Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

The School of Nursing offers three program options leading to the Master of Science in Nursing degree, each differing in the degree requirements for entry:

• • Traditional Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program is designed for prepared registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
  • The RN-B to M.S.N. program is designed for registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field.
  • The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing program is a 27-month accelerated program designed for students with a prior non-nursing baccalaureate degree to earn RN licensure and achieve the advanced generalist M.S.N. degree.

Membership

School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Washington State Approval

The School of Nursing is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Accreditation

The masters degree in nursing program at Pacific Lutheran University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) curriculum meets the eligibility requirements for Clinical Nurse Leader Certification.

M.S.N. Application Priority Deadlines

M.S.N. candidates may apply for admission at any time during the year; however, application by the indicated program-specific priority deadline will enhance applicants’ potential for admission and for arranging financial assistance.

• • B.S.N. to M.S.N.: March 1/Rolling admissions for the following Fall Semester.
  • RN-B to M.S.N.: November 15/Rolling admissions for the following Summer (June).
  • Entry-Level M.S.N.: December 1 is a priority deadline for admissions for the following Summer (early June). No applications are accepted after January 15.

Admission Criteria

The following are the minimum criteria for consideration of admission to the Master of Science in Nursing program. Admission to the School of Nursing program is competitive; meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission:

• • Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university.
  • B.S.N. to M.S.N. applicants only: Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school of nursing.
  • B.S.N to M.S.N. and RN-B applicants only: Hold an active, unencumbered Washington State RN license.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B) on a 4.00 scale for all college work.
  • Minimum grade of 3.00 (B) on a 4.00 scale in each prerequisite course.
  • Submission of application via Nursing CAS.
  • Submission of School of Nursing Addendum packet, which includes:
    • Questions Relative to Licensure;
    • Policy/Procedures for students who have attended another school of nursing; and
    • Policy/Procedures Regarding English Proficiency; and
    • Essential Qualifications of Nurses preparing for Professional Practice.
  • Official transcripts from each college and university attended;
  • Professional résumé.
  • Statement of professional goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Civil, administrative and criminal history clearance in all states as well as any other applicable territory or country.
  • Fluency in speaking, reading, writing and comprehending graduate-level English (see policy and procedures in the Graduate Application Addendum).
  • Any Entry-Level M.S.N. applicant who has previously attended any school or college of nursing must submit a letter of good standing.
  • Any B.S.N.- M.S.N. applicant who have previously attended any graduate nursing program must submit a letter of good standing.

Program Prerequisites

All prerequisite courses must be completed at an accredited college or university with a minimum grade of 3.00 (B) or higher on a 4.00 scale before beginning the nursing program. Prerequisites vary for the M.S.N. program options; see individual program descriptions for a detailed list of prerequisite course requirements.

Advance Deposit

There are limitations on the numbers of students accepted into the M.S.N. programs and concentrations each year. Applicants accepted into the program are required to make a non-refundable $300 advance tuition payment to confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission within three weeks of their acceptance date.

Program Requirements

All admitted nursing students must provide valid documentation of the following by designated dates and before enrollment in any practicum/clinical course:

• • Immunization and health status;
  • CPR certification;
  • Comprehensive personal health insurance; and
  • Civil, administrative, and criminal history clearance in all states, as well as any other applicable territory or country.

In addition to these requirements, all B.S.N. to M.S.N. and RN-B to M.S.N. students in M.S.N. concentration coursework must also provide documentation of:

• • Unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Washington.

Drug Testing Policy

All nursing students will be required to submit to a drug, marijuana, and alcohol screening at least once yearly as part of their continuing School of Nursing health requirements. Students may be required to submit to additional drug screenings as required by the clinical agencies and School of Nursing. The screenings may be scheduled or they may occur at random and unannounced. Students will be expected to adhere to any deadline set by the agencies and/or the School of Nursing.

Advising

The advising, admission, and student support coordinator for the School of Nursing typically completes initial advising and program planning with applicants and admitted students. M.S.N. applicants are strongly encouraged to seek advising prior to applying to the program. Upon matriculation, all students are assigned a graduate faculty advisor.

Non-Matriculated Students

B.S.N.-prepared registered nurses may, with permission of the dean of the School of Nursing, enroll in up to nine semester hours of M.S.N. courses on a non-matriculated basis with School of Nursing approval. Non-matriculated students are by definition non-degree seeking individuals. For more information on non-matriculated status, see the Graduate School policies.

