Nursing Degrees Online

Graduate studies at the master’s level place primary emphasis upon advanced professional nursing practice, theory, research, and health care delivery systems. Students may select one of four specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Health Care Administration or Nursing Education.

Master’s level study provides the student with a basis for further study at the doctoral level. The graduate program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; 212-363-5555 ext. 153).
Graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner option are eligible to write the national certification examination for advanced professional practice as a family nurse practitioner.
Graduates of the Health Care Administration option are eligible, after nurse executive practice, to write the national certification exam for advanced nursing administration.
Graduates of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option are eligible to write the national certification examination for advanced practice as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner-adult, or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner-family.
Graduates of the Nursing Education track, who have had two years of full time academic teaching experience, are eligible to take the NLN Certified Nurse Educator Exam.

UAA Admission Requirements
Refer to the current UAA Course Catalog for UAA graduate admission requirements and deadlines. The following application submission deadlines are recommended to ensure full processing of application and transcripts:
December 15th for March 1st applicants
August 15th for November 1st applicants

SON Admission Requirements
Students applying to the Master of Science, Nursing Science program must also submit documentation of having met the following requirements:
Earned baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Graduate Record Examination scores - Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic Writing. The analytic writing score must be 3.5 or higher to be considered for the nursing graduate program.
Grade of 2.0 (”C” or higher) in an undergraduate research methods course and a statistics course that covers descriptive and inferential statistics.
Licensure as a registered professional nurse in the State of Alaska concurrent with enrollment in first clinical course.
The School of Nursing graduate admission application must be submitted directly to the School of Nursing.
Three letters of professional recommendation. These letters of support must be submitted directly to the School of Nursing by the author (not the student). References may be contacted by a member of the Admissions Committee.
Minimum of one year of half-time clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.

Master’s Degree Requirements

The Master’s of Science Degree in nursing requires 39-49 credit hours and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis from 1 1/2 years to 7 years depending on the program and student interest. A maximum of 12 credits are transferable in the nursing program. Students with a prior Master’s degree may complete a second Master’s with less credits. A minimum of 30 credits at Sage is required and a student must complete the equivalent of the Sage’s Master’s degree curriculum including a Master’s project. An individualized program plan is completed for every student in consultation with graduate faculty.

I. Core Courses (9 credits)
Paradigms and Perspectives of Advanced Practice Nursing
Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment
Transforming Advanced Nursing Roles

II. Research (6 credits)
Nursing Research Methods
Research Seminar
Thesis (optional)

III. Supporting Courses: Cognates (3 credits)
Epidemiology and Health Research (Community Health Nursing)
Advanced Physiology (Adult Health Nursing CNS & Educator), (Nurse Practitioner areas)
Neurobiology (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing)

IV. Clinical Concentration and Supporting Courses - Student Select One (9-30 credits)
Community Health Nursing (9 credits)
Adult Health Nursing (9 credits)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (12-16 credits)
Family Nurse Practitioner (30 credits)
Adult Nurse Practitioner (24 credits)
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (24 credits)

V. Advanced Functional Role - Option in Community Health and Adult Health Nursing (9 credits)

Educator (9 credits)
Nurse Educator I: Facilitating Learning
Nurse Educator II: Transforming Leadership
Nursing Educator Practicum

Administrator (9 credits)
Operations and Finance
Practicum I: Clinical Delivery Systems
Practicum II: Clinical Delivery Systems

Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist (6-9 credits)
Advanced Clinical Practice Roles
Specialty Practice Roles Area
Practicum

VI. Electives (0-9 credits)

Varies with clinical concentration and functional area.
General Information

Students may attend the Master of Science Degree Program with a major in nursing on a full-time or part-time basis. The program is a minimum of three to four terms for full-time students. Selected required courses and electives are available during the summer sessions.

Students taking clinical courses need to submit evidence of the following, one month prior to each clinical course:
Current licensure as a registered professional nurse
Professional liability insurance (as a student nurse practitioner for NPs)
Required immunizations, titers, and tuberculin test
Recent physical exam
Current CPR preparation
Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Department of Nursing must meet Sage Graduate School admission requirements:
Official transcripts of ALL previous undergraduate/graduate study
Two letters of reference (academic or professional)
Statement of professional goals and a resume or curriculum vitae.
Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course within three years of admission, or demonstrated competency by a portfolio or upon advisement.
International Students - please check requirements through the Graduate Admissions Office.

Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements: (in addition to Graduate Admission Requirements)
Master’s Degree in Nursing
Interview with Graduate Program Director
Application Procedure

Sage Graduate School uses a self-managed application process. With this process the student accumulates all of the admissions materials required, including a completed application, all academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation (sealed), a resume, and a goals statement. The package is sent to the Graduate Admissions office with the application fee. Applications are accepted year round.
Facilities

The Department of Nursing is located in Ackerman Hall on the Troy Campus. There are two college nursing facilities, one for Health Assessment, and one for practice in an acute care environment. Most of the clinical experiences in nursing are in the health care agencies in the Capital District. RNs from outside the Capital District may choose to arrange some of their clinical placements in their home community.

The Master’s of Science Degree in nursing requires 39-49 credit hours and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis from 1 1/2 years to 7 years depending on the program and student interest. A maximum of 12 credits are transferable in the nursing program. Students with a prior Master’s degree may complete a second Master’s with less credits. A minimum of 30 credits at Sage is required and a student must complete the equivalent of the Sage’s Master’s degree curriculum including a Master’s project. An individualized program plan is completed for every student in consultation with graduate faculty.

I. Core Courses (9 credits)
Paradigms and Perspectives of Advanced Practice Nursing
Nursing in a Sociopolitical Environment
Transforming Advanced Nursing Roles

II. Research (6 credits)
Nursing Research Methods
Research Seminar
Thesis (optional)

III. Supporting Courses: Cognates (3 credits)
Epidemiology and Health Research (Community Health Nursing)
Advanced Physiology (Adult Health Nursing CNS & Educator), (Nurse Practitioner areas)
Neurobiology (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing)

IV. Clinical Concentration and Supporting Courses - Student Select One (9-30 credits)
Community Health Nursing (9 credits)
Adult Health Nursing (9 credits)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (12-16 credits)
Family Nurse Practitioner (30 credits)
Adult Nurse Practitioner (24 credits)
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (24 credits)

V. Advanced Functional Role - Option in Community Health and Adult Health Nursing (9 credits)

Educator (9 credits)
Nurse Educator I: Facilitating Learning
Nurse Educator II: Transforming Leadership
Nursing Educator Practicum

Administrator (9 credits)
Operations and Finance
Practicum I: Clinical Delivery Systems
Practicum II: Clinical Delivery Systems

Clinical Nurse Leader/Specialist (6-9 credits)
Advanced Clinical Practice Roles
Specialty Practice Roles Area
Practicum

VI. Electives (0-9 credits)

Varies with clinical concentration and functional area

Adult Nurse Practitioner (30 credits)
Adult Nurse Practitioner—Education or Administration Focus (38 credits)
Clinical Nurse Leader (38 credits)
Forensic Nursing (41 credits)
Psychiatric/Mental Health Practitioner (40 credits)

Area II
Select PHI 2204, or the equivalent NSG 3340, from the list of approved courses in Area II.Area III
BIO 3372 (3) Microbiology
BIO L372 (1) Microbiology Lab
CHM 1142 (3) General Chemistry I
CHM L142 (1) General Chemistry I Lab
MTH 1112 (3) Pre-Calculus Algebra

Area IV
NSG 2205 (3) Human Growth and Development
or
PSY 2210 (3) Developmental Psychology (Lifespan)

Select a six-hour history sequence (HIS 1101/1102; HIS 1111/1112; HIS 1122/1123).

Select 3 hours from :
ANT 2200 (3) Anthropology
PSY 2200 (3) General Psychology
SOC 2275 (3) Introduction to Sociology

Area V
BIO 3347 (3) Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO L347 (1) Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
BIO 3348 (3) Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIO L348 (1) Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
NSG 2204 (2) Nutrition
NSG 3315 (3) Pathophysiology
PSY 3301 (3) Basic Statistics

