Johns Hopkins University Nursing School Review

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) was started in 1876, the result of an endowment from a wealthy railroad investor. The University enrolls nearly 7000 students each year and offers 50 major courses of study. Besides the main campus, the University has nine academic divisions and campuses located around the Baltimore area. The School of Nursing is located in east Baltimore, and shares a campus with The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Nursing Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Summer Entry Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

Students that already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject may apply to this program. Classes begin in May, and it takes 13 months to complete the nursing classes. After graduation, students are eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.

To apply, students must submit an application, a signed Nursing Ethics Policy statement, three essays, three recommendations, official transcripts, and a resume. They must already have a bachelor’s degree, and must have completed the prerequisites for the program.

The prerequisite classes for this program are Human or Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan, and Statistics. These classes must be taken with a grade of B or higher.

Fall Entry Accelerated BS in Nursing

This program is for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, and want a more flexible program than the Summer Entry program. This course of study starts in the fall and takes 17 months to complete.

This program has the same admission requirements as the Summer Entry program.

Accelerated BS to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program is for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, who want to become an RN and earn their Master’s degree. This is a four year program of study, involving one year of classes for the BS program, followed by a one year paid clinical residency at a partner facility. After the residency is over, students become full-time employees at that same hospital, and take their MSN classes part time. Students that take this program will earn their MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). If they wish to take a different specialty, they will need to enroll in a different MSN program.

This program has the same prerequisites as the other Accelerated BS in Nursing programs. In addition, students need to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. It is recommended that students also have relevant healthcare experience. Applicants may be asked to interview before being admitted.

Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist.

BS to MSN

This program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing. This flexible program allows students to pick either the Summer or Fall entry BS program, and any one of the MSN programs for their course of study. This is an individualized, flexible program for students.

This program has the same admission requirements as the Summer or Fall entry BS programs.

Master’s Programs

Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This program trains students to diagnose and manage chronic and acute primary health problems in adult patients. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Adult Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. Students will complete 43 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

To apply for this program, students must have a BS in Nursing degree, a GPA of at least 3.0, a demonstrated commitment to nursing, community service, a written statement of goals, letters of recommendation, a current nursing license, and have an interview.

In addition, student applying to this program should have direct acute care experiences, or they will be required to work as a staff nurse in a critical care unit their first year of studies.

Adult Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner

This program is for nurses who work in acute care settings with adult patients. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Students will complete 36 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission requirements as the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, including direct care experience.

Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

In this program, nurses learn to provide care for the entire family. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. Students will complete 53 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

In this program, nurses will learn to be primary care providers for children. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Students will complete 43 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

In this program, nurses will expand their skills related to a specific population. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students will complete 36-38 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Health Systems Management

This program is for nurses who wish to supervise and manage the healthcare system. Students will complete 44 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time. Parts of this curriculum have an online option available.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Health Systems Management/Clinical Nurse Specialist

This program combines the Health Systems Management and Clinical Nurse Specialist curriculums. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students will complete 70-71 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

MSN/Master of Business Administration (MBA)

This is a joint program offered with the School of Business. Graduates of this program will receive a single diploma with both degrees listed. Students will complete 26 credits for the nursing part of this program and 30 credits for the business part.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs. In addition, students need to submit GRE scores.

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

In this program, nurses will learn to improve healthcare through leadership and administration. Students will complete 32-34 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Public Health Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery Track

In this program, nurses will learn to provide care for women and infants. This program is offered in partnership with Shenandoah University. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Students will complete 63 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

MSN-PHN/Master’s of Public Health (MPH)

This program offers nurses the opportunity to practice in community settings. This joint degree is offered in partnership with the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and students will receive a single diploma with both degrees listed. Program requirements vary, but students will complete at least 53 credits for this program, which may be taken full or part time.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs. Students will also need to submit their GRE scores.

MSN-Nurse Practitioner (NP)/MPH

This program is for nurses who want the opportunity to practice advanced nursing in local and international settings. This joint degree is offered in partnership with the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and students will receive a single diploma with both degrees listed. Program requirements vary, based on the courses chosen.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs. Students will also need to submit their GRE scores.

MSN to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – MSN to PhD

This dual degree program allows nurses to study as Clinical Nurse Specialists and become nurse researchers. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the certification exam for Clinical Nurse Specialist. This program takes a minimum of eight semesters to complete.

This program has the same admission and experience requirements as the previous Master’s programs.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nurses prepare to become healthcare policy influencers and leaders in this program. This program is has on-site and online components, and requires 38 credits to complete.

