Colleges

Degree Programs

Overview

For registered nurses seeking to advance in their career, South University offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In the MSN, you can enhance the knowledge you use as a registered nurse, develop clinical teaching skills and learn to utilize research in the nursing practice. The MSN blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts necessary to successfully work within the structure, culture and mission of almost any size healthcare organization or educational setting.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares students for leadership in professional nursing practice and patient centered healthcare delivery. With the South University Master of Science in Nursing program, students:

Study advanced and innovative healthcare concepts:

• 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.

Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in nursing education.

The MSN online program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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.

Employment Outlook for Nursing

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

The Master of Science in Nursing online program is designed for prospective students who have:

• A bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited school and a GPA of 2.7 or better on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) undertaken.
• Official transcripts from every college or university attended.
• A valid unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
• Successfully completed a 3 semester credit hour undergraduate course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a grade of C or better.
• Three letters of recommendation: one academic, one clinical and one other.
• Written an admissions essay relevant to the program objectives.
• A resume describing relevant work experience, along with professional, and volunteer experiences.

Get started

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