Nursing, MSN

Mission Statement

The mission of the MSN program is to prepare nurses to utilize interprofessional collaboration, evidence-informed decision making, and specialized competencies in guiding, leading, and influencing the outcomes of nursing practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to

• employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry in order to maintain continuing competence and professional growth;
• collaborate with other health care providers in the promotion of wellness and the treatment of acute and chronic disorders;
• deliver or direct nursing practice using knowledge, professional skills, and clinical decision making based on theory and best scientific evidence;
• communicate effectively with health care providers, consumers, and policy makers;
• exhibit professionalism, ethical standards, and patient advocacy to ensure quality health care that is safe, equitable, and cost-effective;
• apply organizational leadership, systems thinking, and information technology expertise to improve health care outcomes for individuals and diverse populations; and
• practice critical thinking and evidence-based decision making in delivering or directing nursing practice.

Admission Requirements

Application to the MSN program is open to all who entered the profession with a post-professional master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

To be considered for admission, a candidate must submit the following:

• Application for Admission Form (signed by the applicant)
• A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Official transcripts must be submitted from each college or university previously attended. An official transcript is one sent directly to the Student Services Office by the registrar of the issuing institution or one forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
• Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the state of residence
• Professional résumé or curriculum vita including evidence of the equivalent of 1 full-time year of experience as a registered nurse
• Essay of 1-2 pages’ length with discussion of career goals
• Two professional references

If the applicant completed his/her education in a foreign country, the applicant must submit an original copy of a degree credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation must indicate previous education at the minimum level of a baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited college or university in the United States.

International Students Applying for Admission

Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences does not offer English language services, including instruction. All instruction at the university is conducted in English. To enter the program, the following criteria will apply:

• Submit transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
• Candidates must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report if their education was completed in a language other than English or they reside in a non-English speaking country. A minimum score of 550 (paper-based testing), 210 (computer-based testing) or 83 (IBT—Internet based testing) is required.

Notification of Status

The applicant will be notified by e-mail from the University of his or her admission status after all required application materials have been reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Academic Requirements

To remain in the MSN program, the student must

• maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and
• complete the required courses.

Program Overview

There are 36 required credits that will be taken over the span of 2 years.

Core coursework is required (24 credits), while the student selects a role specialization (i.e., nurse educator, nurse executive, or nurse informaticist) for the remaining 12 hours. The University will also consider accepting graduate credits from other accredited institutions. Please refer to the transfer credit policy  in this Catalog for further information on transfer credits.

Delivery of MSN Coursework

All coursework in the MSN program is offered in an online delivery format.

Incomplete Coursework

If a student cannot complete the required work within the predetermined timeframe, he or she will receive a grade of Incomplete (I). The student must then complete the work by the new assigned due date to receive a letter grade. No further extension will be permitted. If the student does not withdraw or complete the requirements within the approved time, the I grade will automatically become a Fail (F) on his or her transcript.

Time Limit

It is required that MSN students complete all program requirements within 4 years. An extension of up to 2 years may be requested. If the Program Director approves the extension, there is an extension fee of $333.00 per trimester.

Optional Certificates

Students enrolled in the MSN program may be eligible to earn certificates. Students working toward the nurse educator role specialization are eligible to earn the Certificate of Teaching and Learning, and students working toward the nurse executive role specialization are eligible to earn the Certificate of Executive Leadership. The certificates are earned by completing certain elective courses within the program and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in those courses. Students should speak with their advisor or Program Director about the certificates and include them in their Plan of Study (POS). Courses for the Certificate of Executive Leadership include Foundations of Health Care Administration, Human Resource Management & Organizational Development & Leadership for HC Admin, Strategic Planning in Health Care Administration, Organizational Finance, and Organizational Leadership. Courses for the Certificate of Teaching and Learning include Foundational Theory in Education, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Nurse Educators, Curriculum Development in Health Science Education, and Teaching Methods in Higher Education.

Tuition and Fees

See Tuition and Fees  section of this Catalog.