School of Nursing: Academic Rules, Regulations, and Information

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Academic Advising  Cooperation and personal attention mark the relations between faculty members and students. Each graduate student is assigned a Student Success Specialist upon admission to the school, and students are encouraged to avail themselves of this resource. The School of Nursing Office of Advising and Student Success (OASS) provides assistance and serves as a source of information for other support resources. 

Nursing students are required to meet with their Student Success Specialist at least once every semester. An advising hold, preventing enrollment in the following semester’s courses, is placed on the student’s account and cannot be lifted until that meeting has taken place. As a condition of meeting the advising requirements, graduate students are required to review their plan of study with their Student Success Specialist. The advising hold can only be lifted by the student’s Student Success Specialist. 

Progression Review Committee  The purpose of the Progression Review Committee (PRC) is to safeguard the standard of matriculation and progression for all students in the school. 

The SON has established protocols for students who are not successful on exams and assignments which include course faculty and student success specialists (advisors) involvement as well as subsequent SON and on-grounds referrals. These students will be referred to the PRC only on the condition that they are not engaged in the resources and plan that are shared with them by faculty and advisors.

Referrals for students to PRC will be done primarily through Academic Action Plans (AAPs) completed by faculty or staff that are then directed to a student’s respective program manager. The program manager, with the assistance of the Director of Degree Program Administration and Sr. Asst Dean for Advising and Student Success, determines if the situation warrants a PRC referral or if the situation should be handled at the faculty and/or student support staff level. The Chair of the PRC is notified and makes the final decision as to if a situation will come before PRC. AAPs address issues such as repeated absences, unprofessional behavior, compliance concerns or violations, unsafe clinical practice, violations of the SON Professional Standards, and/or lack of follow through on faculty recommendations for success in class and/or clinical experiences. If it is determined that a referral is needed to the PRC, the student is notified by the Chair of PRC who also notifies referring faculty or staff member.

On occasion, a student’s ability to meet our technical standards may change during the course of their studies. In such instances, the student should notify the program as soon as possible and should consult the UVA Student Disability Access Center (SDAC). The student, SDAC, and program leadership will work together to provide reasonable accommodations while still maintaining the technical standards. In the event that a student is not able to meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation(s), the student may be referred to the PRC to discuss how, and if, progression through the program can continue.

Academic Standing  Good academic standing is defined as a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for all credit hours attempted. Graduate nursing students whose cumulative average falls below a 3.0 will be placed on academic warning. A cumulative grade point average of less than 3.0 may be considered a sufficient reason for withdrawal of financial assistance and development of a remediation plan for the student.

A minimum grade of B- is required in all courses offered for any graduate degree. If a student receives below a B- grade in any School of Nursing course, the student will be placed on academic warning and the course must be repeated. If the grade for the repeated course is below a B- the student will be automatically dismissed from the degree program. A grade of below B- in any course outside the School of Nursing requires repeating the course and earning a satisfactory grade or earning a minimum grade of B- in an alternate course. Students who receive more than one grade below B- are placed on academic warning for two semesters are automatically dismissed from the degree program. Any grade of F results in the student being dismissed from the degree program. The only exception to this rule is when an incomplete grade automatically becomes an F after 200 days. Graduate students in the School of Nursing are not permitted to take required nursing courses on a CR/NC basis unless the instructor has set the course up as CR/NC.

For CNL students only: 

• All components of core nursing courses (lecture, lab, clinical, etc.) must be successfully passed to progress in the program. 

• Students must meet the clinical and course objectives as outlined in the course syllabus. 

• A grade below a B- in a core nursing course must be repeated and may alter the planned sequence of courses, lengthening the time for completion of the program. 

• Students who withdraw from a core nursing course will need permission from the CNL Program Lead and Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success. Withdrawing from a core nursing course will alter the planned sequence of courses, lengthening the time for completion of the program. 

Students can be classified as full-time without enrolling in 12 credits simultaneously provided the total number of enrolled credits equals or exceeds 12 units.

Appealing a Grade  

Students who wish to appeal a course grade must first attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor of the course. Absent a satisfactory outcome, the student consults with their Student Success Specialist prior to meeting with the Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success.  The student will be advised by the Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success to file a formal appeal to the Associate Dean for Academic Operations (ADAO). The appeal letter must address the grounds for the appeal including any claims of grading errors, perceived inequities based on policies/syllabi discrepancies or extenuating circumstances.  If an appeal letter addresses all the aforementioned components, the ADAO will gather any relevant additional information and forward to the Chair of the Progression Review Committee (PRC) who will consult with the Grade Appeal Committee, which consists of the Chair of PRC and two faculty—one who teaches in the prelicensure programs and one who teaches in the graduate programs and has been appointed by the ex-officio members of the PRC to serve for staggered 2 year terms. 

