MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM
Laurie Jowers Ware, PhD,RN, Coordinator
DESCRIPTION OF THE MSN CURRICULUM
The School of Nursing at the University of West Georgia offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with role options in either education or health systems leadership. The School of Nursing also offers post masters certification in these areas. The nursing education track is a program of study that addresses innovations in curriculum, instructional skills and strategies, the development and use of educational technology, and educational assessment and evaluation. Students will develop expertise in health education and promotion, patient education, professional development, or college/university teaching. The health systems leadership track is a program of study designed to prepare nurse managers/leaders and clinical nurse leaders (CNL's). The CNL is a role designed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2003) to prepare a leader who is accountable for management of care and the care environment. Courses focus on patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, pharmacology, case management client-care coordination, holistic health assessment, care of diverse populations, health policy, health systems, business and economics, statistics, leadership and management, quality improvement, risk management, and public/community health.
Courses in the curriculum build upon courses in the baccalaureate program in nursing. Students apply research concepts, theories, and skills in the development of the role components of the program. The Master of Science in Nursing Program is designed to meet the need for nurse educators, leaders/managers, and CNL's in a variety of health care settings. Students may complete the course of study in four semesters of full time course work, or students may pursue the degree on a part-time basis.
The MSN program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission Requirements
Admission is based on several criteria including the following:
- Applicant’s score on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE - verbal and quantitative) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
- Completion of a basic undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or higher prior to enrollment or during the first semester of the program.
- Evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States and eligibility for licensure in the state of practica experience.
- Earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program.
- Official transcript from each college or university attended.
- Satisfactory certificate of immunization (for a new student).
- GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all upper division nursing courses.
- Professional resume.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic abilities.
Applications for admission are available at the University of West Georgia Graduate School. Upon receipt of all application materials by the deadline, and determination by the School of Nursing that all admission criteria are met, including minimum GRE or MAT scores and grade point average, the School of Nursing will notify selected applicants of admission status
The admission criteria represent minimal standards and provide no guarantee of acceptance. Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program is competitive and granted by the Graduate Committee of the School of Nursing and The University of West Georgia Graduate School.
Online Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate Available
Summer 2009
The Department of Nursing post-master’s certificate program is designed for master’s prepared nurses who desire further education for roles in teaching. The program of study requires 10 credit hours and addresses innovations in curriculum, instructional skills and strategies, the development and use of educational technology, and educational assessment and evaluation. Students develop expertise in health education and promotion, patient education, professional development, or college/university teaching. Graduates meet the educational requirements to sit for the national certification examination as a nurse educator.
Admission is limited to master’s prepared registered nurses licensed in the state in which the practica will occur. Applicants must have an earned master’s degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. The certificate may be earned in a minimum of 3 semesters. Internet access is required. The majority of coursework is provided online with minimal face to face meetings.The tentative schedule is as follows:
Nurse Educator Post-Master’s Certificate Courses (10 credit hours)
Summer 2009
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NURS-6501 Role of Nurse as Educator (2-0-2)
Fall 2009
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NURS-6502 Assessment & Instruction in Education (2-0-2)
NURS-6587 Nurse Educator Role Practicum I (0-8-2) 120 contact hours
Spring 2010
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NURS-6503 Outcomes Evaluation in Education (2-0-2)
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NURS 6787 Nurse Educator Role Practicum II (0-8-2) 120 contact hours
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Nursing will be accepting applications for admission to the online post- master’s certificate program beginning summer of 2009. Proof of the following should be submitted to the Graduate School Office to be considered for admission (classes begin in July 2009):
Completed application for admission to the UWG Graduate School.
- Non-refundable $20.00 application fee (one time only).
- One official transcript from each college or university attended.
- Satisfactory certificate of immunization (if you are a new student).
- Evidence of current unrestricted licensure to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States and evidence of licensure in the state in which the practica will occur.
- Earned Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program.
Faculty:
Bobbie Siler, PhD, RN, Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
Lyn Reilly, RN, EdD,
Margaret Kosowski, PhD, RN
Graduate Plans of Study
- Health Systems Leadership Track
- Nursing Education Track
- Post Masters Certificate
Documents and Forms
The MSN Student Handbook is available for download in Adobe Acrobat format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this document. Please go to adobe.com to download the program. The handbook may then be downloaded or read online.
Student advising is available by appointment in the Department of Nursing.
