Nov 23, 2024

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Master of Science in Nursing, MSN

Location(s): Online

General Information

MSN Program Description

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides comprehensive academic instruction in an interactive online community. A comprehensive online orientation to graduate education and the MSN program is provided prior to the first course. During the MSN Residency (NUR 602R ) students come to campus for hands-on practice of selected skills, a demonstration of parts of the head-to-toe exam, and to complete a check-off on the full history and physical exam. The MSN program offers six areas of specialization: nurse educator, MSN/MBA dual degree, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.

MSN Program Purpose

The MSN program prepares students to further their professional career as an educator, administrator, or nurse practitioner. The graduate curriculum incorporates nursing-specific knowledge with skills and knowledge from other disciplines in a manner that promotes excellence in service, a passion for nursing as a profession, and compassionate care. As a Christian liberal arts university, nursing is recognized as a calling.

MSN Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following outcomes.

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced clinical reasoning and incorporated concerns for family, significant others, and communities into the design and delivery of care using a variety of theories, frameworks, and related sciences to improve practice and the care environment. (Domain 1)
Develop practices that integrate the Christian worldview and nursing science concepts with application of leadership principles in assignment and practicum experiences to safeguard autonomy, advocate for individualized and appropriate care, and develop health-promoting policies that empower self and others. (Domain 2)
Analyze and implement clinical prevention and population health concepts using evidence-based health education, communication strategies, and interventions to improve health outcomes and advance nursing practice for diverse populations. (Domain 3)
Challenge current practices, procedures, and policies through the design and implementation of evidence-based practice strategies to advance nursing practice roles and improve health outcomes across the continuum of care. (Domain 4)
Integrate and lead quality improvement initiatives to enact change in organizational effectiveness and improve health outcomes across the continuum of care. (Domain 5)
Develop competency in professional communication skills to participate and lead collaborative initiatives to manage and coordinate care across healthcare systems and in the broader community. (Domain 6)
Influence the delivery of care to diverse populations through the application of professional skills that demonstrate leadership, comprehensive and systematic assessment, and decision-making. (Domain 7)
Evaluate and implement information and patient care technologies to promote positive health outcomes and quality care initiatives. (Domain 8)
Prioritize outcome improvements and goals and standards that impact safe and effective care for improved healthcare delivery across the continuum. (Domain 9)
Foster professional role development through leadership and collaborative efforts for improved health outcomes and advanced nursing practice. (Domain 10)

MSN Specialty Concentrations

The MSN program requires 24 credit hours (eight 3-credit hour courses, plus one residency) of foundation graduate nursing education for all students in addition to courses in one of the six following concentrations.

Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator

This concentration requires a direct care clinical course, three courses focused on nursing education, and the MSN foundation courses. This concentration prepares graduates for advancing nursing practice and for nurse educator roles in patient education, staff nurse education, and pre-licensure nursing education in academic settings. Students in this concentration are immersed in a semester-long internship where they will complete 100 individually supervised field experience hours in a nursing education setting. Graduates gain an effective foundation to prepare for the NLN certification exam (CNE) upon completion of this program.

Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration

In addition to the MSN foundation courses, this concentration requires students to complete a direct care clinical course and MBA courses as prescribed by the Gainey School of Business. The MBA track offers several areas of concentration to complete the dual degree. Consult the Gainey School of Business portion of the catalog to review MBA concentrations.

Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This concentration requires courses with emphasis on adult health promotion, disease processes and primary care. In addition to the MSN foundation courses, students will complete 500 supervised clinical experience hours (500 **clinical practice clock hours). This concentration prepares graduates for the APRN role in primary care with the adult and late teenage population. Graduates are prepared to take a national certification exam for AGNP-C.

Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

This concentration requires courses with emphasis on health promotion, disease processes and primary care across the lifespan. In addition to the foundation courses, students will complete 625 supervised clinical experience hours (625 **clinical practice hours). This concentration prepares graduates for the APRN role in primary care with families across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared to take a national certification exam for FNP-C.

Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This concentration requires courses with emphasis on psychiatric mental health across the lifespan focusing on advanced psychiatric mental health practice in individual and group settings. This concentration prepares graduates for the APRN role in psychiatric mental health with adults, young adults, adolescents, and children. In addition to the foundation courses, students will complete 500 supervised clinical experience hours (500 **clinical practice clock hours). Graduates are prepared to take a national certification exam for PMHNP-BC.

Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This concentration requires courses with emphasis on health promotion, disease processes and primary care of pediatric populations and their families. In addition to the foundation courses, students will complete 500 supervised clinical experience hours (500 **clinical practice clock hours). This concentration prepares graduates for the APRN role of pediatric primary care nurse practitioner of infants, children, adolescents, and their families. Graduates are prepared to take a national certification exam for the CPNP-PC.

** Clinical practice hours are defined as the actual time spent caring for/working with a patient at the bedside (typically one patient seen per hour).

RN-MSN Program

This SAU program is a fast-track option for highly qualified nurses with a diploma or an associate degree in nursing from an accredited program who want to move straight into a master’s degree program. Two bridge courses (NUR 510 and NUR 522 ) fulfill requirements for both the BSN portion of the program and those courses in the graduate program. In order to progress in the MSN program, students must have a GPA of 3.0 at the completion of the BSN. To view the course descriptions for the BSN portion of the program, see the Spring Arbor University Undergraduate Catalog.

Similar to MSN applicants, RN-MSN applicants apply to one of the six specialty tracks listed above and are prepared as advance practice nurses.

MSN Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate programs, the MSN specific program admission requirements are as follows:

A BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and nursing program;
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended;
A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credit hours;
An unrestricted, unencumbered RN license from the state or country in which the nurse practices (Note: License must remain current throughout program);
A satisfactory score on a 2-3-page personal goal statement.

Note: A conference call interview may be required at the discretion of the Admission Committee.

MSN Program Policies

In addition to the policies listed in the About Spring Arbor University , Academic Policies and Department of Nursing Policies sections of this catalog, the MSN program has the following policies.

Program Prerequisite Requirements

Courses or documented knowledge must be completed prior to beginning NUR 551 in the following areas:

Research - Nursing related, e.g., NUR 452 (SAU course)
Statistics - 100 level or above

Note: For acceptable proficiency exams or courses, check with the program administrators.

Progression of Studies

The MSN program has identified prerequisite courses that must be passed satisfactorily or with a passing grade of at least “B-” to continue in the program.

Students must complete NUR 510 , NUR 522 , and NUR 532 with a passing grade before completing NUR 602 and NUR 602R .
To begin NUR 660, NUR 760, NUR 770, or NUR 780 clinical practicums, students must complete NUR 612 , NUR 602 , NUR 602R , and NUR 618 with passing grades.
Students must complete NUR 551 with a passing grade before completing NUR 660 or NUR 781 .
Any student who temporarily leaves the nursing program must meet requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.
Any student electing to change concentrations may incur additional credit hours and cost due to the degree requirements of the new concentration.

Due to the academic and professional behaviors required of advanced professional nurses, the expectation is for all students to comply with American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. A student may be dismissed from the program for a serious violation of these standards. An appeals process is outlined in the university catalog and in the MSN Student Handbook.

DISCLAIMER: The nursing department reserves the right to change curriculum requirements based on professional or accreditation recommendations. It is possible for a student to accumulate more than the required credit hours for a graduate degree. The listed credit hours are the minimum for completion of a specific degree.

MSN Program Curriculum

Foundation Courses

NUR 500 - Graduate Nursing Orientation Credit Hours: 0
NUR 510 - Moral and Ethic Decision Making Credit Hours: 3
NUR 522 - Theoretical Perspectives for Advanced Practice Credit Hours: 3
NUR 532 - Role Development and Leadership Credit Hours: 3
NUR 551 - Applied Research Methods Credit Hours: 3
NUR 612 - Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan Credit Hours: 3
NUR 618 - Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan Credit Hours: 3
NUR 602 - Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan Credit Hours: 3
NUR 602R - MSN Residency Credit Hours: 0
NUR 693 - Population Health Credit Hours: 3

