Master of Science in Nursing

"Valparaiso University College of Nursing is a unique institution in that it recognizes and believes in the potential that each one of us possesses.  Its faculty and staff are exceptional mentors who help us to grow and flourish, and become the best that we can be."

                                       -Valquiria Macedo-Potrzebowski, MSN/FNP


"The other students in the graduate program made me feel like I was a part of their family and the College of Nursing was our home.  The masters program and VU is wonderful and I am glad that I got to experience it."

                                                                 -Melanie Rogers, MSN/FNP

"The MSN program is very convenient, especially for those with families or jobs. The classes are designed to meet one day a week giving students the rest of the week to work, study, or spend time with their families. I was enrolled in the RN to MSN program and was able to obtain my BSN and MSN in two-and-a-half years."

 -Julie Pierce, MSN

 

"The comprehensive coursework and clinical experience I am receiving from Valparaiso University's College of Nursing CNS/FNP program will ensure I am well prepared for the work force, as well as, make me more marketable."

-Megan Capellupo, MSN

MSN Program Description

The graduate nursing program prepares practitioners to interact in the dynamic context of the environment to achieve health. Master’s-prepared nurses are full partners in the health care delivery system: they help shape policy; work in multiple capacities as caregiver, educator, researcher, and consultant; and take on roles as dynamic, accountable leaders.

Valpo’s 36-credit MSN program provides theory-based practice for the Clinical Nurse Specialist. The MSN graduate acquires a strong foundation in research, theory, advanced health assessment, and nursing diagnostic skills. The MSN provides further opportunity in parish nursing and establishes the foundation for entry into the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program. A Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner is attainable with two additional semesters beyond the MSN degree. Students are assigned an academic adviser and provided guidance for implementing research projects.

Focus Opportunities Include:

  1. Women’s Health
  2. Gerontological Nursing
  3. Adult Health Nursing

MSN Curriculum

Core Course Requirements
24 credits
Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology
3 cr
Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse
3 cr
Advanced Health Assessment
3 cr
Pharmacological Principles for Advanced Practice Nursing
3 cr
Nursing Theory for Advanced Practice
3 cr
Research Methods in Advanced Practice Nursing
3 cr
Synthesis of Theory, Research, & Advanced Practice
3 cr
Elective
3 cr
Clinical Courses
12 credits
The MSN degree prepares the graduate as a clinical nurse specialist in advanced practice nursing with the opportunity to focus on women’s health, gerontological, or adult health nursing. Within each clinical course, students pursue their clinical focus.
Clinical Nurse Specialist I
3 cr
Clinical Nurse Specialist II
3 cr
Clinical Nurse Specialist III
6 cr

Special Options with the MSN Program

Advanced Nurse Education Option
Students pursuing the Advanced Nurse Education Option have structured experiences that center on teaching students in both the clinical and classroom setting. Students in this option must complete an approved elective course that includes teaching/learning principles. Scholarship funds are available for students choosing this option. For more information on these scholarships, please contact the College of Nursing at (219) 464-5289 or by email Janet.Brown@valpo.edu. To learn more about the Advanced Nurse Education program, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/programs/AdvancedNurseEducationOption.php.

Parish Nurse Option
The Parish Nurse serves within a faith and advanced practice nurse framework as a health educator, personal counselor, referral agent, and liaison to health-related community resources. The College of Nursing recognizes the potential relationship between faith and health and supports study which includes a parish nurse foundation. As a part of the MSN degree, students pursuing the Parish Nurse option must complete one graduate level Theology elective for 3 credits, NUR 590, Health Care in a Context of Faith, or NUR 590 Intro to Parish Nursing.

Students who include clinical time and/or coursework in Parish Nursing or Congregational Health are eligible for a Gerke Fellowship, a 25-35% tuition award per semester that may be renewed an unlimited number of times. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible for this award. For more information on the Gerke Fellowship, please contact the College of Nursing at (219) 464-5289 or by email Janet.Brown@valpo.edu.

To learn more about the Parish Nurse program, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/programs/parish.php.

Management Certificate for Nursing
The Management Certificate for Nursing in intended for current MSN/FNP students at Valparaiso University who want to add a management component to their graduate study. The program is also open to applicants who are not enrolled in a VU graduate nursing program but who have a BSN degree and wish to take a set of courses to increase their management education and abilities. For more information about this program, please visit the Management Certificate for Nursing webpage.

Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
This 32-credit program prepares nurses to deliver primary care to individuals and families in a variety of settings. Students who have already earned an MSN degree may complete the FNP Program with an additional 20 credits. Emphasis is on health promotion, prevention of illness, maintenance of health, and management of acute episodic and stable chronic conditions.

Criteria for Admission into the MSN/FNP program

  1. A completed Post MSN/FNP application;
  2. Transcripts from an accredited MSN program;
  3. Essay relating graduate study to your professional goals;
  4. Proof of Indiana registered nurse licensure;
  5. Completion of an undergraduate health assessment course.
FNP Curriculum
24 credits
Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology
3 cr *#
Role of Advanced Practice Nurse at all Levels of Prevention
3 cr *
Nursing Theory for Advanced Practice
3 cr *
Synthesis of Theory, Research, & Advanced Practice
3 cr *
Advanced Health Assessment
3 cr
Pharmacological Principles for Advanced Practice Nursing
3 cr *#
Management of Health & Illness Status I
3 cr
Clinical Application of the Family Nurse Practitioner Role I
3 cr
Management of Client Health & Illness Status II
3 cr
Clinical Application of the Family Nurse Practitioner Role II
5 cr
*May be waived if transcript indicates course or equivalent has already been taken.
#One may be waived, but not both.

Graduate Nursing Options

  1. RN to MSN
    Nurses without a BSN can complete their Bachelor’s degree and transition directly into the Master’s program. Both degrees can be completed in a little as six semesters. To learn more about the RN to MSN program, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/programs/rn-msn.php.
  2. MSN Part-Time Study
    Part-time graduate students can complete their Master’s degree in as little as six semesters. The shortage of qualified nursing faculty makes graduate education particularly appealing for those interested in teaching nursing.
  3. MSN Full-Time Study
    Full-time students can complete the MSN program in three semesters. If you begin courses in Fall of 2004, you may take one of your courses online, allowing you extra freedom and flexibility for your busy life. Obtaining your Master’s degree now will help maximize your job opportunities at the peak of the projected nursing shortage.

Criteria for Admission into the MSN Program
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

  1. A BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing education program;
  2. Undergraduate coursework in health assessment, statistics, and research;
  3. Evidence of an Indiana registered nursing license.

International applicants must also have:

  1. A minimum of 550 or equivalent on the TOEFL;
  2. Satisfactory completion of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination or evidence of a National Council Licensure examination (NCLEX) License.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application and MSN Application;
  2. Transcripts indicating a BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA from an accredited nursing education program;
  3. Two letters of reference evaluating the student’s scholarly and professional potential; at least one from the baccalaureate program;
  4. A reflective essay detailing your reasons for pursuing graduate study;
  5. Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international applicants.

For more information about the MSN program
To learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing program, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/programs/mos.php.

Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.