Program Description/Overview
The program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are interested in pursuing a graduate nursing specialty track that prepares them for nursing leadership roles. The curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) New Essentials for Advanced-Level Nursing Education (AACN, 2021) and the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) Nurse Leader Competencies.
The curriculum plan is 36 credits. Credits consist of 450 didactic hours (30 credits) and 500 clinical practice experience hours, which includes completion of a systems leadership project and immersion with a nursing leader (6 credits). As a cohort-based program, the program will be taught in six trimesters over 24 months; students will be admitted three times a year, in September, January, and May starting in 2024.
Program Learning Outcomes/Goals
SLO #1 Synthesize concepts from nursing and other disciplines to establish a foundation of advanced nursing practice while fostering a strong professional nursing identity.
SLO #2 Translate nursing science through scholarship and evidence-based practice utilizing information systems and technologies to promote safe, effective, ethical, and person-centered quality healthcare.
SLO #3 Demonstrate effective communication and relationship management skills to foster interprofessional collaboration, healthy work environments and build strong partnerships within the institution, profession, and community.
SLO#4 Critically analyze the complex influence of sociocultural, political, economic, and technological trends on health policy, reimbursement, and the healthcare delivery system in relation to access, cost, quality, and barriers to care.
SLO#5 Utilize business, finance, and advanced nursing and healthcare leadership principles to formulate strategies to advance strategic priorities across the micro, meso, and macro systems levels.
Licensure
Students successfully completing all degree requirements for the program are prepared to apply for certification as a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) or Certified Executive Nursing Practice (CENP) through AONL or Nurse Executive (NE-BC) or Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC) board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Requirements vary, and students should contact the certifying agencies for further information.
Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information
The MSN Nurse Executive program includes 500 clinical practice experience hours, which includes completion of a systems leadership project and immersion with a nursing leader, which students may complete at their institution or other approved location.
Credit Units
Total Credit Units: 36
Total Core Credit Units: 36
Total Elective Credit Units: N/A
Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A