For grades awarded for the fall semester, the written appeal must be submitted no later than 14 calendar days after the beginning of the spring semester. For grades awarded for the spring semester, the written appeal must be submitted no later than 14 days after the first day of the summer semester. For grades awarded for the summer semester, the written appeal must be submitted no later than 14 days after the first day of the fall semester. For January term, a written appeal must be submitted no later than 14 days after the end of that session or term. Appeals submitted after the deadline will be heard only in exceptional cases, as determined by the Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success. 

The Grade Appeal Committee shall make a final decision after full consideration of the materials submitted to the ADAO. The student will be notified of the decision within three weeks of receipt of the student’s appeal by the Chair of the Progression Review Committee.

Academic Grievances University policy and procedures are described in PROV-019 for students seeking to appeal an academic decision as defined in that policy. Nursing students seeking to appeal an academic decision must follow the procedures outlined in PROV-019 and the contacts/procedures as outlined above for appealing a grade.  

Attendance The School of Nursing believes that regular attendance in classes and clinical is a vital part of the nursing program and that each student is expected to accept the responsibility of attending classes and clinical regularly and promptly.  Engaged participation in classroom learning—whether in lectures, discussions, labs, or simulations—supports the development of clinical reasoning, professional collaboration, and academic excellence.

While the School values the importance of attendance across all learning experiences, individual course faculty establish attendance expectations based on the specific needs of their courses. These expectations may vary depending on factors such as the nature of the course content, frequency of class meetings, and the structure of learning activities.

Instructors are encouraged to state their policy on attendance in course syllabi; any student whose attendance record faculty consider unsatisfactory will be referred to the Student’s Success Specialist. If you are unable to attend class or clinical for any reason, including illness, you must notify your instructor in advance of the class or clinical (unless specified otherwise in the course syllabus). If you believe that you have an illness or are developing an illness (i.e., have symptoms such as fever, aches, or a cough), you should notify your instructor (unless specified otherwise in the course syllabus). Absences commonly excused are those that occur because of hospitalization, serious illness, death in a student’s family, religious observance, professional nursing conferences, or authorized participants in University events (i.e., ROTC, Division I athletes, etc.). 

Class Scheduling  Students are responsible for enrolling in classes each term and making any necessary schedule adjustments via SIS. Some courses (such as clinical electives and independent studies) may require additional consent.  Forms are available on the SON website for students seeking enrollment in such courses.  Students may add and drop full-semester courses through the deadlines stated in the University Registrar’s Academic Calendar.

Clinical Agencies: Responsibilities and Compliance with Affiliation Agreements Policy  

Formal affiliation agreements are executed with all agencies prior to placement of students in clinical sites to provide care to patients.  If the student is an employee of the agency, an agreement is still needed with the agency. While performing the practicum activities, the individual is in the role of student, not employee. Therefore, they would be considered an agent of the University. Agreements must be fully executed and include the signatures of the authorized representative of the facility, a representative of the School of Nursing, and the University Director of Financial Operations (Office of Tax Compliance & Contracting). Students will be placed in clinical sites only when enrolled in a credit-bearing course for which they paid tuition and in which participation in the clinical experience is a course requirement. This applies to all clinical experiences that require the student to have patient contact.  

The faculty member placing students and the students assigned to agencies are responsible for knowing and adhering to the terms of the affiliation agreement, including its conditions and responsibilities.  

The School does not provide legal advice to the student regarding whether to submit to the conditions set by the facility. The School does not pay any student costs related to the clinical experience. If the student declines or fails to participate in or complete the clinical experience and the experience is a requirement for the course, the student will not successfully complete the course and may not graduate. The student is solely responsible for the consequences of their decision regarding whether to submit to the conditions or requirements established by the facility.  

Students who are unable to finish clinical hours within the term are required to have written approval of the faculty member and must submit the Incomplete Grade Form for approval as per the terms outlined in the Incomplete Grades section. Students cannot begin clinical hours before the semester begins. Students must adhere to their assigned preceptor schedules and submit schedules to their clinical faculty prior to the rotation start date. Students should not solicit additional preceptors or clinical sites without clinical coordinator and facility approval.  

