Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Program Mission Statement
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is based on Mount Saint Mary’s University mission of providing a superior education enhanced by an emphasis on building leadership skills and fostering a spirit to serve others. The purpose is to prepare nurses in advanced nursing theory and provide them with broad knowledge and depth in clinical expertise that builds and expands on baccalaureate or entry-level nursing practice. The master’s curriculum provides graduates with a fuller understanding of their selected nursing area of specialization in order to engage in higher level practice and leadership in a variety of settings and commit to lifelong learning. The curriculum incorporates the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Essentials of Master’s Education, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist Competencies, Association for Nursing Professional Development Competencies, National League for Nursing Educator Competencies, and the American Organization of Nurse Executive Competencies.
The graduate program offers nurses an opportunity for professional development through tracks in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educator, Leadership and Administration, and Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certificate. The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track in the MSN program conforms to the California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements for California Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification. For students who wish to practice in a state other than California, you may or may not have additional educational and/or non-educational requirements you must complete prior to applying for your license. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. MSMU would like to help applicants and students navigate the certification process. Contact Dr. Madeleine Bruning at mbruning@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining CNS certification in a state outside of California.
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Nursing courses cannot be waived or taken as independent study regardless of the student’s professional experiences. The student is encouraged to grow in her/his role as a professional nurse both in depth and breadth thus maximizing the benefits of receiving a graduate Nursing degree from Mount Saint Mary’s University.
- The MSN degree requires the completion of an approved Nursing Project/Thesis.
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:
- 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).
- 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).
- Employ performance measures and standards related to quality to monitor outcomes and apply quality principles within an organization (Essential III).
- Apply research outcomes within the practice setting, resolve practice problems, work as a change agent, and disseminate results (Essential IV).
- Use patient-care technologies to deliver and enhance care and use communication technologies to integrate and coordinate care (Essential V).
- Participate in policy development in the organization and employ advocacy strategies to influence health and health care (Essential VI).
- Use effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills as a member and leader of interprofessional teams to manage and coordinate care (Essential VII).
- 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).
- 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 are required to have a BSN baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, e.g. Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Applicants for the post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certificate 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.
- Applications 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."* The MSN admission policy requires that the above experience occur within the United States.
- Applicants for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certificate have completed a minimum of one (1) year full-time continuous clinical experience in a setting caring for adults as a licensed Registered Nurse within the last five 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 with a minimum grade of B or research as a prerequisite to NUR 290 (not applicable to post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certificate.)
- Complete the Graduate Student application and statement of interest.
- Submit two letters of recommendation written within the last year.
- Verify health clearances prior to registration for the practicum courses.
- Have current CPR certification - American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider prior to registration for the practicum courses.
- Provide proof of malpractice insurance prior to registration for the practicum courses.
*An RN who does not meet the clinical experience requirement may be considered if she/he has started employment relevant to the desired track.
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 interview.
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.
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Coursework provides graduates the expertise to promote the health and well-being of persons throughout the adult life span.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track in the MSN program conforms to the California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements for California Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification. For students who wish to practice in a state other than California, you may or may not have additional educational and/or non-educational requirements you must complete prior to applying for your license. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. MSMU would like to help applicants and students navigate the certification process. Contact Dr. Madeleine Bruning at mbruning@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining CNS certification in a state outside of California.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is a 46 unit program that can be completed in as few as 7 terms or 28 months with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 238 | Advanced Concepts in Gerontology | 3 |
| NUR 239 | Advanced Concepts in Adult Health | 3 |
| NUR 246 | Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 2 |
| NUR 248 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 249 | Clinical Nurse Specialist Role | 2 |
| NUR 250A | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250B | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250C | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
Students must complete a minimum of 500 precepted hours to meet eligibility requirements for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontolgy CNS certification exam. Required practicum hours are subject to change dependent on certification requirements.
Educator Track Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration in Education will provide the graduate with competencies specified by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) in advanced nursing theory and experience as a nursing educator. Skills will be mastered to develop strategies for curricular design and for the use of technology in various university and clinical agencies within the changing patterns of healthcare.
