Master of Science in Nursing

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 current and unencumbered license in the state in which they are completing program requirements. 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

Students graduating from the MSN degree program will demonstrate acquisition of competencies and proficiencies related to the following:

• Theoretical Foundations: Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
• Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Human Diversity: Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
• Healthcare Policy, Organization and Finance: Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
• Ethics: Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
• Professional Role Development: Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
• Informatics and Technology: Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
• Advanced Nursing Role: Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

Specialization in Nurse Administrator

Offered at South University, Cleveland; and South University, Online Programs.

The 21st century nurse administrator will transform care of patients and communities through ethical nursing leadership that is evidence-based, outcome-oriented and focused on nursing excellence. The MSN with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator from South University prepares the next generation of nursing leaders through innovative, blended coursework delivered online. The program is targeted to the working professional nurse who seeks to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice within a role of leadership such as a Chief Nursing Officer, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing or Nurse Manager. The student will complete 240 practicum hours during progression through the program.

Program curriculum for the MSN with a Specialization in Nurse Administrator concentration includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (1996), The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Nurse Executive Competencies (2005), and the American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope of Practice for Nurse Administrators (2009).

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nurse Administrator, students should be able to:

1. Apply concepts and theories of organizational management and nursing administration to the design of complex healthcare delivery systems.
2. Incorporate the use of technology, contemporary practice, ethics, and professional standards into the ongoing delivery of healthcare.
3. Integrate concepts of health policy, regulation, and financing to the organization of healthcare delivery, with a focus on parsimonious and responsible use of resources.
4. Lead efforts in designing innovative patient safety and quality improvement efforts and effective evaluation of nursing outcome measures.
5. Employ evidence-based practice in the care of patients with chronic and/or acute illnesses across the lifespan, or in structuring nursing interventions designed to promote health.
6. Facilitate the professional development and socialization of diverse nurse populations.
7. Function as change agents and leaders in healthcare settings domestically and abroad.
8. Contribute to the development of the science of nursing by engaging in scholarly activities and by promoting the translation of nursing science into patient care outcomes.