Document Number 3.04.04
[1] Objectives
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing degree are prepared for advanced professional practice as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or nurse practitioner (NP), have the foundation for doctoral study, and are prepared for life-long learning and continued professional development. Graduates may also prepare as nurse educators (NE).
Students in the CNS program select a specialty area from among (1) Adult Medical-Surgical, (2) Community/Family Health, or (3) Adult Psychiatric Mental Health. The NP program focuses on primary health care; students select a specialty area from among (1) Adult, (2) Family, or (3) Adult Psychiatric Mental Health. Graduates of both programs are academically qualified to take the appropriate American Nurses Credentialing Center advanced practice
certification examination. Full-time and part-time schedules are available for both programs.
[2] Accreditation/Approval
The UCA MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
[3] MSN Outreach
Helping BSN nurses in regions of the state under-served by MSN programs to obtain advanced nursing preparation and preparation as nurse educators, the UCA Department of Nursing offers courses in Fort Smith through cooperation with the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, in Russellville with Arkansas Tech University, and in Pine Bluff with South East Arkansas Community College. Contact the UCA Department of Nursing for more information regarding outreach efforts. Many courses are offered on-line.
[4] Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Options
Master's-prepared nurses seeking preparation as nurse practitioners have two options to obtain academic requirements for national certification qualification: (1) second master's degree option and (2) post-master's certificate option. These options provide a planned course of study for preparation as a nurse practitioner. Thirty credit hours are required for the second MSN degree. Completion of the option is clearly noted on the student's transcript. Contact the UCA Department of Nursing for more information regarding these options.
[5] Post-Master's Nursing Education Certificate
Graduate-prepared nurses seeking preparation as nurse educators may obtain a post-master's certificate in this area. Specialty preparation may be obtained in (1) higher education, (2) staff education, or (3) client education. Twelve credit hours are required for the certificate. Completion of the certificate is clearly noted on the student's transcript. Contact the UCA Department of Nursing for more information.
[6] RNP to MSN Option
This option allows baccalaureate prepared Advance Practice Nurse Practitioner (APN-NPs) and Registered Nurse Practitioners (RNPs) to receive course credit-by-challenge for up to 15 graduate hours of the Family Nurse Practitioner track. Credit-by-challenge is awarded based on the student's credentials and through portfolio review or comprehensive exam. Students must complete a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours for the degree. For more information, contact
the department.
[7] RN to MSN Option
Based on the Arkansas Nursing Education Articulation Model, the department offers an RN-to-BSN/MSN option for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree. This track reduces the time required to complete the BSN and the MSN degrees. Contact the department for more information.
[8] MSN Program Admission Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree with an upper-division major in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited nursing program (graduates of non-accredited schools will be evaluated individually).
2. A minimum GPA of 2.70 (4.00 scale) overall or 3.00 on last 60 hours of earned credit. 3. Successful completion of a course in basic statistics, with a grade of C or above. 4. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in Arkansas.
5. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores prior to admission.
6. At least one year of direct patient care clinical experience within the last three years as an RN prior to enrollment in the clinical courses. Based on the applicant's recent clinical experience, the applicant might be required to take an independent clinical practicum course prior to enrollment in the clinical courses.
7. A completed application packet which includes a resume/vita, written statement of professional goals, reference, verification of clinical practice, and copy of RN license.
8. An interview with Program Director or designee.
Note: Conditionally admitted students are ineligible to receive financial aid, including graduate assistantships, loans/scholarships, and Nurse Traineeship funds.
[9] Post-Admission Requirements
Upon acceptance to the graduate program, evidence of the following is required prior to the first nursing course: completion of demographic information form and verification of an e-mail address. Prior to initial clinical or
practicum course evidence of the following must be submitted: record of tetanus/diphtheria within the past 10 years; MR immunization or positive titer, and Hepatitis B immunization or signed declination statement. Prior to each clinical or practicum course evidence of the following is required: current health insurance; professional liability insurance, unencumbered Arkansas RN license; CPR certification, and TB skin test.
[10] MSN Degree Requirements
The CNS track requires 39 hours of planned sequential graduate nursing course work. The NP track requires 39-47 hours of planned sequential graduate nursing course work. Students must also complete a Comprehensive Exam in the last semester of course work.
[11] Candidacy
Admission to candidacy for the Master of Science in Nursing degree must be completed prior to enrollment in the final 12 graduate hours of nursing coursework. It requires the following:
1. Removal of any undergraduate course deficiencies or grade provisions.
2. Completion of between 26 and 30 graduate hours of nursing coursework at UCA with a minimum GPA of 3.00. 3. Completion of two of the four MSN foundation courses (6202, 6301, 6303, 6347) and one of the first required
clinical courses in the MSN curriculum with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
[12.1] Foundation Courses for Both Tracks (CNS and NP)
[12.1.1] MSN Foundation Courses (12 hours)
NURS 6301, 6304, 6332, and 6347
[12.1.2] Advanced Practice Foundation Courses (15 hours)
NURS 6305, 6315, 6320, 6322, and 6325
[12.2] Clinical Specialty Courses for the CNS Track
[12.2.1] CNS Clinical Courses--Medical/Surgical Focus (12 hours)
NURS 6501, 6502, and 61/6254 (2 hours required)
[12.2.2] CNS Clinical Courses--Community/Family Focus (12 hours)
NURS 6505, 6506, and 61/6250 (2 hours required)
[12.2.3] CNS Clinical Courses--Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Focus (12 hours)
NURS 6507, 6508, and 61/6258 (2 hours required)
[12.3] Clinical Specialty Courses for the NP Track
[
12.3.1] NP Clinical Courses--Family Focus (17 hours)NURS 6520, 6521, 6526, and 61/6264 (2 hours required)
[12.3.2] NP Clinical Courses--Adult Focus (12 hours)
NURS 6521, 6526, and 61/6260 (2 hours required)
[12.3.3] NP Clinical Courses--Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Focus (20 hours)
NURS 6507, 6508, 6521, and 6526
[12.4] Courses for the Nurse Educator Option
NURS 6345, 6348, and 6350 (9 hours)
[13] Graduate Courses in Nursing (NURS)