Eligibility for Degree Conferral  Students must complete all program requirements for the degree and must apply to graduate in SIS by the deadline stated by the University. No student with an outstanding grade, which includes grades of Incomplete, is eligible to receive a degree or certificate.

Gap Analysis  Post-Graduate Certificate students will undergo a formal gap analysis after matriculation to ensure that they have fulfilled certification requirements. The graduate Program Lead is responsible for reviewing and approving any proposed transfer credit in consultation with the specialty lead and faculty of record to ensure that course content and objectives match program content and are leveled appropriately. 

Grade Changes  Grade changes can only be made by the course professor and must be done within four weeks of the end of the semester. Extra work to raise a final grade, once submitted, is not permitted.

Grades  A graduate student’s work in a course is graded on the basis of A+ (100), A (95-99), A- (90-94), B+ (87-89), B (83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D- (60-62) and F (59-0).

Graduate Assistantships University policy and procedures are described in PROV-001 Graduate Assistantships. 

Incomplete Grades  

An incomplete grade may be given to students that are unable to complete scheduled coursework due to reasons beyond their control.  A grade of IN becomes an F 200 days after the end of the examination period unless a form requesting an extension of time has been signed by the course instructor and approved by the Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success. Instructors are not authorized to extend the time for completion of course work without the approval of the Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success. Prior to the end of the course, students must initiate the request for an IN and secure the instructor’s approval.  

Students with two or more outstanding incomplete designations (in the same semester or cumulatively) may not enroll in courses in subsequent terms. Students who have had an incomplete grade lapse after 200 days and become an F may not enroll in courses in a subsequent term until the grade has been changed, or a new incomplete form has been approved and turned into the SON Registrar. A student’s degree cannot be conferred with a grade of Incomplete (IN) on record, even if that course is not required for the degree being sought.  

Leaves of Absence Policy  Students in the School of Nursing may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for personal, medical, or other significant reasons. Due to capacity constraints in both class and clinical placements, as well as the rapidly evolving nature of healthcare education, LOAs may not exceed one academic year.

Students are expected to return in the next regular semester following the one in which they last successfully completed coursework, when possible, to ensure curricular continuity and academic progression. Re-entry into the program is contingent upon space availability in the returning cohort; therefore, the School of Nursing cannot guarantee placement in a specific semester or course section if capacity has been reached.

All LOA requests must be submitted in writing and approved by the Senior Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Services. Requests to return must also be submitted by the appropriate deadlines:

• April 1 for Summer
• July 1 for Fall
• Dec 1 for Spring

Upon return, students may be required to demonstrate clinical competencies in a simulated environment and may need to repeat coursework as determined by School leadership. Students who do not return within one academic year or who miss their approved return semester may be required to reapply to the University.

Leaving the University All policies, procedures, and timelines governing withdrawal from the University in its various forms (Enforced, Medical, Voluntary) are outlined in the “Leaving and Returning to the University” section of the “University Regulations: Academic” section of this Record.

Program Changes Due to enrollment and curricular considerations, the SON does not permit students to change plans of study after matriculation without consulting the Graduate Program Lead. This includes program length/speed of study (full or part time), specialty track, and degree program. 

Statement  These rules and regulations apply to all School of Nursing graduate programs, with the exception of the PhD program. The PhD Nursing degree is a program under the auspices of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). PhD students should abide by GSAS policy and the policies set forth in the PhD program section

Thesis and Dissertation Submission  University policy and procedures are described in PROV-014 Submission of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Nursing doctoral students who wish to seek a LIBRA embargo must submit a statement to the advisor outlining a substantive rationale for the embargo and the desired end date (within five years) after which the thesis or dissertation will become publicly accessible. The advisor and Program Lead will review the petition and notify the student of the outcome of the petition and alert the University Library to any approved embargo period so that it can work with the student to upload the thesis or dissertation to LIBRA with the embargo in place.

