About Our School
Dean Colleen Conway-Welch
Greetings From Our Dean
Dear Prospective Student,
Welcome to the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing site, what we hope is a launching point for a rewarding career in advanced practice nursing and nursing knowledge creation.
Nursing is the most trusted profession in the world, and one that requires a rare combination of human, technical and critical thinking skills. We offer everything you need to become a successful nurse practitioner. Our Master of Science in Nursing program offers innovative educational approaches, multiple entry options attractive to nurses and non-nurses alike as well as many specialties – some with flexible scheduling and distance learning opportunities. And our PhD and proposed DNP programs are graduating world-class research-focused and practice-focused nurse scholars who are making a difference in our discipline and for patients everywhere.
At Vanderbilt School of Nursing, you have incomparable opportunities to learn from leading practitioners and researchers from the world of nursing. We have one of the most extensive nurse faculty practice networks anywhere, and we are deeply committed to theory and research that will serve as the foundation for much of your coursework. Our program also offers the latest informatics technology woven throughout to aid you as a student and in your career.
We hear from many employers that there’s something special about a Vanderbilt-educated nurse practitioner, and we agree. You will enter as an eager student and graduate as a practice-ready professional or nurse scholar who will make a difference in many lives and will help shape the future of health care.
All great journeys start with that first step. We’re glad you are here.
Sincerely,
Colleen Conway-Welch, PhD, CNM, FAAN
Nancy and Hilliard Travis Professor of Nursing
Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing