Master of Science in Nursing

The Master of Science in nursing degree program consists of three concentrations. The first concentration, Nurse Practitioner, focuses on the preparation of advanced practice nurses as nurse practitioners. Within this concentration, there are two areas of study: adult/gerontology, and family. A second concentration, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with Education, focuses on the preparation of advanced practice nurses specialized in acute care adult-gerontology practice and adult education that also have preparation as an educator. A third concentration, Nurse Anesthesia, prepares advanced practice nurses who will use specialized skills and knowledge in the administration of anesthesia and pain management agents. Nurse Practitioners, as advanced practice nurses, are in direct-care provider's role, use specialty skills and knowledge in providing care to clients of all ages and stages of development in primary care settings. The nurse practitioner curriculum prepares nurses to function interdependently with other health care providers to provide primary care. As part of this care, advanced practice nurses assess the physical, socio-emotional, and developmental states of individual clients and their families, analyze health behavior, apply clinical judgment, and intervene in a manner to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care delivery. They recognize the importance of health promotion, as well as early recognition and prompt treatment and management of illness, prevention of complications, and needed rehabilitation. Client and family education, guidance, and advocacy are vital characteristics of the advanced practice nurse’s role. Graduates of the program will assume leadership roles as accomplished advanced nurse practitioners and will be eligible for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with Education concentration is designed to prepare registered nurses to assume an advanced practice role as a clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator. This graduate assumes a professional leadership role to inform nursing practice, education, and health care delivery systems in the design and implementation of strategies to improve organizational, educational, and individual client, student, and nurse provider outcomes. Nurse Anesthetists are advanced practice nurses who use specialty skills and knowledge in the planning and administration of anesthesia and pain management agents. Graduates of the program will assume leadership roles as accomplished advanced practitioners in nurse anesthesia and will meet the requirements and be eligible for certification as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). A total of 45 to 82 credits are required for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis) depending on the student’s area of concentration. Students interested in pursuing a research focus or doctoral studies are encouraged to pursue Plan A, which requires completion of a thesis.