St. David’s School of Nursing
Nursing Building
Round Rock Campus
100 Bobcat Way
Round Rock, TX
T: 512.716.2900 F: 512.716.2911
www.nursing.txst.edu
Vision
The St. David’s School of Nursing at Texas State University provides supportive and creative educational programs, which inspire those who teach and those who learn, based on mutual respect and a commitment to contribute to the health of individuals, families, populations, communities, and the environment worldwide.
Mission
Preparing the next generation of nurses to improve health care.
The St. David's School of Nursing at Texas State University educates and prepares graduates, using innovative teaching strategies and state-of-the-art technology. Graduates provide ethical, safe, and effective, patient-centered care, contribute to present and emerging research, and lead change in health management practices and health care systems. Graduates demonstrate competence in clinical judgement and diagnostics, collaborate as members and leaders of interprofessional healthcare teams, utilize and evaluate scientifically-based interventions, and serve in educational roles benefiting the future nursing workforce. As caring professional nurses with advanced role preparation, graduates manage illness; promote, maintain, and restore health; plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based health care quality improvement, and provide care for diverse individuals, families, populations, and global communities across the lifespan.
The St. David’s School of Nursing offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in Leadership and Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner roles, as well as a post‑master’s certificate (PMC) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for nurses seeking advanced specialization. These program options are delivered online with preceptor-led clinical experiences. MSN and PMC students engage in immersive learning supported by expert faculty through virtual simulations, guest lectures from leaders in the field, and individualized mentorship with preceptors and faculty.
The St. David’s School of Nursing also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) designed for working nurses seeking to advance their practice and leadership preparation. Delivered part-time and fully online, the program includes Executive Practice and Executive Leadership tracks that prepare graduates to lead complex clinical, organizational, and system-level initiatives. Through a practice‑focused curriculum and scholarly project, DNP graduates translate evidence into practice, lead quality improvement and innovation, and advance health care outcomes across diverse settings.
All graduate programs are designed for flexibility, supporting nurses as they advance their education while continuing professional practice.
Academic Progression
Graduate nursing students must earn a minimum grade of 80% (B) in all nursing curriculum courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to graduate from an MSN, post‑master’s certificate, or DNP program.
Graduate nursing courses are offered in a semi–lock‑step sequence. Students in MSN and post‑master’s certificate programs may enroll full-time or part-time according to the approved degree plan, while the DNP program is offered part-time only.
Multiple courses will be offered for each program option in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Progress in the program may be delayed if the student fails (C or lower) or drops/withdraws from a course. A student may repeat a nursing course only one time. Following a second nursing course failure or withdrawal from a nursing course beyond the census date (12th class day), a student will be dismissed from the graduate nursing program, but not from Texas State University.
Graduation
To graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, or to earn a post‑master’s certificate, a student must successfully complete all graduate nursing courses and requirements and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in the graduate nursing program.
Immunization and Basic Life Support
It is the policy of the College of Health Professions that each student must provide a Health Certificate and Immunization Form completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, PA or NP). Students must stay current on immunizations and any other required vaccinations as well as Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals and other admission requirements. Graduate students who fail to keep their clinical requirements (immunizations, CPR, etc.) up to date will not be permitted to participate in clinical practicum experiences, resulting in possible inability to meet course requirements and failure in the course.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
Graduate nursing students must successfully pass a criminal background check and submit a clean drug screen, consistent with the requirements for our clinical partners, prior to admission. A valid social security number is required by the St. David's School of Nursing's clinical partners for the background check administered through a third-party vendor. All graduate nursing students are subject to random or for cause drug screens throughout the program.
Students will be required to notify the Graduate Program Director and Director of the School of Nursing of any type of arrest, conviction or change in physical or mental health status during their time in the nursing program. The seriousness of the infraction or condition will determine subsequent actions taken to remain in compliance with clinical affiliation agreements. Failure to notify will be considered an Honor Code and Nursing Ethics violation.
