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MSN |
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Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing Program
encompasses two tracks: the Family Nurse
Practitioner and Nursing in Health
Systems. There is a Conversion
Option within the NHS track. These tracks within the MSN Program
prepare professional nurses to function in advanced roles in order to provide holistic, comprehensive nursing
care to individuals, families, and communities, and to assume leadership
responsibilities in a variety of settings. Graduate education builds upon knowledge and competencies
gained in
baccalaureate education. Graduate students use critical thinking, creativity,
and problem solving skills that require in-depth nursing knowledge and are
prepared to coordinate health care programs within complex systems in an era of
healthcare reform. The curriculum is based upon nursing and related theories and
the application of
research findings to clinical and administrative nursing issues. Graduate students are
also prepared for doctoral study in nursing and continued personal
and professional development.
The program is designed for part-time or full-time study.
Part-time students typically take two-three classes each semester. They
complete their degree requirements in three (3) years. Full-time students
complete degree requirements in two (2) years. Not
sure which program is for you? Click on the link for answers to common
questions. MSN
Frequently Asked Questions. Admission Requirements
Prospective students who do not meet all of the above criteria may be admitted on a "provisional" basis. Graduate students who do not have a 3.20 GPA on admission must earn a GPA of 3.20 in the first 6 hours of graduate nursing core courses at USF for the student to be fully admitted to the MSN Program. Computer Requirements Many of the MSN courses are computer-assisted using
Blackboard courseware via the Internet. Minimum computer requirements
are Windows-based (Pentium III or newer) computer with sound card and speakers
running Windows 98, 2000, ME, NT or XP. Access
to the Internet and an e-mail account are required. Information regarding technology and other services available through academic computing for resident as well as non-resident students is available on the USF Computing website at www.sf.edu/computing/. Career Connections The demand for advanced practice nurses (Family Nurse Practitioners) who are independent and collaborate with other health professionals has grown in response to increased primary care avenues, competitive markets and increased public awareness of health promotion efforts. The demand for advanced role nurses (Nursing in Health Systems) who are able to provide health care to aggregates, work in specific nursing arenas (Education, Administration, Community Health, Parish Nursing, Occupational Health, etc) has grown in response to community-based care and increased public awareness of health promotion efforts. Both acute care and community settings need highly skilled MSN nurses to provide quality client care and effectively manage complex health systems. Leadership in creating high quality, economical options for health care within the current era of health care reform and cot containment are primary goals of advanced role nurses.
Goals of the MSN Program
The
graduate faculty members have prepared MSN Program goals that flow from the
mission and philosophy of the Department of Nursing and extend the baccalaureate
concepts to an advanced level of nursing theory, research and practice. MSN graduates:
1. Integrate
holistic, comprehensive nursing care into advanced nursing for
individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings.
2. Integrate creative and critical thinking into advanced nursing.
3. Synthesize theory and knowledge from the humanities, sciences, and
nursing into advanced nursing.
4. Demonstrate exemplary communication skills that support role competency
in advanced nursing.
5. Initiate responsive leadership, collaboration and management to influence
advanced nursing and advance the profession of nursing.
6. Assume responsibility for personal contributions to improve the delivery
of health care and to influence health policy.
7. Exemplify legal and ethical responsibility, accountability and role
competency in advanced nursing. 8. Support life-long learning and/or interest in doctoral nursing education. 9. Appraise, use, and participate in the extension of nursing knowledge through scientific inquiry.
Visit
the curriculum plan of the MSN program that most interests you: |
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