Leading Nursing Education: Programs, Concentrations, and Academic Excellence

The Radford University College of Nursing is dedicated to cultivating skilled, empathetic nurses ready to meet the challenges of modern healthcare. Where Compassion Meets Excellence, we provide a nurturing environment that supports academic and personal growth with experienced faculty and a commitment to hands-on learning. Dean of the College of Nursing, Wendy Downey, welcomes you to Radford University as you begin your journey in one of our nursing programs in Radford or Roanoke.

Academic Offerings and Programs

Radford University's College of Nursing prepares compassionate nurses with a top-tier education while also providing the necessary resources and support for our students and faculty to succeed. Students can explore a variety of degrees and programs designed for various stages of their careers:

• Prelicensure BSN
• Post-Licensure RN to BSN Online
• Nursing Administration, MSN Online
• Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN
• Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

In addition to these offerings, a new Radford University College of Nursing agreement guarantees admission to Virginia community college students who have earned an A.A.S. degree in nursing.

Recognition and Academic Excellence

The quality of education provided to future nurse practitioners at Radford University is reflected in numerous accolades. RegisteredNursing.org has ranked Radford University's Nurse Practitioner program as #1 in the state. This recognition highlights the University's dedication to academic excellence. Furthermore, Colleges of Distinction is proud to name Radford University's College of Nursing a 2025-2026 Nursing College of Distinction for its commitment to preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses through innovative undergraduate education. Other notable recognitions include:

• "Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice"
• "Top Ranked Online RN to BSN Programs in Virginia"

Clinical Simulation and Innovation

Our world-class Clinical Simulation Center aspires to be the premier, innovative and student-centered simulation program to prepare competent, compassionate, professional clinicians to meet the needs of the community. In line with the philosophy that ‘Healthcare is a team sport’, case study events encourage collaboration and communication to enhance students' understanding of the unique roles, responsibilities and collaborative approaches to healthcare practice.

ECU Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The purpose of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration is to increase the number of advanced practice neonatal nurses to meet the needs of high-risk infants and their families in tertiary care centers. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online ranked the ECU College of Nursing NNP program No. 1 in the nation in 2025 using a points-based system based on data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Education for such advanced nursing practice is grounded in theoretical and practical knowledge that is culturally sensitive and prepares practitioners in advanced nursing, medical and pharmacological practices.

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 42 s.h. is required for graduation in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration. The concentration offers two methods for completing your graduation requirements, a full-time or part-time plan of study:

• Full-time plans: Typically span 5 semesters in length.
• Part-time plans: Typically span 7 semesters in length.

The content courses for this concentration are offered online, while required student clinical practice experiences are arranged in the students’ geographic area. Graduates are eligible to sit for The National Certification Corporation’s (NCC) examination to certify Neonatal Nurse Practitioners.

Concentration Faculty

The following faculty members will be your instructors as you move through the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner concentration:

• Dr. Amy Jnah, Director
• Dr. Amy Williford
• Ms. Alexandra Johnson
• Ms. Kelly Allis