2004 - 2005 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Mission | Program Goals | Admission | Progression in the Program | Probation and Suspension | Graduation Requirements | Program Requirements | MSN Plan of Study | Course Descriptions

Jean Dyer, Dean

Mission

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Westminster College offers an education to prepare nursing professionals for the advanced practice role of family nurse practitioner (FNP). The MSN program builds on the philosophy that the excellent practitioner thinks critically, communicates effectively, understands personal values and is sensitive to the values of others and incorporates ethical principles into practice. The program enhances students' understanding of theoretical, empirical, and practical knowledge related to advanced practice nursing.

The Master of Science in Nursing builds on baccalaureate nursing preparation to enable students to provide primary health care services to clients across the life span. These services are provided in a variety of settings, including medically under-served communities and nurse shortage areas, and in collaboration with multi-disciplinary health care professionals. Students will be prepared to provide a holistic, caring, health-promoting focus and to address concerns in today's health care systems.

After graduation, MSN students are eligible to take the American Nurse Credential Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam and apply for Utah licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) with prescriptive authority.

Program Goals

The graduate of the MSN program will be prepared to:

1. Establish therapeutic nurse/client relationships while providing primary care.
2. Use a holistic approach to assess, diagnose, prescribe therapies, and consider ethical issues in managing the client's health and alterations in health over a period of time.
3. Provide culturally sensitive care through the synthesis of a liberal education with advanced practice nursing knowledge.
4. Articulate, integrate, evaluate and promote the advanced nurse practitioner role in the changing health care system.
5. Collaborate in research projects and provide clinical expertise for research and theory development.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the program is based on an evaluation of demonstrated academic ability and professional experience. Successful completion of undergraduate courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, statistics, and research will be evaluated during the review of applications. Students enter the program at the beginning of fall semester and may complete the 42 credit requirements within five semesters, including one summer.

A candidate for admission must submit the following materials to the Office of Admissions:

1. A completed application for Graduate Admission with a $30 application fee.
2. Evidence of a completed BSN from an accredited school of nursing (CCNE or NLN Accreditation) with a cumulative GPA or 3.0.
3. Official copies of transcripts sent by the registrar of each college or university attended.
4. Personal résumé or vita (including current position) detailing professional and educational history.
5. Three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues who can describe your nursing/clinical practice.
6. Copy of current unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in Utah (must be in good standing).
7. Personal statement which addresses:

   a.	career goals encompassing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role;
   b.	selection of Westminster College for graduate education;
   c.	potential area of interest for project; and
   d.	interest in working in a medically under-served community.

   
   

Upon completion of these steps, the individual's application materials are submitted to the MSN Admissions Committee. A personal interview with nursing faculty will be arranged. The student will be asked to provide a writing sample at the time of the interview. Once accepted to the MSN Program, applicants must submit a $250 tuition deposit, which guarantees a place in the entering class.

Progression in the Program

The student must:

1. Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Receive a grade of B- or higher in all courses.
3. Maintain current Utah RN license in good standing.
4. Complete the program within four years.
   

Academic Probation and Suspension Policy

Students in the Master of Science in Nursing Program are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. Students whose GPA falls below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students placed on academic probation must earn a semester GPA of at least 3.0 the next semester in which they enroll. Probationary students who fail to earn a semester GPA of at least 3.0 that semester will be dismissed from the Master of Science in Nursing Program.

Probationary students whose semester GPA is 3.0 or higher but whose cumulative GPA still remains below 3.0 will be continued on academic probation. Probationary students whose cumulative GPA reaches 3.0 or higher will be returned to good academic standing. To qualify for graduation, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Probationary students are required to meet with the Dean of Nursing prior to enrolling for the upcoming semester.

Graduation Requirements

Candidates for graduation must apply to the Registrar's Office two regular semesters prior to planned completion of graduation requirements. Candidates are notified of remaining degree requirements within four weeks after applying for graduation.

To be eligible for a master's degree, students must satisfy the following conditions:

• meet all credit hour and other course requirements;
• maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above;
• must be enrolled at Westminster College during the semester in which they wish to graduate;
• maintain good academic standing.
• A grade of B- is the lowest passing grade for all graduate courses.

The final responsibility for being informed about, and adhering to, graduation requirements rests with the individual.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 42 semester hours is required for graduation. The acceptance of transfer credit, up to 9 hours, is individually evaluated. The total clinical practice hours for the program are 504 hours.

Generic MSN Program Plan of Study

A full-time student may complete the program within 5 semesters, including one summer. Many courses are taught in the evening and as weekend seminars. A part-time plan of study may be available on request.