College of Nursing

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Peggy L. Wolfe, Dean

Mission

The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide education that will enable graduates to improve the health care system and the quality of life in a global society, value lifelong learning, and enhance the profession of nursing through a focus on:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Therapeutic nursing interventions
• Role development
• Professionalism
• Service to the community

Fundamental to this mission is the faculty commitment to student success, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, community alliances, faculty practice, creative scholarly activity, and research in nursing. The College of Nursing offers two undergraduate degrees, the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) and as a member of the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing, the graduate degree, the Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN).

College of Nursing Community Health Care Center

The Mission of the College of Nursing Community Health Care Center is to improve the well being and productivity of the community, in particular, under-served populations through primary care, prevention, and health promotion. Using nursing models of health, the Community Health Care Center serves as a clinical site for faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs

Rebecca Riley, Head
Faculty: Barnes, Basone, Bruney, Bufford, Carter, Chandler, Conway-Pennick, Cooley, Dougherty, Dubriel, Duhon, Fontenot, Groves, Hebert, Holder, Hoppe, Howard, Johnson, LaGrange, Levens, Martin, McCann, Sterling, Trahan, Washington, Wilburn, Williams, Woodard                       

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Purpose

The purposes of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing are to prepare the graduate to:

1. Enter into professional practice as a generalist nurse who cares for individuals, families, groups, communities or populations in structured and unstructured health care settings.
2. Assume a leadership role within one’s scope of professional nursing practice in improving quality care.
3. Begin scholarly practice.
4. Provide safe, quality patient-centered care through effective communication, therapeutic nursing interventions, and critical thinking.
5. Promote, maintain, and restore health and provide palliative or end-of-life care.
6. Function independently and interdependently in a variety of roles.
7. Commit to serve the community and the profession through education, community service, social policy development, research, and health care delivery system improvement.
8. Value life-long learning including graduate education and professional development.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC may be contacted at the following address: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975 5020, Web site: http://www.nlnac.org. The program is also approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to receive licensure as a registered nurse (RN).

Expenses will include the purchase of uniforms, books, clinical supplies, drug screening, application, and entrance testing, immunizations, health examination, and criminal history record. Additional information regarding the BSN Program may be obtained from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office.

Eligibility Requirements for the Clinical Nursing Sequence

To be eligible to apply, the student must have met the following criteria by the end of the semester that the application is made.

1. Have completed 50 semester hours of non-nursing courses as outlined in the first, second, and third semesters of the curriculum.
2. Have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher in all courses as outlined in the first, second, and third semesters of the curriculum.
3. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
4. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned.
5. Pass the required nursing admission test.
6. Be able to perform the physical and mental requirements of the discipline of nursing as identified on the Health and Physical Examination form and the ADA requirements in the College of Nursing Student Handbook. 
7. The Nurse Practic Act of Louisiana requires that students be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) for admission into clinical courses.

Students who declare the Bachelor of Science in Nursing as their major and are eligible to enter McNeese State University are not automatically admitted into the nursing courses. Eligible students must make application for admission.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to limit the number of students to be admitted to teh nursing courses based on faculty and clinical resources. A waiting list may be initiated as needed. All required non-nursing course work must be completed by the end of the semester in which the application is filed.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to revise the curriculum based on program evaluation and the ever changing nature of the discipline.

Students not admitted to nursing courses must seek advisement, make up deficiencies, and reapply in a future semester.

Note: Policy regarding eligibility to transfer between ASN and BSN Programs may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office, Hardtner 205, or in the College of Nursing Student Handbook.

International Students

In order to meet eligibility requirements, the International Student must:

1. Take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) and score a minimum of 19 on each of the 4 test sections, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, for a total of 76 points.
2. Provide thet College of Nursing with a copy of passing TOEFL iBT scores by the clinical application deadline.

