Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) Overview The College of Nursing is an integral part of the Medical University of South Carolina, the only academic health science center in the state. We are widely recognized for providing a supportive learning environment that has a low student to faculty ratio, expert clinical faculty and preceptors, as well as highly successful complex clinical care settings. Students are encouraged to personalize their program of study in the context of our multi-focal masters program. The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is to prepare students for advanced professional practice roles in selected areas of clinical specialization, education, and administration for various types of health care systems. The program also provides a theoretical and practical foundation for doctoral study. Master’s education in nursing is predicated on relevant baccalaureate education and professional practice, and builds upon this foundation, expanding it in three major areas: scope of practice, role behavior, and depth and breadth of knowledge. Students focus on a specific area of clinical practice by critically assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating the health and illness experiences of clients (individuals, families, communities, and populations). Advanced practice roles include those of manager, educator, consultant, direct caregiver and leader. The student is prepared to be a knowledgeable consumer of research and to utilize research methodology in practice. The MSN program is offered entirely online. Learning at the master’s level results from interactions among the student, teacher and environment. The student is an adult learner seeking to develop a specialized area of nursing expertise. Student characteristics include the ability to think conceptually, identify critical questions and issues related to a defined area of study, and employ creative and innovative solutions based on theory to problems identified. The teacher creates a learning environment that fosters independent, self-directed, life-long learning and serves as a role model for professional nursing practice. The purpose of the learning environment is to provide the student with the tools needed to acquire increased knowledge, which in turn influences the scope of practice and role behavior. In the process of knowledge development, the student synthesizes major theories and concepts from a variety of disciplines to formulate a unique individualized nursing approach to advanced practice in a specialized area. Students consult and collaborate with a variety of people in other disciplines including those in the arts and sciences as well as those directly related to health care. The MUSC MSN program enables students to: 1. Synthesize multi-disciplinary theories with methods of critical inquiry to explore the nature of nursing knowledge and practice.
2. Conceptualize and articulate the nursing knowledge foundational to advanced practice roles.
3. Analyze practice situations using nursing and other paradigms to guide innovative delivery of client-centered health care.
4. Demonstrate expertise in advanced nursing practice roles based on mastery of a specialized area of knowledge derived from the art and science of nursing.
5. Advance nursing practice through research utilization, participation, and the identification of significant research problems in a specialty area.
6. Protect and promote the health of individuals, groups, and communities through assertive and innovative actions that: a. provide direct care,
b. respect and value human diversity,
c. address ethical and social issues,
d. analyze health care trends, issues, and policies,
e. exert collaborative leadership, and
f. effect change.
7. Articulate how various health care systems are organized.
8. Analyze cost-effectiveness of the delivery of health care services.
9. Demonstrate advanced professional behaviors reflective of autonomy, intellectual independence, accountability, and lifelong learning.
Accreditation The College of Nursing graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Programs Full and part time plans of study are available in the following areas: Nurse Practitioner Nurse Educator Nurse Administrator Faculty The experienced faculty in the MSN program will guide and mentor you through the required coursework and clinical experiences.
