Program Overview
The Froelich School of Nursing cultivates an intellectual community committed to preparing leaders in the delivery of safe, high-quality, and compassionate professional nursing practice. Graduates are prepared, in accordance with the principles of Catholic healthcare ethics, to care for, serve, and promote the health of society. A contemporary nursing curriculum built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences prepares the nursing student to be a leader and provider of high-quality compassionate patient-centered care. Active classroom learning coupled with strong clinical placements prepare the students for a rewarding career.

Nursing Student Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize concepts and theories from the liberal arts and science education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and Catholic health care ethics to guide professional nursing practice.
- Integrate concepts of safety and quality improvement in the practice of professional nursing within a healthcare system.
- Appraise evidence to support clinical decisions throughout the nursing process.
- Incorporate information systems and healthcare technologies throughout the nursing process.
- Examine the impact of socio-economic, cultural, spiritual, legal, ethical, and political factors influencing healthcare and professional nursing practice.
- Collaborate with patients, families, populations, and the interprofessional healthcare team by selecting appropriate communication strategies.
- Select evidence-based health promotion and health maintenance strategies to maximize health and minimize risk to patients, families, and populations.
- Examine a variety of health determinants when planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care of patients, families, and populations.
- Demonstrate characteristics and behaviors consistent with the professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal practice in professional nursing.
Assumption University's Froelich School of Nursing has initial approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Assumption University Froelich School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing (MACN)

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Curriculum

The Froelich School of Nursing program plan consists of 127 total credits. 71 credits include the Core Curriculum and required science courses. There are 56 credits designated to the nursing course sequence. Students completing the course requirements in the Froelich School of Nursing program plan will receive a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing with a minor in Biology.

Core Curriculum Requirements

(Sem) ENG 130	English Composition
(Sem) LTC 140, CLT 140, any Foreign Lang 204	Introduction to Literature, Classical Emphasis
(Sem) PHI 100	Socrates and the Search for Truth
(Sem) PHI 151	Ethics and the Good Life
(Sem) THE 100	Introduction to Theology
(Sem) THE 150, 151, or 153	The Problem of God, Faith and Reason, OR Revelation Ancient and Modern
(SRQ) ECO 115/ PSY 224/ SOC 300	Statistics
(SRQ) BIO 110*	Nutrition
	History Requirement
(CE)	Global Awareness
(PS) HRS 121*	Human Development and Disabilities Across the Lifespan
	Second Social Science Requirement
(CE) Fine Arts
(CE) Foreign Language
Great Conversation
(GC) PHI 262 (Pre-req PHI 151)	Biomedical Ethics
(GC) THE 341	Moral Issues in Medicine
Math 114 or Higher

Pre-requisite Curriculum

BIO 105*	Human Heredity
BIO 160*	Concepts in Biology
BIO 240*	Anatomy (with lab)
BIO 250* (Pre-req BIO 210)	Microbiology (with lab)
BIO 370* (Pre-req BIO 240)	Physiology (with lab)
CHE 102	Chemistry Fundamentals for Health Science
HSC 100*	Systems Approach to Delivering Healthcare in America

Nursing Curriculum

NUR 100	Introduction to Professional Nursing
NUR 200/201	Fundamentals of Professional Nursing/Clinical
NUR 204	Pathpharmacological Processes
NUR 210	Professional Nursing Concepts
NUR 300/301	Professional Nursing/Clinical
NUR 304	Pathopharmacological Therapeutics
NUR 312/313	Professional Nursing: Promoting Mental Health/Clinical
NUR 310	Evidence-based Nursing Practice
NUR 400/401	Complexities of Professional Nursing/Clinical
NUR 410	Clinical Judgment Seminar
NUR 412/413	Professional Nursing: Global Public Health/ Clinical
NUR 420/421	Professional Nursing: Promoting Family Health/ Clinical
NUR 490/491	Transition to Professional Nursing Practice/Clinical

*Course requires a grade of B- or higher.

Academic Catalog and Advising Guide

The student is eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, when all of the requirements of Assumption University are met; the student has successfully completed 127 credits according to the School of Nursing curriculum standards; and 56 credits designated as NUR are successfully completed with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (B-).
Students graduating from the Assumption University Froelich School of Nursing will meet the requirements necessary to apply for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Assumption University Nursing Students will apply to the Massachusetts (MA) Board of Registration in Nursing for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Compliance with the Good Moral Character, as defined by state law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, sections 74, 74A, and 76), and determined by the Board's policy on Determination of Good Moral Character Compliance (Licensure Policy 00-01) and a payment fee provides eligibility for licensure. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Passing the NCLEX-RN is a licensure requirement in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. Individual states may have additional licensure requirements, including, but not limited to, the number of required clinical hours, specific courses/course content in a nursing program, documentation verifying citizenship, background checks, and fingerprinting. Assumption University Froelich School of Nursing has not yet made a determination of whether our school's nursing program's curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in the remaining 49 states, District of Columbia or U.S. Territories. It is the student's responsibility to contact the licensure awarding agency in the state in which they wish to pursue licensure to determine/confirm whether the Assumption University Froelich School of Nursing program meets requirements for professional licensure in that state.