Core course requirements for pre-licensure students:
NSG 2201 (1) Dosage Calculations
NSG 3301 (2) Pharmacology
NSG 3306 (2) Perspectives of Professional Nursing
NSG 3309 (2) Health Assessment
NSG 3310 (1) Health Assessment Practicum
NSG 3313 (3) Nursing Concepts I
NSG 3314 (3) Nursing Concepts I Practicum
NSG 3323 (3) Maternal-Infant Health Nursing
NSG 3324 (2) Maternal-Infant Health Nursing Practicum
NSG 3325 (3) Nursing Concepts II
NSG 3326 (3) Nursing Concepts II Practicum
NSG 3332 (3) Child Health Nursing
NSG 3333 (2) Child Health Nursing Practicum
NSG 3334 (3) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
NSG 3335 (2) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practicum
NSG 3336 (3) Adult Health Nursing
NSG 3337 (2) Adult Health Nursing Practicum
NSG 4405 (3) Public Health Nursing
NSG 4406 (2) Public Health Nursing Practicum
NSG 4407 (1) Clinical Nutrition
NSG 4413 (3) Nursing Concepts III
NSG 4414 (2) Nursing Concepts III Practicum
NSG 4415 (2) Nursing Leadership/Management
NSG 4417 (1) Senior Seminar
NSG 4419 (2) Research Process in Nursing
NSG 4421 (3) Senior Clinical Preceptorship

Core course requirements for post-licensure students:
NSG 3370 (2) Professional Nursing
NSG 3309 (2) Health Assessment
NSG 3310 (1) Health Assessment Practicum
NSG 4405 (3) Public Health Nursing
NSG 4406 (2) Public Health Nursing Practicum
NSG 4407 (1) Clinical Nutrition
NSG 4419 (2) Research Process in Nursing
or
NSG 6691 (3) Research Methodology
NSG 4430 (3) Advanced Nursing Theory
NSG 4431 (2) Advanced Nursing Preceptorship

Contact Information—Office of Student and Career Advancement Services, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 5-160 Weaver Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-7980; fax 612-625-7727; SoNstudentinfo@umn.edu; www.nursing.umn.edu).

Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this catalog for Graduate School requirements that apply to all major fields.

Curriculum—The School of Nursing prepares advanced practice nurses, leaders, and scholars in nursing, and provides coursework to prepare postbaccalaureate students from other disciplines to become licensed nurses. The M.S. program includes the following areas of study: adult health clinical nurse specialist, children with special health care needs, family nurse practitioner, gerontological clinical nurse specialist, gerontological nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, nursing and health care systems administration, pediatric clinical nurse specialist, pediatric nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner/children with special health care needs, psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist, public health nursing, public health nursing/adolescent nursing, and women’s health care nurse practitioner. The area of study the student chooses in the Plan B option is identified as a subprogram on the official transcript.

The Ph.D. program prepares creative and productive scholars in nursing.

Prerequisites for Admission—Applicants must meet the stated requirements of the Graduate School. A successful applicant typically has an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 and a TOEFL score of 586 (paper), 240 (computer), or 94 (Internet). In the M.S. program, licensure as a registered nurse is required. Registered nurses who do not have a bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing are considered if there is sufficient evidence of ability in health promotion, community health nursing, leadership/management, and teaching/counseling. For the Ph.D. program, a master’s degree with a strong background in the physical and/or behavioral sciences or a bachelor’s degree with an exceptionally strong background are required. For the postbaccalaureate certificate program, a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing is required. Seven of the prerequisites for admission must be completed by December 31, with the ability to complete the remaining prerequisites by the time the program starts the following fall. Prerequisite course information is available online.

Special Application Requirements—For the M.S. degree, two letters of reference and a goal statement are required. GRE General Test scores are required for applicants with narrative transcripts from previous college work. The application deadlines for the M.S. program are August 1 for the nurse anesthesia area of study and November 1 for all other areas of study. A complete application includes a School of Nursing application (with letters of recommendation) and a Graduate School application.

For the Ph.D. degree, GRE General Test scores (must have been taken after fall 2002 that include the computer-scored analytical writing test), two letters of reference, and a profile essay are required. The application deadline for the Ph.D. program is October 1 for the following fall semester.