Application Process

The student must:

1. Obtain an application for admission from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall. Dual application to both the ASN and BSN Undergraduate Nursing Degree is not permitted.
2. Pay application fee.
3. Attach the following to the application form:
   1. Completed Physical Examination Form.
   2. Completed medical management plan for any physical or mental health issue.
   3. Copy of current tuberculosis (TB) skin test results (must be PPD).
   4. Copy of current CPR card (must be CPR for health care professionals).
   5. Copy of completed immunization record.
4. Submit the application form with attachments to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall by the announced deadline.
5. Submit the completed LSBN Application for Permission to Enroll in Clincial Nursing Courses form.
6. Submit the complted Authorization to Disclose Criminal History Record Information form and the Application Processing-Disclosure Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information form
7. Submit two complete fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting must be performed by an authorized law enforcement agency (i.e., local police, state police or sheriff’s department).
8. Submit a $65.25 money order or cashier’s check made out to LSBN for processing clinical acceptance and for fingerprint record check.
9. Pay for, schedule, and take the standardized nursing entrance exam.
10. Present a picture ID in order to take the nursing entrance exam.

Students who have previously attended McNeese State University and have been readmitted to the nursing curriculum must meet the current University and nursing retention-progression criteria.

An application packet will be mailed to students upon conditional acceptance. The student will be required to hand deliver the completed College of Nursing Acceptance Form to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office

Transfers

Students transferring into nursing must:

1. Make application to enroll in the University according to admission criteria.
2. Contact the College of Nursing to initiate a transcript(s) evaluation after a letter of acceptance is received.
3. Provide a transcript of all previous college work to the College of Nursing.
4. Submit a course description and content from completed nursing courses to the College of Nursing transfer advisor one semester prior to placement in clinical courses, as requested.
5. Complete 12 semester hours of course work or permission of the Dean prior to enrollment in any nursing course.
6. Prior to enrollment in any clinical nursing course the student must make application to nursing courses (refer to application process).
7. Once accepted in the nursing clinical sequence the student will not be allowed to transfer a nursing course from another university or college.

Retention-Progression

In order for students to be retained and progress in nursing courses, the student must:

1. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
2. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned.
3. Complete all required nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
4. Have repeated no more than one nursing course in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned.
5. Students may enroll in a nursing course a maximum of two times. Enrollment is defined as “being on the second class roster.”
6. Pass theory with a minimum of “C” and have a Satisfactory “S” clinical evaluation in nursing courses with a clinical component. If a theory failure “D” or “F” should occur, a satisfactory clinical evaluation is negated. If an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation should occur, a theory average of “C” or better will be reduced to a “D”. A theory grade of “D” will be reduced to an “F”.
7. Maintain current CPR certification (CPR for health care professionals) and TB test annually throughout all clinical courses. Students with a positive TB test must be compliant with treatment protocol.
8. Report any changes in health status to the course faculty by completing the Changes in Health Status Form found in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office.
9. Maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled in clinical courses. Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies may jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the program. Students who do not meet the requirements may be placed on an academic contract.
10. Declare any subsequent action, arrest, criminal charge or conviction or impairment in writing to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Head.

Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies may jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the program. Students who do not meet the requirements may be placed on an academic record.

Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from a course or the BSN Program for any of the following conditions:

1. A deliberate attempt to cover up any error or negligent performance during clinical experiences.
2. Unsafe, unethical, illegal practices with patient care.
3. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies and regulations.
4. Cheating or plagiarism. See the MSU Academic Integrity Policy at http//www.mcneese.edu/integrity/.
5. Violations of the CON Drug Testing Policy.
6. Violations of the University Code of Student Conduct.
7. Violations of the College of Nursing policies as stated in the College of Nursing Handbook.

The faculty reserves the right to recommend termination of any student in the nursing program when health or personal conduct require such action.

Withdrawal Policy

Students who are enrolled in the College of Nursing and who wish to officially withdraw are required to inform their instructors of their decision and complete an Intent to Return/Withdrawal from found in Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office. After this, students follow the withdrawal policy for the University.

