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Admissions
Please visit Admissions • UVA School of Nursing for more information about UVA School of Nursing graduate admissions.
Rescinding an Offer of Admission
It is the School of Nursing’s expectation that all applicants uphold the intellectual, ethical, and professional standards of the School and the University of Virginia. By applying to the School, students agree to abide by the principles of the UVA Honor Code and the Standards of Conduct. The School may rescind an offer of admission up until the date of matriculation for, but not limited to, the following reasons:
- An applicant fails to successfully complete any program prerequisites.
- An admitted applicant fails to show satisfactory academic progress in any courses completed after receiving their offer of admission.
- An admitted applicant is not in good academic standing during their final semester prior to admission.
- An applicant is found to have presented misleading or fraudulent information during the application process.
- An applicant fails to follow the principles of the Honor Code and the Standards of Conduct described above.
Deferrals
Deferrals are only granted to active-duty military students and are only effective for one year. If students need to take longer than one year, they must apply through central admissions.
Academic Rules and Regulations
All students are subject to the academic policies specified in the section titled “University Regulations”. In addition, students must follow the policies of the School of Nursing (SON).
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 School of Nursing PhD program section.
Academic Advising
Cooperation and personal attention mark the relations between faculty members and students. Each graduate student is assigned a Student Success Specialist or advisor 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 or advisor 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 or advisor. The advising hold can only be lifted by the student’s Student Success Specialist or advisor.
Stellic is a holistic advising platform that supports students as they navigate their academic path at the UVA School of Nursing. Stellic offers comprehensive course planning and communication tools. Students, Student Success Specialists, advisors, and administrators will use Stellic to track degree progress, including the degree audit for graduation.
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 and the student is still active in their program 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 outcomes as outlined in the course syllabus.
- A grade below a B- in a core nursing course must be repeated and will 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.
- CNL student progression is dependent on successful completion of all required courses each semester.
The University’s enrollment policy may be found here: UVA Policy. Students who must meet the corresponding full-time or part-time status or who have contractual obligations related to tuition benefits may need to enroll in elective(s) when the required coursework for the semester is below the minimum threshold.
Progression Review Committee (PRC)
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.
Appeals from Students
Academic Grievances
Students should consult PROV-019: Student Academic Suspension Grievance for the policy and procedure through which students can raise concerns about academic suspension decisions. Academic suspensions may be grieved within 3 business days of notification of the suspension. Students who wish to grieve an academic suspension should file this in writing as outlined in PROV-019 to the school designated official, the Associate Dean of Academic Operations (ADAO), who will adjudicate the case. The ADAO will communicate in writing their decision to the student within 5 business days of receiving the student grievance.
Within five (5) business days after receiving the decision, the student may appeal in writing to the Dean. Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the initial adjudication of the grievance will not be grounds for appeal; however, students may appeal on the grounds that there was a failure to follow procedure.
Grade Appeals
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.
Course Rules
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.
Degree Information
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)
Master’s Degree Concentrations
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- 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-Professional Certificate Concentrations
- 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
Specialty Concentration Transition and Length of Program Changes
The opportunity for APRN students to transition from the specialty concentration that they choose during their application process to a different one may be available until November 30 of their first semester first year on the Accelerated Plan of Study and second year on the Standard Plan of Study. To be eligible, the student must be in good standing and the newly identified specialty concentration must be predicted to have available practicum sites. Students should meet with their assigned Student Success Specialist to initiate the process. The same process is followed for students wishing to change from Standard to Accelerated plans of study or Accelerated to Standard plans of study.
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-Professional Certificate students will undergo a formal gap analysis after matriculation to ensure that they have fulfilled certification requirements. The MSN to DNP students will undergo a formal gap analysis upon acceptance into the Program to verify the number of clinical practicum hours completed and assess the number needed to meet AACN requirements in order to provide a revised plan of study before matriculation. The revised plan of study is shared with the student prior to matriculation so that there is agreement with the plan. The Graduate Program Lead is responsible for reviewing and approving all gap analyses, as well as 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.
Final Examinations
Final examinations are given in regularly scheduled courses during a designated period of time at the end of each semester. Final exams in courses may be given only at the times listed on the UREG (Office of the University Registrar) website. Examinations in courses not fitting the regular class times are scheduled by UREG in consultation with the instructor. Faculty members are not authorized to change the announced times of their examinations. All students must have the opportunity to take the exam at the time announced on the UREG website. Students are not permitted to take a final exam before its regularly scheduled time.
Any individual exceptions requested by a student may be authorized only by the Senior Assistant Dean for Advising and Student Success. Approval must also be granted by the instructor and for compelling reasons.
