Master of Science in Nursing, M.S.N.

The Tanner Health System School of Nursing at the University of West Georgia offers a Master of Science degree with role options in either education or health systems leadership and a post-master’s certificate program in education and health systems leadership. 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 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 (CNLs). The CNL is a role designed by American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2003) to prepare a leader who is accountable for management of care and the care environment.

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 clinical nurse leaders (CNLs) in a variety of health care settings. Students may pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis. Course work is provided using 100 % online, asynchronous instruction.

MSN Program Objectives

The purpose of the MSN program is to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice in the areas of health systems leadership and nursing education.

1. Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
2. Utilize leadership skills to promote ethical and critical decision making and effective working relationships.
3. Apply quality improvement and safety principles within an organization to improve educational and practice outcomes.
4. Translate scholarship into practice by applying research outcomes within educational and practice settings.
5. Employ client care and communication technologies to deliver quality care.
6. Employ advocacy strategies to influence health and health care.
7. Serve as a member and leader of inter-professional teams to create caring and collaborative relationships.
8. Apply organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts to enhance population based care for individuals, families, and aggregates.

Admission Requirements for the MSN Program

Admission is based on several criteria including the following:

• Completion of a basic undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or higher prior to enrollment
• Evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States must be provided within application
• Earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited program
• Official transcript from each college or university attended
• Satisfactory certificate of immunization (for a new UWG student)
• GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all upper division nursing courses
• Professional resume
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic abilities

Accreditation

The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Information about accreditation may be obtained from the following:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
One Dupont Circle, NW
Washington, DC 20036-112
www.AACN.NCHE.edu
202-887-6791

Academic Standards

A minimum grade of B or S is required in all courses in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctorate in Nursing Education (EdD) program. Students who earn a grade of C, WF, or U in any two courses, who earn one U in 9019, or who earn an F in any one course, will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn a C, WF, or U may repeat that course one time only except for NURS 9019. Students who earn one U in NURS 9019, Independent Study, will be dismissed from the Doctorate in Nursing Education (EdD) program.

Provisional Admission

Students who do not meet all of the criteria for admission may be considered for provisional admission pending space available.

Non Degree Seeking Students

Non-degree and personal enrichment students may be admitted to select nursing courses on a space available basis only. Please be aware that no more than 9 hours taken as a post baccalaureate or non-degree student may subsequently be applied to a degree. In most situations, students will not be allowed to take the full 9 hours; therefore; students attempting to gain admittance to a degree program should make every effort to take the appropriate admissions test as soon as possible.