RN to BSN and LPN to BSN Articulation Plans

Graduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state associate of science in nursing or practical (vocational) nursing program who are currently licensed in good standing to practice in Louisiana may be eligible for advanced standing in the BSN Program. Specific information related to the RN to BSN and the LPN to BSN articulation plans may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.

Associate of science in Nursing

Purpose

The purposes of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program are to prepare the graduate to:

1. Function as a nurse providing direct care for individuals and families in a structured health care setting.
2. Provide safe, quality patient-centered care through effective communication, therapeutic nursing interventions and critical thinking.
3. Promote, maintain, and restore health and provide palliative or end-of-life care.
4. Function independently and interdependently in a variety of roles.
5. Commit to serve the community and the profession through education, community service, social policy development, research and health care delivery system improvement.
6. Value learning and acquisition of knowledge as a lifelong responsibility.

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC may be contacted at the following address: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000, Facsimile: (404) 975-5020, Web site: http://www.nlnac.org. The program is also approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to receive licensure as a registered nurse (RN).

Expenses will include the purchase of uniforms, books, clinical supplies, drug screening, application, entrance testing, immunizations, health examination, and criminal history record. Additional information regarding the ASN Program may be obtained from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs office.

Eligibility Requirements for the Clinical Nursing Sequence

To be eligible to apply, the student must have met the following criteria by the end of the semester that the application is made:

1. Have completed 26 credit hours of non-nursing courses as outlined in the first and second semesters of the curriculum.
2. Have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher in all courses as outlined in the first and second semesters of the curriculum.
3. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
4. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned.
5. Pass the required nursing admission test.
6. Be able to perform the physical and mental requirements of the discipline of nursing as identified on the Health and Physical Examination form and the ADA requirements in the Student Handbook.
7. The Nurse Practice Act of Louisiana requires that students be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) for admission into clinical courses.

Students who declare the Associate of Science in Nursing as their major and are eligible to enter McNeese State University are not automatically admitted into the nursing courses. Eligible students must make application for admission.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to limit the number of students to be admitted to the nursing courses based on faculty and clinical resources. A waiting list may be initiated as needed. The ASN Program admits students once a year. Applications for admission to nursing courses are only accepted in the fall semester for spring enrollment. All required non-nursing course work must be completed by the end of the semester in which the application is filed.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to revise the curriculum based on program evaluation and the ever changing nature of the discipline.

Students not admitted to nursing courses must seek advisement, make up deficiencies, and reapply in a future semester.

Note: Policy regarding eligibility to transfer between ASN and BSN Programs may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office, Hardtner 205, or in the College of Nursing Student Handbook.

International Students

In order to meet eligibility requirements, the International Student must:

1. Take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) and score a minimum of 19 on each of the 4 test sections, Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, for a total of 76 points.
2. Provide thet College of Nursing with a copy of passing TOEFL iBT scores by the clinical application deadline.

Application Process

The student must:

1. Obtain an application for admission from the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall. Dual application to both the ASN and BSN Undergraduate Nursing Programs is not permitted.
2. Pay application fee.
3. Attach the following to the application form:
   1. Completed Physical Examination Form.
   2. Completed medical management plan for any physical or mental health issue
   3. Copy of current tuberculosis (TB) skin test results (must be PPD).
   4. Copy of current CPR card (must be CPR for health care professionals).
   5. Copy of completed immunization record.
4. Submit the application form with attachments to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office in Hardtner Hall by the announced deadline.
5. Submit the completed LSBN Application for Permission to Enroll in Clinical Nursing Courses form.
6. Submit the complted Authorization to Disclose Criminal History Record Information form and the Application Processing-Disclosure Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information form
7. Submit two complete fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting must be performed by an authorized law enforcement agency (i.e., local police, state police or sheriff’s department).
8. Submit a $65.25 money order or cashier’s check made out to LSBN for processing clinical acceptance and for fingerprint record check.
9. Pay for, schedule, and take the standardized nursing entrance exam.
10. Present a picture ID in order to take the nursing entrance exam.

