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Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

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Overview

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Xavier University’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) track prepares registered nurses to provide comprehensive primary care to adults and older adults.

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The program focuses on advanced assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management of acute and chronic conditions. Graduates are prepared to deliver person-centered care in outpatient and community settings and to pursue national certification as nurse practitioners.
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Calendar

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Application Deadline
Fall 2026
8/1/2026
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Online Courses

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Why Xavier’s Online MSN-AGPCNP Degree?

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Earn Your MSN 100% Online

Advance your nursing career with our 100% online MSN-AGPCNP program. Get the same rigorous curriculum and personalized faculty mentorship as our on-campus degrees, with the flexibility of asynchronous online courses.

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Gain Advanced Primary Care Expertise

The training you receive in our online MSN-AGPCNP program prepares you to assess, diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions in adults and older adults, with an emphasis on preventive care, health promotion and patient-centered outcomes.

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Personal Attention from Expert Faculty

At Xavier Online, you learn from the best — no matter where you are. You’ll get the personal attention and flexibility needed to reach your goals at your pace. Our invested professors and small class sizes will set you up for success.

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CCNE-Accredited Online MSN Program

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Xavier University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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Curriculum

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The MSN–AGPCNP track requires 43 total credit hours (600 clinical hours) and includes:

  • 17 credit hours of nursing core courses
  • 20 credit hours of adult-gerontology primary care courses
  • 6 credit hours of synthesis/application courses including practicums and a scholarly project
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Online MSN Core Courses

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NURS 500: Healthcare Ethics for Nursing Leaders (3 credits)
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This course examines ethical frameworks, such as theories of justice, rights-based ethics and virtue ethics and their significance to the delivery of health care. Analysis of ethical dilemmas focuses on differentiating what are called traditional and modern ethical frameworks for decision-making. Application will be made within the parameters of nursing’s metaparadigm (person, nursing, caring, healing, health, environment) using personal and professional processes of valuing, unconditional acceptance and deciding in the preservation of wholeness and dignity.
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NURS 501: Theoretical Basis for Nursing Practice (3 credits)
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Introduction to the role of theory in knowledge development and its relationship to nursing research, practice, and administration. Critical analysis of selected theoretical models within the discipline of nursing and of theories and concepts from other disciplines as used in nursing. Concepts related to the application of the theoretical concepts in providing holistic care are explored. Examination of the application models, theories and concepts in nursing practice, administration, and research.
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NURS 502: Nursing Research (3 credits)
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Exploration of modes of inquiry for systematic study of the application, use and evaluation of nursing innovations in clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on the identification and solution of clinical problems through scientific inquiry. Research is examined for evidence-based practices which include a critical review of research studies, nurse’s expertise and patient/family preferences. Discussion entails the importance of dissemination of research findings.
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NURS 505: Healthcare Informatics (3 credits)
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This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge essential for the master’s prepared holistic nurse working in complex interprofessional technological healthcare systems. This course addresses basic computer and information management competencies. The student will also learn to manage and use healthcare data in decision making. Legal, ethical, and practical ramifications of information technology in healthcare are examined. The major focus in this course is the management of information that supports improving health outcomes.
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NURS 760: Differential Diagnosis and Medical Decision Making (2 credits)
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This course is designed to equip Nurse Practitioner (NP) students with the critical thinking skills and clinical reasoning needed to accurately diagnose and manage a wide range of medical conditions across the lifespan. Emphasizing the process of differential diagnosis, students will learn to systematically evaluate patient symptoms, medical histories, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results to rule in or rule out potential diagnoses. Through case studies, clinical scenarios, and evidence-based strategies, students will develop the ability to formulate a comprehensive differential diagnosis and determine appropriate interventions. Key topics include understanding common and complex medical conditions, prioritizing differential diagnoses, integrating diagnostic data, and recognizing red flags that require immediate attention. The course will also emphasize the importance of collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and effective communication with patients regarding the diagnostic process.

