Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Educator

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.

All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure).  An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.  Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.

The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.

Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to:

1. Synthesize theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
2. Analyze current scientific research for application of findings to initiate change and to improve practice.
3. Create comprehensive plans of action that address the health promotion and disease prevention needs of individual, family, and community populations.
4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
5. Apply an ethical decision-making process in professional practice and an analysis of systems of healthcare.
6. Model a professional leadership role that fosters improvement of healthcare and advocates scholarly activities to advance self and profession.
7. Employ informatics and technology in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
8. Practice within ethical-legal guidelines, professional policies and regulations, and standards of practice associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

Standardized Testing Policy

All students enrolled in an MSN course will be required to utilize the standardized testing policy in place at the time of their course.

1. Standardized testing platform

1. The selected 3P exam: The minimum score for the exam is average/score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%.

1. The Pre-Predictor exam: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The Pre-Predictor exam is 5% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade. A score of less than the minimum passing score is 0 points. Students who scored lower than the minimum passing score on the Pre-Predictor can complete a faculty driven remediation plan to receive 2% of the MSN FNP (NSG6440) and MSN AGPCNP (NSG6430) course grade.  
2. The University Predictor: A minimum score identified by the vendor that equates with a minimum passing score of 80%. The University Predictor exam is worth 10% (100 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340).  Students who scored lower than the minimum passing score on the Predictor can complete a faculty driven remediation plan to receive 6% (60 points) of the final grade in MSN FNP (NSG6440) and AGPCNP (NSG6340). A score of less than the minimum passing score is 0 points.

1. Remediation
   1. Individualized and faculty driven remediation provides an opportunity for students to review study and acquire additional knowledge. Remediation is intended to help students recover important information that was missed when taking the assessment and improve the opportunity to be successful on the second attempt of any exam.
   2. In addition to faculty driven remediation, self-review is required for all standardized testing assessments. Students are required to use their test results to complete remediation.
   3. Failure to comply with the standardized testing policy may result in a course failure.
   4. Retesting is required for any student who scores lower than the minimum passing score on the 3P exam. Retesting of the 3P exam will take place during the final week of NSG6023.
   5. A different test version will be used for retesting. Students who score the minimum passing score or higher on the 3P exam in NSG6023 will receive an 80% for the grade. Students who do not score the minimum passing score will be dismissed from the MSN nurse practitioner programs.
   6. The Dean's or designee's approval is required for reordering of standardized testing products.  
2. Comprehensive Testing Program