Nursing, M.S.

Master’s degree programs are designed to be completed within six years maximum on a part-time or full-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 Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Family Health Nursing, or Nurse Educators.

Program Outcomes

The student:

1. Applies scientific basis for advanced nursing practice including concepts from pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment
2. Demonstrates competence in advanced nursing practice in complex health situations
3. Incorporates evidence-based nursing research into the design of a health promotion project and research proposal
4. Utilizes leadership skills in cultural, ethical and policy issues in healthcare
5. Assumes responsibility and accountability for advanced nursing practice

Matriculation Requirements

1. Admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate program. At the discretion of the Nursing Graduate Committee, applicants will be asked to achieve an acceptable score on the Miller Analogies Test.
3. A sealed official transcript showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally and nationally accredited nursing institution or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, as well as transcripts from all undergraduate coursework
4. A current Registered Nurse license from the state in which clinical work will be completed
5. Essay: Tell us about an ethical dilemma from your clinical practice and how you handled it. What was your reasoning? Based on the outcome, how would you have handled things differently? The essay should be no more than 300 words and will be evaluated for conceptual development and grammatical expression.
6. Knowledge of health assessment, research, and statistics. Students lacking this knowledge will be required to take appropriate undergraduate course work or demonstrate competency in these areas by examination.
7. Two letters from professionals attesting to the candidate’s intellectual ability to pursue graduate work at the University of Saint Joseph
8. An interview with the director of the Nursing Program
9. All immunization records as required by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies
10. A planned program of study
11. At time of admission, a certified background check is required

Special Continuation Requirements

• GPA of 3.0 and a C or better in all courses. A candidate who receives less than a C will be reviewed by the Graduate Committee and may be dismissed.
• Malpractice Insurance. All students must carry their own malpractice insurance appropriate for APRN students.