Electives
Possible electives include:
- Statistics/Epidemiology
- Multicultural Health Care
- Program Evaluation
- Nursing Informatics
- Health Care Finance
All students should be aware that classes are provided on a space available basis. That is, if you find that you cannot follow the sequence outlined above, and need to take a class in a later semester, it will be available only if enrollment in that particular course is not already fully enrolled and capped. Obviously, this is an incentive to keep your progress toward the degree moving forward.
Program Prerequisites
- Bachelors degree in nursing or equivalent (per portfolio)*
- Currently registered and practicing as an APN having achieved a minimum of 4,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty within the last five years.**
- Current national certification and or re-certification in advanced practice as a CRNA, CNM, CNS or NP.
- Introductory statistics.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units of the bachelor's degree.
** Your employer must document verification of active clinical practice requirements in writing or party with whom you are contracted. You will also need to provide evidence of current re-certification from your respective certification agency as part of the admission process.
The MSN degree is a 36 unit degree, 18 units of which are granted at the completion of the program as advanced standing credit based on:
- Completion of a nationally accredited, post-professional advanced practice program. At least 18 units of coursework is required
- Evidence of current, active clinical practice in the specialty
- Completion of program prerequisites
The balance of the 18 units (six courses) of graduate core and elective courses are awarded by Samuel Merritt University for course work conducted on-line. The program is designed for students to complete within one calendar year (two courses per semester). Students enroll either full-time (six units per semester) or part-time (3 units per semester) with starting times in the fall, spring and summer of each year.
Course sequence is lockstep as described in the example. Two sections of each course are designated in a particular semester (18 students maximum per section) and available to accommodate both the full-time and part-time curriculum. Two of the total of five elective courses will be offered in the summer session on a rotational basis.
| Full-Time Curriculum | ||
FALL | SPRING | SUMMER |
| Theoretical Foundations (3) | Research (3) | Elective (3) |
| Roles/Issues (3) | Health Policy (3) | Synthesis (3) |
| Total Units: 18 | ||
| Part-Time Curriculum | ||
FALL | SPRING | SUMMER |
| Theoretical Foundations (3) | Research (3) | Elective (3) |
FALL | SPRING | SUMMER |
| Role/Issues (3) | Health Policy (3) | Synthesis (3) |
| Total Units: 18 |
Core Courses
Requirements for this degree are the same as for graduate nurses that attend our on-campus programs.
N600 - Theoretical Foundations for Health Professionals (3 units)
This course will introduce the structure and functions of theory within the sciences, the humanities and the health care disciplines. Theory development will be examined in relation to major philosophical positions on knowledge development. The interrelationship among theory, research and practice will be explored. Examples of prototypical theories will be used to demonstrate the structure and functions of theory and applications to real world settings. Further, selected discipline specific and common substantive theories will be discussed in this course.
N601 - Research Methods (3 units)
This course presents an overview of the research process, with emphasis on using the scientific method to identify and investigate problems in clinical practice. Major topic areas include: types of research approaches, formulation of research problems and hypothesis/research questions, preparing a literature review including theoretical/conceptual framework, study designs and selecting a research method, sampling, measurement of variables, data collection and analysis.
N602 - Analysis of Health Policy Issues (3 units)
This course focuses on political structures, the political process, and development of health care policy. The course begins with an overview of the health care system as shaped by cultural and societal values, perceived purposes of health care, and modern technology. Attention will be given to issues of economics, finance, regulatory systems, and social justice for consumer groups.
N685 - Professional Roles of Advanced Practice Nursing (3 units)
This course includes an analysis of the professional components of advanced nursing practice emphasizing ethical, social, legal and medical responsibilities of the APN practitioner. The course will employ substantial written assignments
N686 - Health Care Informatics (3 Units)
Using interactive evidence based learning methodology; this course provides participants with a broad based introduction to health care informatics. Students explore application and functionality of information technology, develop skills in evaluation of system interfaces and come to appreciate how a strong information technology infrastructure enhances healthcare systems performance and outcomes, quality process improvement, tracking, compliance, and strategic planning.
N606 - Synthesis (3 Units)