Drew University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced nursing science, leadership and research methods with practicum-based clinical experience. Core modules typically cover advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. Research and scholarship are emphasised through courses in research design, biostatistics, and methods for nursing research, culminating in a capstone project or thesis that applies research to clinical or administrative problems.

• Advanced Clinical Practice: focused study of complex patient care across the lifespan, clinical decision-making and speciality practicum placements under faculty supervision.
• Nursing Administration: courses in organisational leadership, healthcare finance, quality improvement, human resources and strategic management for healthcare settings.
• Nursing Research: modules on quantitative and qualitative research methods, critical appraisal of the literature and translating evidence into practice.
• Clinical Nursing: intensive supervised clinical hours in acute, community or specialty settings, with reflective practice and preceptor feedback.
• Interprofessional & Ethical Issues: study of healthcare policy, ethics, patient safety and collaborative practice across disciplines.

Programme structure often mixes classroom seminars, lab-based simulation, and clinical placements. Students choose pathways or concentrations in administration, research or clinical specialities and complete a final scholarly project or practicum demonstrating competence in their chosen focus.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States and to possess an accredited baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) or an equivalent qualification. Typical entry documentation includes:

• Official transcripts from undergraduate and any graduate study showing satisfactory academic standing.
• Current, unencumbered RN licence.
• Professional résumé or curriculum vitae outlining clinical experience; many successful applicants have at least one to two years of practice experience, especially for administration or research tracks.
• A personal statement describing professional goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study.
• Two professional or academic references; some applicants may be invited for an interview.

Applicants with a non-nursing undergraduate degree or with substantial clinical experience may be considered for bridge or conditional admission routes where preparatory coursework is required prior to full matriculation.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of leadership, clinical and research roles across healthcare organisations. Common career destinations include:

• Nurse manager, director of nursing or other administrative leadership positions in hospitals and health systems.
• Clinical nurse specialist or advanced clinical roles in specialty units, outpatient clinics and community health programmes.
• Nurse researcher or research coordinator roles in academic, hospital-based or industry settings, contributing to evidence generation and quality improvement.
• Positions in quality improvement, patient safety, policy development and healthcare consulting.
• Academic and educational roles, including clinical instructor or nursing educator positions when combined with appropriate teaching preparation.

The programme equips graduates with skills in critical appraisal, leadership, and programme implementation that are transferable across acute care, community health, long-term care and public health settings.

Why study at Drew University

Drew University offers a small, student-centred learning environment where nursing students receive close mentorship from faculty with active clinical and research experience. The university emphasises interdisciplinary learning grounded in the liberal arts, which supports critical thinking, communication and ethical reasoning—key attributes for nurse leaders and researchers.

Drew maintains clinical partnerships with hospitals and community health providers in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, providing diverse practicum opportunities. Students benefit from access to simulation resources, personalised academic advising and opportunities to engage in faculty-led research or quality-improvement projects that connect classroom learning with real-world practice.