Mission|Goals|Philosophy|Vision|Objectives
From
Dean Dolores Sands
Many dramatic changes in American society will affect nursing:
increases in the number of elderly, major technological advances, the rise
of newly identified viral diseases, and severe repercussions from
unhealthy life styles. 
These
changes dictate that the nursing profession increase its rank. We will
need more nurses prepared to practice at advanced levels in hospitals, in
community health agencies, in nursing homes, and in home health care. To
meet the demand for nurses in the future and prepare the nurse of the
future, we have recently revitalized our undergraduate program,
streamlined the program for RNs seeking a baccalaureate degree and made
significant improvements in our graduate programs. Each program is
flexible, accessible and unique.Our faculty includes experienced, renowned
teachers and researchers who embody the belief that nursing is a noble,
honorable profession vital to the public good. Whether teaching students
how to give basic bedside care, how to organize and supervise care, or how
to improve that care through research, faculty members impart their
steadfast belief that the sole meaning of life is to serve humanity. In
the 21st century, service professions such as nursing will determine the
quality of American life. The University of Texas at Austin School of
Nursing, through its commitments and innovations in nursing
education, research and service, will be at the forefront of the service
professions. It is energized by top-quality programs, students, staff,
alumni, and community support. I welcome your interest in our program and
look forward to meeting you when you become a student.
Dolores Sands
Dean, School of Nursing
About
the Faculty
The School of Nursing offers highly qualified faculty who are
active in teaching, practice and research. These endeavors are closely
related, since professional nursing practice involves teaching health
skills and 
using and
interpreting research findings. Faculty research at the School of Nursing
mirrors the emphasis in nursing practice on health promotion and
self-care. Studies focus on discovering ways to encourage individuals and
families to acquire and maintain the highest possible states of health.
Other studies are focused on the organizations within which care delivery
occurs to identify components that have the most influence on the delivery
of quality health and nursing care.
The
Undergraduate Program
The School of Nursing offers undergraduate students a dynamic
course of study that is both theoretical and practical. The theory insures
a solid foundation necessary to handle changes in the health care system.
The practical training enables graduates to function in a wide variety of
settings. Clinical instruction at UT meets or exceeds the Texas State
Board of Nurse Examiners' standards for student-teacher ratios. Generally,
only 10 students are assigned to each clinical instructor because this
ratio provides an optimal level of support and supervision. Accredited by
the National League for Nursing from its inception in 1953, the
undergraduate and master's programs have provisional accreditation from
the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and are in the process of
seeing full accreditation from AACN. In addition, the School has full
accreditation with commendations from the Texas State Board of Nurse
Examiners.
Graduate
Programs
Graduate nursing education at The University of Texas at Austin
School of Nursing
is designed to prepare professionals for advanced clinical nursing
practice and research, enabling them to make significant contributions to
health care. Core program content includes theoretical and practical
knowledge, as well as information about social policy and legal and
ethical issues relevant to health care delivery and the nursing
profession. Besides required clinical courses, master's students have
opportunities to pursue individual interests. Doctoral students are
prepared to become researchers and to assume advanced leadership roles in
nursing and health care delivery. Areas of study at both levels are adult
health nursing, parent-child nursing, community health, and nursing
systems. In addition, at the master's level students may pursue family or
pediatric nurse practitioner programs including options for post master's
certificates. Finally, a new women's health concentration has been
initiated at the doctoral level.
Facilities
School of Nursing facilities available to students include two
computer labs, a clinical skills simulation lab, an audiovisual library,
lounges and study areas in one of the most conveniently located buildings
at UT.
The
University of Texas at Austin
Since its establishment in 1883, the University has become one of
the world's most prominent educational institutions with a broad mission
of undergraduate and graduate 
education,
research, and public service. Through its 15 colleges and schools and the
Graduate School, the University offers more than 100 undergraduate degree
programs and 170 graduate degree programs. The University offers 50
different honors degree programs and serves 50,000 students, one-fourth of
whom are graduate students. The more than 2,000 faculty of the University
include members of the American Academy of Nursing, the National Academy
of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the American Academy of
Arts and Sciences, and winners of the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes. Faculty
research spans all areas, with its high quality reflected in an overall
$281 million in sponsored projects annually. Located in the capital of
Texas, the University has over 115 buildings on a 357-acre campus.
Austin,
Texas
Austin is a beautiful city located in central Texas on the Colorado
River that is rich in opportunities for 
outdoor
recreation and cultural enrichment. The city is populated by one of the
most well-educated work forces in the country, enabling the growth of
Austin as a premiere high-tech research and development and manufacturing
site. Austinites are passionate about their leisure time as well. In
addition to numerous hike-and-bike trails, natural swimming areas such as
Barton Springs, sailing and camping in the Highland Lakes, and other
outdoor activity areas, Austin is known as "the live music capital of
the world." Blues, jazz, country, classical - all are available
nightly.