Nursing, M.S.N.

Gannon Tagher, Ed.D, RN, APRN, Interim Department Chair

Teresa Huber, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Graduate Program Director

Introduction

Graduate education at the master’s level builds on the foundation of baccalaureate nursing education. Critical thinking, specialized knowledge, professional accountability, leadership, advanced communication skills and caring behaviors are expectations of the masters prepared nurse and are an integral part of the program. The graduate is able to synthesize theoretical information and research, applying findings to advanced practice. The MSN graduate serves as a change agent using cultural sensitivity, leadership principles, resource management and application of best practice to enhance nursing in the community. Lifelong learning is emphasized in the program; the graduate has the foundation needed for doctoral education. The program prepares the graduate as a health care leader, educator, primary care, or acute care nurse practitioner.

While we appreciate that most students work full time and have family responsibilities the student must acknowledge that these responsibilities may have an impact on successful completion of the program. We cannot alter academic standards/expectations of the program due to these responsibilities. The rigor of the Department of Advanced Nursing Studies and successful progression requires one’s full attention. We highly recommend that students consider the number of hours required for study relative to these responsibilities.

Program Outcomes

1. Critically analyze data for practice by integrating knowledge from arts and sciences within the context of nursing’s philosophical framework and scientific foundation.
2. Demonstrate effective communication in order to facilitate nursing practice at an advanced level.
3. Add to the body of knowledge, as it relates to nursing, by demonstrating advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability, as evidenced by identifying or generating evidence and implementing and evaluating change to improve healthcare outcomes.
4. Integrate nursing science, educational frameworks, health policy, and principles of business to implement initiatives that facilitate the highest level of advanced nursing practice.
5. Integrate professional values, accountability, and responsibility into advanced levels of nursing practice.
6. Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultures and populations including patients and providers (to facilitate practice at an advanced level).
7. Analyze one’s own behaviors and institutional practices and policies for coherence with principles of caring.

Program Options

MSN classes are offered in an online format.  Hybrid classes, which allow for both online and face to face learning, are occasionally offered. This is course and instructor dependent and is not a guaranteed option. Register for the type of section that best suits your individual learning needs, while allowing for flexibility if enrollment criteria are not met. 

Student Advising

Students, once admitted, are required to meet virtually with the assigned advisor for full program advising prior to beginning courses. This generally occurs close to the start of the first semester.  Advising holds will be placed if the student has not had full program advising by the end of the first semester of graduate studies.  Students are expected to maintain close contact with their advisor throughout the program of study.  Prior consent of the advisor must be obtained before any deviation is made from full program advising.  Students are cautioned not to rely on the advice of other students regarding applicability of courses.

The MSN program reserves the right to determine the applicability of graduate transfer credit.  A maximum of 40% of your program may consist of transfer work that can be applied toward the program of study.

The MSN program is a year round program (including summers) designed to be completed in a particular sequence, lockstep fashion and in part-time progression.  Please give consideration to managing work and family while completing a rigorous academic program.

Application Deadline

Admission to the MSN program is highly competitive. Completed applications with all required accompanying materials are reviewed according to the priority deadlines listed on the Graduate Education website, http://www.nku.edu/admissions/graduate.html.  Deadlines are as follows:

• Fall - July 1
• Spring - November 1

Please note admission for the Adult Gero Acute Care and Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs is only available in the fall semester.  

Admission

MSN Program Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the MSN program, the university requires all applicants to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Submit a complete application for graduate admission to Northern Kentucky University.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
3. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution.
4. In order for an application to evaluated, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their BSN undergraduate studies.
5. Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course*.
6. Proof of 1,000 clinical hours of practice as a Registered Nurse.  Download the Employment Verification Form on the Office of Graduate Education website, http://www.nku.edu/admissions/graduate/admission-process/additional-forms.html.  
7. A copy of your current, unencumbered RN license with expiration date in the state(s) you are licensed and practice.
8. An updated resume which includes committee work, community service, additional languages spoken, leadership positions & professional publications and/or presentations.
9. A letter of purpose. This is a 1-2 page statement specific to your chosen concentration explaining how you intend to use the degree, how it will apply to your career aspirations, and what specific skills you hope to gain in this program.
10. Two completed MSN Graduate Applicant Reference Forms.  Appropriate recommendations should be from supervisors, directors, or faculty.  References from co-workers, friends or family are not appropriate.  MSN reference forms may be downloaded from the Office of Graduate Education website.  

* The undergraduate statistics course must be equivalent to NKU’s STA 205 course.  To determine an undergraduate statistics course equivalency, please visit http://onlineapps.nku.edu/teds#.  Please contact Emily LaForge at laforgee1@nku.edu for additional information concerning statistics course equivalency.  

Effective Spring 2018, the following is required for MSN admission:

1. Submit a complete application for graduate admission to Northern Kentucky University.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; in order for an application to evaluated, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their BSN undergraduate studies.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program of nursing. 
4. Successful completion (C or better) of an undergraduate statistics course.
5. Proof of 1,000 clinical hours of practice as a Registered Nurse.  Download the Employment Verification Form on the Office of Graduate Education website, http://www.nku.edu/admissions/graduate/admission-process/additional-forms.html.  
6. Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration applicants must have 1 year experience in critical care.  Download the Critical Care Verification Form on the Office of Graduate Education website, http://www.nku.edu/admissions/graduate/admission-process/additional-forms.html.  
7. A copy of your current, unencumbered RN license with expiration date in the state(s) you are licensed and practice.

RNs With Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree 

RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree may apply to the MSN by meeting all of the above criteria except a BSN.  Additionally, they must successfully complete the following courses prior to beginning the MSN courses:

• NRP 471 Concepts of Professional Nursing
• NRP 472 Nursing Research or an equivalent undergraduate research course.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.