MSN Plan
The master of science in nursing prepares nurse educators for academic communities and/or health care organizations. At the completion of the 30-credit program, the graduate will be able to:
- Synthesize the roles of the nurse educator in academic communities and/or health care organizations
- Facilitate and evaluate learner achievement of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes in diverse settings
- Design curricula and create program outcomes that reflect the dynamic health environment
- Develop and implement strategies to address the environmental influences of culture, economics, ethics, law, policy, politics, society, and technology on teaching and learning
- Integrate the processes of scholarship, critical thinking, communication, change, and lifelong learning into the nurse educator role
- Contribute to the academic community or health care organization, profession, and community as an innovative nurse educator
Advising in the master of science in nursing program is done by the assistant dean of graduate nursing.
| Program Requirements | Credits | |
| Biology 590 | Special Topics in Biology (Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology) | 3 |
| Nursing 505 | Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators (35 clinical clock hours in simulation activities) | 3 |
| Nursing 506 | Pharmacologic Principles for Nurse Educators | 3 |
| Nursing 512 | Organizational and Systems Leadership for Nurse Educators | 3 |
| Nursing 570 | Research and EBP for Nurse Educators | 3 |
| Nursing 651 | Foundations of Nursing Education | 3 |
| Nursing 652 | Evaluation in Nursing Education | 3 |
| Nursing 653 | Leadership in Clinical Nursing Education (35 clinical clock hours) |
3 |
| Nursing 662 | Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Nursing 680 Direct Care Practicum (70 clinical clock hours) |
3 | |
| Total Credit Requirements | 30 | |
Note: A Nursing Lab Fee is payable by each graduate nursing student enrolled in NUR 505, NUR 653, and NUR 680.
MSN students are required to come to campus to attend new student orientation at the beginning of their program.
Prior to beginning clinical courses (NUR 505, 653, and 680), students must submit evidence of a current nursing license, medical/health insurance, CPR certification, TB skin test results, immunizations (Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and annual influenza), a statement of good health, clear criminal background check, and a negative drug screen. These items must be uploaded on a tracker purchased through the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The clinical clearance items must be updated annually and must be current through the end of the semester.
Additional state licensure is not associated with the MSN degree.
Completion of Valparaiso University’s CCNE-accredited MSN Program, with its Nurse Educator Focus, meets the educational requirements to apply for NLN CNE® and/or CNE®cl certification.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School, which include:
- Completed MSN application form;
- A BSN degree from an accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.0;
- Evidence of having completed an undergraduate research course and statistics course;
- Unencumbered RN license in the State in which clinical course work hours will be completed;
- Copy of all registered nurse licenses.
As part of the application process, students must provide:
- Valparaiso University Graduate Application;
- Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework;
- Letter of recommendation from three clinical peers/supervisors who attest to communication and clinical competence (Valpo alumni need only submit two letters of recommendation);
- A two-page reflective essay relating graduate study to professional goals;
- Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens.
Interested students should request information from the Graduate School through our website or by emailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.