This R.N. to M.S.N. option is designed for the reg istered nurse licensed in the United States who would like to obtain a B.S.N. and an M.S.N. Although the track may be completed in as little as nine terms, some students may elect to spread the coursework out over a longer period of time. Students are required to complete the general education requirements prior to beginning the M.S.N. courses. Students will transition to the M.S.N. courses only after meeting the requirements for the M.S.N. program. The M.S.N. program offers three tracks—nursing education, nursing informatics, and health systems leadership,. To obtain a clinical MSN in an advanced practice registered nurse (A.P.R.N.) role, the college offers preparation for certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). as well as the advanced practice registered nurse (A.P.R.N.), family nurse practitioner program. All programs focus on developing nursing professionals to assume leadership roles in the complex health care environment. These programs are for nurses with a baccalaureate degree in any field that have an R.N. license. The master’s degree in nursing prepares the experienced nurse to advance in nursing leadership. There are three unique tracks as well as the APRN program to earning the M.S.N., each of which offers an in-depth education by faculty experts in these fields.
1. M.S.N. nursing education for nurses who have a desire to enhance their ability to transition to an academic or staff development position;
2. M.S.N. health systems leadership for nurses who desire a position of leadership within the unique organizational environment of health care;
3. M.S.N. (clinical) APRN is for nurses who desire a position as a family nurse practitioner within the role of the advanced practice nurse.
Master of Science in Nursing—R.N. to M.S.N. Track Program Goals
1. Integrate advanced knowledge, theory, and evidence-based research into current nursing practice.2. Assume as leadership roles in healthcare systems, the diverse community, and the profession including areas of specialization.
3. Engage in activities for continued professional growth.
4. Builds on baccalaureate education and prepares graduates for advanced roles within the discipline of nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing—R.N. to M.S.N. Track Learning Outcomes
MSN Program Outcomes
1. Exhibit leadership through collaboration to promote quality and safety for improved patient outcomes. 2. Transform clinical and educational practice through the integration of evidence.
3. Design innovative strategies to improve practice environments.
4. Incorporate knowledge of ethical and legal issues relevant to advanced nursing roles. 5. Advocate for equitable healthcare policies that improve population health.
6. Promote a culture of lifelong learning embracing professional nursing standards and values.
Education Track Outcomes
The student successfully completing the education track will be able to:
1. Utilize evidence in educational design, implementation, and evaluation. 2. Employ instructional strategies that recognize the diverse learner.
3. Implement assessment and evaluation methods in a variety of learning environments. 4. Analyze the teaching, scholarship and service roles of the nurse educator.
Health Systems Leadership Track Outcomes
The student successfully completing this track will be able to:
1. Integrate leadership and systems theories to promote quality and safety within complex health systems.
2. Utilize technology, evidence, and inter-professional collaboration to improve patient outcomes in complex health systems.
3. Apply business principles and practices within a healthcare delivery model.
4. Design change strategies to meet regulatory standards based on analysis of current trends and data.
Nursing Informatics Track Outcomes
1. Examine the role of nursing informatics competencies and the professional standards on nursing informatics practice
2. Develop skills necessary to implement health information technology for knowledge management and quality improvement.
3. Describe key legal, regulatory, and ethical issues related to the utilization of health information technology. 4. Apply leadership concepts to support the utilization of health information technology within the healthcare system.
Family Nurse Practitioner Outcomes
1. Design evidenced based advanced nursing care for the target population.
2. Integrate theory, evidence, clinical judgment and inter-professional perspectives to improve health care outcomes for the target population.
3. Employ information systems technology and inter-professional collaboration to optimize safe and cost-effective health care outcomes.
4. Develop, implement, and evaluate clinical prevention and population health activities within scope of practice.
Master of Science in Nursing—R.N. to M.S.N. Track Curriculum
General Education Requirements (36 credits)
Students are required to complete 36 credit hours as part of the General Education Program. For specific course requirements, refer to the General Education Program section in the Academic Resources and Procedures segment of this catalog. General education courses may be completed at any accredited community college or university. Students must complete the General Education Program requirements before matriculating into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing—R.N. to M.S.N. program.
Master of Science in Nursing—R.N. to M.S.N. Major Requirements (85 credits) Additional Program Requirements (7 credits)
PHS 4904 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professions** (4 credits) NUT 3000 Nutrition for the Health Professional** (3 credits)
Nursing Courses (36 credits)
NUR 3000 Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Education for Registered Nurses (3 credits) NUR 3013 Transition to Professional Nursing (3 credits)
NUR 3031 Pathophysiology (3 credits) NUR 3030 Health Assessment (3 credits)
NUR 4161 Genetics Concepts (2 credits)
NUR 4171 Nursing and Health Care Trends (3 credits) NUR 4175 Transition to Graduate Studies (9 credits) NSG 5000 Advanced Nurse Roles (3 credits)
NSG 5100 Advanced Theoretical Concepts of Nursing Research (3 credits) **Credit with R.N. license
R.N. to M.S.N. (non-clinical/traditional or clinical): The student may complete a (non-clinical/traditional) specialization in nursing education, health systems leadership, nursing informatics, or (clinical) specialization in the family nurse practitioner program (refer to Graduate catalog).
Farquhar College of
Arts and Sciences
Farquhar College of
Arts and Sciences
Dean’s Message
Welcome to Nova Southeastern University and the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. At NSU, students enroll in a diverse array of majors and minors, working closely with outstanding faculty members and learning resources, to pursue their educational goals. Our mission is to serve all undergraduate students with personalized, attentive, caring, and high-quality academic experiences that support their personal and professional development.
In the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, we focus on developing critical thinking, communications, and writing skills and preparing our students in their programs of study with the tools and specialized knowledge necessary for professional success. Our students receive a comprehensive education that helps them directly enter the workforce after graduation or continue their education in graduate or professional school.
We are also focused on preparing students for the challenges of an increasingly diverse and complex global society. We emphasize intellectual community among our students and faculty members and provide the broad liberal arts background and values that will support them for a lifetime of well-rounded, engaged citizenship. Regardless of major, students receive a comprehensive general education program and have the opportunity to explore coursework as well as complementary combinations of specializations, minors, and double majors that will satisfy their academic and professional needs and their burgeoning curiosity about new subjects. We also support our students as they pursue study abroad, independent research, and creative interests that expand their experiences outside of the classroom.
The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and Nova Southeastern University provide exceptional opportunities and experiences. It is an exciting place to be. On behalf of our faculty and staff, I extend best wishes for a successful academic year and continued progress toward your personal and professional goals.
Don Rosenblum, Ph.D.