Master of Science in Nursing

Program Overview

The University of Saint Mary's online MSN program prepares nurses for leadership roles in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. The flexible and accessible program offers three specializations: Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and MSN/MBA. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage healthcare teams, develop teaching strategies, conduct research, and advocate for ethical healthcare practices.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The University of Saint Mary's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates for leadership roles in the nursing profession, focusing on two high-demand areas: Nursing Education and Nursing Administration.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to:
• Manage and lead healthcare teams effectively.
• Develop and implement innovative teaching strategies.
• Conduct and utilize nursing research to improve patient care.
• Advocate for ethical and evidence-based healthcare practices.
• Analyze and interpret healthcare data to inform decision-making.
• Description: The program is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing working professionals to complete their studies online.
The curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering essential topics in nursing leadership, education, and administration.

Outline:

• Program Content: The online MSN program consists of 35 credit hours, typically completed within two years.
The curriculum includes core courses in healthcare informatics, research utilization, healthcare policy, and ethics.
• Structure: The program is divided into three specializations:
• Nurse Educator:
This track focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to teach in a variety of settings, including academic institutions and healthcare organizations.
• Nurse Administrator: This track prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare management, including overseeing budgets, operations, and quality improvement initiatives.
• MSN/MBA: This dual-degree program combines the MSN curriculum with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), providing graduates with a comprehensive understanding of both healthcare and business principles.
• Course Schedule: Courses are offered in an eight-week format, with new sessions starting every eight weeks.
Students can typically complete the program in four semesters.
• Modules: Each specialization features separate modules with distinct focuses:
• Nurse Educator:
• Foundations of Learning and Teaching
• Curriculum Design and Evaluation
• Teaching with Technology
• Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion
• Advanced Patho-Pharm for the Nurse Educator
• Nurse Administrator:
• Leadership and Business Operations in Healthcare
• Organizational and Human Resources Management
• Managerial Accounting
• Human Resource and Fiscal Management
• Quality and Safety
• Delivery of Care in the Healthcare Environment
• Nursing Practicum I & II
• Capstone Synthesis
• MSN/MBA:
• Combines the modules from both Nurse Administrator and MBA tracks.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams (written and practical)
• Assignments (written and research-based)
• Presentations
• Participation in online discussions
• Capstone project
• Assessment Criteria: The program uses a rubric-based assessment system to evaluate student performance based on established criteria for knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a blended learning approach, incorporating:
• Asynchronous online modules with pre-recorded lectures and readings.
• Live, interactive online sessions with faculty and classmates.
• Collaborative group projects and discussions.
• Faculty: The program features experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in nursing education, administration, and research.
• Unique Approaches: The program uses innovative teaching methods, including:
• Case-based learning
• Simulation activities
• Virtual reality experiences
• Gamification

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the online MSN program are prepared for various career paths, including:
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Administrator
• Nursing Director
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Researcher
• Healthcare Consultant
• Nurse Informaticist
• Opportunities: The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Public health agencies
• Schools of nursing
• Long-term care facilities
• Home health agencies
• Outcomes: Graduates of the online MSN program report high satisfaction rates and career advancement opportunities.
The program boasts a 95% job placement rate within six months of graduation.

Other:

• Tuition: The program costs $475 per credit hour for the 2023-24 academic year.
• Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, a current unrestricted RN license, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and professional or academic letters of recommendation.
• Application Process: Applications are submitted through the NursingCAS system.