The Educator concentration is a 37 unit program that can be completed in as few as 6 terms or 2 year with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 208 | Curriculum Development | 2 |
| NUR 246 | Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 248 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 294 | Evaluation and Testing | 2 |
| NUR 295 | Educator Practicum (Agency Setting) | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
| NUR 297 | Educator Practicum (College Setting) | 3 |
Leadership and Administration Track Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science degree in Nursing with a concentration in Leadership and Administration will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) to lead various organizations and institutions. The program encompasses both nursing and leadership/administration courses in order to develop the necessary skills to provide responsible organizational leadership to society. Inherent in the Leadership and Administration track is the personal/professional transformation essential to leaders.
The Leadership and Administration concentration is a 39 unit program that can be completed in as few as 6 terms or 2 years with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 204 | Healthcare Policy | 3 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 241 | Marketing Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 2 |
| NUR 252A | Leadership/Administration Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 252B | Leadership/Administration Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 253 | Organizational Management in Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 254 | Financial Management for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| NUR 256 | Organizational Change and Strategic Planning for Healthcare | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
Health Promotion Track Master of Science in Nursing (On Hiatus)
The Master’s degree in Nursing with a concentration in Health Promotion will provide the graduate with the competencies to meet the aims of the National Quality Strategy (NQS) led by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide better, more affordable care for individuals and the community. Coursework provides graduates the expertise to improve health outcomes and increase the effectiveness of care for individuals and groups through cross-sectors (individuals, family, payers, providers, employers, and communities) working together.
We are currently not accepting applications for this concentration.
The Health Promotion concentration is a 38 unit program that can be completed in as few as 6 terms or 2 years.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 201 | Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 202 | Current Trends and Issues in Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 203 | Introduction to Graduate Studies | 1 |
| NUR 204 | Healthcare Policy | 3 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 260 | Concepts of Healthy Living | 3 |
| NUR 261 | Promotion of Healthy Living | 3 |
| NUR 262 | Health Promotion Role | 2 |
| NUR 263A | Health Promotion Practicum I | 3 |
| NUR 263B | Health Promotion Practicum II | 3 |
| NUR 290 | Nursing Research and Methodologies | 3 |
| NUR 296 | Thesis Project Seminar | 3 |
Post MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
The Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track will provide the graduate with the competencies specified by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Coursework provides graduates the expertise to promote the health and well-being of persons throughout the adult life span.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track in the MSN program conforms to the California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements for California Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certification. For students who wish to practice in a state other than California, you may or may not have additional educational and/or non-educational requirements you must complete prior to applying for your license. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. MSMU would like to help applicants and students navigate the certification process. Contact Dr. Madeleine Bruning at mbruning@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining CNS certification in a state outside of California.
The Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is a 33 unit program that can be completed in as few as 7 terms or 48 months with a fall start date.
Track
Courses
| NUR 200 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 206 | Educational Theories, Principles and Methods in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 207A | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 207B | Healthcare Informatics and Technology | 1.5 |
| NUR 238 | Advanced Concepts in Gerontology | 3 |
| NUR 239 | Advanced Concepts in Adult Health | 3 |
| NUR 246 | Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 247 | Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation | 2 |
| NUR 248 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 249 | Clinical Nurse Specialist Role | 2 |
| NUR 250A | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250B | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
| NUR 250C | Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum | 3 |
Students must complete a minimum of 500 precepted hours to meet eligibility requirements for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology CNS certification exam. Required practicum hours subject to change dependent on certification requirements.
For MSN Alumni from MSMU:
MSMU alumni from the MSN program who have earned their degree within 5 years of starting the post-MSN CNS Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist can use the following courses below to meet certificate requirements:
Courses
|
NUR 200
|
Advanced Health Assessment
|
3
|
|
NUR 206
|
Educational Theories Principles and Methods in Nursing
|
2
|
|
NUR 207A
|
Healthcare Informatics and Technology
|
1.5
|
|
NUR 207B
|
Healthcare Informatics and Technology
|
1.5
|
|
NUR 246
|
Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology
|
3
|
|
NUR 247
|
Foundations and Ethical Principles in Leadership and Consultation
|
2
|
|
NUR 248
|
Advanced Pharmacology
|
3
|
Only the above courses taken for the MSN degree can be applied to meet the certificate requirements. All other courses specific to the certificate must be taken as a post-MSN CNS Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist student.
The courses below are specific to the certificate:
|
NUR 238
|
Advanced Concepts in Gerontology
|
3
|
|
NUR 239
|
Advanced Concepts in Adult Health
|
3
|
|
NUR 249
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist Role
|
2
|
|
NUR 250A
|
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
|
3
|
|
NUR 250B
|
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
|
3
|
|
NUR 250C
|
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum
|
3
|