Curriculum | M.S. Nursing

Program Overview

The Master of Science degree in Advanced Practice Nursing Program 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.

This 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.

Dual-track Gerontology

Dual-track Gerontology is available with all programs. All program requirements must be completed within seven years. Students 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 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.

Graduates of this program 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.

Expand and Collapse Required Courses

Expand and Collapse BIO 5777 - Independent Study

Advanced Pathophysiology is a course intended to broaden and deepen the students' knowledge of the normal and abnormal functional processes of the human body. The subject of study assumes a prior understanding of basic physiologic principles that is, in turn, built upon knowledge of cellular function and biochemical mechanisms. The ultimate goal of the course is to prepare students to visualize the mechanical functioning of the body in health and disease so that they may better understand the principles of prevention and treatment.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6605 - Theorizing Nursing Practice

A critical investigation of concepts, middle range theories, and family theories used by advanced practice health care providers in health promotion and disease prevention interventions with clients and families to achieve health outcomes.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6610 - Theor Hum Dev Across/Lifespan

This course explores theories of human development across the life cycle from psychoanalytic, relational, interpersonal, sociocultural, cognitive, biological, and evolutionary perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the application of these theories to health promotion in advanced nursing practice in a multicultural society.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6627 - Health Assessment Adult

Advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental skills necessary for primary care practice with adult clients. Principles and techniques of data collection, communication and physical examination are emphasized. Basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures are explored. Web-based course on campus seminars, 45 laboratory hours.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6671 - Rural Health

Focuses on rural health and rural health issues related to health care and health care delivery. The role of the Advanced Practice Nurse in the delivery of health care to rural populations is explored. Issues and trends in rural health and rural health care delivery are investigated.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6677 - Advanced Pharmacology

Focuses on the clinical application of advanced pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan for common disease conditions encountered in primary care settings. Uses a body systems approach and includes principles of altered pharmacodynamics related to age, race, and ethnicity. Explores principles of pharmacotherapeutics used by advanced practice nurses, including pharmacodynamics, client assessment, and decision-making processes for appropriate drug use, monitoring, and client education. Includes cost/benefit analysis of pharmacological intervention.

Expand and Collapse NSG 8200 - Outcomes Research

Knowledge and skill development in the evaluation of quantitative research studies and the translation of outcomes research into practice. This course emphasizes applying current theoretical models and research to clinical practice.

Expand and Collapse NSG 8675 - Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Knowledge and skill development in the evaluation of quantitative research studies and the translation of outcomes research into practice. This course emphasizes applying current theoretical models and research to clinical practice.

Expand and Collapse NSG 8680 - Leadership Seminar

Facilitates the transition of graduate nursing students to advanced clinical practice. Emphasizes the concrete goals and tasks of the transition to practice as well as the transformation of identity from student to independent professional. Identifies the nature and scope of professionalism in the discipline. Provides an opportunity for networking with student colleagues statewide and for the creative visioning of an independent, nurse-run, multispecialty outpatient clinic for the delivery of collaborative primary care. Prerequisite: Enrollment during the semester in which graduation is scheduled.

Expand and Collapse Concentrations

Expand and Collapse Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (ANP/GNP)

Expand and Collapse BIO 5125 - Biology of Aging

Biology of Aging is a course designed to allow study and understanding of the principles of aging applied to the anatomical and physiologic systems of the body. The course is divided into three portions; (1) Examination of the basic principles of aging from the population level; (2) Events of aging seen at the cellular level; and (3) Events of aging observed at the system level of the body.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6633 - Theoret Found Geront NSG

Analysis and application of theory and research related to health assessment and health promotion of older adults. Implementation of evidence-based advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental assessment techniques necessary for health promotion and illness prevention activities along with diagnosis of acute, chronic and functional health challenges with the older adult. Web-based course on campus seminars: 15 didactic hours. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: N6627.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6635 - Pharmacology: Older Adults

Application of theory and research related to advanced gerontological pharmacotherapeutics. Includes pharmacologic and non pharmacologic interventions in the management of acute, chronic physical and mental health disorders for the older adult. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in relation to the physiological changes in the older adult are stressed. Assessment, decision-making processes and client education for appropriate drug use are addressed. Web-based course on campus seminars. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: NSG 6605, NSG 8200, NSG 8675, N6633, N6677 or equivalent

Expand and Collapse NSG 6639 -

Expand and Collapse NSG 6683 - Primary Health Care Mgt II

Knowledge and skills necessary for prevention and management of acute and chronic illnesses in adults and older adults. Underlying pathophysiologic and psychosocial bases for occurrence and detection are addressed with emphasis on management of common acute and chronic illnesses. It is required that NSG 6627 be taken within one year of this course, otherwise remedial work will be required Web-based course on campus seminars. 180 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6605, 6610, 6627, 6677, 6681 (FNPs only), 8200, 8675, BIO 5777.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6687 - Nurse Practitioner Preceptrshp

Intensive clinical experience with a focus on prevention, health promotion, client education and illness management of individuals and families. Web-based course on campus seminars. 200 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6683, 6681, and 6685 (FNP).

