Program Purpose
The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing program at Malone University is to provide registered nurses (RNs) who have a minimum of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree opportunity to pursue an advanced and specialized education leading to the MSN degree with an advanced practice role as a nurse practitioner or as a clinical nurse specialist. Graduates may apply for a certification exam including the Family Nurse Practitioner exam and the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health exam. Certification exams are offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
The Malone University Master of Science of Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Memberships are with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.
Philosophy
(Excerpts from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Philosophy)
Nursing is a professional discipline. It is practice oriented, based on nursing and related theory, and evaluated by ongoing research.
As a professional nurse, there is a commitment to the value of collegiality, the need for life-long learning, and continual growth toward expert practice.
Expert practice is evident as the nurse completes a graduate education in nursing and as an advanced nursing practice is established, grounded in theory, and based on empirical findings over a significant period of time.
Nursing education at the graduate level is based on a baccalaureate nursing education and includes courses that address the scope of advanced practice nursing and the depth of related theory and practice interventions. Nursing education occurs in an environment which supports the integration of Christian faith, values, and ethics in the teaching and learning of nursing. During the educational process, nurse roles and functions are practiced in diverse clinical and community settings. Scholarly practice is an expected professional goal and includes the standards of the scholarship of discovery, teaching, practice, and integration. Responsibility and accountability are essential components that are integrated within the nursing curriculum and practiced throughout the nursing education program. They are realized as responsibility and accountability behaviors to God, self, and others are demonstrated.
Outcomes
The graduate student will:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills that build upon the undergraduate learning and equip the practitioner and clinician for all of the responsibility and accountability practices required in these advanced practice nurse roles.
- exhibit competence in advanced practice with selected populations including an in-depth assimilation of a specialized role, content, and related skills.
- integrate into one’s personal and professional life the attributes needed for successful practice including the legal and ethical components required for holistic nursing.
- synthesize a body of knowledge whereby the inquiry skills are honed and used to conduct research, share research findings, and advance scholarly and professional goals.
Assessment
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences employs a systematic evaluation plan that includes methods whereby student learning is assessed and courses, faculty, and program are evaluated.
Admission Requirements
Regular Admission
- Hold a current Ohio RN License.
- Hold a Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and accredited nursing program.
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher from BSN program including pre-licensure program.
- Report current and relevant nursing employment.
- Provide verifications for licensure, certifications, professional insurance, health requirements, criminal background check, and other requirements that relate to a safe and legal practice of nursing.
- Complete the interview process.
Conditional Admission
- Meet all admission standards except the minimum 3.00 g.p.a.
- Successfully complete Year One with a 3.00 g.p.a. or higher required to continue in the program.
Probation
- Any student having a g.p.a. below a 3.0 for any two consecutive semesters will be placed on probation.
- Probation status continues until the g.p.a. for the program reaches a 3.0.
- Any student with probation status will be reviewed on a regular basis by the BSNDC/MSN Program Admission and Progression Committee. The committee holds full responsibility as to the decision for continued probation status or academic dismissal.
- All students must meet the graduation requirement of a 3.0 g.p.a.
Non-Degree (Post MSN and Professional)
Students who hold the MSN degree may seek admission to one or more MSN courses through the non-degree admission process. Approval is based on current enrollment and decision by the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Research Requirement
The Master of Science in Nursing degree requires each student to complete a research project. The graduate student in nursing completes a research study selecting a thesis or project format. A research topic is developed in MSN 560 and continued through the MSN 500, 690, 693, and 694 courses.
Graduation Checklist
Students admitted to the master’s program may use the following checklist as a guide:
- Application for admission to the Graduate Program in Nursing
- An interview with Director/Dean in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Written notification of acceptance for admission
- Completion of all course work and requirements for MSN
- Application for Graduation
- Complete the Application for Graduation provided by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) and received during a class session.
- Return the completed form to the Director of Enrollment and Student Services for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences who will forward it to the Office of GPS by January 30 for candidates who plan to complete degree requirements by the end of a spring semester or a summer session, or September 30 for candidates who plan to complete degree requirements by the end of a fall semester.
Lock-Step Delivery System
Malone University has organized its delivery system for the Master of Science in Nursing Program using a lock-step approach. Students begin the program with approximately 24 students in a class and complete six consecutive semesters (24 months) of graduate study to earn the M.S.N. degree. Classes in the M.S.N. degree program are taken as a group. Tuition charge per credit hour remains the same throughout the length of this lock-step class. Withdrawal and reentry with a later lock-step class requires the tuition charge per credit hour in effect for the later class. The student is admitted to an assigned class that is scheduled to begin and end on specified dates. Students who know of previous commitments that will prevent them from regular attendance in the assigned class should register for a subsequent class in which attendance on a regular basis is possible. A class is admitted annually starting with the Fall semester.
Programs of Study
