Master of Science in Nursing

MSN Program Tracks

Graduate tracks offered through the College are focused on preparing advanced practice nurses in direct care provider roles as family nurse practitioners, acute care nurse practitioners, or indirect care provider roles as a leader in nursing administration. The Master of Science degree is awarded upon completing one of these three tracks.

Advanced practice nursing is distinguished by autonomy of practice and characterized by increased complexity in clinical decision-making and skills in managing organizations and health care environments.

Comprehensive health assessment skills provide a foundation for critical thinking in diagnostic decision-making and treating complex human responses of diverse individuals, families, and communities to health problems. Advanced practice nursing students are guided in classroom and clinical experiences to formulate clinical decisions to manage common health problems, acute and chronic illnesses and the promotion of wellness.

Theory and research form a central core of knowledge for all tracks in the master’s program. Building on content in these areas, all students integrate education, management, leadership, and consultation into their clinical experiences as they practice in various settings. Practice sites for clinical courses are individually arranged with the student. Classes are usually held one day per week and may be offered on campus or through web-based courses.

Students who complete their program of study are eligible to sit for the national certification examination in their area of expertise.

MSN Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSN program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Integrate theoretical foundations of nursing knowledge, science, humanities, and scholarly inquiry in advanced-level nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate advanced-level nursing practice that is evidence-based and adheres to scientific, ethical, legal, and professional standards in the delivery of compassionate, person-centered care.
3. Evaluate policies, care delivery models, and organizational structures/processes for efficacy in meeting current and future health care needs of diverse communities and populations.
4. Evaluate findings from research to create evidenced-based practice policies and protocols to improve health care delivery and outcomes.
5. Use improvement processes in all health care settings to promote quality and safety principles.
6. Engage in strategies that promote intra-and interprofessional communication and collaboration to deliver advanced care for diverse populations.
7. Evaluate system-based strategies to provide equitable care and improve access to health care.
8. Incorporate informatics principles in the use of current and emerging technologies in advanced-level nursing practice.
9. Exemplify professional practice at the advanced level by promoting ethical values, professional standards, inclusion, equity, and social justice.
10. Assume responsibility for life-long learning and continuing personal, professional, and leadership development.

The UAH College of Nursing Graduate programs align with the following professional nursing standards and guidelines:

• The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2021)
• Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs [National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education (NTF), 2016]
• NONPF Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (2017)
• AONE Nurse Executive Competencies (2015)