Need assistance finding professional nursing licensure requirements in Massachusetts?

For licensure outside of MA, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
1. Is the program accredited?
Yes, Assumption University and the Nursing Program are accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The professional nursing accreditation process will begin in the next 18 months.

2. What are your NCLEX-RN pass rates?
Because we are a new program, no students have graduated from the program, therefore, no student has sat for their NCLEX-RN exam. The first group of students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Summer 2023.

3. Where will clinicals be held?
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island, clinical agencies use a centralized placement system to manage the vast amount of Nursing School requests. This system will not confirm an institutions ability to have students until about six weeks before the rotation starts. In the meantime, Assumption University Nursing has received verbal commitments of support from various agencies in Massachusetts.

4. Do I need a car for clinical?
Carpooling to clinical sites is encouraged and recommended to defray parking costs. However, in the spring of the senior year, when the student is paired with a nurse for both clinical rotations, transportation to clinical will be the responsibility of the individual student.

5. Can I study abroad?
Nursing students who are interested in study abroad are encouraged to considered summer abroad offerings as an academic semester abroad experience cannot be fit into the nursing curriculum.

6. What does it mean to have Initial Approval from the Board of Registration in Nursing?
The Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) has a three-step process to attain Full-approval Status. Assumption University is on the second step of the process. In Spring 2023, BORN will return to campus for a site visit (date is already set), review our submitted report and grant Final Approval Status to the Nursing Program. Once this approval is received, the students are eligible to apply for licensure.
The Froelich School of Nursing is a direct admit program. Applications that meet the following minimum Froelich School of Nursing requirements will be read for admission. In addition to the University requirements, the minimum criteria required for the Froelich School of Nursing includes the following:
1. Minimum QPA in Core Math and Science Courses of 3.0. Core math courses include Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus, and Statistics; and Core Science Courses include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, and Physiology.
2. A high school transcript documenting the completion of three years of Core science courses (as defined above).
3. An application ready for review includes the following:
  1. Completed Common Application.
  2. Completed Froelich School of Nursing specific essay question located in the Common Application.
  3. Submission of a Letter of Recommendation from a high school counselor or teacher.
  4. Submission of High School Transcript.
Learn more about application deadlines and requirements.
The Froelich School of Nursing is accepting change of major applications. Applications will be reviewed for a spring 2022 start and a fall 2022 start. Dates for informational sessions will be posted on the Assumption University portal. First application deadline is December 1, 2021. Second application deadline is May 1, 2022.

Change of Major FAQs - updated 11.06.21

Change of Major Cover Sheet, Fall Seats - updated 11.06.21

Change of Major Cover Sheet, Spring Seats - updated 11.06.21

Faculty Letter of Recommendation Template - 11.06.21

Change of Major Information Session Presentation
All written complaints from the community of interest, including but not limited to those that are received from contracted clinical agencies, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and Froelich School of Nursing alumni will be directed to the Dean of the Froelich School of Nursing for resolution. Within 48 business hours of receiving this written complaint, the Dean of the Froelich School of Nursing will contact the individual and schedule a meeting. The Dean will maintain detailed notes of the meeting, including the decision made to address the issue of complaint. If the individual is unsatisfied with the resolution, they will be instructed to submit a formal complaint to the Assumption University Office of the Provost.

Faculty

Caitlin M. Stover, RN, PhD, PHCNS-BC, CNE, CNE-cl Dean of Nursing Dean and Associate Professor of Nursing

Katelyn Adams

Adjunct Faculty Nursing

Sandra Bailey Adjunct Faculty Nursing

Zareen Barry, RN, PhD, MPH

Professor of Practice Nursing

Renee L. Brideau, MS, RN Adjunct Faculty Nursing, Clinical Placement Coordinator

Heather L. Briere, MS, FNP-BC, CCM Assistant Professor of Practice

Lindsay A. Guertin, MSN, RN

Assistant Professor of Practice

Stefanie R. Haynes, DHS, MSN, RN, FNP-C

Professor of Practice Nursing

Allison H. Mamishian, MSN, RN, CNEcl

Assistant Professor of Practice

Courtney Orelup-Fitzgerald, PhD(c), RN, CNE, CPN

Assistant Professor of Practice

Julia Patrick, M.S.N.

