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 psychiatric/mental health nursing, family health nursing, or as nurse educators.

The master’s program in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202.887.6791.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

1. Internalize knowledge, theory and research from the liberal arts, sciences, and Nursing into advanced nursing practice
2. Demonstrate competence in advanced nursing practice in complex health care situations
3. Design, implement and communicate the findings of a research project
4. Influence health care policy
5. Assume responsibility and accountability for advanced nursing practice

Matriculation Requirements (Nurse Educator)

1. Admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
2. GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate program
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 why you decided to become an educator?  What are your goals as an educator?
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 University and Department of Nursing
10. An approved planned program of study
11. At time of admission, a certified background check is required
12. Malpractice insurance: All students must carry their own malpractice insurance appropriate for APRN students

Matriculation Requirements (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner)

1. Acceptance into the PMHNP program is highly competitive
2. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
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 or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited 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 with at least one year of clinical practice as a psychiatric RN prior to applying
7. Essay: Discuss why you want to be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Please use APA formatting for your essay. The essay should not exceed more than 2 pages.
8. Two letters from professionals attesting to the candidate’s intellectual ability to pursue graduate work at the University of Saint Joseph
9. An interview with the Program Director
10. All immunization records as required by the University and Department of Nursing
11. An approved planned program of study
12. At time of admission, a certified background check is required
13. 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)

1. Acceptance into the program is highly competitive
2. Applications are accepted 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 with at least one year of clinical practice as a RN prior to applying
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 2 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
9. An interview with the Graduate Curriculum Committee prior to acceptance into the program
10. An approved planned program of study
11. All immunization records as required by the University and Department of Nursing.
12. At time of admission, a certified background check is required
13. 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 graduate student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 (B-) in graduate coursework at the University to be in good academic standing at the graduate level. If at any time the student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 2.67 or if the student earns a C+ or less in any course, the department chair and program director will be notified and the student will be placed on academic probation. The graduate program director will notify the student of his/her academic probation status. The student will remain on academic probation until the GPA is raised above 2.67. Students will be granted two semesters or six credits to achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or better. If this is not obtained, the student will be academically dismissed from the program.