NURS 760 will be required for students enrolling FA26 and after.

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NURS 864: Epidemiologic Methods in Healthcare (3 credits)
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Principles and biostatistical methods used in the study of the distribution and determinants of injury and disease through the interaction of environment and genetics in human populations (HP2020) are presented for use in the holistic development, implementation, and evaluation of primary, secondary and tertiary preventive and acute health care services in a variety of settings. Resources for epidemiological investigations within organizations and communities are introduced. Opportunities are provided to use the epidemiological and biostatistical methods of reasoning for determining causal inferences about the distribution and determinants of injury and disease (HP2020). Evidence-based innovative and evaluative health care delivery plans for clinical prevention and population health are developed using epidemiological and biostatistical data.
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MSN-AGPCNP Track Courses

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NURS 658: Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3 credits)
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This course assumes basic knowledge of pharmacology and focuses on advanced pharmacology and the role of the clinical nurse leader on pharmacotherapeutics. Advanced clinical application of drug therapy and concepts relating to the mechanisms of drug actions, interactions, and adverse reactions, including immunologic-idiosyncratic-allergic drug responses will be explored. Emphasis is on pharmacotherapeutics and cultural/ethnic considerations. Current pharmacologic research is also incorporated in the course.
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NURS 680: Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
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Emphasis is on pathophysiology as it relates to adverse effects and illnesses in persons having acute, chronic and long-term health care problems. Knowledge of pathophysiology is used to predict illness progression and response to therapy, which is used to guide and teach patients and families regarding care.
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NURS 690: Healthcare Policy for Nursing Leaders (2 credits)
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This course provides an overview of health care policy, including formulating and analyzing policy at the institutional, local, state, federal, and global levels. Issues regarding the nursing work environment as well as social determinants and healthcare delivery/ regulations will be discussed. The influence of socio-cultural, economic, political, ethical, legal, and historical context on nursing and health care policy will be explored. The role of the master’s prepared holistic nurse in health policy decisions in the public and private sectors will be explicated.
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NURS 740: Management of Health and Illness in the Adult and Older Adult (3 credits)
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Focuses on advanced, evidence-based management of acute and chronic conditions in adult and older-adult populations within primary care.
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NURS 756: Advanced Health Assessment for RNs (3 credits)
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This course prepares nurses to conduct and communicate accurately comprehensive holistic, health assessments for clients and families across the lifespan. The students will learn how to perform, organize, analyze and document complete physical, psycho-social assessments. As part of health assessment, the student will identify pertinent health and potential health issues including the cultural, occupational, and environmental factors integral to those issues. The student will define appropriate health preventive and maintenance strategies to address common and complex health care concerns within an evidence-based practice framework. In addition to didactic and online discussions, students will practice advanced physical assessment skills in simulation laboratories and clinical settings under the guidance of preceptors.
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NURS 770: Role of the Nurse Practitioner (3 credits)
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Explores NP role development, scope of practice, professional identity, and leadership within evolving healthcare systems.
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NURS 776: Adult & Gerontology Primary Care (3 credits)
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Provides foundational assessment and management principles for common health conditions in adult and older-adult primary care.
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Online Synthesis and Application Courses

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NURS 741: Adult & Gerontology Primary Care Practicum I (1 credit) ~150 clinical hours
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Introduces supervised clinical practice in primary care settings with emphasis on assessment, health promotion, and emerging clinical skills.
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NURS 743: Adult & Gerontology Primary Care Practicum II (1 credit) ~150 clinical hours
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Expands clinical competency through increased independence in managing adult and older-adult patients across primary care settings.
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NURS 745: Adult & Gerontology Primary Care Practicum III (1 credit) ~150 clinical hours
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Strengthens diagnostic reasoning, management skills, and clinical efficiency with growing autonomy in complex primary care encounters.
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NURS 747: Adult & Gerontology Primary Care Practicum IV (1 credit) ~150 clinical hours
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Serves as the culminating practicum emphasizing transition-to-practice readiness, complex care management, and professional competency.
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NURS 797: Scholarly Project (2 credits)
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This course is the development of a scholarly project that addresses a phenomenon, issue, or problem related to the discipline of nursing. A variety of options are available to demonstrate the comprehensive and scholarly nature of the final product. The following options are possibilities, but the student is not limited to these for the scholarly project: conducting a research study; developing a concept analysis paper; providing an innovative solution to care delivery, an administrative, advanced practice, educational, healthcare law, forensics, informatics issue or opportunity; developing a creative potentially fundable, health-related proposal; or developing a business or educational proposal. This capstone project is a synthesis and integration of all previous graduate coursework.
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Admission

