Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN) program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice in a variety of roles and settings. The MSN program is synonymous with Spalding University School of Nursing’s rich history in promoting human dignity, freedom and human flourishing in healthcare through nursing education since 1933. The MSN course of study employs strategies based on knowledge from both the sciences and humanities, ethical decision making, interprofessional collaboration, and critical analysis of nursing practice to improve the health of patients and populations across diverse settings.
The MSN program offers multiple specialty track options and is offered in both traditional face to face format, hybrid, and online formats depending on the specialty track and may be taken as both full time and part time course work. The MSN-FNP Program is a cohorted format beginning in the summer of each academic year requiring applications to be submitted by February of each year to be considered for admission. The MSN Nursing and Healthcare Leadership and MSN Nurse Educator tracks are not cohorted and all applications can be submitted and reviewed for admission at any time with classes starting every six to eight weeks.
MSN Nursing Tracks and Associated Credit Hours
Family Nurse Practitioner (45 hours)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (46 hours)
BSN to MSN: Nursing and Healthcare Leadership (36 hours)
BSN to MSN: Nurse Educator (36 hours)
RN to MSN: Nursing and Healthcare Leadership (60 hours)
RN to MSN: Nurse Educator (60 hours)
RN to MSN Bridge* program: Nursing and Healthcare Leadership (43 hours)
RN to MSN Bridge* program: Nurse Educator (43 hours)
RN to MSN Bridge* program: Family Nurse Practitioner
Bridge* program implies that the RN has both an Associate Degree in Nursing and a baccalaureate degree in another discipline.
Accreditation
The School of Nursing and the MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Service Learning
Service learning is a unifying thread that links the Spalding University mission with the philosophy and curriculum of the Spalding University School of Nursing and demonstrates the uniqueness of the programs. Service learning is defined as volunteer activities that meet Community needs, promote an ethic of service, and develop public minded citizens. The graduate program embraces the concept of service learning and incorporates, as appropriate, into each specialty track.
Requirements for Completion of the MSN programs and Conferral of the MSN degree
Admission Requirements
Programs
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner- Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Track - No previous Nurse Practitioner Certification
Nurse Practitioner- Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Previous Nurse Practitioner Certification other than Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing: RN to MSN Bridge Program: Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing: BSN to MSN: Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Master of Science in Nursing: RN to MSN: Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Master of Science in Nursing: RN to MSN Bridge: Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Master of Science in Nursing: BSN to MSN Nurse Educator
Master of Science in Nursing: RN to MSN Nurse Educator
Master of Science in Nursing: RN to MSN Bridge: Nurse Educator