Students who have previously attended McNeese State University and have been readmitted to the nursing curriculum must meet the current university and nursing retention-progression criteria.

An application packet will be mailed to students upon conditional acceptance. The student will be required to hand deliver the completed College of Nursing Acceptance Form to the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.

Transfers

Students transferring into nursing must:

1. Make application to enroll in the University according to admission criteria.
2. Contact the College of Nursing to initiate a transcript(s) evaluation after a letter of acceptance is received.
3. Provide a transcript of all previous college work to the College of Nursing.
4. Submit a course description and content from completed nursing courses to the College of Nursing transfer advisor one semester prior to placement in clinical courses, as requested.
5. Complete 9 semester hours of course work or permission of the Dean prior to enrollment in any nursing course.
6. Prior to enrollment in any clinical nursing course the student must make application to nursing courses (refer to application process).
7. Once accepted in the nursing clinical sequence the student will not be allowed to transfer a nursing course from another university or college.

Retention-Progression

In order for students to be retained and progress in nursing courses, the student must:

1. Complete all required non-nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
2. Have repeated no more than two non-nursing courses in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned.
3. Complete all required nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.
4. Have repeated no more than one nursing course in which a grade of “D” or “F” is earned.
5. Students may enroll in a nursing course a maximum of two times. Enrollment is defined as “being on the second class roster.”
6. Pass theory with a minimum of “C” and have a Satisfactory “S” clinical evaluation in nursing courses with a clinical component. If a theory failure “D” or “F” should occur, a satisfactory clinical evaluation is negated. If an unsatisfactory clinical evaluation should occur, a theory average of “C” or better will be reduced to a “D”. A theory grade of “D” will be reduced to an “F”.
7. Maintain current CPR certification (CPR for health care professionals) and TB test annually throughout all clinical courses. Students with a positive TB test must be compliant with treatment protocol.
8. Report any changes in health status to the course faculty by completing the Changes in Health Status Form found in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Program office.
9. Maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled in clinical courses.
10. Declare an subsequent action, arrest, criminal charge or conviction or impairment in writing to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Head.

Failure to comply with the retention-progression policies may jeopardize the academic standing of the student in the program. Students who do not meet the requirements may be placed on academic contract.

Dismissal

Students may be dismissed from a course or the ASN Program for any of the following conditions:

1. A deliberate attempt to cover up any error or negligent performance during clinical experiences.
2. Unsafe, unethical, illegal practices with patient care.
3. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies and regulations.
4. Cheating or plagiarism. See the MSU Academic Integrity Policy at http://www.mcneese.edu/integrity/.
5. Violations of the CON Drug Testing Policy.
6. Violations of the University Code of Student Conduct.
7. Violations of the College of Nursing policies as stated in the College of Nursing Handb

The faculty reserves the right to recommend termination of any student in the nursing program when health or personal conduct requires such action.

Withdrawal

Students who are enrolled in the College of Nursing and who wish to officially withdraw are required to inform their instructors of their decision and complete an Intent to Return/Withdrawal from found in Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office. After this, students follow the withdrawal policy for the University.

LPN to ASN Articulation Plan

Graduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state practical (vocational) nursing program who are currently licensed in good standing to practice in Louisiana may be eligible for advanced standing in the ASN Program. Specific information related to the LPN to ASN articulation plan may be obtained in the Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs Office.

Graduate Studies

Master of Science in Nursing

Valarie Waldmeier, Coordinator
Faculty: Dilks, Warner

The McNeese State University College of Nursing Graduate Program in cooperation with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science Degree in Nursing, offers a program of advanced nursing studies for Southern Louisiana. The program reflects the missions of McNeese State University, the College of Nursing and the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing.