Transfer of Credit  

Graduate students (MSN/DNP only) may be eligible to transfer a maximum of 12 credits from other academic institutions (or other programs at UVA prior to admission) if the following criteria are met:  

• courses are listed on the transcript from the transferring institution as “graduate level”;  
• the student earns a final grade of B- or higher;  
• the courses are deemed aligned with the rigor and content of the student’s program of study;  
• course credits are no older than 5 years at the time of matriculation;  
• and coursework was completed at an accredited university in the United States. Students wishing to have credits transferred from an international university need to ensure: 
  • the institution is a recognized part of the system of higher education of another country and offers programs of study equivalent to graduate degree programs at UVA 
  • the student completed credits as part of a recognized study abroad program through UVA or another university accredited in the United States 

The MSN/DNP Program Lead is responsible for reviewing and approving any proposed transfer credit in consultation with the specialty lead and faculty of record to ensure that course content and objectives match program content and are leveled appropriately. Credit that does not match program content should be denied for transfer. Prior proposal, thesis, dissertation, seminar, or special topics credits are not eligible for transfer. Courses transferred are not calculated into a student’s cumulative GPA at UVA. 

Undergraduate majors in Nursing (BSN, ABSN, RN-BSN) who desire to obtain an MSN or DNP degree may receive credit for “excess” graduate level courses taken while in an undergraduate program. “Excess” is defined as graded courses taken as an undergraduate student over and above all requirements for the Bachelor’s degree. Under no circumstances will courses be credited toward both the Bachelor’s and graduate degrees. 

Courses with a clinical component in which the clinical hours were counted for purposes of the regulatory and credentialing bodies are not acceptable for transfer. 

Visiting or Non-Degree-Seeking Student Status  Under special circumstances, a student with a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing may complete a maximum of two graduate nursing courses without formally seeking admission to the degree program. Special student status is granted only when there are vacancies available in the courses requested. Admitted degree students receive enrollment priority. Completion of coursework as a visiting or non-degree-seeking student does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

Doctoral Degree Programs

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Entry for students with a specialty MSN
  • Entry for students with a BSN or generalist MSN

    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist 

    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 

    • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner for active-duty military students only 

    • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care 

    • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care 

    • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

    • Family Nurse Practitioner 

    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
  • MSN Entry
  • BSN Entry

Master’s Degree Tracks

• Clinical Nurse Leader (RN-to-CNL and direct entry to nursing)
• Final admissions in Fall 2025:
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Tracks

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Licensure  All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses.  

In addition to tuition, fees, and expenses as outlined in the Tuition, Fees, Housing, and Dining section of this Record, graduate students in nursing should anticipate the following additional expenses and/or expectations: 

Clinical Agency Requirements  Students must meet the requirements of the clinical agency to which they are assigned as outlined in the clinical agency contract and managed by the School of Nursing Compliance Officers.  This may include requirements such as respiratory mask fit, infection control training, criminal background investigations, and mandatory drug screening.  Verification of the satisfaction of any applicable compliance requirements as required by the clinical agency must be on file with the School. Any additional charge/fee for compliance must be covered by the student. Failure to meet these requirements can result in dismissal from the clinical environment and/or suspension from the degree program. 

Truescreen (My Record Tracker) The School of Nursing uses Truescreen’s MyRecord Tracker for the management of student competencies and compliance. Students must submit and update documentation required by the School of Nursing and affiliated clinical facilities, such as a criminal background check, CPR certification, immunizations, trainings, flu vaccinations, signed program forms, drug screens as needed, and RN licensure for APRN and DNP students.  

Clinical Competencies and Compliance Students are required to complete screenings, mandatory trainings, immunizations, infection control training, annual TB screenings and flu vaccinations. Failure to meet these requirements can result in dismissal from the clinical environment and/or suspension from the degree program.

Clinical Practice of Students As denoted in 18VAC90-27-110 in the Code of Virginia, a nursing student, while enrolled in an approved nursing program, may perform tasks that would constitute the practice of nursing. The student shall be responsible and accountable for safe performance; refer to the code for more information.

CPR Certification Students are required to obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adults, children, and infants prior to entering clinical courses. Certification must be maintained throughout the program, and validation must be presented each year. Students must complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers course. Failure to comply with CPR certification requirements may result in suspension or dismissal from the degree program.

Criminal Background Check (CBC) and Drug Screening  All students are required to complete a criminal background check prior to course enrollment in the School of Nursing. School of Nursing Compliance Officers communicate this requirement and process to students. Additionally, different clinical agencies may require students to undergo an additional criminal background investigation and/or drug examination using their own vendor when students are assigned to clinicals. This expense is covered directly by the student. Students should refer to the Virginia Board of Nursing (or the Board for the state in which they plan to seek licensure) for information on criminal background checks required for licensure and barriers to licensure.

