Online Master of Science in Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

for Bachelor's Prepared Registered Nurses

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nurse Educator, Health Systems Leadership

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is organized around two key components. The Nursing Leadership Core provides the theoretical foundation common to all areas of practice. The Nursing Practice Core provides the theoretical foundation for role development in a specialized area.

The aim of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is to prepare professional nurses with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for advanced nursing practice and leadership in the future and current health care systems and to meet the health care needs of consumers, especially the underserved, in a wide variety of settings. The program is grounded in the theme of leadership and integrates theory and research in nursing and related fields to provide a broad base for advanced practice nursing. The program stresses critical inquiry and analysis in the academic environment and application of theory and research in diverse practice settings.

Because it is intended to meet the needs of working registered nurses, the MSN program is delivered through on-campus and distance learning formats and accommodates full-time or part-time enrollment. The distributive learning format combines a variety of strategies for course delivery, clinical experiences in distance sites local to students, and participation on campus at scheduled intervals.

The majority of students enroll in 6-7 credits per semester. In some cases, the course load may be adjusted for faster or slower progression within limits of course availability. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of acceptance into and enrollment in the program. Students are encouraged to meet with their assigned academic advisor early in their program to develop a tentative plan for progress. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Admission Requirements

Applications packets may be obtained from the Department of Nursing by calling 1-800-793-1715 ext 6640, 509 313-6640 or emailing Molly Wood at woodm@gonzaga.edu  The designated fee must accompany the application form. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant's total profile and space available. Applications are reviewed as they are received for those applying to the Nurse Educator and Health Systems Leadership tracks.

Application deadlines for the FNP and PMHNP options are:

March 15, 2012--for summer 2012
May 20, 2012--for fall 2012
September 1, 2012--for spring 2013

Application decisions are based upon an applicant's total profile. Selection is based on:

» completed University application;
» an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited school;
» current unencumbered Registered Nurse license;
» minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale;
» current professional vita
» official score from Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
» personal statement describing
   - interest in the program and purpose of achieving a MSN degree,
   - professional goals,
   - strengths,
   - professional experiences
» two satisfactory letters of recommendation

Program Options:

• Family Nurse Practitioner: 44 credits (600 practicum hours). Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and two on-campus visits each semester, one and a half days each,  during 600 level course work.

• Family Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner: 47 credits (600 practicum hours).  Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and one on-campus visit during the second and third practicum course (two days each).

• Nurse Educator: 36 credits (360 practicum hours). Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and one on-campus visit during final practicum course.

• Health Systems Leadership: 36 credits (360 practicum hours). Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and one on-campus visit during final practicum course.