Welcome to Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University! The Ellmer School of Nursing at ODU was established in 1967 and has been preparing exceptional nurses for professional practices. We are proud of our consistently high pass rates on licensing and certification exams for our graduates. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Our success can be credited to a faculty committed to delivering high-quality nursing education using innovative teaching methods, distance learning technologies for selected course delivery, and support from grant awards.
Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University offers a variety of programs and degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Dean's Welcome
Welcome to Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University,
As the Dean of Ellmer School of Nursing at ODU, I am thrilled to warmly welcome prospective students, current students, faculty, staff and visitors to our website. Our school has served as a beacon of excellence in nursing education, research and practice committed to shaping the future of healthcare with compassion, integrity and innovation for over half a century. Our mission is to transform healthcare by preparing exceptional nurses, extending nursing science and partnering with our global community.
At Ellmer School of Nursing at ODU, we believe that nursing is not merely a profession but a vocation that calls for a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities. Our dedicated faculty brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to grow professionally and personally.
Explore Nursing at ODU
Why Choose the Ellmer School of Nursing?
Course Instruction
98% of didactic courses taught by full-time faculty.
Student Satisfaction
95% student satisfaction with the quality of instruction, faculty feedback and individualized faculty attention across all degree programs.
Faculty/Student Ratio
1:6-8 faculty-to-student ratio for clinical practicum instruction/supervision.
Rigorous Training
575 direct-care clinical hours and 80 simulation hours in the pre-licensure BSN program.
Award-Winning Curriculums
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) awards for:
- Infusing Geriatrics into Baccalaureate Curriculum (2006)
- Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Award w/Sentara Ambulatory Care Clinic and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (2019)
- Innovations in Professional Nursing Education Award: ODU Community Care (2024)
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Accredited by CCNE
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).