Nov 21, 2024  
2016-2017 Saint Joseph’s College Online 
    
2016-2017 Saint Joseph’s College Online [Archived Catalog]

Master of Science in Nursing


Saint Joseph’s College’s MSN curriculum includes core courses in nursing informatics, organizational and systems leadership, policy, quality, and safety, and interprofessional collaboration which support the specialty tracks, where you will acquire in-depth knowledge and advanced skills.  The specializations currenlty offered include nursing administration, nursing education, and family nurse practitioner.

Mastery of critical thinking skills will prepare you for leadership roles within a patient-centered health care delivery setting or educational setting.  Upon completing this online graduate nursing program, you will have the knowledge and skills in leadership and management to influence nursing practice and health care policy.

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates in advanced practice, education or leadership roles who demonstrate the following outcomes:

  • Improve health care delivery and patient outcomes
  • Acquire/maintain positions in nursing leadership roles
  • Engage in ethically-based professional behaviors
  • Use advanced nursing knowledge in select settings
  • Use critical thinking to apply advanced nursing knowledge in practice and education settings
  • Engage in professional nurse behaviors of caring, respect, dignity, and integrity

Incomplete Grades:

Incomplete grades are generally given only in cases of illness or emergency.  It is the responsibility of the student to request an incomplete course grade from the faculty member teaching the course.  Forms may be obtained from the Office of Academic Affairs. A request for an incomplete grade form signed by the faculty member, student, and the Chair of Nursing must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar in order for an “I” grade to be assigned.  A grade of Incomplete reflects an agreed upon course of action between a faculty member and a student to complete the course within the designated time frame.  Course work must be completed six weeks from the last day of class.  If course work is not completed within this time, a grade of “F” will automatically be assigned.  Under special circumstances, students may petition the Chair of Nursing to extend the time limit in which course work may be completed. 

Academic Requirements:

A passing grade of 83 (B) is required for successful completion of all graduate level nursing courses.  This standard is stated in the Graduate and Professional Studies Manual, Sections 208 & 209.

According to the Department of Nursing policy, students who fail to successfully complete a nursing course on the second attempt at any institution or fail a second nursing course are dismissed from the nursing major. 

Matriculated students will have five (5) years to complete the program.

 

Curriculum


A common core of knowledge at the master’s level provides a foundation for nurses in advanced nursing roles. The theoretical base specific to each specialization is included in the course of study and accompanied by practical experience, thus providing students the opportunity to apply theory in a variety of settings.

Three specializations are offered: Nursing Administration*, Nursing Education*, and Family Nurse Practitioner**.  The Nursing Administration specialization prepares nurses for administrative positions in various health care organizations. The Nursing Education specialization prepares nurses to teach in baccalaureate and associate degree education programs, or in staff development and continuing education fields. The Family Nurse Practitioner specialization prepares nurses for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Family Nurse Practitioner Track


Candidates for graduation in the Family Nurse Practitioner track may apply for graduation four times per year.  Graduation applications must be completed and submitted no later than 5 days after successful completion of the last required course.  Graduation diplomas for the coming academic year will be offered November 20, 2016, February 28, 2017, May 13, 2017, and September 1, 2017.

(19 semester-hour credits)

 

Additional Admission Requirements



Admission Requirements

  1. 3 references- from peer, supervisor and prior faculty
  2. BSN from an accredited institution
  3. Cumulative GPA 3.0
  4. All official transcripts
  5. Career statement
  6. Resume or CV
  7. Active unrestricted, unencumbered RN license in the US
  8. Must have statistics and health assessment as an undergrad with a B or better
    • If the applicant did not have statistics or health assessment as an undergrad, recommend that they take the courses at SJC and apply once the courses are complete
  9. TOEFL if needed

Note:  Applicants who have had license sanctions must be without restrictions during the two years prior to Saint Joseph’s application.

 

International Applicants

International applicants must be graduates of nursing programs equivalent to ACEN or CCNE-accredited baccalaureate nursing degrees. International applicants educated in countries other than the United States must contact the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (COGFNS) for credentialing at: Commission of Foreign Nursing Schools, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 USA. Applicant Inquiries:  215-349-8767. Graduates of foreign nursing schools must submit an official report from the COGFNS.

Note: Additional Master of Science in Nursing Administration, Education and Family Nurse Practitioner program policies can be located in the Student Handbook.


Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Policy

Students who will be participating in clinical must complete a criminal background check and drug screening (see Nursing Student Handbook).

  • Criminal Background Check - CertifiedProfile is a secure platform that allows students to order a background check through a web-based secure platform.
  • Drug Screen Testing - Drug testing is purchased with the CertifiedProfile package.