Students who are enrolled in a clinical graduate program may apply for the minor in nursing and health-care administration. Penn offers a midwifery distance learning option that allows students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to complete the program within their own communities. A distance learning program is also available for the pediatric oncology nurse practitioner program for nurses at St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The School of Nursing recognizes the evolving nature of health care and the desire on the part of many nurses to expand or alter current roles and responsibilities. It is possible to pursue post-master's work, which is designed for those who already possess a master's degree in nursing and are interested in either extending their knowledge and skill in their current area of practice or changing to a new area of nursing practice.
Students also have the option of designing their own curriculum to include two or more programs.
The mission of the doctoral program of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is to prepare nurse scientists for successful careers, particularly in research-intensive environments. Graduates of this program will be leaders who will move the science of nursing forward through the conduct and dissemination of research for the advancement of nursing practice. These nurse scientists will take responsibility to shape and advance health care, with the ultimate goal of improving the public's health through the integration of theory, research, and practice. The educational experience focuses on the processes of knowing and an examination of substantive bodies of knowledge. Development as a researcher is fostered through exposure to the philosophic and methodological aspects of nursing and related basic and applied disciplines.