Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN) program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice. Its purpose is to prepare nurses to function in advanced roles of professional nursing in a variety of settings, employing strategies based on scientific knowledge, ethical decision making, and critical analysis of nursing practice to improve the health of the clients that are served. The Master's Program may be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis. The deadline for receipt of the completed application is FEBRUARY 1 of each year. (A completed application is defined as having components 1-14, listed below, received by the School of Nursing.)

Tracks within the Master of Science in Nursing Program
Within the Nurse Practitioner track, curricula have been designed in three specialty areas: Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The RN to MSN Bridge Option is available for RNs with a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than nursing. Post-master's programs of study are also available.

Accreditation
The MSN Program at Spalding University is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited school. Non-BSN degree applicants will have course work and portfolio requirements to complete prior to unconditional admission to the program.
2. Basic nursing degree from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. Applicants from non-NLNAC or CCNE accredited programs in nursing will be reviewed on an individual basis.
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.0 in nursing (on a 4.00 scale).
4. Online application to the University and payment of non-refundable fee.
5. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study must be provided. Evidence of appropriate undergraduate statistics and methods of research is required.
6. Shall hold an unencumbered temporary work permit or a current license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Kentucky or Indiana.
7. One letter of recommendation from a current and/or previous employer.
8. One letter of recommendation from a current and/or previous academic faculty member who can speak to the applicant's ability to successfully complete academic work.
9. A typed paper on professional goals and how graduate study will support these goals (2 page limit).
10. Health records: TB test or chest X-ray, Hepatitis B vaccination series verification
11. Evidence of CPR certification by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross
12. Evidence of health insurance which must be maintained during the program
13. An interview with graduate faculty of the School of Nursing

Deficiencies in undergraduate course work must be completed before students are eligible for full admission. When extenuating circumstances are identified, the Chair of the School of Nursing, upon the recommendation of the graduate nursing faculty, may recommend a student for admission who does not fully meet the criteria stated above.

The graduate faculty of the School of Nursing review credentials when all transcripts and letters of recommendation have been received. Recommendation for admission to the graduate program is then referred to the Graduate Committee of the University. Student policies for the Graduate Program in Nursing are consistent with the general policies of all Graduate Programs of Spalding University.

Requirements for Earning the Master's Degree

• Completion of the required program of study. A maximum of twelve graduate credits may be transferred from another institution.
• Grade B or higher is required in all nursing courses. However students may remain in the program after earning one Grade of C. Students who earn more than one grade of C will be dismissed from the program as will students who earn a grade of D or F.
• Minimum grade point average of 2.8 in support courses, including electives.
• Completion of the program within an eight-year period with removal of all conditions and incomplete grades.

Service Learning
Service is a unifying thread that links the University mission statement with the philosophy and curriculum of the School of Nursing and reinforces the uniqueness of the programs. Service learning is defined as volunteer activities that meet community needs, promote an ethic of service and the development of public-minded citizens. The graduate program embraces the concept of service learning and incorporates it into each track. Students complete 25 hours of service learning activities while in the graduate program or 15 hours if enrolled in the post-master's program.

Programs
Graduate Nursing Option: Bridge Program for RN - Second Degree Program
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Track
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Track
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator Track
Master of Science in Nursing: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track
Post-Master's Certificate Option: Nurse Educator Option
Post-Master's Certificate Option: Nurse Practitioner Track