Faculty Directory Current Students MSN students are comprised of experienced and recently graduated BSN nurses. Technical Requirements The MUSC College of Nursing is committed to increasing the use of technology in nursing education. This online program utilizes various forms of online methodologies including WebCT classes, chats, discussion groups, podcasts and videoconferencing. The course work requires use of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation graphics. To enhance your educational experience, the College of Nursing offers orientation and assistance in the use of technology and online education. The Nursing Technology Center website provides information regarding technology hardware and software requirements, computer purchases, computer policies, and who to contact for assistance. Admission Requirements - APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2010 Available
- BSN from a nationally accredited program
- Nursing grade point average (NSG-GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Undergraduate Cumulative (CUM-GPA) GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Undergraduate Level Statistics Course
- Unencumbered, active RN License in state where practicums will be conducted
- 3 Confidential References
- Current CV or resume
- 1 page essay
- Interview if requested
Clinical Experiences Precepted clinical experiences are individually arranged. Nurse Practitioner students complete a minimum of 540 to 810 hours with an assigned clinical preceptor depending on specialty focus area. Students may complete clinical in approved local sites. If a local preceptor is not available, students may have to travel to a clinical site. The College of Nursing houses the MUSC Healthcare Simulation Center, which was recently named one of 15 “Laerdal Centers of Excellence.” NP students use the 11,000 square foot center in all clinical courses for application of critical thinking skills and demonstration of professional competencies. NP students are required to be on campus 1-2 times during clinical courses to practice and validate skill competencies for physical assessment and patient encounters. Financial Aid Scholarships of varying amounts are awarded by the College of Nursing. These scholarships are awarded based on the criteria of scholarship determined by the benefactor, financial need, and academic performance. To be considered for a College of Nursing scholarship, you must be a fully matriculated student (full-time or part-time). In addition, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Application Deadlines Fall admission only
Regular Admission: February 1
Priority Admission: November 15 Students are notified of their acceptance status approximately 1 month after the application deadline. Information about the Priority Admission requirements can be found at this link: Priority Admission Requirements for Accelerated BSN Program. Application Process The Medical University of South Carolina offers applicants an admission process that is timely and easy to understand. Applications are available online only. You may apply online by clicking the link provide below, or by copying and pasting the URL in your browser's address bar. http://www.musc.edu/es/application/nurs/index.html All forms originate from the Office of Enrollment Management. The telephone number is 843-792-8721. A nursing admissions specialist is available to answer questions from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The online University Application is available several months before the application deadline. Applicants are encouraged to file early to expedite processing. Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen Upon matriculation, all College of Nursing students will be required to undergo a criminal background check and complete a drug screen. FAQs How does an online program differ from one that is campus-based? The integrity of our graduate coursework, mentoring, and interaction with faculty and students is preserved in our online graduate program through the use of synchronous and asynchronous technology. The only thing that differs between an online and campus-based program is the method through which access is achieved – through advanced technology and required on-campus visits for NP students. What is special about the Medical University of South Carolina? MUSC is an academic health sciences center ranked within the Top 100 in the nation for receipt of federal funding. With a focus on Translational Science - bench to bedside to community - nursing plays a critical role in transforming health care within the state and nation. How do you make your admission decisions? Our Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee takes their responsibility very seriously. Each application is reviewed in its entirety. Data about grades, professional goals and references are used in the decision-making process. Another important aspect is what an applicant shares in their 1 page essay. Who should I use as references? The Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee prefers references from employers or academic professionals who are familiar with you and your abilities. They must use the reference form provided in the application. Letters may not be used as a substitute. How do I apply for admission to the graduate program? Applications must be submitted electronically through the Office of Enrollment Management. Applications are received and processed by this office. Questions or problems concerning the application should be addressed to Lyla Hudson at hudsonly@musc.edu Do you accept out-of-state students? Yes, tuition and fees are higher for out-of-state students, however. For tuition and fee information, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu.em/recordsfees_09.html How do I become a South Carolina resident? Residency is determined by the Office of Enrollment Management. For more information, please visit this site: http://www.musc/edu/em/records/residency.html Do you accept international students? Yes, for specific information, guidelines, and policies, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/em/admissions/international.html Is financial aid available? Yes, for more information, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/em/financialmanagement Are scholarships available? Yes, scholarships are available to students who have completed a FAFSA with the Office of Financial Aid. They are awarded based on need, academic merit, and scholarship criteria after a student has been admitted to the College of Nursing. There is no separate scholarship application process required. To review scholarships offered through the College of Nursing, please visit this site: http://www.musc.edu/nursing/scholarships.htm Do you have on-campus housing? No, but MUSC has an excellent Office of Off-Campus Housing which will provide you with information about the Charleston area. The office even coordinates "room-mate finder" parties. To learn more about the College of Nursing, read our monthly newsletter, E-Connections, and Lifelines, the College of Nursing magazine. Find these publications at this site: http://www.musc.edu/nursing/publications/index.htm  | | Robin L. Bissinger, PhD, RNC, NNP
Director of Graduate Programs
Associate Professor |
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For more information, please contact:  | | Mardi G. Long, MEd
Director of Student and Alumni Affairs
Telephone: (843) 792-6683
Fax: (843) 792-9258
longm@musc.edu |
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About the College
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Effective November 1, Teresa Kelechi will assume the role of Department Chair. Employed at MUSC for 22 years, Teresa joined the College of Nursing faculty in 2001. She is a board certified gerontological clinical nurse specialist and a certified wound care nurse. Teresa takes over the reins of Department Chair from Elizabeth Erkel who will retire at the end of the year.
