Master of Science in Nursing, MSN
Dr. Donalyn Alexander, Dean
Through the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Hardin-Simmons University offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree. The Master of Science in Nursing Education and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner are fully online degrees to provide students the needed flexibility in completing course work.
Academic Standards Once Admitted
Students must maintain a B average (minimum GPA of 3.0). In all clinical courses, students must make a B or better for progression in clinical courses in the curriculum. A grade of “D” or “F” does not meet criteria for progression in the program and results in academic probation and/or suspension. All students not receiving a B or above in a course must retake the course before progression in clinical courses is granted. Failure of the same course twice results in permanent dismissal from the program. If a student earns Cs in any two courses, this will result in immediate and permanent dismissal from the program.
Functional Tracks Available with MSN
Education (33 Semester Hours)
Family Nurse Practitioner (44 Semester Hours)
Program Outcomes
- Practice advanced nursing roles using the nursing process to deliver advanced, holistic, comprehensive care to individuals and families throughout the life cycle in a variety of settings within a specific population focus, i.e. nursing education, advanced clinical practice.
- Design and implement strategies that incorporate the use of scientific inquiry an theoretical concepts from nursing and related fields to influence healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations, and healthcare systems.
- Analyze spiritual, cultural, social, legal, ethical, economic, and healthcare policy perspectives that influence the health care delivery system.
- Lead interprofessional and collaborative teams in developing evidence-based strategies within various health care systems to foster quality improvement and safety in healthcare delivery.
- Integrate the use of information systems and patient care technologies in the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based practices to support decision making for improving health and patient care delivery to a diverse global society.
- Demonstrate the highest level of accountability for professional practice, Christian service, and life-long learning.
- Engage in leadership through advocacy for evidence-based health policy development to improve local, national, and global health population outcomes.
MSN Core Curriculum
Complete the following:
Required
| NURS 6330 | Policies & Strategies for Health Care Delivery | 3 |
| NURS 5430 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 4 |
| NURS 6441 | Pharmacotherapeutics for Nurses in Advanced Practice | 4 |
| NURS 6442 | Advanced Health Assessment | 4 |
| NURS 6443 | Nursing Theories and Research for Advanced Health Care Delivery | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
Specialty Focus Courses
Education
| NURS 6350 | Education I-Curriculum Design | 3 |
| NURS 6449 | Education II-Instructional Methods, Testing, and Measurement | 4 |
| NURS 6352 | Education III-Role of the Nurse, Educator | 3 |
| NURS 6450 | Education IV-Practicum | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
NURS 6450: 200 Clinical Hours
Note: Student must meet any prerequisites for approved hours.
Family Nurse Practitioner Track
| NURS 6340 | Role Development for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| NURS 6434 | Skills for Advanced Practice Nurses | 4 |
| NURS 6451 | Family Nurse Practitioner I | 4 |
| NURS 6452 | Family Nurse Practitioner II | 4 |
| NURS 6453 | Family Nurse Practitioner III | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
NURS 6451 - 225 Clinical Hours
NURS 6452 -325 Clinical Hours
NURS 6453 - 200 Clinical Hours
*750 combined total clinical practicum hours are required.
University Support Courses (Electives 6 hrs. required)
Required
Nursing Elective (3 Credits)
Graduation Requirements
A student is eligible for graduation from the MSN program when the following criteria have been met:
1. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
2. Successful completion of all course work required for the chosen degree within four years.
3. Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University.
4. Payment of graduation fees.
Time Limit
Students must complete all requirements for the degree within four years of the initial semester of enrollment.
National Certification Exam/Licensure
Graduates of the Education and Family Nurse Practitioner MSN track are eligible to sit for national certification in their respective disciplines. Graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN track are also eligible to apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.