University of Rochester Nursing School Review

The University of Rochester (UR, U of R) is a research university located in Rochester, New York. This private university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Doctoral and professional degrees are also offered. There are around 5,600 undergraduate students and 4,600 postgraduate students who attend the university. There are students from 90 different countries enrolled at the University of Rochester. The university offers around 200 programs and is a prominent research university with a very low student to faculty ratio of nine to one.

Nursing Programs

University of Rochester’s School of Nursing (SON) can be found at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) campus.

Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses (ABPNN)

This program prepares those with a bachelor’s degree in another field to graduate as a Registered Nurse (RN). At the completion of the program, students qualify to take the national exam for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). It is possible to complete this program in only one year of accelerated studies after completing the prerequisite courses of Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development, and Statistics if the student has not yet taken these in the undergraduate work. It is preferred that applicants have a grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate work. Students complete 750 hours of clinical with 660 hours of direct patient care during their studies.

RN to BS Modular Program

This program is specifically designed for RNs who have an associate’s degree or a diploma from a nursing school. The program builds on the knowledge that these RNs have from their previous studies and from their work experience. The university will transfer 32 nursing credits from previous studies, and only 32 additional nursing credits must be completed. Most of the coursework is online, and the program is part-time so that the RN can continue working. A grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate studies is preferred, and applicants must have their licensure as an RN. It is possible to complete it in four semesters if the arts and sciences requirements have been completed. After the student has a total of 64 arts and sciences credits, he or she may graduate with a Bachelor of Science.

RN to BS to MS

This program enables RNs with an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing school to save time in earning their master’s degree. This is accomplished by saving from 19 to 24 credits, depending on the specialty. Some courses count for both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. It is possible to earn both degrees in only three years. Applicants choose the nurse practitioner specialty that they would like to practice after graduation, and their master’s level courses focus on these. It is highly preferred that applicants have a grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate studies to enter this accelerated program.

Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses

The University of Rochester offers this master’s program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students are able to earn a bachelor’s degree in one year and a master’s degree in two years. Through this program, students may become Nurse Practitioners. They qualify to take the national exam to obtain their licensure as a Nurse Practitioner at the completion of the master’s program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be considered for the program. They must also complete the prerequisite courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth & Development, and Statistics if they have not taken them in their undergraduate studies. There are eight Nurse Practitioner programs that are described in the following paragraphs. At the completion of these programs, students take the national certification test to become registered Nurse Practitioners in their specialty.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Cardiovascular or Critical Care)

This program requires that the student complete 43 credits, including 672 clinical hours. Students must complete the master’s degree courses and those related to acute care.

Adult Nurse Practitioner

Students must complete 42 credits of study plus 560 clinical hours. They complete master’s core courses as well as courses related to healthcare of adults of all ages.

Family Nurse Practitioner

This program prepares students to treat family members of all ages, providing primary care and prescribing medication. A total of 53 credits must be earned, including master’s core courses and specialty courses. In addition, 672 clinical hours are required.

Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

The Master of Science degree in Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner requires 50 credits of core courses and specialty courses plus 840 clinical hours to complete.

Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

This program prepares RNs to become Nurse Practitioners who care for families and children of all ages. There are 45 credits of study required plus 616 clinic hours.

Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

RNs that complete this program are qualified to care for children in doctor’s offices, community agencies, and other healthcare facilities. They are also specially trained to care for newborn babies. The program requires the completion of 54 credits and 960 clinical hours.

Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This specially trained Nurse Practitioner will be able to care for the family and diagnose and treat mental illness in the family. There are 47 credits required and 616 hours of clinical experience.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

A program leading to this advanced degree is available at the University of Rochester. This degree is for RNs who want to continue clinical work at the highest level, and it is an alternative to a research-oriented PhD degree. It takes approximately two and one-half years to complete the program. Students must complete a minimum of 90 credits plus a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The clinical practicum courses are geared towards the student’s clinical focus. Admission requirements to the program are a grade point average of 3.0 for undergraduate studies and 3.5 for graduate studies.

PhD in Health Practice Research

RNs who want to go into academic and research leadership may complete this program to complete their PhD. The program builds on the research skills of RNs with a master’s degree. This program at the University of Rochester is also open to non-nurses, and it is one of two programs in the U.S. that allow non-nurses to complete a program like this. Students must spend two full years of coursework at the beginning of the program, and they then work independently and spend 360 hours on Research Assistantship and Teaching Assistantship work.

MS and PhD Dual-Degree Accelerated Programs

This program allows RNs with bachelor’s degrees in nursing to become researchers and Nurse Practitioners at the same time. It is a very rigorous program that can be completed in five years. Those who are interested in the program should have a grade point average of 3.5 in their undergraduate work. They must also have taken statistics and have a grade of B or higher.

Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Programs

The University of Rochester offers this program to RNs with a master’s degree in nursing who want to become certified in New York and nationally as Nurse Practitioners. After choosing one of the Nurse Practitioner specialties, the student completes only the subspecialty courses since the masters’ level nursing courses have been completed while studying for the master’s degree. Any courses that were not included in these studies must be completed as well. At the completion of the program, the student takes the national certification exam to practice as a Nurse Practitioner.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

This program allows those with a doctoral degree to study for two more years to expand their research skills. They will establish a program of nursing research in areas of faculty expertise. Each applicant and their academic goals are considered individually before admission to the program.

Contact:
University of Rochester
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, New York 14642
(585) 275-2375