The Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares graduates for roles that reflect current, emerging and expanding roles of nurses as providers and educators. The curricula for these advanced practice roles are designed in the context of related challenges, needs and increasing complexities within the systems of health care delivery, higher education, and professional nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing degree has been fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program consists of four concentrations. The Nurse Practitioner-Family, Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology Primary Care, and Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric Mental Health concentrations focus on the preparation of advanced practice registered nurses as nurse practitioners. The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist focuses on the preparation of advanced practice registered nurses specialized in acute care adult-gerontology practice.
Nurse practitioners are in a direct-care provider role, and use specialty skills and knowledge in providing care to clients of all ages and stages of development in primary care settings. The nurse practitioner curriculum prepares nurses to function interdependently with other health care providers to provide primary care. They assess the physical, socio-emotional, and developmental states of individual clients and their families, analyze health behavior, apply clinical judgment, and intervene in a manner to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care delivery. Nurse practitioners provide health promotion therapeutics, as well as early recognition and prompt treatment and management of illness, prevention of complications, and needed rehabilitation. Client and family education, guidance, and advocacy are vital characteristics of the nurse practitioner's role. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as a nurse practitioner in their population focus area.
The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration is designed to prepare registered nurses to assume an advanced practice role as a clinical nurse specialist. This graduate assumes a professional leadership role to inform nursing practice, education, and health care delivery systems in the design and implementation of strategies to improve organizational, educational, and individual client, student, and nurse provider outcomes. Advanced practice clinical expertise is reflected in the application of innovative evidence-based practice interventions and the development of collaborative relationships in order to address the health care needs of a diverse population. Graduates of the program will be eligible for certification as a Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