Mandatory Clinical Training Requirements  EPIC is the electronic health record (EHR) used at UVA Health, and many other large health facilities. All students enrolled in clinicals/practicums at UVA Health are required to complete mandatory UVA Health and Epic training prior to beginning the clinical practicum.  UVA Health training requirements are assigned through Workday. 

Students at non-UVA Health facilities are required to complete online training contractually required by the clinical agreement, plus any additional training (including EHR training) that the third-party facility may require.  Contractually-required training typically is assigned in UVA Workday.  Additional training that is unique to the needs of the third-party facility may require in-person, online, or hybrid training, and facilities will utilize their own training delivery systems and scheduling for those training requirements.  Students must complete all required training prior to beginning the clinical practicum.

Clinical Identification Requirements

When functioning in the role of a UVA clinical practicum student, regardless of any other affiliation that the student may have with the facility where the practicum is being performed, the student must wear the UVA identification badge that identifies the student as a nursing student.  This requirement applies to UVA Health and third-party facilities. 

The UVA ID badge must be surrendered to the Program Manager, Program Lead, UVA clinical faculty, or UVA Nursing Information Systems once the need for the badge no longer exists.  To surrender the badge to UVA Nursing Information Systems, students should visit McLeod Hall, Room 3014, or postal mail the badge to UVA Nursing Information Systems, PO Box 800782, Charlottesville VA 22908-0782. 

Insurance   Students who are billed the regular session comprehensive fee are required to have student health insurance coverage.  Those students must be insured under the University’s Student Health Insurance Plan or by another insurance contract that the University has agreed to be comparable in benefits to the University’s Student Health Plan. Proof of comparable insurance is submitted via the hard waiver option in SIS and uploaded in Healthy Hoos.  Students who are billed the regular session comprehensive fee must present proof of insurance along with their Pre-Entrance Health Forms. 

Medical Instruments  Purchase of a complete set of diagnostic instruments is highly recommended for students admitted to the advanced practice nursing program. The cost of these instruments is assumed by the student.

Workday Learning  Students are required to complete compliance training on a yearly and ad hoc basis. Most compliance learning programs are delivered online through the UVA Workday learning management system. Some mandatory compliance training may be delivered through other systems; additionally, students completing clinical experiences at facilities other than the UVA Medical Center may be required to complete mandatory compliance training in a learning management system managed by the overseeing clinical agency. All students are required to complete all assigned learning modules, and within the communicated or indicated timelines.  

NCLEX Preparation Program (Pre-licensure Students Only)  All pre-licensure nursing students (CNL) are required to use the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Nursing Education program to help them prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This program includes learning and assessment activities, such as case studies, supplemental review materials, and practice exams. The materials are assigned in selected courses as a prescribed percentage of the course grade. The program includes specialty and cumulative proctored examinations. Students scoring below the recommended benchmark on a specialty exam are required to complete an individualized remediation (review) plan and submit appropriate documentation of their work, and retake the exam, if applicable. Students who do not show substantial improvement upon remediation will be required to meet with a faculty member to discuss study and test taking strategies.  

Respiratory Mask Fit (RMF)  All nursing students assigned to clinicals are required to complete a respiratory mask fit annually to protect both students and patients when working with certain respiratory infections. This requirement must be met before beginning clinicals and completed again on an annual basis. Students will complete fit testing at the School of Nursing during designated Compliance Days. If fit tested at the School during these designated days, the cost is included in your Clinical Services Fee. If students are unable to complete fit testing on these days or no-show for appointment they will be required to complete fit testing at WorkMed at their expense. 

Students employed by UVA Health may submit documentation of the annual respiratory mask fit to myRecord Tracker to fulfill this requirement. If post licensure students are not UVA Health employees, they will need to complete fit testing at the School of Nursing during designated Compliance Days. 

Patient Confidentiality Guidelines  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has important personal and professional implications for SON faculty, staff, and students. The regulations prohibit the disclosure, intentional or otherwise, of patients’ Protected Health Information (PHI), including electronic PHI (ePHI). These regulations apply to information contained in any format, including electronic and hard copy health records. Patient information may not be reproduced (copied and pasted, photographed, printed and removed from a clinical facility, etc.). When noting information for an academic clinical assignment, students and faculty must consider carefully what clinical data is necessary for effective learning, and note only information free from all identifiers, which can be tied back to an identifiable patient. Faculty, staff, and students are referred to the United States Department of Health and Human Services website for additional information.

