The nursing program at any level is a learning-intensive, time-consuming enterprise. As part of the MSN program, the student will be required to complete course work, a project, and an internship or fellowship.
The School of Nursing strongly recommends that the student work no more than 24 hours a week during the course of the program. If the student's family and home commitments are high, the program recommends the student curtail outside employment even further.
MSN Course Information
The WSU graduate nursing program is developed with "hybrid" course format. Coursework will be completed 80% online and 20% face-to-face classroom activities. Students will be on campus for a full day (9 AM to 6 PM) three Fridays each semester. All other weeks coursework is delivered via an online format.
The total number of credits is 40 beyond the earned baccalaureate degree. This includes 15 credits of core courses, 21 credits in area of concentration (administration or education), and 4 credit Master's project. At the completion of their graduate work, students may choose to take a second level of advanced core courses (9 credits) which will prepare them to further their goals for continuing their education into a doctoral program in nursing.
For students who choose the Administration concentration, the graduate program will include coursework to support the ability for the student to take the exam preparing for the eventual certification provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Nurse Executive Advanced Certification examination.
For students who choose the Education concentration, the graduate program will prepare the student to be eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator Exam provided through the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The education concentration will prepare students for the role of nursing faculty in higher education institutions or staff development positions in community or hospital settings.
As part of the curriculum plan, students will complete a significant project at their current workplace through an internship or fellowship, or other experience agreed upon by the student and his/her faculty advisor.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree
- Advanced college writing course (approved by MSN program)
- Current Utah RN license or eligibility for license without restriction in the state of Utah
MSN Curriculum Pattern
Core Courses (15 credits - all students regardless of concentration)
| MSN 6100 | Research Methods (3 cr) |
| MSN 6120 | Research and Statistics (3 cr) |
| MSN 6141 | Advanced Nursing Theory (3 cr) |
| MSN 6160 | Evidence-Based Practice I (3 cr) |
| MSN 6180 | Improving Patient Care and Nursing Practice through Information Systems and Technology (3 cr) |
Administration Concentration (21 credits)
| MSN 6200 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Administration (3 cr) |
| MSN 6300 | Quality Improvement, Patient Safety and Risk Issues in Patient Care Delivery (3 cr) |
| MSN 6324 | Financial Issues in Nursing Administration (3 cr) |
| MSN 6340 | Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Systems in Patient Care Delivery (3 cr) |
| MSN 6360 | Scope and Practice of Nursing Administration (3 cr) |
| MSN 6380 | Retaining and Developing a Competent Workforce in Nursing (3 cr) |
| MSN 6400 | Nursing Administrator Residency - 85 hours (3 cr) |
Education Concentration ( 21 credits)
| MSN 6500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Education (3 cr) |
| MSN 6520 | Curriculum Development for Nursing Educators (3 cr) |
| MSN 6540 | Measurement of Competence and Outcomes in Nursing Education (3 cr) |
| MSN 6560 | Socialization in the Role of Nursing Educator (3 cr) |
| MSN 6580 | Clinical Nursing Instruction in Higher Education and Community Settings (3 cr) |
| MSN 6600 | Nursing Instruction in Higher Education and Community Settings (3 cr) |
| MSN 6700 | Teaching Residency - 85 hours (3 cr) |
Masters' Project
| MSN 6800 | MSN Project Development and Implementation (4 cr) |
Optional Coursework (for those seeking Doctorate Degree)
| MSN 6900 | Social Epidemiology, Global Health Issues, and Cultural Competency (3 cr) |
| MSN 6920 | Advancing Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical and Academic Settings (3 cr) |
| MHA 6440 | Health Ethics and the Law (3 cr) |