College of Nursing

Return to: Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing

Mission

To cultivate a community of courageous nurse leaders who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and innovative mindset necessary to positively impact healthcare outcomes. Through synergistic scholarship and dynamic education, we empower resilient nurses who navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving healthcare system with curiosity and confidence. Rooted in a Christ-centered culture, we foster a sense of belonging that supports health, unity, and flourishing for all. 

Vision

To be a beacon of excellence in nursing education, known for producing transformative graduates who lead with courage, curiosity, and compassion. We envision a healthcare landscape transformed by our graduates’ intentional and innovative contributions, improving health outcomes for diverse populations.  By cultivating multi-faceted, sustainable partnerships locally and globally, we strive to empower individuals and communities to thrive. 

Aspirational Aim 

Elevate Belmont Nursing to be recognized as a national and global leader in nursing education. 

Graduate Nursing Program Outcomes

• The Belmont DNP meets the core competencies for advanced-level nursing practice (“The Essentials”) developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
• Graduates of Belmont’s DNP program will be able to:  

  •  Employ advanced clinical judgment to manage complex health conditions across diverse populations, incorporating evidence-based practices to improve care outcomes.  

  • Inspire interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance care, and drive meaningful change through advanced communication strategies. 

  • Lead initiatives that promote compassionate, person-centered care, addressing not only clinical needs but also the emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of health and well-being.  

  • Integrate concepts of hope, diversity, equity, and inclusivity into clinical practice, education, and leadership roles, promoting life abundant for all people.  

  • Apply ethical principles and professional standards in clinical decision-making and leadership, acting as radical champions for justice, integrity, and accountability.   

  • Incorporate current and robust research, professional expertise, and individual and family preferences to implement practices that improve quality, safety, and health outcomes.   

  • Advocate for policies that promote access, affordability, and quality care, and support systemic changes that enable communities to flourish through sustainable and effective health reforms.  

  • Address social determinants of health in clinical and community settings, designing and implementing interventions that reweave the social fabric by advancing equity, empowering marginalized populations, and improving population health outcomes.   

  • Leverage advanced leadership skills and evolving technologies to drive data-informed innovations that improve care delivery, prioritize safety, quality, and ethical standards, and address complex and evolving challenges.  

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have proof of a current RN license from their state of residence and/or practice. A Tennessee RN license or a license from a state that is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is required for clinical experiences in Tennessee. Applicants will be asked to submit a personal statement that elaborates on their career aspirations upon receiving their DNP, along with initial ideas for their scholarly project. 

For Family Nurse Practitioner DNP or Leadership & Innovation DNP:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or Master’s Entry MSN from a nationally accredited baccalaureate-granting institution 
• A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA 
• Two evaluation forms from faculty members, professional references, doctorally prepared nurses or health professionals 
• Interview with program faculty  

For Post-Master’s DNP:

• A master’s degree in the field of nursing (MSN*) from a nationally accredited nursing program or a master’s degree in a health-related field. This includes (but is not limited to) an MPH, MHI, MHA or MBA  
• A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA 
• Two evaluation forms from faculty members, professional references, doctorally prepared nurses or health professionals 
• Interview with program faculty by invitation

*Applicants who have attended a Master’s Entry MSN are eligible for the FNP or Leadership & Innovation tracks. 

Post-Admission Requirements

Following acceptance, you must complete the requirements below before you register for courses:

• $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit by a specific deadline after acceptance, applied to first semester’s tuition
• Final official transcript of coursework that was in progress at the time of your application. Official transcripts should be sent to: 

Belmont University 

Office of Admissions

1900 Belmont Blvd

Nashville, TN 37212-3757

Official electronic transcripts can be accepted, and must be sent through a secure third party (i.e. Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment). Request them be sent to: admissions@belmont.edu.  

• Documentation of licensure or certification information, as requested
• A background check, as directed by the college of Nursing, with favorable results 
• Required immunizations
• Proof of health insurance coverage or enrollment in Belmon’t Student Health Insurance Program

If these requirements are not satisfied, admission to the program may be rescinded.

Technical Standards for Nursing Students

• Graduate degree programs attest to general knowledge in nursing and the basic skills required for nursing. Essential abilities and characteristics required for completion of these degrees consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to assure that candidates for admission, progression, and graduation can complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of training, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• ICON intends for its graduates to become competent and compassionate nurses who can meet all requirements for licensure. ICON is committed to educating and training future leaders in nursing; many of whom will pursue careers in academic nursing. For purposes of this document, and unless otherwise defined, the term “candidate” means candidates for admission to the ICON as well as enrolled students who are candidates for progression and graduation. 
• The following abilities and characteristics are defined as technical standards, which, in conjunction with academic standards established by the faculty, are requirements for admission, progression, and graduation. Although these standards serve to delineate the necessary physical and mental abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum. Candidates with questions regarding technical standards are encouraged to contact the appropriate Associate Dean for Nursing immediately to address what types of accommodation may be considered for development to achieve these standards. Admission to ICON is conditional on the candidate’s ability to satisfy these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, and results from a process that examines and values all the skills, attitudes, and attributes of each candidate on a case-by- case basis. 
• ICON has an ethical responsibility for the safety of patients with whom students and graduates will come in contact. Although students learn and work under the supervision of the faculty and preceptors, students interact with patients throughout their nursing education. Patient safety and well-being are therefore major factors in establishing requirements involving the physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities of candidates for admission, progression, and graduation. Candidates must have the physical and emotional stamina and capacity to function in a competent manner in the clinical, classroom, and laboratory settings, including settings that may involve heavy workloads, long hours, and stressful situations. Individuals whose performance is impaired by abuse of alcohol or other substances are not suitable candidates for admission, progression, or graduation. 