Students must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are recommended to have a master’s in nursing, though a master’s in a related field may be considered. They will need to have a 3.0 GPA, a nursing license, and show a commitment to the profession. They will also need to submit official transcripts, three recommendations, a resume, goal statement, and they will have an interview.

PhD

This program is for nurses who wish to develop and conduct research in healthcare delivery. After completing a core curriculum, students work with their advisor to tailor their program to their goals.

Applicants must be graduates of a BS or MS in nursing program, with a GPA of at least 3.0. They must also submit their research goals, have research interests that match faculty interests, submit GRE scores and a writing sample, and have an interview. In addition, they will need a resume, application essay, letters of recommendation, school transcripts, and proof of their nursing license.

Post-Doctoral

Johns Hopkins University offers several Post-Doctoral programs for nurse researchers. Currently there are research programs in Health Disparities, Biobehavioral Pain, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Global Health and Gender-Based Violence, and Violence in the Family.

Online Options – MSN

The School of Nursing offers three MSN programs online, in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Specialist – Forensic Focus, and Health Systems Management. The admission requirements for these programs are the same as the on-site programs.

Online Options – Certificates

The School of Nursing offers two certificate programs online:

  • Online Applied Health Informatics Certificate program – this is a 12 credit certificate program available to students interested in improving healthcare with technology. Students must have a Bachelor of Science degree, one year of healthcare experience, college transcripts, a resume, statement of goals, two letters of recommendation, and have taken Introduction to Online Learning.
  • Online Nurse Educator Certificate program – this is a 12 credit certificate program for nurses interested in teaching. Graduates are allowed to take the certification exam to become Certified Nurse Educators. Students that are already enrolled in a master’s-level program or higher need to submit a one page application. Post-Master’s nurses that are not currently enrolled at Johns Hopkins must submit the application, a goal statement, two recommendations, official transcripts, and proof of their nursing license.

Post-Degree Programs

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

This post-master’s program is for students who have a master’s in a specialty other than CNS, or who took the CNS program but did not complete the courses required to become certified. The requirements for this program vary based on the courses the student has already taken.

Students need to have a minimum of two years of recent clinical experience and an MSN degree. They must also submit a goal statement, two recommendations, official transcripts, and proof of their nursing license.

Forensic Nursing

This post-bachelor’s online certificate program teaches students to perform forensic nursing care and assessments. It takes 12 credits to complete this program. To apply, students must have a BS in nursing degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an RN license, a goal statement, two letters of recommendation, a background check, and a resume. Students may be asked to interview.

Nurse Practitioner

The post-master’s certificate program for nurse practitioner offers several options:

  • Adult Primary Care – for nurses with two years of recent clinical experience and an MSN in a clinical nursing or other major. This program begins in the fall and can be completed in 15 months. Graduates may take the certification exam to become an Adult Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
  • Family Primary Care for Certified Adult/Geriatric/Pediatric Nurse Practitioners – for nurses with an MSN degree, this program takes two semesters. Graduates may take the exam for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
  • Family Primary Care for RNs with an MSN degree – for RNs with an MSN degree who are not certified nurse practitioners, this program takes four semesters, plus one summer to complete. Graduates may take the exam for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
  • Pediatric Primary Care – for nurses with two years of recent clinical experience and an MSN in a clinical nursing or other major. This program begins in the fall and can be completed in four semesters. Graduates may take the exam for certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care.
  • Adult Acute/Critical Care – for nurses with at least one year of experience in acute/critical care. This program takes four semesters to complete. Graduates may take the exam for certification as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
  • Accelerated Acute Care – for RNs who already hold certification as family, adult, or gerontologic nurse practitioners. Graduates may take the exam for certification as an Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner.

To apply for any of these certificate programs, students must have an MSN degree, an RN license, submit official transcripts, a goal statement, a resume, and two recommendations.

Continuing Education

Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of seminars, training programs and conferences for nurses who are interested in certification, clinical updates, and skill enhancement. Recent offerings include Guided Care Nursing and Bereavement Support Following Perinatal Loss or Infant Death.

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

This scholarship program is available for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who are enrolling in the Johns Hopkins BS in Nursing program. Fellows in the program agree to work at nurse-run clinic in underserved communities located in East Baltimore.

This program is highly competitive. Students interested must submit an application, and six essays. If accepted, students must enroll in Community Outreach to Underserved Communities in Baltimore, and participate in the community outreach program and other activities put on by the RPCV Coverdell Fellows Program.

Contact:
Johns Hopkins University
3400 North Charles Street,
Baltimore, MD 21218-2683