Master of Science in Nursing
Program Description
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers four options: Nurse Educator, Nursing Business Management, Data Analytics, and Entry-level practice. Core content for each option includes foundations for advanced nursing practice, ethical leadership, evidence-based practice, and informatics.
- The Nurse Educator option builds on the expertise and experience of the professional nurse, preparing graduates for advanced nursing practice in academic and clinical nursing education.
- The Nursing Business Management option develops powerful leaders who drive strategic, patient-centered change by applying MBA-level concepts to the unique challenges and opportunities within the healthcare and nursing professions.
- The Data Analytics option uniquely integrates advanced nursing principles with a rigorous data analytics curriculum, explicitly tailored for the healthcare sector and grounded in social justice.
- The Entry-level practice concentration admits students with a previous baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing and builds upon that educational preparation and additional prerequisite courses.
- Entry-Level option: Education is delivered in a mostly face-to-face format, with four courses being offered online. Students' clinical practicum experiences are jointly determined by faculty, students, and collaborating organizations and are generally completed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Clinical practica may be offered on a variety of typical healthcare work shifts, including days, evenings, or nights. Classes are held on Wednesdays. The entry-level option is a full-time graduate program, and is not compatible with full-time outside employment.
- Educator, Business Management, and Data Analytics options: Education is delivered in a fully online, asynchronous format. Practicum experiences are designed to be flexible and are designed in collaboration with program faculty. Practicum experiences may be hybrid, online, or face-to-face and may be completed during normal business hours, as needed.
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. Phone: 404-975-5000.
Certification/Licensure
The Nurse Educator option meets the standards for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Nursing Professional Development Certification (NCP-BC) exam offered by the Association for Nursing Professional Development. Students are eligible to take these certification exams upon completing their program.
Upon completion of the Entry-Level concentration, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), to apply for certification as public health nurses with the Minnesota Board of Nursing, and to sit for the national certification exam as a Clinical Nurse Leader™.
Degree Requirements
Nurse Educator option: students complete 32 hours of graduate credit with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Nursing Business Management & Data Analytics options: students complete 31 graduate credits with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Entry-Level concentration: students complete 49 semester hours of graduate credit with a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Years to Complete the Program
The Nurse Educator, Business Management, and Data Analytics options are designed to be completed in two years. The program must be completed within five years of initial enrollment.
The Entry-Level option is designed to be completed in 23 months. Students may request a leave of absence. If the leave is approved, it is typically granted for one calendar year.
Progression Policy
Requirements to Remain in Good Standing
- "B" (3.0) or better in every course
- Adherence to the MSN program student policies
Conditions for Program Dismissal
Students who do not achieve a grade of "B" (3.0) in every course in the program of study or do not satisfy the conditions of a mutually agreed-upon Academic Success Plan are dismissed from the program.
Important Essential Abilities
For successful admission and continuance in St. Catherine University’s pre-licensure (entry-level) nursing programs, a specific set of essential cognitive, sensory, communication, psychomotor, and behavioral/ emotional/spiritual health abilities is required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.