M.S.N. Program for B.S.N. Prepared Registered Students

The traditional Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) prepared registered nurses. The sequence of study recognizes the academic and professional success of the nursing graduate as groundwork for graduate study. A limited number of candidates is admitted each year and admission is competitive.

The Master of Science (M.S.N.) degree prepares professional nurses for advanced nursing roles. The M.S.N. curriculum is evidence-based and practice-oriented, and consists of a common core (theory, advanced practice roles, evaluation and outcomes research, leadership and management, and advanced health promotion), specialty didactic and clinical/practicum experiences, and a capstone course (Scholarly Inquiry or Thesis). Each M.S.N. student completes coursework leading to the Care and Outcomes Manager concentration, which may be further differentiated through eligibility for Clinical Nurse Leader certification.

M.S.N. core requirements may be completed in 11 months full-time. Additional time may be needed if student pursues optional concentrations. Part-time study is an option for students in the B.S.N. to M.S.N. track. Graduate-level nursing classes are structured to accommodate part-time employment in nursing.

The M.S.N. Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) program is designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health and elevate care in various roles and settings. The core M.S.N. curriculum prepares an advanced generalist, who has the knowledge and skills required for all masters-prepared nurses as determined by the AACN Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (2011).

In the optional CNL focus, students meet the competencies for the Clinical Nurse Leader role through immersion in the CNL role in the clinical setting. In the optional CNE focus, students meet the competencies for the Clinical Nurse Educator role through immersion in the CNE role and completion of internship.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Requirement

• • M.S.N. Core
    31 semester hours

• • • • • NURS 523: Role of the Advanced Nurse (2)
        • NURS 525: Theoretical Foundations (3)
        • NURS 526: Nursing Leadership and Management (3)
        • NURS 527: Evaluation and Outcomes Research (3)
        • NURS 530: Resource Management (3)
        • NURS 531: Clinical Outcomes Management I (3)
        • NURS 534: Informatics in Nursing and Healthcare (2)
        • NURS 541: Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion (3)
        • NURS 542: Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (3)
        • NURS 544: Advanced Nursing Management of Illness and Disease (4)
        • NURS 596: Scholarly Inquiry in Nursing Practice (2)

• • Optional Courses
    (for students desiring to take certification exams – optional courses are not required for the MSN degree)

• • • • • NURS 532: Clinical Outcomes Management II (5) (course required to sit for CNL exam)
        • OR
        • MSN Nurse Educator Speciality Courses (additional 18+ credits) (courses required to sit for CNE exam)
        • NURS 538: Program Development (3)
        • NURS 550: Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation (3)
        • NURS 595: Internship (2 to 12)

RN-B TO M.S.N. Program for Registered Nurses with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree

This program is currently on hiatus.

The RN-B to M.S.N. Program is designed to allow registered nurses with a previous non-nursing bachelor’s or higher degree to earn the M.S.N. degree in the Care and Outcomes Manager, Advanced Generalist area of focus; this program does not confer the B.S.N. degree. The sequence of study recognizes the academic success of the non-nursing graduate and RN licensure as groundwork for graduate study. The program is academically intensive to assure the student of adequate development as a master’s prepared advanced generalist by the completion of the RN-B to M.S.N. program, but is structured to maximize the participant’s ability to sustain employment. A limited number of candidates is admitted each year and admission is competitive.

All students are admitted to the RN-B to M.S.N. program in the Advanced Generalist focus, which is part of the Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) Concentration. Enrolled RN-B to M.S.N. students who demonstrate a strong potential for success in a specialty may, when space allows, apply to be considered for selection into clinical specializations, such as COM-Clinical Nurse Educator focus, etc. RN-B to M.S.N. students must apply and be selected for a change of COM focus area or concentration at the completion of the first semester of M.S.N. core coursework. Students who do not apply or are not selected for participation in an alternative COM focus area remain in the COM-Advanced Generalist M.S.N. program. Admission to the RN-B to M.S.N. program does not guarantee progression into any other COM focus area or specializations (CNL, Educator, etc.); admission to specialties is highly selective and space is not guaranteed or reserved for RN-B to M.S.N. students. Students admitted to a specialty will incur additional time and expense, and depending on the specialty, are advised that intensive practica may impact their ability to work outside the program.