Choose one concentration below.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration (MSN/AGNP)

NUR 628 - Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Nurse Practitioners Credit Hours: 3
NUR 642 - Chronic Disease and Complex Problems in Older Adults Credit Hours: 3
NUR 685 - Advanced Practice in Primary Care I Credit Hours: 3
NUR 686 - Advanced Practice in Primary Care II Credit Hours: 3
NUR 770P - AGNP Clinical Experience I Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 780P - AGNP Clinical Experience II Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 781 - Advanced Integration of Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
*NUR Clinical Experience (2 credit hours = 125 **clinical practice hours). A minimum of 500 supervised clinical practice hours are required for graduation and certification eligibility for A-GNP.

Total MSN/AGNP Credit Hours 47

Business Administration Concentration (MSN/MBA)

MSN/MBA students enter the School of Business when Nursing foundation courses are complete.

Students will complete 125 hours in a direct care setting, and have regular contact with SAU clinical faculty, who also provide oversight of the preceptor-led experience.
NUR 780B - EDU/MBA Clinical Practicum Credit Hours: 2
NUR 781 - Advanced Integration of Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
Master of Business Administration, MBA Courses Credit Hours: 32

Total MSN/MBA Credit Hours 61

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration (MSN/FNP)

NUR 628 - Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Nurse Practitioners Credit Hours: 3
NUR 645 - Family Systems and Clinical Management of the Childbearing Family Credit Hours: 3
NUR 685 - Advanced Practice in Primary Care I Credit Hours: 3
NUR 686 - Advanced Practice in Primary Care II Credit Hours: 3
NUR 687 - Advanced Practice in Primary Care III Credit Hours: 3
NUR 760F - FNP Clinical Experience I Credit Hours: 2 **
NUR 770F - FNP Clinical Experience II Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 780F - FNP Clinical Experience III Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 781 - Advanced Integration of Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
*NUR Clinical Experience (2 credit hours = 125 **clinical practice hours). A minimum of 625 supervised clinical practice hours are required for graduation and certification eligibility for FNP.

Total MSN/FNP Credit Hours 52

Nurse Educator Concentration (MSN/ED)

Students will complete 125 hours in a direct care setting, and have regular contact with SAU clinical faculty, who also provide oversight of the preceptor-led experience.
NUR 780B - EDU/MBA Clinical Practicum Credit Hours: 2
NUR 625 - Educational Theory and Curriculum Design Credit Hours: 3
NUR 635 - Instructional Strategies Credit Hours: 3
NUR 660 - Nurse Educator Internship Credit Hours: 6

Total MSN/Nurse Educator Credit Hours 38

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration (MSN/PNP-PC)

NUR 628 - Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Nurse Practitioners Credit Hours: 3
NUR 702 - Advanced Pediatric Physical Assessment and Pharmacotherapeutics Credit Hours: 3
NUR 703 - Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and their Families I Credit Hours: 3
NUR 704 - Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and their Families II Credit Hours: 3
NUR 705 - Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and their Families III Credit Hours: 3
NUR 770K - PNP-PC Clinical Experience I Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 780K - PNP-PC Clinical Experience II Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 781 - Advanced Integration of Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
Clinical Experience (2 credit hours = 125 **clinical practice hours). A minimum of 500 supervised clinical practice hours are required for graduation and certification eligibility for PNP-PC.

Total MSN/PNP-PC Credit Hours 50

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (MSN/PMHNP)

NUR 628 - Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Nurse Practitioners Credit Hours: 3
NUR 712 - Neurobiology and Psychopathology Credit Hours: 3
NUR 713 - Psychopharmacology Credit Hours: 3
NUR 714 - Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health I: Adults Credit Hours: 3
NUR 715 - Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Credit Hours: 3
NUR 770M - PMHNP Clinical Experience I Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 780M - PMHNP Clinical Experience II Credit Hours: 4 **
NUR 781 - Advanced Integration of Evidence-Based Practice Credit Hours: 3
Clinical Experience (2 credit hours = 125 **clinical practice hours). A minimum of 500 supervised clinical practice hours are required for graduation and certification eligibility for PMH-NP.