Designed for the BS-prepared nurse who wishes to pursue a Master of Science (MS) with a Nurse Leader Focus. MS-prepared nurse leaders typically work within a health system in roles both close to the bedside such as Quality Improvement Coordinator, and union leadership roles, or in institutional leadership such as nursing management and administration.
Program Requirements
Common Core
This course introduces the roles and responsibilities of the advanced professional nurse, with emphasis on the educator, leader, and researcher. Learners will analyze core role components and examine the process of professional socialization. Topics include ethical, legal, and professional obligations, as well as the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social justice principles into the advanced professional nursing role.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course examines and evaluates concepts, theories, and models that inform advanced professional nursing. Selected nursing theories are analyzed and critiqued utilizing theory formation criteria. Learners will discuss application of nursing science and conceptual models to nursing and critically articulate use of theory-based practice in family, person-centered care, and/or advanced nursing roles. Requires entry into program.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course focuses on the role of technology and informatics in transforming modern nursing practice. Learners will explore the connection between nursing theory, data science, and communication to monitor and improve the effectiveness of nursing care.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course provides advanced knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Learners will integrate evidenced-based practice and the science of nursing related to pathophysiologic principles, pharmacologic categories, and health assessment techniques. The learner will synthesize physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment and pharmacologic knowledge in the direct care role and responsibilities across diverse settings. Requires entry into program.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course examines the organizational and systems structure, navigation, policy, decision-making, evidence-based practice, and leadership roles. Learners are prepared to adapt and implement organizational leadership skills, interprofessional communication and collaboration techniques, social determinants of health, culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies to anticipate and respond to future trends.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Research/Methods Course(s)
The learner will examine the role of research and its application, utilization, and integration in advanced professional nursing roles. Learners will analyze research approaches, designs, and methods. Emphasis is placed on the development of analytic skills for reading and appraising research in educational and organizational settings.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Emphasis Common Core
Learners will apply professional nursing standards and values, as well as leadership theories and styles, to foster interprofessional collaboration. They will incorporate a holistic approach as advanced professional nurse leaders to enhance healthcare delivery, improve outcomes, and address disparities.
- Prerequisites:
- NURS 521, NURS 524, and NURS 630
This course prepares the learner to lead within the financial and policy arenas of complex healthcare systems. Emphasizing budgeting, reimbursement, resource management, and healthcare policy, learners will analyze the business dimensions of care delivery through the lens of informatics and ethical leadership. By applying financial principles and evaluating policy impacts, learners will develop strategies that promote equitable outcomes and support effective coordination across interprofessional teams.
- Prerequisites:
- NURS 521, NURS 524, and NURS 630
Learners will use a systems-based approach in the evaluation of quality and safety data to address health care delivery system needs. Learners will implement strategies which address health care quality and safety issues impacting individual, family, and societal healthcare experiences in an increasingly complex environment. Requires entry into the program.
- Prerequisites:
- NURS 521, NURS 524, and HURS 630
Capstone Course
This capstone course enables students to evaluate and apply knowledge gained throughout the nursing leadership curriculum to address a real-world practice issue. In collaboration with a mentor, students will develop a project proposal that demonstrates leadership competencies and enhances the use of evidence-based practice within a healthcare setting. In addition to project development, students will engage in practicum hours in a nursing leadership role to further apply their skills and support professional growth.
- Prerequisites:
- NURS 521, NURS 524, and NURS 630
Degree
MS
Major Credits
30
Total Credits
30
Locations
Online
Career Cluster
Health Science