RN to MSN Bridge Option

The RN to MSN Bridge option permits registered nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing to apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program. The student does not earn a BSN degree. Undergraduate nursing competence will be demonstrated by successful completion of the following courses with a grade of B or higher prior to enrolling in graduate master’s course work.

• Undergraduate statistics course – 3 credits.
• Undergraduate nursing research course – 3 credits.
• Undergraduate physical assessment course or equivalent as determined by Dean of Nursing or Coordinator of the graduate master’s program for which the candidate wishes to apply.
• NU-470 Dimensions of Professional Nursing-also referred to as the “Bridge course”- 4 credits.

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Master of Science in Nursing Primary Care | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

The 39 credit curriculum consists of core, cognate and role courses divided into two levels. Level I contains core and cognate courses which provide the foundation for graduate study in nursing and for the knowledge bases required for advanced practice. Coursework at this level includes: nursing, theory and research, current issues, health care financing and managed care, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology for prescriptive practice, advanced health assessment with diagnostics, family systems and client education. In Level II the courses focus on advanced theory and clinical practice to prepare graduates for the role of adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. Courses include theory in advanced adult-gerontology nursing and culminate in practica in advanced adult-gerontology nursing where role synthesis and role enactment are accomplished.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for advanced practice in primary care as adult-gerontology nurse practitioners.  Students will develop their expertise to assess, diagnose and manage the therapeutic regimens for adult-geriatric clients with common acute illnesses and stabilized chronic illnesses in primary care settings.

Level I
Core Courses (13 Credits)
NU-510	Current Issues in Health Care	2
NU-512	Nursing Theory	3
NU-515	Health Care Fin & Managed Care	3
NU-520	Research: Design & Utilization	3
NU-535	Client Education: Strategies	2
Cognate Courses (11 Credits)
NU-536	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NU-537	Pharmacolgy: Prescriptive Pract	3
NU-538	Family Systems and Dynamics	2
NU-542	Adv Health Assessmt & Diagnostic	3
Level II
Specialty Courses (15 Credits)
NU-558	Adv Practice Adult-Gero Nursing I	3
NU-568	Adv Practice Adult-Gero Nursing Prtum I ( 300 hrs )	4
NU-572	Adv Practice Adult-Gero Nursing II	3
NU-582	Adv Pract Adult-Gero Nrsing Practicum II (300 hrs )	4
NU-586	Adv Pract Nursing Project	1
Total Credits		39

Note: The curriculum consists of two levels. Students may begin the program with any core or cognate course, provided the prerequisite is met. All core courses must be completed prior to taking Level II courses.

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Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

The 25 credit Post-Master’s Certificate program is designed to prepare the nurse for advanced practice in primary care as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. The program is available to MSN prepared nurses who want to specialize as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner.

Required Courses
NU-536	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NU-537	Pharmacolgy: Prescriptive Pract	3
NU-538	Family Systems and Dynamics	2
NU-542	Adv Health Assessmt & Diagnostic	3
NU-558	Adv Practice Adult-Gero Nursing I	3
NU-568	Adv Practice Adult-Gero Nursing Prtum I (300 hrs)	4
NU-572	Adv Practice Adult-Gero Nursing II	3
NU-582	Adv Pract Adult-Gero Nrsing Practicum II (300 hrs)	4
Total Credits		25

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