RN-B to M.S.N. students follow the traditional M.S.N. Advanced Generalist curriculum (see above), with the additional requirement of NURS 430: Situations with Communities (5 semester hours). NURS 430 is offered Spring and Fall Semesters at PLU. Enrollment in NURS 430 at PLU requires approval; space is limited). Nursing courses taken off-campus toward fulfillment of this requirement must be approved for equivalency by the dean of the School of Nursing prior to admission to the program.

Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing Program

Care and Outcomes Manager

The Entry-Level M.S.N. is a cohort program designed to prepare candidates with a previous bachelor’s or higher degree to gain RN licensure and the M.S.N. degree. The sequence of study recognizes the academic success of the non-nursing graduate by providing a focused immersion into nursing followed by graduate study. Students do not receive a B.S.N. degree, but following successful completion of the first 15-months of study, they are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN for registered nurse licensure and to continue in the Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) M.S.N curriculum. A limited cohort is admitted each year and admission is competitive.

Entry-Level M.S.N. students must maintain full-time status throughout their entire program of study. Prior to entering graduate-level studies, Entry-Level M.S.N. students participate in a 15-month intensive program at the undergraduate level leading to RN eligibility. During the pre-licensure program component, outside employment is not recommended because it may significantly impair student performance. After obtaining RN licensure midway through the program, the students are encouraged and expected to work part-time as nurses while enrolled full-time in graduate-level courses. Participation in an RN residency program, however, is not recommended because scheduling conflicts with nursing courses and residency hours may significantly impair student performance. Students are expected to complete the entire 27-month program with their cohort.

Please note: Students withdrawing from the Entry-Level M.S.N. program after RN licensure, but before completing the graduate degree, will not have an academic nursing degree from PLU, and will not be able to sustain/obtain licensure in the State of Washington and/or other states.

Entry-Level M.S.N. Pre-Licensure and Care and Outcomes Manager Curriculum

56 semester hours (pre-licensure)
31 semester hours (post-licensure, at minimum)

• Prerequisite Courses
• • Introductory Statistics (including inferential and descriptive) (4)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I (with lab) (5)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology II (with lab) (5)
  • Introductory Microbiology (with lab) (4)
  • Lifespan Developmental Psychology (4)

• Pre-Licensure Coursework
  • NURS 220: Nursing Competencies I (4)
  • NURS 260: Professional Foundations I (4)
  • NURS 270: Health Assessment and Promotion (4)
  • NURS 280: Human Pathological Processes (4)
  • NURS 320: Nursing Competencies II (2)
    
  • NURS 330: Pharmacology & Therapeutic Modalities (4)
  • NURS 340: Nursing Situations w/ Individuals: Adult Health I (4)
  • NURS 350: Nursing Situations w/ Individuals: Mental Health (4)
    
  • NURS 370: Nursing Situations w/ Families: Childbearing (OB) (4)
  • NURS 375: Nursing Research (2)
  • NURS 380: Nursing Situations with Families: Childrearing (Peds) (4)
  • NURS 430: Nursing Situations with Communities (5)
  • NURS 440: Nursing Situations w/ Individuals: Adult Health II (4)
  • NURS 441: Situations Seminar (1)
  • NURS 499: Nursing Synthesis (6)

After completing the pre-licensure curriculum and upon successfully obtaining RN licensure in Washington State, students continue the Entry-Level M.S.N. Care and Outcomes Manager curriculum.

• M.S.N. Core Coursework
  
  • NURS 523: Roles of the Advanced Nurse (3)
  • NURS 525: Theoretical Foundations (3)
  • NURS 526: Leadership and Management (3)
  • NURS 527: Evaluation and Outcomes Research (3)
  • NURS 530: Resource Management (3)
  • NURS 531: Care and Outcomes Manager Practicum I (3)
  • NURS 534: Informatics and Nursing and Healthcare (2)
  • NURS 541: Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion (3)
  • NURS 542: Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (3)
  • NURS 544: Advanced Nursing Management of Illness and Disease (4)
  • NURS 596: Scholarly Inquiry in Nursing Practice (2)

• Optional Courses
  (for students desiring to take certification exams – optional courses are not required for the MSN degree)
  • NURS 532: Clinical Outcomes Management II (5) (course required to sit for CNL exam
    

                OR

• • MSN Nurse Educator Speciality Courses (additional 18+ credits) (courses required to sit for CNE exam)
  • NURS 538: Program Development (3)
  • NURS 550: Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation (3)
  • NURS 595: Internship (2 to 12)