Towson University Nursing School Review
Towson University (TU) began in 1866 in Baltimore as the State Normal School. In 1915 the school moved to Towson, and the name was changed in 1935 to the State Teachers College at Towson. In 1963 it became Towson State College, then Towson State University in 1976, and Towson University in 1997.
TU enrolls over 21,000 students in over 100 undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs. The University is within walking distance of downtown Towson, eight miles from downtown Baltimore, and an hour’s drive from Washington, DC.
The TU Department of Nursing offers classes at the Towson campus, and also at the University System of Maryland (USM) Hagerstown Center.
Nursing Programs
Nursing Basic Program
This program trains students for a career in professional nursing. Students take prerequisites during their freshman and sophomore years, and enter the nursing program their junior year. Graduates of this program will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, and will be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.
To apply to the nursing program, students must be admitted to the University, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have taken at least 42 units, including the prerequisite courses. They must also submit any transcripts from schools other than TU, and take the TEAS exam.
The prerequisites for this program are Writing for a Liberal Education, Basic Mathematics for the Sciences, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Biology for Health Professionals, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Medical Microbiology or Foundations of Microbiology, Allied Health Chemistry I with Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, and Nutrition for Health Professionals.
RN Completion Program
TU participates in the Maryland state RN articulation model, allowing RNs to continue their education and earn their BS degree. Students may transfer up to 60 units from prior education, and no nursing classes will be allowed to transfer. Students will also receive 30 units for having an active RN license.
Applicants to this program must have graduated from an approved associate degree or diploma program and have a current RN license. They must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA and take the TEAS exam. In addition, students need to complete General Chemistry, Nutrition, Microbiology, and Statistics, if they didn’t take these courses as part of their prior nursing studies.
Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Students who have a bachelor’s degree in another subject may apply to this program. Students will also need to apply separately to the Second Bachelor’s program.
Nursing Master’s Program
This is a flexible program offered mostly on weekday evenings, to allow busy RNs to balance work, school and home life. The Master of Science degree program may be taken part-time or full-time. Full-time students will participate in a cohort that takes classes together one day a week and progresses through the program together. This allows students to plan their work schedules, and develop relationships with their fellow students.
To apply, students need to have a BS in Nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0, a statement of professional goals, a current RN license, a resume, have taken an elementary statistics or nursing research course, and have completed a physical assessment course.
After completing the core program classes of 21-27 units, students may select the following concentrations:
- Nursing Education – for RNs interested in nursing education, and requires an additional 15 units to complete.
- Clinician-Administrator Transition – prepares RNs for a management role, and requires an additional 15 units to finish.
Associate to Master’s Degree in Nursing (ATM)
This is an accelerated program that takes RNs through a 35 month, 84 unit program. Students will finish with an MS in Nursing, with a concentration in Nursing Education.
Applicants will need to have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0, and will take the TEAS exam. They will also need to submit a writing sample, complete the prerequisites, and have an interview.
The prerequisites are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Nutrition, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, College Composition I and II, Introduction to Statistical Methods, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology, and Fundamentals of Communication.
Nursing Education Certificate
This is a post-baccalaureate certificate program for students interested in teaching. This program requires 15 units to complete. Students may enter the MS in Nursing program and apply these credits toward their degree.
To apply, students must have a BS in Nursing degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, have taken an elementary statistics or nursing research course, and have completed a physical assessment course. They will also need a current RN license, a resume, and a personal statement discussing their professional goals.
Clinician Administrator Transition (CAT) Certificate
This is a post-baccalaureate certificate program for students interested in an administration or management career. This program requires 15 units to complete, and many courses are offered online, or in a hybrid format. Students may enter the MS in Nursing program and apply these credits toward their degree.
Applicants must have a BS or MS degree in a clinical field such as nursing, physical therapy, or dietetics, with a GPA of 3.0 or better. They must also be licensed in their field or have certification in a clinical area.
Contact:
Towson University
8000 York Road,
Towson, MD 21252-0001
