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

1. Implement clinical decision-making skills in delivering and managing the care of diverse populations in various settings.
2. Synthesize theoretical foundations, knowledge of science and humanities, and scholarly inquiry to provide clinical prevention, patient therapy, and system improvement to improve patient outcomes in diverse populations.
3. Analyze healthcare policies and information management systems to affect patient outcomes in diverse populations through organization and systems leadership and interprofessional collaboration.
4. Incorporate human, fiscal, and technological resources in providing and managing advanced care to improve patient and population outcomes.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles, quality, safety, and equality in healthcare.
6. Assume responsibility for life-long learning by translating and integrating scholarship in practice and preparing for doctoral education in nursing.

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

• The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (AACN, 2011)
• 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)