The University of Mary Washington is adding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, with enrollment beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. The new program gained approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia last year.
Mary Washington already offers a fully online RN-to-BSN completion program. The digital courses allow registered nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science degree. This new graduate-level program aims at preparing nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, education, and health care systems.
The new MSN hybrid program will include online courses as well as in-person clinical practicum hours. Practicum placements will be planned through the program in partnership with local employers.
Last year, Mary Washington Healthcare announced a partnership with UMW to start a new medical school. Christopher Newman, president and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare, cited a shortage of health care professionals in the area as a main factor in establishing the new school.
In a release about the new MSN degree program, UMW Director of Nursing Janet Atarthi-Dugan also noted the shortage. “This program aims to address vacancies in primary care and health care higher education in our region and across the Commonwealth, equipping nurses with advanced competencies and expertise for leadership, specialized practice and improved patient outcomes,” she said.
Graduates of the UMW nursing program will be prepared to teach online and in-person in both academic and clinic settings. As family nurse practitioners, they can also provide health screenings and patient treatment, and work at hospitals, urgent care sites, and at long-term care facilities as primary care providers.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
