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RN-MSN
Weekend and Evening Options Available

Program Director: Sharon Thompson, Ph.D., RN, MPH
Phone: (814) 871-5345
Email: thompson001@gannon.edu

OVERVIEW

Registered nurses who graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or with a Deploma in Nursing from a National League of Nursing (NLN) accredited nursing program and who demonstrate leadership potential are eligible for RN to MSN study. Students in the RN to MSN option complete undergraduate nursing requirements prior to selecting a concentration of study in the graduate nursing program. /P>

OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of the program leading to the degree of Master of Science in Nursing, the graduate:

1. Synthesizes theory and research from nursing, the biopsychosocial sciences, and the humanities in their advanced practice role to care for members of diverse populations.
2. Is able to conduct research, collaborate with other researchers from various disciplines, and implement research findings in practice or educational settings.
3. Is able to assume the advanced practice role of educator, administrator, researcher or practitioner.
4. Is prepared to assume a leadership role to influence change in health care practice at local, regional and national levels.
5. Articulates and differentiates the various advanced practice roles within nursing.
6. Has developed an understanding of the importance of maintaining professional development in their advanced practice role.
7. Actively engages in collaborative relationships as an advanced practice nurse with professionals from various desciplines and members of diverse populations to improve health care.
8. Has acquired a foundation for doctoral study.

RN TO MSN REQUIREMENTS

The RN to MSN option requires a total of 97 undergraduate semester hours of credit for candidates who enter with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. This option is for the experienced registered nurse - defined as a registered nurse who (1) has been out of school for 5 or more years, and (2) has 4 years of full-time work experience in nursing within the past 5 years. Full-time nursing is defined as 1,000 hours per year.

There is the opportunity for advanced placement by challenge examinations, validation by portfolio, or transfer of credits. Students may challenge courses for credit outside the Villa Maria School of Nursing through faculty-developed tests or through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Credits from approved courses taken at another accredited college or university may be accepted for transfer. Only courses in which the grade attained was C or higher will be considered for transfer. Policies of the Villa Maria School of Nursing and Gannon University will be followed in the evaluation of transfer credits. Credits are evaluated upon receipt of (1) the official transcript, and (2) course descriptions of courses being evaluated. In general, transfer credits are awarded for coursework completed within 7 years of application. A maximum of 32 nursing articulation credits are granted for previous nursing education.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for admission to the RN to MSN option. Applicants seeking admission to the RN to MSN option must:

• Provide evidence of fulfillment of the legal requirements for the practice of nursing in the United States.
• Provide evidence of four years of full-time work experience (1,000 hours per year) as a registered nurse within the past five years.
• Provide official transcripts of all academic work.
• Have earned a grade point average of 3.0 in the associate degree or diploma nursing program (on a 4.0 scale).
• Submit competitive scores from the Graduate Record Examination. A combined minimum GRE score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative portions, with a score of 3 on the analytical writing portion is required.
• Submit three letters of reference identifying the applicant's (1) leadership skills or leadership potential,
  (2) communication skills, and (3) motivation.
• Schedule a personal interview with the Director of the Villa Maria School of Nursing.

CURRICULUM PLAN

• Microbiology (with lab) (4)
• Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 (with labs) (8)
• Human Growth and Development (3)
• Nutrition (3)
• Physiological Chemistry (with lab) (4)
• Statistics (3)
• Theology (3)
• Introduction to Psychology (3)
• Philosophy (3)
• Ethics (3)
• Basic Sociology (3)
• Fine Arts Series (3)
• English Literature Series (3)

Undergraduate Nursing Courses (19 credits)

• Research Process in Nursing (3) (Required)
• Transition to Professional Nursing (5) (Required)
• Management & Leadership in Nursing (3) (Portfolio option)
• NursePower Politics (3) (Portfolio option)
• Promoting Healthy Communities (5) (Portfolio option)

Nursing Articulation Credits (up to 32 credits)

Graduate Courses (credits specific to option identified.)

NOTE: Students in the RN to MSN option are considered undergraduate students until they complete all required prerequisite and undergraduate nursing courses. Students in the RN to MSN option can elect to obtain a BSN. Students who elect to earn a BSN must (1) complete a change of major form, and (2) complete all undergraduate prerequisite and nursing course requirements.