M.s.N. College of Nursing 37 Hour PrograM

College of Nursing
M.s.n.
37 Hour Program
The graduate program of study leads to the Master of Science in Nursing
which produces nursing leaders.
The major outcomes of the graduate program are to develop the ability to:
• Utilize knowledge from health and social sciences to address the needs
of diverse populations through planned programs, education and
advocacy
• Integrate knowledge about diverse populations with clinical and
theoretical knowledge, research, and practice related to health
promotion, disease prevention and illness
• Utilize research to provide high quality healthcare, initiate change and
improve nursing practice
• Demonstrate leadership in the application of interventions and
technology related to policy, organization and health care management
• Function in a role that incorporates nursing theory, research and
practice into interdisciplinary activities
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making in research, evaluation, practice,
leadership and management
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing and all degrees at the university
are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools. The Master of Science in Nursing is also accredited by
the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
National League for the Nursing Accrediting Commission
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000, FAX 404-975-5020
Admission Requirements
Evidence of academic achievement and potential for advanced study
and research is required for graduate admission. Specific criteria for
Unconditional Admission for master’s degree seeking students in nursing
are:
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• A personal statement of goals
• A satisfactory interview with the M.S.N. program director
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An official transcript of TOEFL scores (500 written, 213 computer) for
foreign students
An official transcript in English, with translation if necessary, indicating
either an earned bachelor’s degree in nursing or completion of the
Transition to Graduate Nursing course as a pre-requisite for those
having a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course
Current license to practice nursing in Texas
Evidence of current immunizations required by the Texas Department
of Health for students in health-related programs
Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 will be considered for
admission on an individual basis.
Notification of decisions on graduate admission is made by the Office of
Graduate Studies based on the admission criteria and recommendation of
the academic department. Information related to application procedures
and deadlines is available through the Office of Graduate Studies.
International Students
International students wishing to pursue online degrees are not eligible for
an F1 or F3 student visa. Degree and Graduation Requirements
Each student will be assigned an advisor to assist in preparing the graduate
program of study before or during their first semester in the program.
Advisors will be available throughout the program for guidance. Students
must complete all course work prior to graduation.
Students who have been suspended may apply for readmission into the
M.S.N. program by the procedures outlined in the Academic Probation
and Suspension section of the Graduate Catalog. Such applications will be
considered on a case by case basis, and readmission will be granted at the
discretion of the M.S.N. program admissions committee and the dean of the
College of Nursing.
Transfer courses from other graduate nursing programs will be evaluated on
an individual basis for acceptance.
Graduate Coordinator
Anne Rentfro, PhD, RN, CS-MS • LHSB 2.730 • 956-882-5084 • [email protected]
Office of Graduate Studies
utb.edu/graduatestudies
Transition to Graduate Nursing Program
NURS 6323 Theories and Conceptual Models of Nursing Practice
This course focuses on the critical evaluation and utilization of the theoretical
foundations of nursing practice. Relevant theoretical concepts from
related fields of study such as social and biological sciences, educational,
organizational and leadership theory will be explored and applied to nursing
practice. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
Careers
NURS 6333 Research in Nursing
This course introduces students to the procedures and methods utilized
in conducting clinical and epidemiological population based research. The
planning and design of research proposals and projects are undertaken.
The various types of nursing research are examined, and critical analysis of
research articles and research design are stressed. Students prepare research
proposals during the course and focus on problem identification, literature
review and analysis, project description and evaluation and measurement of
health care outcomes. The implementation of the students research project
is completed in NURS 7300 Professional Scholarship in Nursing. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
Registered nurses who have an earned bachelor’s degree in a field other than
nursing may qualify for application to the M.S.N. program by completing the
Transition to Graduate Nursing course.
Number
Course Credit
NURS 5600
Transition to Graduate Nursing
6
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School Nursing
Clinical and Educational Research
Program Coordinator
Nursing Education
Nursing Administration
Program Development
Curriculum Thesis Option
The MSN Program contains a Core Curriculum that all students are required
to complete.
