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.

Nurse Practitioner Specializations

In addition to the MSN degree program goals and outcomes, students completing the Nurse Practitioner specialization demonstrate acquisition of the following competencies and proficiencies:

1. Integrate specialty standards of advanced practice nursing to deliver culturally competent, quality healthcare services to individuals, families, populations and systems.
2. Exercise effective leadership, critical thinking and communication skills in the development and implementation of advanced nursing practice services in primary care.
3. Integrate professional nursing standards, values and accountability into role and self-development as an advanced practice nurse.
4. Utilize information technology and an evidence-based research approach in the development of nursing knowledge and design of healthcare services for clients, populations and systems.
5. Ensure advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in the implementation and evaluation of evidenced based care to diverse individuals and populations.

Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Offered at South University, Montgomery; South University, Online Programs; South University, Richmond; and South University, Tampa.

South University’s College of Nursing MSN degree program with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner education encompasses graduate-level health sciences theory as well as supervised, in-depth clinical preparation and experience. The focus of the South University College of Nursing program is industry-standard community-based care, with an emphasis on at-risk and vulnerable populations. Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners are certified through a national certification examination process (ANCC; AANP) in independent management of adolescent and adult healthcare, including elder care, with special emphasis on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and primary healthcare management. Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat common health problems by: conducting health histories and providing complete physical examinations; interpreting laboratory results and diagnostic procedures; prescribing and managing medications and other therapies; engaging in health teaching and support with particular reference to prevention of illness and health maintenance; and referring patients to other health professionals where indicated.

South University’s College of Nursing MSN in Nursing with a Specialization Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program meets the core competencies for Adult Health Nurse Practitioners as outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). These competencies include:

1. Providing health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment.
2. Assessing health status.
3. Diagnosing health status.
4. Creating a plan of care and implementation of treatment
5. Ensuring a professional, collegial, and collaborative approach to care.
6. Serving as a teacher and coach to patients.
7. Committing to advancing the profession.
8. Assisting patients in managing and negotiating the healthcare delivery system.
9. Monitoring and ensuring high quality healthcare practice
10. Demonstrating cultural competence