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Xavier accepts applications to our MSN programs on a rolling basis. Once admitted into the program, you may start online classes in the fall or spring semesters.

Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Start: Fall 2026

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Admission Requirements
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To receive acceptance into the online MSN - AGPCNP program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a registered nurse with an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences are to be completed. A minimum of 1 year of nursing experience is required, a strong candidate will have a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience.
  • Hold a BSN and be a graduate of an accredited college or university’s nursing program (the College of Nursing will verify accreditation to ensure it meets requirements). Transfer credits are accepted only from regionally accredited institutions.
  • An undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better is required for admission.
  • Applicants who do not have a BSN (BS in Nursing) cannot be accepted into the online MSN programs but should consider the MSN direct entry as a second degree – MIDAS Program.
  • A strong applicant will have a 3.0 GPA.

The admission committee considers all information contained in the admission application, including prior grades, test scores and evidence for potential for success in graduate study.

No admission tests (i.e. GRE) are required for applying to this graduate nursing program.

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Application Materials
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  • Free Online Application
  • Official Transcript
    • One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities that you have attended for any undergraduate and graduate course work. Applicants must have a degree from a regionally accredited university. Send transcripts to:
      • Xavier University
        ATTN: Admission Processing Center
        3800 Victory Parkway
        Cincinnati, OH 45207-5131
      • For electronic transcripts, send to:
        xuadmit@xavier.edu
  • Current Resume and Personal Essay
    • Current résumé or curriculum vitae outlining all professional nursing experience, including facility/organization name & location, position and employment dates.
    • A 3-page goal statement that addresses the following points:
      • Why are you applying to Xavier University?
      • What MSN track are you applying for and why? How do you plan to use the degree and specialty?
      • What experiences have prepared you for graduate study? (or have influenced your desire to pursue graduate studies)
      • Graduate school is challenging and a large time commitment, especially with working, family, other responsibilities. What are your plans and strategies for being successful in your graduate program?
      • We also consider the writing quality of this essay. If writing is a challenge for you, also address strategies to help you in this area.
  • Professional References
    • Three professional recommendations, (Please provide contact information for recommenders in the online application. An electronic form will be sent via email). A strong candidate will provide:
      • At least reference from a direct manager or supervisor who evaluates their clinical work.
      • Two references will be from someone with a master’s or doctoral degree.
  • Personal Interview
    • A personal or phone interview may be required for the MSN-AGPCNP program.
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State Authorization
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Due to state regulations regarding the delivery of distance education, as well as requirements of each individual state board of nursing, Xavier is not currently able to accept applications from all states into all of its online programs.

View the complete list of approved states on the State Authorization page.
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International Admission
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Xavier welcomes students from outside the United States to enroll in its online programs. However, some countries do not formally recognize foreign online degrees. This may have implications for enrolling in subsequent degree programs or for securing employment requiring these credentials. It is students’ responsibility to determine whether the online degree will be recognized in their country of residence or in any country in which they plan to work.

Additionally, students should inquire in their country of residence how the collection of student data may be used and whether they will be subject to additional withholding taxes in addition to the cost of tuition.

  • All international students are strongly encouraged to submit an official third-party course-by-course evaluation of their high school and/or college transcripts from an international credential evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
  • International students must pass either the TOEFL or IELTS exam if English is your second language.
  • International students may have additional application requirements. Find more information on the International Admission page.

