Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program

Are you a returning Peace Corps volunteer (RPCV)? Find out more about our accelerated BSN program for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field or, if you are a nurse with a BSN, learn more about our Graduate Program. Interested in reading about the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing? Start here.

About the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

In December 2010, the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, after a rigorous process, was selected as a Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program (formerly known as the Fellows/USA Program) site by the United States Peace Corps.

Through this exciting new partnership, the College welcomes returned Peace Corps volunteers to campus. The goal of the Coverdell Fellows Program is to give the returned volunteers an opportunity as Fellows to continue working with underserved populations in a domestic setting while engaging in formal study to advance their own career.

Fellows may choose nursing as a second career and enroll in the College’s accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program for college graduates with degrees in other fields. For Fellows who are already nurses with a bachelor’s degree, there is the option to enroll in the College’s Graduate Program in a specialty such as nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, nursing education or health care administration. Application fees for both the Undergraduate and Graduate programs are waived for returning Peace Corps volunteers.

The Fellows’ education is enriched by the internship serving an underserved population where they can continue to apply the experience they gained living and working overseas. The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing has a variety of collaborating community organizations to use as sites. In return for working with an underserved population, Fellows are given financial assistance by the College to reduce education costs. In addition, Fellows will participate in professional seminars with other nursing student leaders, will present their Peace Corps experience to other Villanova students, and will partner with faculty mentors to achieve career goals.