graduates to adapt to changing health systems and to take on roles in clinical practice, administration or academic nursing.