Colleges

Degree Programs

For registered nurses seeking to advance in their careers, South University offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This online master's in nursing program can enable you to:

• Enhance the knowledge you use as a registered nurse
• Develop clinical teaching skills
• Learn to utilize research in the nursing practice
• Pursue your educational goals while continuing your careers and meeting your personal and family responsibilities

This nursing master's degree program blends nursing theory with the advanced practice concepts graduates need to successfully work within the structure, culture, and mission of virtually any healthcare organization or educational setting. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.

The MSN degree program prepares students for leadership in professional nursing practice and patient-centered healthcare delivery. This program is designed for RNs who have already obtained a BSN degree. If you do not yet have a BSN degree but would like to pursue an master's degree, please see our Accelerated RN to MSN online degree program.

Innovative Healthcare Concepts

Graduates of the MSN program will gain the skills they need to be prepare for clinical practice. As a student in this program you can:

• Study current healthcare issues such as ethical decision making strategies, multicultural educational needs, and the impact of the organization in the healthcare delivery system
• Design teaching plans that integrate advanced care concepts
• Learn how to develop and evaluate curriculum for academic and other environments and learn clinical teaching skills
• Utilize concepts from pathophysiology in nursing practice
• Demonstrate the ability to design valid and reliable testing

Options That Match Your Career Goals

Students in the MSN program will have the opportunity to focus on one of two specializations: Nurse Educator or Adult Health Nurse Practitioner.

Nurse Educator

This specialization is designed for RNs who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment. This is a good choice for those RNs who:

• Have a desire to be on the leading edge of clinical practice
• Hope to shape the future of healthcare
• Feel their strengths lie in the ability to encourage and educate others who are working in or entering the healthcare field
• Want to work in an intellectually stimulating environment

Adult Health Nurse Practitioner

This specialization is designed for RNs who want to acquire the advanced practical skills they need to address the ongoing needs of their adult patients. This is a good choice for those RNs who:

• Have a desire to manage and promote their patients' long-term plan of care
• Would like to practice in collaboration with all members of their patients' healthcare team
• Feel their strengths lie in critical thinking and making evidence-based decisions
• Want to educate and counsel their patients, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices

Employment Outlook for Nursing

Nurse Educators

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Enrollments in nursing programs at all levels have increased more rapidly in the past few years as students seek jobs with stable employment. However, many qualified applicants are being turned away because of a shortage of nursing faculty. The need for nursing faculty will only increase as many instructors near retirement."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm

Advanced Practice Nurses

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Generally, RNs with at least a bachelor's degree will have better job prospects than those without a bachelor's. In addition, all four advanced practice specialties — clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists — will be in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas. Relative to physicians, these RNs increasingly serve as lower-cost primary care providers."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to South University's online MSN degree program, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of a bachelor's degree program in nursing from a regionally accredited school and accredited nursing program (i.e., either NLNAC or CCNE accredited).
2. Overall GPA of 2.7 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) undertaken.
3. Official transcripts from every college or university attended.
4. Evidence of a current, unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
5. Successful completion of a three-credit-hour undergraduate course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of C or better.
6. Three letters of recommendation: one academic, one clinical, and one other.
7. Admissions essay relevant to the program objectives.
8. Resume describing relevant work experience, along with professional and volunteer experiences.

How to Get Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our online MSN program. Click here to get started.

Not sure if the Accelerated RN to MSN online program is right for you? Click here to find out which program is the best match for your experience and career goals.

Acceptance into a South University nursing program or its completion does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure or certification. The student should contact the state licensing board or professional certification body in each state in which the student intends to practice for specific requirements and the application process.