| Family Nurse Practitioner | Psychiatric-Mental Health | Nurse Educator | Health Systems Leadership |
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree consists of 43-50 semester credits organized around two key components. The Nursing Leadership Core provides the theoretical foundation for role development and concepts common to all areas of practice. The Nursing Practice Core provides the theoretical foundation for a clinical specialty and role concepts. In some instances, depending upon the learners' background and practice core or elective selection, additional credits may be encouraged or required. In other instances, depending on the individual's background and goals, some undergraduate or other foundational coursework may required prior to enrolling in selected graduate courses. Such requirements may be fulfilled while completing other graduate courses.
The aim of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is to prepare professionals 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. A thesis relevant to the practice focus is required.
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 distance learning format combines videotapes of actual current campus classes, clinical experiences in distance sites local to students, and participation on campus at scheduled intervals each semester.
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 In special circumstances, individuals applying for admission may be permitted to take courses for one semester while the admission process is completed. The designated fee must accompany the application form. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant's total profile and space available. Application deadlines are April 1 for summer or fall semester and November 15 for spring semester.
Application decisions are based upon an applicant's total profile. Selection is based on:
- completed University application;
- an earned bachelor's degree accredited school;
- current 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)
- typewritten 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 43 credits (600 clinical 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.
Psychiatric Mental-Health 44 credits (600 clinical hours). Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and three on campus visits each semester, two days each, during 600 level course work.
Nurse Educator 36 credits (360 clinical hours). Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and one on campus visit during 600 level course work.
Health Systems Leadership 36 credits (360 clinical hours). Campus visits: no campus visits during 500 level course work and one on campus visit during 600 level course work.
