Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission
- A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Provisional Admissions: South University College of Nursing and Public Health fosters diversity through a holistic provisional admission status for students with a GPA less than 3.0.
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 -2.99 must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 will be considered for provisional admission with submission of a current resume and a letter explaining challenges faced in previous academic experiences.
Students must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
Students who do not receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses will have the provisional admission rescinded. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.
- Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
- A valid and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments and clinical rotations, for entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.
All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.
The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.
Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare systems improvement.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Adult- Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
(AGPCNP) degree program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the current and evolving primary healthcare system. The South University College of Nursing program focuses on advanced health sciences knowledge and skills to prepare advanced clinicians to deliver leading edge, primary healthcare to adolescents through the entire adult-gerontology age spectrum. AGPCNP students share select course content with fellow students in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs where appropriate. This structure exposes students to a variety of expert specialty faculty and supports development of inter-specialty relationships in client management.
The South University program is designed to prepare graduates to provide the full range of primary care services to individuals from adolescence, adulthood, older adults, to the frail elderly. Competencies include provision of preventive care as well as diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems. In addition to direct patient care, students also participate in clinical translational efforts, education, and policy activities relevant to advanced practice nursing and diverse population health care issues. National certification is available upon program completion through the national certifying bodies (ANCC; AANPCP).
The South University College of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree program meets the core competencies for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner as outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). These competencies include:
- Providing health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment.
- Assessing health status.
- Diagnosing health status.
- Creating a plan of care and implementation of treatment
- Ensuring a professional, collegial, and collaborative approach to care.
- Serving as a teacher and coach to patients.
- Committing to advancing the profession.
- Assisting patients in managing and negotiating the healthcare delivery system.
- Monitoring and ensuring high quality healthcare practice
- Demonstrating cultural competence
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Formulate and document for various differential and presumptive diagnoses in the adult or gerontological patient with meticulous detail, so coders and billers can apply the correct codes for appropriate reimbursement.
- Develop plans of care based on theories of ageing, assessment findings, and best-practices to provide holistic, patient-centered care for the adult or gerontological populations.
- Collaborate with interprofessional associates to provide culturally competent, and sensitive patient-centered care for the adult or gerontological client.
Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner): 56 Credits
MSN Core Courses: 20 Credits
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 36 Credits
Credits : 4
Credits : 4
This course is designed to apply holistic health concepts by performing culturally sensitive comprehensive history taking, physical and psychological assessment of client’s signs and symptoms, pathophysiologic changes, and psychosocial variations of the client including the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is for the student to develop a thorough understanding of the client’s health status in order to determine appropriate and effective health care strategies that include health promotion and illness prevention across the life span. Taking into consideration client’s diverse needs, a major focus is on symptom/health problem assessment, client teaching using a culturally appropriate approach and the selection and interpretation of screening and diagnostic tests in order to formulate and effectively communicate differential diagnoses. A minimum grade of B is required to successfully complete this course. Learners must successfully complete all aspects of the practicum, or they must repeat all components of the course.
Credits : 6
Credits : 6
Credits : 6
Credits : 6
Credits : 4
Note(s):
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4) credit course: NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement.
*If the student is unsuccessful in NSG6998 please refer to Program Progression Policy for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students
Students are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours in four supervised clinical practicum courses that are designed to provide the opportunity for skill development and practice in the Adult Health Nurse Practitioner role.