Nursing, M.S.

Master’s degree programs are designed to be completed within 2.5 years up to six years maximum on a part-time basis, with courses scheduled in the late afternoon and evening. Clinical learning experiences occur at a variety of health care agencies and meet the required hours for certification.

Candidates apply to the program to prepare as nurse practitioners in psychiatric/mental health nursing, primary care nursing, or as nurse educators.

The master’s degree program in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K St. NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.

Program outcomes

The student:

1. Applies knowledge from the sciences to advance nursing practice across diverse settings, populations and cultures
2. Demonstrates leadership to promote optimal health outcomes in health care systems
3. Appraises practice environments for quality improvement and safety in contemporary healthcare delivery systems
4. Integrates evidence-based research, clinical expertise and individual preferences to promote health and prevent disease
5. Uses patient care and communication technologies to enhance, integrate and coordinate care
6. Influences health policy at the systems level by employing advocacy strategies
7. Participates as an integral member and leader of inter-professional teams to influence the management and coordination of care
8. Assumes responsibility and accountability for advanced nursing practice

Matriculation requirements (Nurse Educator)

1. Admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate program
3. A sealed official transcript validating a bachelor’s degree from a regionally and nationally accredited Nursing institution as well as transcripts from all undergraduate coursework
4. A current resume
5. A current Registered Nurse license from the state in which clinical work will be completed
6. Essay: Tell us why you decided to become an educator. What are your goals as an educator?
7. Two letters from professionals attesting to the candidate’s intellectual ability to pursue graduate work at the University of Saint Joseph; letters from clinical supervisors or college professors are preferred
8. An interview with the graduate faculty prior to acceptance into the program
9. All immunization records as required by the University and Department of Nursing
10. Upon formal admission, a certified background check is required
11. Malpractice insurance: All students must carry their own malpractice insurance appropriate for APRN students

Matriculation requirements (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

1. Acceptance into this program is highly competitive
2. Applications are reviewed twice a year. All application materials should be received by the Graduate Admissions Office by October 1 for application review the following spring, and March 1 for application review for admission for the following fall.
3. Admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
4. A current resume
5. A sealed official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally and nationally accredited Nursing institution, as well as transcripts from all undergraduate coursework
6. A current Registered Nurse license from the state in which clinical work will be completed.
7. Essay: Discuss why you want to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Please use APA formatting for your essay. The essay should not exceed two pages
8. Two letters from professionals attesting to the candidate’s intellectual, clinical and leadership abilities to pursue graduate work at the University of Saint Joseph. Letters should be from clinical supervisors or managers, and academic faculty
9. An interview with the graduate faculty prior to acceptance into the program
10. All immunization records as required by the University and Department of Nursing
11. Upon formal admission, a certified background check is required
12. Malpractice insurance: Students are required to purchase their own malpractice insurance, at the APRN level, prior to the start of clinical coursework

Matriculation requirements (Family Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care)

1. Acceptance into the program is highly competitive
2. Applications are reviewed twice a year. All application materials should be received by the Graduate Admissions Office by October 1 for application review for admission the following spring, and by March 1 for application review for admission the following fall.
3. Admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
4. A current resume
5. A sealed, official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from a regionally and nationally accredited Nursing institution, as well as transcripts from all undergraduate coursework
6. A current Registered Nurse license from the state in which clinical work will be completed
7. Essay: Discuss your goals for completing a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Please use APA formatting for your essay. The essay should not exceed two pages.
8. Two letters from professionals attesting to the candidate’s intellectual, clinical and leadership abilities to pursue graduate work at the University of Saint Joseph. Letters should be from clinical supervisors or managers, and academic faculty.
9. An interview with the graduate faculty prior to acceptance into the program
10. All immunization records as required by the University and Department of Nursing
11. Upon formal admission, a certified background check is required
12. Malpractice insurance: Students are required to purchase their own malpractice insurance, at the APRN level, prior to the start of clinical coursework

Progression requirements

• A grade of B- or higher must be earned in every course in the graduate Nursing program
• All students must maintain a Nursing cumulative GPA of 2.67 throughout the program
• At any time the Nursing GPA falls below 2.67 the students will be placed on departmental probation
• Student placed on probation must improve their GPA within the next 6 credits taken
• Failure to increase the GPA to 2.67 or higher in a subsequent 6 credits following probation will result in dismissal
• Any grade below a B- in a required program course will result in departmental review with the student being placed on academic probation
• Students who earn less that a B- in a required Nursing course must re-take the course. In certain cases, such as clinical courses, the course must be retaken prior to enrollment in a subsequent clinical course.
• Students may retake one course only one time
• Failure to earn a passing grade (B-) in the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program
• Students who do not achieve the clinical competencies required of a clinical course, will fail the course with a maximum grade of C+ (79) when other course work is calculated
• Students may withdraw from one Nursing course one time during the program
• Any students who earns a D or less in any course will be immediately dismissed from the program