Technical, Non-Academic Standards

• Observation. Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in experiments of science, simulated learning opportunities, and patient care activities. Candidates must be able to accurately observe patients as well as assess and interpret findings. Observation requires the use of common sense, as well as the functional use of the senses of vision, audition, olfaction, and palpation. They must be able to obtain a health history and perform a complete physical examination to integrate findings based on these observations and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan. Examples include but are not limited to examination of specimens in laboratories; medication administration; and discerning small variations in pitch and amplitude of cardiac and respiratory sounds. 
• Communication. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with faculty, peers, patients, their families, and members of the health care team. They must be able to obtain a health history in a timely fashion, interpret non-verbal aspects of communication, and establish culturally sensitive, therapeutic relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to record information accurately and clearly, and communicate effectively in English with faculty, peers, and health care professionals in a variety of patient settings. Examples include but are not limited to professional presentation, patient counseling, and instruction. 
• Motor Function. Candidates must possess the capacity to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers using gross and fine motor skills. They must be able to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner and provide general and emergency care. They must adhere to Universal Precautions measures and meet safety standards applicable to inpatient and outpatient settings and other clinical activities. Candidates must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye- hand coordination, as well as physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the clinical, lab, and classroom settings. Examples include but are not limited to intravenous catheter insertion, urinary catheter insertion, wound care, donning personal protective equipment, performing CPR, medication preparation/administration, operation of medical equipment, patient care activities, and pressure application. 
• Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities. Candidates must have sufficient cognitive (mental) abilities and effective learning techniques to assimilate the detailed and complex information presented in the nursing curriculum. They must be able to learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction; small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. Candidates must be able to memorize, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, and transmit information across modalities. They must recognize and draw conclusions about three-dimensional spatial relationships and logical sequential relationships among events. They must be able to formulate and test hypotheses that enable effective and timely problem-solving in diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical modalities. Candidates must possess the ability to incorporate new information from faculty, peers, healthcare team members, and the professional literature to formulate sound judgment in patient assessment, intervention, evaluation, teaching, and setting short- and long-term goals. Examples include but are not limited to accurate medication calculation and sharing rationale for plans of care. 
• Behavioral and Social Attributes. Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities. They must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. Candidates must be able to work effectively, respectfully, and professionally as part of the healthcare team, and interact with faculty, preceptors, peers, patients, their families, and healthcare personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. The ability to establish rapport and maintain sensitive, interpersonal relationships with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. They must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and long work hours, function effectively under stress, and display flexibility and adaptability to changing environments. They must be capable of regular, reliable, and punctual attendance in class, lab, simulation, and clinical. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. Minimum accommodation may be requested regarding this set of standards. Examples include but are not limited to safely and satisfactorily completing community-based assignments, successfully managing personal and/or program-related stressors. 
• Ethical and Legal Standards. Candidates must understand the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of nursing and function within both the law and ethical standards of the nursing profession. Candidates for the MSN and DNP programs must meet the legal standards to be licensed to practice nursing in the State of Tennessee. Candidates for BSN, MSN and DNP program admission must acknowledge and provide written explanation of any felony offense or disciplinary action taken against them prior to matriculation in ICON. In addition, should the student be convicted of any felony offense while enrolled, they must immediately notify the ICON Clinical Compliance Program Assistant as to the nature of the conviction. Failure to disclose prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action by ICON that may include dismissal. Examples include but are not limited to the inappropriate management of patient information. 

Graduate Nursing Administration

Faculty

Steven Busby, Kaylyn Bourne, Kathryn Dambrino, Jeannie Giese, Suzanne Gillson, Laura Gray, Elizabth Morse, Robin Mutz, David Phillippi, Meg Rowland, Erin Shankel, Lauren Smith, Jennifer Sternberg 

Staff

Overview of Program

The graduate nursing program at Belmont offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with two separate points of entry- either as a BSN prepared RN or as a master’s prepared RN or APRN. Those entering with a BSN may opt into the family nurse practitioner (FNP) track or leadership & innovation track. Students will complete a curriculum that combines core courses along with direct and indirect clinical experiences for a family nurse practitioner role and leadership or innovation practice experience hours, respectively.  Those students entering as a master’s prepared RN or APRN complete a curriculum that builds on existing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in order to gain expertise at a systems and population level. For students entering with an MSN or DNP in a specific APRN role who are not pursuing a DNP degree but would like to complete required coursework to be eligible to take the FNP certification boards exam, the post-APRN non-degree track is available.

Progression Policy

Affiliation

Belmont University College of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Southern Council on Collegiate Education of Nursing. The master’s program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, (202) 887-6791. In addition, the College of Nursing holds the charter for the Omicron Phi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and is a member institution of the Nightingale Society.

Return to: Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing