Master of Science in Nursing Degree Information

This information is published to aid the student in making decisions leading to the accomplishment of academic goals. Each student is responsible for becoming acquainted with academic requirements. The content stated herein is for information only and in no way constitute a contract between the student and the nursing program. The nursing program reserves the right to make program changes and policy revisions at any time and without prior notice.

Master of Science in Nursing Outcomes

The graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing program will be prepared for the professional role as a Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and will be able to:

1. Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings (Essential I).
2. Use organizational and systems leadership skills in promoting safe and quality patient care, emphasizing ethical and critical decision making and effective working relationships (Essential II).
3. Employ performance measures and standards related to quality to monitor outcomes and apply quality principles within an organization (Essential III).
4. Apply research outcomes within the practice setting, resolve practice problems, work as a change agent, and disseminate results (Essential IV).
5. Use patient-care technologies to deliver and enhance care and use communication technologies to integrate and coordinate care (Essential V).
6. Participate in policy development in the organization and employ advocacy strategies to influence health and health care (Essential VI).
7. Use effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills as a member and leader of interprofessional teams to manage and coordinate care (Essential VII).
8. Apply broad, organizational, client-centered and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, management, and evaluation of evidence-based clinical prevention and population care and services to individuals, families, and aggregates/identified populations (Essentials VIII).
9. Show understanding of advanced level nursing and relevant sciences, integrate knowledge to direct or indirect patient care areas, and intervene and influence healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations, or systems (Essentials IX). 

Source:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2011) The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.

Program Admission Policy

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to the Graduate Division, acceptance is determined by the Admissions Committee of the Master of Science in Nursing program.

The following criteria pertain to admission into the Master of Science in Nursing program:

• Applicants have an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, e.g. Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Applicants for the post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track have received a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in nursing or related to nursing as outlined by the Board of Registered Nursing for Clinical Nurse Specialist certification.
• Applicants are accepted for the fall, spring, or summer terms.
• A valid and clear, current Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing to practice in the state of California.
• Applicants for the Leadership/Administration track have completed a minimum of one (1) year full-time continuous employment as a licensed Registered Nurse within the last five (5) years.
• Applicants for the Educator track must be able to meet minimum qualifications to be approved as a Clinical Teaching Assistant per California Board of Registered Nursing regulations, Title 16 CCR Section 1425(e): A clinical teaching assistant shall have at least one (1) year continuous, full-time or its equivalent experience in the designated nursing area within the previous five (5) years as a registered nurse providing direct patient care.
• Applicants for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist tracks have completed a minimum of one year full-time continuous clinical experience in a setting caring for adults as a licensed Registered Nurse within the last three years. Clinical experience needs to include some time in an acute care setting.
• The Admissions Committee of the MSN program will review and determine if the applicant’s clinical employment meets the admission requirement.
• Have earned a grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units or the last 90 quarter units of course work.
• Have completed a course in statistics or research as a prerequisite to NUR 290 (not applicable to post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track.)
• Complete the Graduate Student application and statement of interest.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Verify health clearances.
• Have current CPR certification - American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider.
• Provide proof of malpractice insurance.

Applicants who meet eligibility requirements are:

• Required to complete an on-site writing sample (not applicable to post-MSN Adult-Gerontology CNS applicants).
• Scheduled to meet with the MSN Program Representative for an academic planning session.

Students accepted into the MSN program:

• Must take all required nursing courses at MSMU.
• Are allowed to defer their admission for one year. For e.g., if a student is accepted in the fall, she/he may defer admission until the following fall. If accepted students do not enter within one year, they must reapply to the program.