Required Courses (31 SCH)
NURS 6322 Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing
3
NURS 6323
Theories and Conceptual Models of
Nursing Practice 3
NURS 6333 Research in Nursing
3
NURS 6354
Advanced Community Nursing
3
NURS 6351 Nursing Leadership in a Changing World
3
NURS 6370
Nursing Administration Concepts and Theory
3
NURS 6464
Teaching Roles and Strategies
4
Nursing Electives 9
Capstone Requirement (6 SCH)
NURS 7301
Thesis I NURS 7302
Thesis II Degree Total 3
3
37
Curriculum Non-Thesis Option
The MSN Program contains a Core Curriculum that all students are required
to complete.
Required Courses (34 SCH)
NURS 6322 Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing
3
NURS 6323
Theories and Conceptual Models of
Nursing Practice 3
NURS 6333 Research in Nursing
3
NURS 6354
Advanced Community Nursing
3
NURS 6351 Nursing Leadership in a Changing World
3
NURS 6370
Nursing Administration Concepts and Theory
3
NURS 6464
Teaching Roles and Strategies
4
Nursing Electives 12
Capstone Requirement (3 SCH)
NURS 7300
Professional Scholarship in Nursing Practice
Degree Total 3
37
Nursing courses
NURS 5600 Transition to Graduate Nursing
This course is designed to transition the registered nurse, with a
baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing, to graduate nursing. This
course focuses on the behaviors, attitudes and values necessary for theorybased professional nursing practice. Lec. 6, Cr. 6
NURS 6322 Moral and Ethical Issues in Nursing
This course provides a study of ethical issues in nursing. Emphasis is placed
on the influence of moral and ethical positions on behavior and decision
making in policy formulation and practice. This course helps the student
identify action that reflects amoral or ethical positions in various nursing
contexts, understand how moral and ethical beliefs influence behavior, relate
selected moral and ethical theories to position-taking, specify a personal
position on moral and ethical issues in nursing and identify the consequences
of taking a position. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6351 Nursing Leadership in a Changing World
This course examines leadership and role theory within the context of
nursing and the enactment of the leadership role. The structure and
discipline of nursing will be examined with particular emphasis on theories,
models, and conceptual frameworks. Changes in health care delivery and
implication for health status, nursing education, research and service are
explored. This course also involves the process for analysis of social policy
from health care formulation to appropriation and allocation of funding
(local, state, federal.) Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6354 Advanced Community Nursing
In this course students analyze the theory and role of nurses working with
aggregates, including assessing communities through use of epistemologies
methods, defining and prioritizing health problems, and developing
proposals for resolution of diagnosed problems. Course content is designed
to build on bachelor’s education to further promote critical-thinking skills
necessary to perform autonomously in community health environments.
Students will use the course concepts in a clinical application project that
refLects leadership in the students chosen degree emphasis area. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6362 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Education
This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of teaching, learning
innovation, and the multifaceted role of the nurse educator in multiple
settings. These theories will be examined for their utility across a variety of
settings and levels of education. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6363 Curriculum Development in Nursing
Focuses on the curriculum development process in nursing. Examines the
philosophy, conceptual framework, objectives and program evaluation in
curriculum development. Explores the relationship and significance of these
elements and their impact on curriculum implementation. Examines external
factors that impact decisions about curriculum design. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6365 Educational Evaluation in Nursing
This role support course introduces the student to the evaluation process in
nursing education. The course provides basic knowledge of evaluation design
and strategies for evaluating learning outcomes in nursing education along
with overall curriculum and program evaluation. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6366 Instructional Design and Online Teaching in Nursing
This course will examine processes for designing nursing instruction for
effective and efficient delivery. Included is the process of instructional design
in an online nursing education context. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6370 Nursing Administration Concepts and Theory
Concepts and theories related to organizational structure and the
administrative process are used to examine the roles and responsibilities
of the nurse manager in health care organizations. The influence of
environmental, technological and professional forces on the structure and
functions of health care and nursing service organization and on the role of
the nurse manager is explored. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
The University of Texas at Brownsville
NURS 6371 Health Care Change, Negotiation, and Conflict Resolution
This course examines organizational behavior, total quality management,
change theory and team building application of implementing change,
negotiation and managing conflict in an ever-changing health care
environment. The course also addresses empowerment, shared governance
and problem-solving and negotiation models. Lec 3, Cr 3
NURS 6372 Healthcare Finance
This course presents students with the financial aspects of management
across health care settings. Students examine the financial issue in delivery
models in such areas as managed cared and explore techniques of cost
analysis, strategic planning in budgeting and marketing, and forecasting.
