Master of Science in Nursing
The masters of science in nursing degree is a 35-hour, non-thesis MSN designed to be completed in approximately 18 - 24 months by the registered nurse who is working full time. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 graduate hours to be considered full-time. Students must have a BSN or hold an acceptable baccaluareate degree as determined by the University and RN licensure to be admitted to the MSN program. The program has a blended leadership and education focus. Graduates from the program will be qualified to find employment in nursing education and leadershipin a variety of hospital, community-based, and health caresettings. A combination of innovative methods will be used to deliver the curriculum offered within a traditional semester model. The majority of classes will use an extended weekend or short course format with online supplementation of classes using WebCT.
The Master’s in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills, and values identified in The Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced practice Nursing (AACN, 1996, Appendix A). The AACN Essentials provide a foundation for the graduate curriculum. The organizing framework for the master’s program include the components of: research, health care policy, organization of the health care delivery system, health care financing, ethics, professional role development, theoretical foundations of nursing practice, human diversity and social issues, health promotion and disease prevention, community concepts, critical thinking, communication, therapeutic interventions, and current trends in health care. The ANA professional nursing standards domains of practice for the role of nurse educator (Nursing Professional Development), nurse leader (Nursing Administrator), and National League for Nursing Core Competencies of Nurse Educators are discussed within the program curriculum. Graduates who meet work experience and continuing education requirements are prepared for optional national certification as a nurse educator or nurse administrator through the American Nursing Credentialing Commission (nurse administrator and professional role development [staff development focus]) or the National League for Nursing (academic nurse educator certification). Optional service courses in advanced pharmacology and advanced pathophysiology are offered for students choosing to pursue post-masters APN certification.
Program Objectives:
- Analyze new knowledge, research, critical thinking, and best practices in nursing practice.
- Influence health care policy and the future of nursing.
- Provide leadership in nursing education and healthcare delivery.
- Develop administrative skill in the management of health care resources.
- Engage in the process of ethical behavior and decision making.
- Communicate at a local, state, regional, national and global level ith professionals while working in collaborative and interdisciplinary relationships.
- Connect theories from nursing, education, leadership and related fields to the care of clients, instruction of students, and the practice of leadership.
- Analyze differences in cultural norms and health care practices when providing education and health care for groups of varied racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Critique comprehensive, holistic plans of care that address the health education, health promotion and disease prevention needs of client populations considering community and global perspectives.
- Demonstrate service learning with Christian values in the role of educator and leader.
The MSN program was added in the fall of 2005 and received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The MSN Program has been awarded accreditation by the NLNAC through the spring of 2012.
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If you have questions about our program, please do not hesitate to contact me. We can work together to make your educational journey a wonderful experience.
Contact info: bev.byers@lcu.edu or call 720-7676 or 720-7677.
Warm regards,
Dr. Bev Byers, EdD, RN, LMT, MTI
MSN Coordinator & Associate Professor of Nursing
5601 19th Street
Lubbock, TX 79407
(806) 720-7677
bev.byers@lcu.edu
MSN Handbook