The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science began with bright minds and big dreams. While we’re looking forward to the future, here are a few of our favorite milestones thus far.
The Founding Vision (1973 -1974)
- 1973 | Inspired by Gratitude: Following a transformative experience with nursing care, Mr. Philip Y. Hahn committed a $1 million endowment to the University of San Diego.
- 1974 | Founded with Vision: The Board of Trustees officially established the Hahn School of Nursing. Founding Dean Irene Palmer and Provost Sally Furay, RSCJ, began their mission to create a nationally ranked school focused exclusively on graduate nursing education.
Pioneering Graduate Excellence (1979–1999)
- 1979 | First Master’s Degrees Awarded: The school awarded its first Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees to an inaugural class of 14 students, setting a new academic standard for the region.
- 1985 | First Doctoral Students: Launching one of the first Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS) programs in California, USD Nursing cemented its role as a leader in clinical research.
- 1999 | The PhD Program Launches: As enrollment grew, the school added a PhD in Nursing, focusing on the development of nurse scientists and global healthcare leaders
Expanding the Pathway (2002–2008)
- 2002 | The MEPN Concept: Recognizing the need for diverse entries into the profession, USD developed the Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)—the first of its kind in San Diego.
- 2006 | The MEPN Foundation: The MEPN program entered a pivotal era of expansion. This year marks the beginning of the program’s 20-year legacy of transitioning high-achieving professionals from other fields into elite nursing roles.
- 2008 | The DNP Program Launches: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program began, preparing nurses to translate evidence-based research directly into clinical practice at the highest levels.
Innovation and Infrastructure (2015–2022)
- 2015 | The Beyster Institute and Dickinson Lab: A generous donation from Bob and Betty Beyster facilitated the opening of the Beyster Institute for Nursing Research (BINR) and the Dickinson Nursing Simulation Center, providing a high-tech home for nursing scholarship.
- 2019–2022 | Resilience and the Digital Pivot: During the global pandemic, the Hahn School demonstrated unparalleled agility. By integrating Virtual Reality (VR) simulation and Telehealth into the curriculum, the school maintained 100% educational continuity while leading regional vaccination and public health efforts.
The Modern Era: 50 Years and Beyond (2024–2026)
- 2024 | The Golden Jubilee: In September 2024, the Hahn School celebrated its 50th Anniversary. We honored five decades of "The USD Nurse"—a community of change-makers dedicated to compassion and health equity.
- 2025 | The HyFlex Revolution: To meet the needs of the modern workforce, the school launched the HyFlex (Hybrid Flexible) modality for the CNS and DNP programs, allowing students to move seamlessly between in-person and remote learning.
- 2026 | 20 Years of MEPN Impact: We celebrate two decades of the established MEPN program. Since its solidified launch in 2006, the program has graduated hundreds of leaders who bring unique multidisciplinary perspectives to healthcare worldwide.
Today, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science enrolls over 450 graduate students. Consistently ranked as the #1 graduate nursing school in San Diego and among the top in the nation, we continue to advance the world of nursing through research, clinical excellence, and a commitment to the human spirit.