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About the School
Wholistic Nursing
At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing equips you to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—through holistic nursing. This approach fosters deeper connections with patients, enhancing their healing and overall well-being. Success in nursing requires more than clinical expertise. At UST, you’ll refine essential “process skills” like clear communication, critical reasoning, and sound decision-making through our distinctive core curriculum and intimate, supportive learning environment.
Our Curriculum
Programs of Study
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A comprehensive four-year program combining UST’s core curriculum, pre-nursing coursework, and nursing major courses. With on-campus and online learning opportunities, this program prepares students for RN licensure and entry into the nursing profession.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN): A fast-track option enabling students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn their BSN in as few as 12 months.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Tailored for working nurses, this program offers four specialized concentrations to help you elevate your career and focus on areas of passion.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate: A post-master’s program designed for APRNs seeking expertise in mental health care. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Whether you’re starting your nursing journey or advancing your career, the Peavy School of Nursing provides the academic excellence and compassionate approach to help you make a lasting impact in healthcare.
Academic Programs
Chart Your Course
Explore academic programs across UST, from the liberal arts to professional and graduate study. The catalog brings majors, minors, certificates, and degree requirements into one place, helping you compare options and plan a coherent path forward.
Learning from Nurses in the field
School of Nursing Leadership
Claudine Dufrene PhD, RN-BC, GNP-BC, CNE
Under the leadership of Dr. Claudine Dufrene PhD, RN-BC, GNP-BC, CNE, nursing education at UST is approached as both a professional discipline and a vocation of service. Dr. Dufrene is the Executive Dean and Associate Professor of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing. She is also the Sr. Mary Martina Casey Endowed Chair in Nursing.
Student Experience
Learning Through
Care and Practice
Students in the School of Arts and Sciences benefit from an academic environment that values inquiry, dialogue, and creative exploration. Learning is shaped by close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary study, and opportunities to connect theory with practice.
- A broad range of majors and minors across the arts, sciences, and humanities
- Faculty mentorship supporting research, creative work, and academic growth
- Emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and interdisciplinary learning
Crescamus in Christo
Considering Nursing
at UST?
What can you do with a nursing degree from UST?
Graduates are prepared for entry-level nursing practice in hospitals, clinics, community health settings, and other healthcare environments. Many pursue advanced practice, leadership roles, or graduate study in nursing and related fields.
Is the Nursing program grounded in ethical and compassionate care?
Yes. Nursing education at UST integrates ethical reasoning, patient dignity, and compassionate service alongside clinical training. Students are prepared to provide care that respects both professional standards and moral responsibility.
Do students receive hands-on clinical experience?
Yes. Clinical training is a core component of the Nursing program, providing students with supervised, real-world experience in healthcare environments as part of their academic preparation.
Do I need prior healthcare experience to apply?
Prior healthcare experience is not required. The program is designed to support students from diverse academic backgrounds as they develop the skills and knowledge needed for nursing practice.
How does the program support students beyond the classroom?
Students benefit from faculty mentorship, clinical guidance, and a supportive academic community focused on professional growth, ethical practice, and readiness for licensure and employment.
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Preparing Nurses for the World
The University of St. Thomas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and doctorate degrees. The nursing programs, including the BSN, MSN, post-graduate APRN certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.