Graduate nursing education seeks to stimulate continued intellectual growth and commitment to lifelong learning. The program builds upon the critical thinking, therapeutic intervention, and communication skills developed in the undergraduate program to influence the health care of members of a multicultural world community.

The scope of advanced nursing practice is derived from the American Nurses Asso- ciation Scope and Standards of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing, and the NONPF Curriculum Guidelines and Programs Standards for Nurse Practitioner Education. Graduates of the program are prepared to assume leadership roles in nursing education, nursing administration, and advanced clinical nursing practice.

Within the consortium arrangement, the curriculum encompasses the concept of specialization along the developmental life span of the human being. The program provides students with an opportunity to develop advanced skills and knowledge of clients with a variety of complex health care problems, while encouraging diversity in nursing functions and levels of intervention.

Purpose

The Master of Science in Nursing Program aims to prepare graduates that:

1. Acknowledge and demonstrate scholarship as an integral component of the chosen practice role.
2. Are able to translate and utilize research as a scientific basis for health policy and professional practice.
3. Accumulate and synthesize role and specialty specific information into a functional body of knowledge.
4. Use self-regulated thinking and sound judgement to shape personal, professional and organizational decisions.
5. Model professional behaviors, including involvement in professional organizations, engagement in lifelong learning, consumer advocacy and professional competency.
6. Create and maintain supportive and constructive relationships with health care consumers, members of the health care team and the community of interest.

The Master of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The CCNE may be contacted at the following address: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530; Washington, DC 20036-1120. Website: www.aacn.nche.edu. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams appropriate to their role specialty.

Licensing and Credentialing Requirements:

Completion of the program will prepare the graduate to practice as an advanced practice nurse or to teach at the undergraduate college level. Students who successfully complete the MSN curriculum for the nurse practitioner and the clinical nurse specialist roles meet educational requirements to take the following national certification examinations, and to apply for an advanced practice license:

• Nurse Practitioner Concentration: Adult Nurse Practitioner; or Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Medical Surgical Nursing; or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing.

Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program

The student may specialize and the student may select a functional area in nursing education, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner roles, or nursing leadership/administration.

The MSN degree is offered as part of a consortium agreement with McNeese State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Students seeking admission to the Consortium must apply and pay appropriate fees at the institution at which the student plans to pursue the nursing major.

The College of Nursing reserves the right to limit the number of students to be admitted to the graduate nursing courses based on faculty and clinical resources.

Students seeking admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition, the student must meet the following requirements.

A. Regular Admissions

An Applicant must have:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing.
2. A minimum over-all grade point average of 2.7 on 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work including courses repeated and all courses counted toward the student’s baccalaureate degree, as indicated by his/her transcript.
3. A minimum formula score of 1,200 (150 x GPA on last 60 undergraduate hours in nursing curriculum + GRE General Test [verbal and quantitative] score). GRE scores must be on file by the end of the first semester of study.
4. Eligibility for unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse in Louisiana. Louisiana licensure must be obtained within one semester following admission to the program.
5. Completion of a course in introductory statistics with a minimum grade of “C”, or equivalent.
6. Evidence of physical assessment skills.

The above are considered as minimum requirements. In addition, students must be accepted by the MSN Admissions and Retention committee, which will make its determination subsequent to the student’s completion of 12 hours. Students are considered to be working on the Master of Science degree in Nursing only after being accepted by the committee and being admitted to the program.

B. Conditional Status:

An applicant who meets all requirements for admission to the master’s degree program except the grade point average of 2.7 on all undergraduate work attempted may seek conditional admission status. For acceptance to conditional status the student must have a minimum of at least 1,100 on the formula score, with a minimum of 2.5 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate courses in the nursing curriculum. To be removed from conditional status the student must make a B or better in each graduate-level course in the first 12 hours. If a C is made, the student will be dismissed from the program. An applicant not having a minimum 2.5 GPA on upper division baccalaureate work will be requested totake additional undergraduate courses as a non-degree student to enable the applicant to be considered for conditional admission.

