Graduate Program

Program of Study

 

Nurses are called upon to exercise leadership in their role. For this reason, all MSN students at SPU take coursework to develop leadership skills, regardless of specialty pathway.

Pathway Course Overviews

Administration

Nursing students interested in administrative roles are encouraged to take selected courses in the School of Business that enhance leadership and managerial positions.

 

The core of these courses focus on the American Nurses Association's Standards of Practice. Current practice issues and standards of quality/safety are evaluated within an aggregate or population.  Research and evidence that supports change or other health initiatives and care delivery or the environment of care are analyzed.

 

This pathway is partly fulfilled in internship in a clinical or an organizational setting, depending on the student goals and identified aggregate or population.

Nurse Educator

Nursing students interested in clinical staff development and/or nursing education in colleges and universities complete courses as to support the development of the Nurse Educator role, along with practicing teaching during their clinical internship. Students select and practice in a clinical area in a specified practice role.

 

The core of these courses focus on the American Nurses Association's Standards of Practice. Teaching strategies, pedagogy, learning styles and types of evaluation are analyzed.

 

This pathway is partly fulfilled in internship in a clinical or an organizational setting, depending on the student goals and identified aggregate or population.

 

 

Clinical Nurse Specialist (C.N.S.)

Nursing students interested in the advance practice role of a CNS choose a specific aggregate or population focus.  The focus of coursework centers on the American Nurses Association's Standards of Advanced Practice.

 

This pathway partially fulfilled in a clinical internship setting. The internship and coursework reflects several aspects of the CNS role, including education, consultation, liaison work, research, and practice. In addition, the student also is required to take selected support course for this role.

 

 

Nurse Practitioner (N.P.)

Nursing students interested in advanced practice as a N.P. complete a series of courses that develop basic primary care competencies.  The core of these courses focus on the American Nurses Association's Standards of Practice Scope and Standards of Advanced Nursing.  Students elect to complete an Adult or Family NP specialty.  Additional coursework and clinical internship time is required for FNP students to achieve basic competency across the lifespan. 

 

The NP pathway is partly fulfilled in a clinical internship setting.  The internship and coursework focus on clinical judgement and reasoning with an emphasis on primary care.