Students are required to complete HIPAA training through Workday. Students found to be in violation of patient confidentiality guidelines and/or HIPAA may be subject to criminal and civil penalties, which could include monetary fines. Student violations of patient confidentiality guidelines will be reported to the health system whose privacy policy was violated, the UVA Honor Committee and the School of Nursing. Failure to complete required HIPAA training may result in dismissal from the program. 

Technology Requirements  All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop. In addition, all NP and CNS students need to have cell phone access during their practicums in case of emergent issues. Information on the laptop requirements is available on the New Student Steps portion of the SON website.

Travel to Clinical Facilities  Many of the clinical facilities used in the graduate degree programs are at a distance from the School of Nursing. Students are responsible for transportation and associated costs for travel.

Typhon  The School of Nursing uses the Typhon system for student portfolio development and student clinical activity tracking throughout their program. Access to this system is required for all students. Students pay a one-time access fee; however, students on the BSN-DNP track will need to purchase both the APRN Clinical Practicum Typhon platform and the DNP Project Practicum Typhon platform. Students purchase the MSN platform initially, and then the DNP platform when they begin their DNP practicum course work. Initial training to Typhon will be provided for all students. Ongoing use of Typhon will continue throughout the program and access is available for five years after graduation. 

Uniforms (Pre-licensure Students Only) Students are required to follow the School of Nursing uniform policy for pre-licensure student clinical attire: https://community.nursing.virginia.edu/students/clinical/uniform/.

Post-licensure graduate students are required to adhere to standards of professional dress and behavior in all practice settings (short/clean nails, clean/neat scrubs or clinical attire, no open toe shoes and no fleece).  Students are also expected to comply with dress code standards as outlined by any host organization that is overseeing their precepted experience.  

Other Expenses Depending on the program and track, additional costs may be required (e.g., clinical supplies and resources).

University of Virginia School of Nursing Professional Standards*

Excellence. Integrity. Leadership.

Nursing is a profession unlike any other. Nurses and nursing students are entrusted with the care of individuals during their most vulnerable moments, exercising sound clinical judgment to influence health outcomes and advocating on behalf of those unable to speak for themselves. As a trusted profession, nurses and nursing students should speak up against unethical, unsafe, or discriminatory behavior. Additionally, prioritizing self-care is critical. These profound responsibilities demand the highest standards. This Professional Standards document embodies our values and identity. Every student, faculty, and staff member belong here and are accountable for upholding these standards—and for fostering a community that does the same. UVA School of Nursing doesn’t just prepare nurses—we define the standard.

Excellence

• Demonstrate punctuality, preparedness, and active engagement in all professional and academic settings
• Communicate with faculty, staff, students, and those in the community in a timely and respectful manner, following established protocols—particularly in the event of absences due to emergencies
• Follow safety protocols and evidence-based practices diligently
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver the best care
• Maintain a professional appearance in accordance with the School of Nursing dress code

Integrity

• Follow HIPAA guidelines and maintain confidentiality in all settings
• Represent the UVA Nursing community with distinction in every setting – clinical, academic, and beyond
• Maintain a thoughtful and responsible social media presence, recognizing the student role as a representative of the School of Nursing by following the UVA Health Social Media Policy
• Uphold personal and professional integrity including adhering to the UVA Honor System and in the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics
• Affirm the inherent right of every individual to be treated with dignity and respect, free from intimidation, harassment, and discrimination

Leadership

• Develop a professional identity grounded in UVA Values
• Support and stand with colleagues in upholding community standards
• Value and learn from feedback from others
• Take responsibility for mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and learning

*Drafted by student representatives in UVA SON academic programs, graduating in 2026, 2027, and 2028. 

Public Professional Licensure Disclosure

Federal regulations require the University of Virginia to disclose whether its licensure-related degree programs meet or do not meet U.S. jurisdictions’ (states and territories) educational requirements for licensure (34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)). Furthermore, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32), UVA must, prior to a student’s enrollment into a licensure-related program, ensure the student plans to pursue licensure and employment in a jurisdiction in which the program meets that jurisdiction’s academic requirements. Please refer to the UVA’s Professional Licensure Program Disclosure Tool  to either a.) determine if a UVA program meets or does not meet the educational requirements specified by the associated licensing board in a specific jurisdiction, or b.)  view the status of all programs in a specific jurisdiction. Instructions for searching the Index are available on the Index page. 

Enrolled students who change their location to a different state or territory must notify UVA by contacting the University Registrar’s Office to update that information.