Analysis of staffing and case mix, regulatory impacts and financial
interactions with resource allocations are also included. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6374 Clinical Leadership in Nursing
Explores aspects of horizontal and vertical leadership central to the
Clinical Nurse Leadership role. Quality management and improvement,
communication processes and evidence-based practice initiatives within a
microsystem are stressed. Strategies for the efficient use of resources while maintaining safe and effective patient care are emphasized. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6380 Special Topics in Nursing
This course gives the student the opportunity to study contemporary
topics and issues within a specific area in the discipline of nursing. May be
repeated once as topics vary. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6464 Teaching Roles and Strategies
This course focuses on the roles of nursing faculty. It includes an analysis
of teaching and learning theories, teaching strategies, classroom climate,
learning environments and evaluation of teaching and learning. Examination
of distance education is included. The course involves the application
of teaching and learning theories, strategies and evaluation in an actual
educational situation. Lec. 4, Cr. 4
NURS 7300 Professional Scholarship in Nursing
The capstone is a professional scholarship project that employs a
practitioner-scholar model for graduate nursing preparation. Practitionerscholars are expected to forge links between theory and practice. By
embracing the practitioner-scholar model, the capstone course endeavors to
align graduate nursing education with the career aspirations of students. Lec.
3, Cr. 3
NURS 7301 Nursing Thesis I
The student completes an individual research project under the direction and
supervision of a graduate thesis committee. The thesis defended publicly and
approved by a majority of the committee. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 7302 Nursing Thesis II
As a continuation of Thesis I, the student completes an individual research
project under the direction and supervision of a graduate thesis committee.
The thesis is defended publicly and approved by a majority of the committee.
Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6381 Holistic Approaches to Chronic Health Disorders
This course provides an overview of the holistic nursing approach, along
with commonly encountered chronic conditions, ranging from diabetes
to sleep disorders. The student will explore interventions for conditions
including recommendations for diet, herbal supplements (if appropriate),
and therapies such as acupressure, guided imagery, and stress management. Treatment planning emphasizes minimally invasive wellness approaches. The student identifies specific chronic disease and gives examples of holistic
nursing assessment, a collaborative treatment plan with a list of possible
interventions.
NURS 6382 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This course focuses on clinical reasoning and clinical outcomes, information
systems and management, evidence-based practice, and scholarship/
scientific writing. It promotes the development of skills in using the research
process to define clinical research problems with application to practice. Lec.
3, Cr. 3
NURS 6383 Advanced Pathophysiology
This course focuses on pathophysiological processes across the life span,
development of clinical reasoning skills that distinguish relationships
between specific system alterations resulting from injury and disease.
Particular attention will be given to etiology pathogenesis, developmental
and environmental influences and clinical manifestations of major health
problems. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6384 Advanced Health Assessment
This course builds on health assessment skills based on theoretical and
clinical advanced assessment practice. The advanced practitioner utilizes
comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessment skills
across the lifespan. Faculty and preceptors facilitate laboratory and clinical
experiences that focus on assessment of clients and presentation of findings
in various settings. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
NURS 6385 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
This course includes content on advanced knowledge and skill in the
therapeutic use of pharmacologic agents, pharmacologic treatment of
major health problems, principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics
and pharacogenomics. Effects of culture, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, gender
and funding on pharmacologic therapy are emphasized. Legal aspects of
prescribing will be fully addressed. Lec. 3, Cr. 3
Last Revised December 2013
The University of Texas at Brownsville