When a student has three exams scheduled over two consecutive days, the student may request a postponement of one of their exams. The student must file the exam postponement request, endorsed by the instructor of the course, no later than one week prior to the first day of the examination period.
Grades
Clinical Grades
Student performance in the clinical setting must reflect safe, ethical, and professional nursing practice. Any student who demonstrates unsafe or unprofessional behavior in the clinical environment at any time will receive a failing grade for the clinical component of the course. Because successful completion of the clinical component is required to pass the course, failure of clinical will result in failure of the course, regardless of the student’s numeric or didactic/classroom grade from assignments, exams, etc.
When a determination is made that a student has demonstrated unsafe or unprofessional behavior and will fail the course, the maximum final course grade that may be assigned is 79 C+ for graduate students.
Unsafe or unprofessional behavior includes, but is not limited to, actions that jeopardize patient safety; violate professional or ethical standards; breach confidentiality; fail to comply with faculty, course, or clinical site policies; or otherwise demonstrate conduct inconsistent with professional nursing expectations.
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).
Grade Changes
No final grade may be changed without the approval of the course instructor after it has been posted in the Student Information System (SIS). The School of Nursing is not authorized by the faculty to change a final grade, except when an instructor certifies that, because of errors in calculation or transcription, an incorrect grade has been submitted. Extra work to raise a final grade, once submitted, is not permitted.
Incomplete Grades
The symbol IN (incomplete) is used when additional course work is required or examinations need to be taken in order to fulfill the requirements of a given course. Students may not request an IN grade in an attempt to raise their grade. Prior to the end of the class, students must initiate the request for an IN and secure the instructor’s approval in accordance with school deadlines. Grade changes from IN to a final grade cannot be made more than one semester following the end of the course, and instructors may set shorter deadlines.
Instructors are not authorized to extend the time for completion of course work without the Senior Assistant Dean’s approval. If a prerequisite course remains incomplete by the first day of the subsequent semester, the student may be unable to progress, potentially delaying program completion. Students with two or more outstanding incomplete designations (in the same semester or cumulatively) may not enroll in courses in subsequent terms. A student’s degree cannot be conferred with a grade of Incomplete (IN) on record.
Students must submit an incomplete grade form (DocuSign) available on the School’s student form directory: Forms for Students • UVA School of Nursing.
Leaving and Returning to the University
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
- December 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 Requirements
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.
 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.
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.
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. UVA SON Compliance Officers communicate this requirement to students. Additionally, different clinical agencies may require students to undergo a criminal background investigation and/or drug screens when students are assigned to clinicals. In select instances, the SON may be required to share those results with the agency as a condition of student placement. 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.
Expenses
Depending on the program and concentration, additional costs may be required (e.g., clinical supplies and resources).
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.
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.
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.
Truescreen (myRecord 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.
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.
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.
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 Credit
Graduate students (MSN/DNP only) may be eligible to transfer a maximum of 12 credits total from other academic institutions, or from other UVA programs prior to admission, if the following criteria are met:
- Courses are listed on the transcript from the transferring institution as graduate level.
- The student earned a final grade of B- or higher.
- The courses are deemed aligned with the rigor and content of the student’s program of study.
- *Courses were completed within five years of matriculation when applicable.
- Coursework was completed at an accredited university in the United States.
Students wishing to have credits transferred from an international university must ensure that:
- 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; or
- The student completed credits as part of a recognized study abroad program through UVA or another university accredited in the United States.
* Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology must have been completed within five years of matriculation to be considered for transfer in place of a required course. For students who completed the MSN-CNL program at UVA School of Nursing, Advanced Pathophysiology can be considered for transfer in place of the Advanced Pathophysiology course in the BSN to DNP program. Graduate level non-nursing courses, as well as graduate-level nursing courses other than Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology, may be transferred to the BSN to DNP program as electives if they were completed at the graduate level and meet the transfer criteria above.
The MSN/DNP Program Lead is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed transfer credits to determine whether the course content, objectives, and academic level are appropriately aligned with the student’s program of study. Courses that do not align with program content will be denied for transfer. Courses transferred in must be assigned an equivalent number of credits. Prior coursework with a clinical or practicum component, including proposal, thesis, dissertation, seminar, or special topics credits, is not eligible for transfer. Transfer credits are not included in the calculation of a student’s cumulative GPA at UVA.
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.
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. For more information on how to enroll as a visiting or non-degree-seeking student, please go to Non-Degree Seeking Students • UVA School of Nursing.
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