Assistant Professor of Practice

Sunny Ruggeri

Adjunct Faculty Nursing

Lisa A. Ryan

Adjunct Faculty Nursing

Stephanie Smith

Adjunct Faculty Nursing

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all. Nursing students who are interested in study abroad are encouraged to consider summer offerings as an academic semester abroad experience cannot fit into the nursing curriculum.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Jaclyn Landry

Nursing 2023

I chose Assumption because I was interested in being part of the innovative new nursing program.

I loved the campus and wanted to be close to home. I enjoy helping people and want to be part of making lives better.

Erin Hazelhurst

Nursing 2023

I’ve found my purpose at Assumption.

The new nursing program, the state-of-the-art health science building, and the variety of excellent clinical placement options in Worcester are why I chose to enroll here. I want to help people through this extremely fulfilling profession.

James Bachini

Nursing 2023

Assumption’s nursing program provides students with the support and attention they need to succeed.

I want to become a nurse so I can help people when they need it most. I’ve seen nurses in action and appreciate the skills and compassion that they provide their patients. This combination of technical skills and compassion would allow me to truly impact another life.

Jillian Hamblin

Nursing 2023

Assumption feels like home.

I toured other college campuses but quickly realized what I wanted in a school and found it at Assumption. An active member of ROTC in high school, I naturally fell into a caretaker role and knew Assumption’s new nursing program would be a great fit for me.

Kyla Trail

Nursing 2023

I fell in love with Assumption’s campus and the idea of being part of a brand new nursing program.

I’ve always known I’ve wanted to become a nurse and wanted to help people. I graduated from Blackstone Valley Tech’s Health Services program and am a certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Sarah Masciarelli

Nursing 2023

I chose Assumption because I really loved the campus and Dean Stover made me feel at home.

I also like the 1:1 connection students have here with faculty - you can’t get that attention from larger nursing programs. I always wanted to be a nurse and my past experience volunteering at Tufts Medical Center just reaffirmed that.

SHINING THEIR LIGHT

Jaclyn Landry

Nursing 2023

I chose Assumption because I was interested in being part of the innovative new nursing program.

I loved the campus and wanted to be close to home. I enjoy helping people and want to be part of making lives better.

Erin Hazelhurst

Nursing 2023

I’ve found my purpose at Assumption.

The new nursing program, the state-of-the-art health science building, and the variety of excellent clinical placement options in Worcester are why I chose to enroll here. I want to help people through this extremely fulfilling profession.

James Bachini

Nursing 2023

Assumption’s nursing program provides students with the support and attention they need to succeed.

I want to become a nurse so I can help people when they need it most. I’ve seen nurses in action and appreciate the skills and compassion that they provide their patients. This combination of technical skills and compassion would allow me to truly impact another life.

Jillian Hamblin

Nursing 2023

Assumption feels like home.

I toured other college campuses but quickly realized what I wanted in a school and found it at Assumption. An active member of ROTC in high school, I naturally fell into a caretaker role and knew Assumption’s new nursing program would be a great fit for me.

Kyla Trail

Nursing 2023

I fell in love with Assumption’s campus and the idea of being part of a brand new nursing program.

I’ve always known I’ve wanted to become a nurse and wanted to help people. I graduated from Blackstone Valley Tech’s Health Services program and am a certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Sarah Masciarelli

Nursing 2023

I chose Assumption because I really loved the campus and Dean Stover made me feel at home.

I also like the 1:1 connection students have here with faculty - you can’t get that attention from larger nursing programs. I always wanted to be a nurse and my past experience volunteering at Tufts Medical Center just reaffirmed that.

see another

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

8 Questions with the Dean of the Froelich School of Nursing

This Q&A with Dean Stover discusses why this is the ideal time to pursue nursing! She also talks about unique aspects of the nursing program, what you can expect from the new state-of-the-art Health Sciences building, and the type of support the nursing students receive at Assumption.

What makes the Assumption nursing program unique?

To become an exceptional nurse, you must first learn to think like one. A bachelor’s degree in nursing from Assumption is the ideal way to develop this ability.

Learn about four aspects of Assumption's nursing program that make it top choice for pursuing your nursing degree.

The Catrambone Health Sciences Building

Assumption's new, 41,000-square foot building features four classrooms, one for 32 students, two for 48 and a large tiered classroom for 50. These classrooms are not only used for the nursing and physician assistant program, rather all academic programs on campus. Each classroom is fully equipped with a recording system for simulations that are used during debriefings.

The nursing floor features a spacious nursing skills lab with seven full-sized hospital beds for teaching proper patient care. Four simulation labs have hi-fidelity mannequins which simulate actual patient conditions (vitals, seizures, cardiac arrest, childbirth, etc) remotely controlled by a technician.

Learn More

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