Expand and Collapse Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Expand and Collapse NSG 6633 - Theoret Found Geront NSG

Analysis and application of theory and research related to health assessment and health promotion of older adults. Implementation of evidence-based advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental assessment techniques necessary for health promotion and illness prevention activities along with diagnosis of acute, chronic and functional health challenges with the older adult. Web-based course on campus seminars: 15 didactic hours. Prerequisite: Post-master's status or enrolled in master's program at CSS. Pre or Co-requisite: N6627.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6681 - Primary Health Care Mgt I

Knowledge and skills necessary for prevention and management of common acute and chronic illnesses in infants, children and adolescents. Aspects of assessment, diagnosis, management and evaluation derived from pathophysiologic, psychosocial, spiritual and developmental data bases are addressed. This course must be taken the semester immediately following NSG 6629, or requires faculty approval. Web-based course, on campus seminars. Prerequisites: NSG 6605, 6627, 6629, 6677, 8200, 8675, BIO 5777; 145 clinical hours.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6683 - Primary Health Care Mgt II

Knowledge and skills necessary for prevention and management of acute and chronic illnesses in adults and older adults. Underlying pathophysiologic and psychosocial bases for occurrence and detection are addressed with emphasis on management of common acute and chronic illnesses. It is required that NSG 6627 be taken within one year of this course, otherwise remedial work will be required Web-based course on campus seminars. 180 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6605, 6610, 6627, 6677, 6681 (FNPs only), 8200, 8675, BIO 5777.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6685 - Prenatal Health Care

Introduction to the role of a family nurse practitioner in the promotion of healthy pregnancy and lactation, and the management of frequently encountered problems in a pregnant or lactating woman. Web-based course on campus seminars. 30 clinical hours. Co-requisite: NSG 6683.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6687 - Nurse Practitioner Preceptrshp

Intensive clinical experience with a focus on prevention, health promotion, client education and illness management of individuals and families. Web-based course on campus seminars. 200 clinical hours. Prerequisite: NSG 6683, 6681, and 6685 (FNP).

Expand and Collapse Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Family

Expand and Collapse NSG 6629 - Health Assessment Pediatric

Advanced physical, psychological, social and developmental skills necessary for advanced practice nursing with pediatric clients. Principles and techniques of data collection, communication and physical examination are emphasized. Basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures are explored. Web-based course on campus seminars.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6662 - Adv Prac Psych-Mental Hlth NSG

Introduction to theories, concepts and models, ethics relevant to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner's role in the care of persons with mental illnesses and persons/populations at risk for mental illness. Emphasis is placed on neurobiological theories of mental illness as well as developmental and psychodynamic theories. Online course with on-campus seminars. Pre- or co-requisite: NSG 6605, 6610, 8675.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6665 - Psych-Mental Health Mgt II

Development of skills needed to function as a beginning advanced practice group leader/therapist with multicultural clients in a variety of socio-cultural contexts. Includes application of theoretical principles of group psychotherapy with clients experiencing psychiatric and mental health problems. 15 class hours, 135 clinical hours. Pre- or co-requisite: N6666.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6666 - Families: Adv Prac Psy NSG

Examination of the structure, functions, processes, and developmental course of groups in human life and health care practice. Introduction to the theory and practice of group psychotherapy and group facilitation in advanced practice psychiatric nursing. 30 class hours. Web based course. Prerequisites: NSG 6605, 6610, 6227, 6662, 6677, 6678,8200, 8675, BIO 5777.

Expand and Collapse NSG 6667 -

Expand and Collapse NSG 6668 -

Expand and Collapse NSG 6691 - PMHNPPreceptorship

Further develops and implements the role of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner as a holistic, direct provider of primary mental health care to psychiatric clients and their families across the lifespan. Role components include integration of medical, nursing, and psychiatric interventions into a holistic plan of care; implementation of intervention strategies for at risk populations; and utilization of outcomes research in the delivery of primary mental health care. Practicum includes comprehensive psychiatric assessment, DSM-IV-TR diagnosis, medication management, laboratory monitoring, case management, and individual and/or group psychotherapy.

Expand and Collapse NSG 8510 - Assess & Mgt Psychiatric

Clinical and didactic course that explores the diagnostic criteria and treatment modalities for major categories of psychiatric illness. Articulates and develops the content areas and clinical skills necessary for entry level advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing, including psychiatric interviewing and assessment, DSM-IV differential diagnosis, and holistic management of individual, adult clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and/or common mental health problems. Develops additional competencies in mental health promotion/disease prevention and psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacologic treatment. Meets the professional standards of ANA and AACN, as well as CSS graduate program outcome #4. (See the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook, page 4.) Prerequisites NSG 6662, NSG 6677, NSG 6678.

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