Level I
(Prerequisites) Credits

% English Composition
3-4

%+ Two Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology or Anthropology)
6

Total Credits
(10+)
Level II
(Transferable Courses)

(Any two required for admission) Credits

%@ Anatomy & Physiology
5-6

%* Pathophysiology (see note below)
6

%@ Pharmacology
3-4

% Biochemistry
3-4

%* Growth & Development
3-4

%@ Nutrition
2-3

% Statistics
3-4

% Electives
12

Total Credits
(38-45)

(Level II continued – ADN or Diploma Clinical Coursework)

# Fundamentals
9

# Medical-Surgical
9

# Pediatrics
9

# Obstetrics
9

# Psychiatric/Mental Health
9

Total Credits
(45)
Level III
Credits

N252 Assessment of Health and Illness
3

N330 Health Care Delivery
4

N332 Dimensions of Professional Nursing
4

N334 Health & Health Behavior in Individuals & Families
6

Level IV

Credits

N456 Community Health Nursing
8

N432 Evidence Based Practice
5

N357 Intro to the Research Approach in Nursing
2

N454 Leadership and Management
5

Minimum number of credit hours required for graduation
128

To earn the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Adult Health Nursing, the student must complete all degree plan requirements including:
A minimum of 39-42 credit hours: Nurse Practitioner track.
A minimum of 39-42 credit hours: Clinical Nurse Specialist track.
Complete a Focused Scholarly Project or a Thesis, and
Maintain a 3.0 GPA at all times.

To earn the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, the student must complete all degree plan requirements including:
A minimum of 42-45 credit hours: Nurse Practitioner track.
A minimum of 42-45 credit hours: Clinical Nurse Specialist track.
Complete a Focused Scholarly Project or a Thesis, and
Maintain a 3.0 GPA at all times.

To earn the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education, the student must complete all degree plan requirements including:
A minimum of 34 credit hours: Nursing Education track.
Complete a Focused Scholarly Project or a Thesis, and
Maintain a 3.0 GPA at all times.

Students who earn less than a “B” in a course will be required to repeat that course. A course may be repeated only once, and only two courses may be repeated in the curriculum. Courses with a grade of “C” or less may not be applied toward degree requirements.

The MSN program reserves the right to limit the number of students enrolled in a course in order to make the most effective use of the educational resources available. In the event that enrollment in any course must be limited, students will be admitted by their academic ranking based upon the cumulative GPA in nursing courses.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered through an affiliation with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 202-463-6930 and fully approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. The curriculum is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists) in Adult Health and Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health. The program also offers a Nursing Education track that is designed to prepare nurses to teach in undergraduate nursing programs and a Nursing Leadership and Administration in Healthcare track.

Students who successfully complete the MSN curriculum for the nurse practitioner and the clinical nurse specialist roles meet educational requirements to take the following national certification examinations, and to apply for an advanced practice license:
Nurse Practitioner:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health (Medical-Surgical) Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Students who successfully complete the Post-Masters curriculum for the nurse practitioner and the clinical nurse specialist roles meet educational requirements to take the following national certification examinations, and to apply for an advanced practice license:
Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Clinical Nurse Specialist:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Heath (Medical-Surgical) Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Required Ursuline Studies Courses Core Courses Credits
Introductory Seminars 3,3
*Math 3
*Gen. Psych. (PS 101) 3
*Sociology 3
*Lab Science (CH 103) 4
Introduction to Cultures 3,3
World Culture 3
American Culture 3
*Western Culture 3
Aesthetic Response 3
Culminating Seminar 3
Philosophy 3
Religious Studies 3,3

Prerequisite Courses for Nursing Major Courses Credits
Anatomy and Physiology (BI 214/215) 4,4
Chemistry * 103/104 4,4
Microbiology (BI 232) 4
Nutrition (NU 104) 3
Lifespan Development 3
*PS 101 3
*SO 103 3
*Math 3

* Core courses meet nursing requirements.

Required Nursing Courses
Sophomore Courses Courses Credits
NR 218: Health Assessment 3
NR 221: Intro. to Professional Nursing for the LPN 4
NR 226: Professional Nursing: A Conceptual Approach 3

Junior Courses Courses Credits
NR 318: Evolving Concepts: HPMR in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing 5

Senior Courses Courses Credits
NR 440: Nursing Research 3
NR 417: Adv. Concepts: HPMR of the Community 3
NR 418: Adv. Concepts: HPMR of Nursing Leadership 2
NR 419: Adv. Concepts: HPMR of the Critically Ill Patient 4
NR 420: Adv. Concepts: HPMR of Children and Families 5
NR 425: Practicum in Leadership 5