Note: International students in the U.S. cannot enroll in an online degree program to fulfill the legal requirement for an F-1 or J-1 visa.

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Tuition and Fees

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Get More from Your Graduate Education with Xavier

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At Xavier, we understand that no two graduate programs and no two students are alike. Therefore, we structure every online degree and certificate program to address the unique needs of individual students and have created unique fee structures for each program as well.
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Tuition

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MSN: $739
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Fees

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  • Liability Insurance (per semester with practicum): $18
  • Student ID Fee: $15
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking full-time: $15 (per semester)
  • Graduate Student Association Fee, degree-seeking part-time: $10 (per semester)

Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 9 semesters.

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The amounts listed are for the 2026-2027 academic year and include classes from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated. For the full, official listing, please visit xavier.edu/costs. Xavier University reserves the right to correct any computational or clerical errors.
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Terri Enslein, EdD, MSN, RNC-OB, CNE

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Enslein's dedication to her students, combined with Xavier's innovative curriculum and strong community partnerships, prepares graduates for successful careers in the ever-evolving field of nursing.
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Holistic Nursing Certification

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At Xavier, we’re proud to have our MSN program as one of only 17 online programs in the U.S. to be endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC).
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is Xavier’s online MSN-AGPCNP program accredited?
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Yes. This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online program is an accredited program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the premier accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.

This program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN).

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Will my MSN degree say "online?"
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No. The Master of Science in Nursing degree is from Xavier University and is awarded on meeting coursework standards that are independent of course delivery mode. Participants will earn an MSN degree.
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Will students be expected to participate at a specific time?
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Participation expectations vary by professor. Courses are asynchronous with no set meeting times; however, practicum and scholarly project courses may include an online synchronous session (at the discretion of the instructor) at the end of the semester for student sharing/collaboration purposes. The nursing administration and faculty in this program understand the importance of flexibility for working professionals.
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Does the MSN-AGPCNP program offer state nursing licensure?
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None of the graduate nursing programs offered here include nursing licensure. RN licensure is a prerequisite for admission to these programs.
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What are the admission requirements? Who can apply to the online MSN-AGPCNP program?
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Admission requirements for applicants include:

  • Registered Nurse: Applicants must be a registered nurse with an unencumbered United States RN license in the state where practicum experiences will be completed.
  • Experience: A minimum of 1 year of nursing experience is required. Two years of experience is preferred.
  • Education: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university. The College of Nursing will verify program accreditation. Transfer credits are accepted only from regionally accredited institutions.
  • Statistics Course: An undergraduate statistics course with a grade of "C" or better is required.
  • Non-BSN Applicants: Applicants who do not hold a BSN are not eligible for online MSN programs. Please consider the MSN Direct Entry (MIDAS) program as an alternative pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
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How long is the online MSN-AGPCNP program? Is it possible to attend part-time?
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The full time online MSN-AGPCNP program is 28 months. It is possible to attend part-time.
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Am I required to pass a certification exam to receive licensure as a nurse practitioner?
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Yes. To become licensed as a nurse practitioner, you are required to pass a national certification exam in your chosen specialty.
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Online MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Track Program at Xavier University

Xavier University’s 100% online Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) MSN program prepares you to provide comprehensive primary care to adults and older adults. This specialized program equips you with the advanced knowledge and clinical skills to assess, diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions, with a focus on prevention, health promotion and patient-centered care.

Xavier University’s College of Nursing prepares undergraduate and graduate students as professional nurses to meet the needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing, highly technical health-care environment. Graduates have the skills to practice nursing today and to be nurse leaders tomorrow in holistic health-care delivery with an educational foundation grounded in Jesuit values. Our graduates are well-respected in the health-care community as knowledgeable, professional, and ethical and prepared to excel in meeting challenges in health-care delivery. Xavier’s Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America.” mal

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