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 M.S.N. degree.

Membership

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

Accreditation and Approval

The MSN program is accredited and approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org) and Washington State Board of Nursing.

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).

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 programs are 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 or a Multi-State License from their home state of record under the Nurse License Compact.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B) on a 4.00 scale for all college work.
• Minimum grade of 2.67 (B-) on a 4.00 scale in each prerequisite course.
• Submission of application.
• 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 2.67 (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.
• Please note that, due to clinical site availability, students may be required to participate in clinicals any day of the week and shifts may be day, evening, or night shift. 

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 or a Multi-State License from their home state of record under the Nurse License Compact.

Additional Costs

Course fees are charged to each student’s account each semester. These fees support the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies in the practice labs and Learning Resource Center, clinical placements, external testing measures, as well as computer materials and software. The fee is paid with tuition following registration.

In addition to regular university costs, students must provide their own transportation between the University campus and the clinical areas beginning with the first nursing course. Public transportation is limited, so provision for private transportation is essential.

Health requirement fees, laboratory fees, student uniforms, textbooks, other learning materials, and any necessary equipment are the responsibility of the student.

Continuation Policies

• All nursing courses are sequential. For admitted students, completion of all courses in one semester is prerequisite to enrollment in the next semester’s courses. Failure to progress according to the program plan for any reason may result in dismissal or a significant delay in graduation.
• A minimum grade of 2.67 on a 4.00 scale (B-) must be achieved in all required prelicensure (300-400 level) nursing courses. A student receiving a grade less than a 2.67 in any course that is prerequisite to another nursing course may not continue in the prelicensure nursing sequence until the prerequisite course is repeated with a grade of 2.67 or above on a 4.00 scale. A minimum grade of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale (B) must be achieved in all graduate level classes (500+ level). No course may be repeated more than one time.
• MSN students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all prelicensure and graduate nursing courses.
• Withdrawal from a course in failing status is considered equivalent to a course failure.
• Failure or withdrawal in failing status from any two nursing courses will result in dismissal from the School of Nursing.
• Incomplete grades in nursing courses must be converted to a passing grade before the first day of class of the subsequent term.
• Students taking approved withdrawals from nursing courses may return to the School of Nursing in accordance with policies listed in the Nursing Student Handbook on a space-available basis, noting that they may be subject to new program requirements.
• The School of Nursing reserves the right to withdraw nursing students who fail to achieve and maintain academic or clinical competence, or who do not demonstrate professional accountability or conduct. Unsafe and/or unethical practice constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal from the clinical component and/or the program.
• All students must comply with confidentiality according to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), School of Nursing, and University regulations.
• Other policies regarding progression/continuation are found in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Drug Testing Policy

All nursing students will be required to submit to a drug, marijuana, and alcohol screening at least once 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 from the Nursing department, enroll in up to nine semester hours of M.S.N. courses on a non-matriculated basis with Nursing department 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 Nurses

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 one of two tracks: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) or Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).

M.S.N. core requirements may be completed in 11 months full-time. 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. 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 (2021). In the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) track, students meet the competencies for the Clinical Nurse Leader role through immersion in the CNL role in the clinical setting. The M.S.N. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) track meets the competencies for the Clinical Nurse Educator role through immersion in the CNE role and completion of internship. Students will select a track (either CNL or CNE) at acceptance to the program. This will be noted on their Academic Progression Contract (APC) and kept on file in the School of Nursing. Minimum 500 post licensure clinical/experience hours required for graduation with M.S.N.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Requirement

• M.S.N. Core
  25 semester hours

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

• M.S.N. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Track
  Minimum 12 semester hours
  • GNUR 530: Resource Management (3)
  • GNUR 531: Clinical Outcomes Management I (4)
  • GNUR 532: Clinical Outcomes Management II (5)

• M.S.N. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Track
  Minimum 12 semester hours
  • GNUR 538: Program Development (3)
  • GNUR 550: Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation (3)
  • GNUR 595: Internship (6 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

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 M.S.N curriculum. A limited cohort is admitted each year and admission is competitive.

The Entry-Level M.S.N. program is clinically and academically intensive to assure the student of adequate exposure to the RN role and responsibilities. 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 may not be able to sustain/obtain licensure in the State of Washington and/or other states.

Entry-Level M.S.N. Pre-Licensure, Core, and CNE/CNL Track Curriculum

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

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

• Pre-Licensure Coursework
  • GNUR 305: Patho/Pharm I (4)
  • GNUR 306: Foundations of Care Delivery/Health Promotion (3)
  • GNUR 307: Health & Physical Assessment (3)
  • GNUR 308: Clinical Practicum I (3)
  • GNUR 309: Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership (2)
    
  • GNUR 310: Scholarly Writing Concepts (1)
  • GNUR 311: Patho/Pharm II (2)
  • GNUR 314: Care of Chronic Conditions (3)
  • GNUR 315: Psych/Mental Health (2)
  • GNUR 316: Clinical Practicum II (5)
  • GNUR 401: Care of Complex Conditions (3)
  • GNUR 402: Patho/Pharm III (2)
  • GNUR 403: Clinical Practicum III (5)
  • GNUR 404: Healthcare Diversity (4)
  • GNUR 405: Informed Practice (2)
  • GNUR 406: Continuity of Care (3)
  • GNUR 407: Clinical Practicum IV (6)
  • GNUR 483: Transition to Practice (1)
  • GNUR 499: Capstone Project (2)

After completing the pre-licensure curriculum and upon successfully obtaining RN licensure in Washington State, students continue the Entry-Level M.S.N. curriculum. Students will select a track (either CNL or CNE) no later than the end of Summer Semester before the M.S.N. curriculum begins. This will be noted on their Academic Progression Contract (APC) and kept on file in the School of Nursing. Minimum 500 post-licensure clinical/experience hours required for graduation with M.S.N.

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

• M.S.N. Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Track
  Minimum 12 semester hours
  • GNUR 530: Resource Management (3)
  • GNUR 531: Clinical Outcomes Management I (4)
  • GNUR 532: Clinical Outcomes Management II (5)

• M.S.N. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Track
  Minimum 12 semester hours
  • GNUR 538: Program Development (3)
  • GNUR 550: Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation (3)
  • GNUR 595: Internship (6 to 12)