MS Nursing

Master of Science degree in Advanced Practice Nursing Curriculum

The Master of Science degree in Advanced Practice Nursing educates professional nurses for advanced practice in nursing either as clinical nurse specialists in adult nursing, nurse managers, adult nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners or psychiatric nurse practitioners and provides a foundation for doctoral study in nursing. Students can opt for a dual track of study by adding a gerontological specialization to any of the advanced practice tracks.

Program Overview

The Graduate program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs, particularly those who live in rural or medically underserved areas of Northeastern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whenever possible, clinical experiences are arranged at appropriate sites near the student's home.

Eligibility for the master's degree requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 38 semester credits for the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Nurse Practitioner tracks; 47 semester credits for the Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner tracks and 51 semester credits for the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.

Dual track Gerontology is available with all programs. All program requirements must be completed within seven years. Students who begin the program in the fall and who carry approximately 9-13 credits per semester can complete the program in two academic years. Informational materials detailing aspects of the program is mailed to all applicants.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate of the program at Master's Level will:

1.  Synthesize knowledge from nursing science and related disciplines as a basis for advanced nursing practice.

2. Design roles of advanced nursing practice responsive to changing environmental forces.

3. Use leadership skills, teaching, and collaborative strategies to create appropriate change in policy and systems which augment individual and population health.

4. Facilitate the investigation of nursing problems with the dissemination and integration of findings into practice.

5. Integrate knowledge of political, economic, and social issues; ethics and jurisprudence in decision-making processes to resolve dilemmas of practice

6. Demonstrate a commitment to the advancement of professional nursing and to the professional growth of self and peers.

Post-Master's Option

Master's-prepared nurses can continue their education and enhance their skills by earning additional certification in any of the specialty areas offered.

The curriculum consists of core courses, support courses and role courses. The core courses provide a foundation in nursing theory, research design, health policies, professional issues and concepts of advanced practice nursing. Support courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary for specialized advanced practice nursing. Additional specialization and application of theories occur in the role courses.

The program seeks to prepare nurses with specialized knowledge and skills for advanced practice nursing and as a foundation for doctoral study. It builds upon undergraduate education in nursing and adds depth in areas of specialization, scholarship, and research.