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M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

Technical Standards for Admission and Progression

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program at Villanova University prepares students for entry‑level professional nursing practice. Nursing education includes classroom instruction, laboratory learning, simulation, and supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings. To participate safely and effectively, students must be able to meet the following technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations.

 

Essential Abilities

BSN students must be able to:

Observe and Sense

  • Use vision, hearing, touch, and smell to assess patients and recognize changes in patient condition
  • Detect alarms, emergency signals, and environmental cues in clinical settings

Communicate Effectively

  • Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, classmates, faculty, and healthcare team members
  • Read, write, speak, and understand English at a level necessary for safe patient care
  • Accurately document information
  • Follow verbal and written instructions

Perform Motor and Physical Tasks

  • Demonstrate sufficient strength, coordination, balance, and manual dexterity to perform nursing skills
  • Stand, walk, bend, lift, and move for extended periods in clinical environments 
  • Assist with patient mobility
  • Participate in and perform emergency procedures, such as CPR

Exhibit Critical Thinking

  • Gather, analyze, and apply information to make sound clinical decisions
  • Perform calculations related to medication administration and patient care
  • Respond appropriately in time‑sensitive and emergency situations

Demonstrate Professional and Behavioral Readiness

  • Exhibit emotional stability, professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior
  • Adapt to changing and stressful environments
  • Accept feedback and work effectively as part of a healthcare team

 

Accommodations for Disability

Villanova University is committed to providing equal access to qualified students with disabilities. Students who may require reasonable accommodations to meet these technical standards should contact the University’s Office of Access and Disability Services (ADS) or Office of Learning Support Services (LSS), as appropriate, to request accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are determined on an individual basis and must not compromise patient safety or alter essential program requirements.