RN-to-MSN Program
The RN-to-MSN program is a fast-track option for nurses with a diploma or an Associate of Arts degree in nursing from an accredited program who want to move straight into a master's degree program. The master's component of the program is designed to prepare advanced-practice nurses to assume a role as an administrator, a nurse practitioner or a clinical nurse specialist, depending on the major selected.
Curriculum Plan
| University Core Requirements | Semester Hours* |
|---|---|
| English | 6 |
| History | 3 |
| Philosophy/Theology | 9 |
| Sociology | 3 |
| Psychology (Intro and Development) | 6 |
| Microbiology | 3 |
| Inferential Statistics | 3 |
| Anatomy and Physiology (with lab) | 8 |
| Chemistry | 4 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Professional Portfolio (see below) | 22 |
| Undergraduate Nursing Courses | Semester Hours** |
| Bridge to Professional Nursing | 3 |
| Community Health with Practicum | 6 |
| Information Systems in Healthcare Management | 3 |
| Master of Science in Nursing Courses | Semester Hours |
| Ethics | 2 |
| Concepts and Theory | 3 |
| Research | 3 |
| Epidemiology | 1 |
| Choice of M.S.N. specialty | 29-41 |
* Up to 54 semester hours may be transfered
** Up to 35 semester hours may be transfered
Professional Portfolio Requirements
An applicant may receive a maximum of 22 semester hours or credits for professional work experience, based on the guidelines below. This portfolio will be evaluated by a faculty committee and an interview is part of the process. An applicant who earns fewer than 22 semester hours through the portfolio must make up the hours through nursing or liberal arts and sciences electives.
The professional portfolio must include a current curriculum vitae, a statement of professional goals and documentation for all submissions, including:
- Credits for professional work experience
- Written documentation of a clinical patient situation showing the use of clinical reasoning skills to delineate the nursing interventions involved in resolving the patient’s problem. Applicant must provide written corroboration from a clinical supervisor of this situation.
- Certification in a nursing specialty (i.e., critical-care nurse certification, emergency nurse certification, Ob/Gyn nurse certification)
- Publications/research (attach articles/abstracts)
- Evidence of leadership in nursing position such as head nurse, supervisor, staff development educator or preceptor/mentor. This is to be documented by verification from a reputable supervisor.
- Group facilitator (i.e. group therapy in psyche)
- Speeches/presentations to professional groups or lay groups, if topic is focused on health care
- Continuing-education programs
- Involvement in professional or voluntary health organizations, including health-related community service