C. Admission and Progression Requirement for the Advanced Practice Role Concentration

Admission to the advanced practice role concentration at MSU means that the MSN degree-seeking student is eligible to progress beyond the advanced practice core courses to the practicum courses and complete the program of study. Different requirements apply to post-MSN students. Applications for admission to the advanced practice role concentration occur during the semester in which the student is scheduled to complete the courses below.¹

• NURS 600        Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)
• NURS 602        Design and Methodology of Nursing Research (3 cr. hrs.)
• NURS 604        Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)
• NURS 616        Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)
• NURS 606        Practicum for Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (1 cr. hr.)
• NURS 617        Pharmocotherapeutics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)
• NURS 618        Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr. hrs.)

The following criteria will be considered for admission to the NP role:

• Meet regular admission criteria to MSN program (formula score is considered),
• Cumulate Grade Point Average (GPA) rank in the MSN program,
• Cumulate GPA in the required advanced practice core courses: NURS 606, NURS 616, NURS 617, and NURS 618 (calculated after semester of completion),
• Written commitment to a full-time or part-time degree plan ² as established by the MSU MSN program. For limited practicum slots, preference will be given to full-time students,
• Evidence of CPR, OSHA, Tb verification, malpractice insurance, and health insurance,
• At least 1 year of appropriate nursing experience,
• Professional portfolio.

The Graduate Nursing Coordinator will notify students of the status of their application at the close of the semester in which they have applied, following calculation of final GPA. Once admitted to the NP role concentration, the student is expected to follow the full-time or part-time degree plan which becomes a part of their record. Students who do not follow their degree plan may lose a practicum slot and have to reapply to the role concentration.

¹Application and acceptance to the MSU program of studies must have completed
²Full-time degree plans require from 7 to 10 cr. hrs. per semester; part-time degree plans require from 6 to 7 credit hours per semester.

D. Program Length

The program is four to five semesters in length dependent upon which role is selected. Students who attend full-time may complete the program in two to two-and-a-half years, part-time students may complete the program from three to six years.

E. Non-Degree Status

Registration of non-degree students in individual courses is subject to the prerequisites and requirements of the respective departments. Credits earned with a letter grade (A or B) while in non-degree status may be applied toward a degree upon approval of the student’s advisor, the Dean of the major program, and the Graduate Dean, where applicable. Not more than twelve (12) semester hours of graduate work completed while in non-degree status may be applied toward a degree.

F. Retention and Progression Requirements

1. A student must earn a “B” in each course in the program to be eligible for progression.
2. A student who earns a grade below “B” will be placed on probation and must repeat the course within two regular semesters and earn at least a “B”. If a grade below “B” is earned in a subsequent course, the student will be dismissed.
3. A graduate student who makes a grade of “F” in any course taken for graduate credit, any undergraduate prerequisite, or any undergraduate course in his major field will be ineligible to register for further graduate work. A student who receives an “F” because of extenuating, nonacademic reasons may appeal to the Graduate Council for readmission to the Graduate School.
4. Any student dismissed for failure to meet academic standards may make appeal to the Dean of the College. If unsuccessful, a subsequent appeal must be made to the Graduate Council of the University in which he/she is enrolled.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Master of Science in Nursing with a role concentration and a specialization, the student must:

A. Complete all degree requirements including:
    1) A minimum of 39-45 credit hours for the Nurse Practitioner role.
    2) A minimum of 39-42 credit hours for the Clinical Nurse Specialist role.
    3) A minimum of 34 credit hours for the Nurse Educator role.
    4) A minimum of 35-38 credit hours for the Nurse Leader/Administrator role.
B. Complete a Focused Clinical Research Project or a Thesis, and
C. Maintain a 3.0 GPA at all times.

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