College of Nursing and Health Professions
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Areas of Specialization

photoThe master of science in nursing presents a vibrant, challenging, future-oriented program of study that prepares graduates for practice in diverse health care settings. The program is designed to prepare nurses as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical nurse leaders. Coursework builds on the baccalaureate degree in nursing and is based on theory and research in nursing and related disciplines.

The program provides the foundation for continued professional development and for doctoral study. Students are prepared to provide leadership and initiate collaborative relationships with others for the purposes of improving nursing and health care and influencing health policy.

Masters students in nursing gain skills and knowledge that build on their clinical experience and on their generalist undergraduate preparation. Graduate students extend their clinical expertise in working with individuals and high risk populations. Master's students gain skills in clinical decision making; differential diagnosis; evidenced-based practice; case management and consultation; client teaching; community assessments and interventions; and program design, implementation, and evaluation.

The Adult (ANP) or Family (FNP) Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares an advanced practice nurse who functions as a primary care practitioner to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Graduates who complete this program are eligible to sit for national certification as an adult or family nurse practitioner.

The Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (AHCNS) concentration prepares an advanced practice nurse with skills in medical-surgical and home-care intervention with individuals, families, and groups. Graduates who complete this program are eligible to sit for national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in adult health.

The Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (APMH/CNS) concentration prepares an advanced practice nurse with skills in therapeutic interventions with individuals, families, and groups.  Graduates who complete this program are eligible to sit for national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatric/mental health.

The Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist & Nurse Practitioner (APMH/CNS/NP) concentration, prepares an advanced practice nurse with skills in therapeutic interventions with individuals, families, and groups and medication management with adult clients.  Graduates who complete this program are eligible to sit for national certification as a clinical nurse specialist in adult psychiatric/mental health and as a nurse practitioner in adult psychiatric/mental health.

The Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practioner (FPMH/NP) concentration prepares an advanced practice nurse with skills in therapeutic interventions and introduces medication management with individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan.  Graduates who complete this program are eligilble to sit for national certification as a nurse practitioner in family psychiatric/mental health.

The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) concentration prepares a generalist who will function as a clinical leader for setting-specific nursing practice. The CNL role is at the point of care with responsibilities in management of care, the care environment, and unit specific patient outcomes. Graduates who complete this program are eligible to sit for national certification as a clinical nurse leader.

The Dual Degree Program- Masters of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration - concentration is designed for students in the health professions who wish to combine advanced nursing practice with the analytical tools of business.

For questions or comments, please contact us.

Last updated - 06/02/08


 

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