Graduate Nursing

The Department of Post Licensure and Graduate Nursing in the School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a major in nursing administration or nursing education. The MSN in nursing administration prepares nurses for unit, department, service line, or system-level leadership. The MSN in nursing education prepares nurses to teach patients, families, healthcare consumers, nurses, and nursing students.

Mission

The School of Nursing provides student-focused academically and clinically challenging programs that engage students in acquiring evidence-based, value-driven knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for professional nursing careers, responsible citizenship, and leadership. 

MSN Program Outcomes for the Administration Major (or Concentration)

At the end of the program, the graduate nurse will be able to:

  1. Integrate findings and theories from nursing science and related disciplines to lead the continued improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
  2. Provide flexible leadership and inter/intra professional collaboration in a complex and ever changing healthcare delivery system to safely achieve quality patient-centered care.
  3. Ethically conduct and/or use research which contributes to the development of nursing science.
  4. Analyze current and emerging information and health technologies to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making to improve patient care outcomes.
  5. Advocate for policies to promote health, shape healthcare delivery, defend social justice, and advance the profession of nursing.
  6. Synthesize population health concepts to affect appropriate health interventions, to prevent disease, reduce risks, and promote health and wellness in diverse populations.

MSN Program Outcomes for the Education Major (or Concentration)

At the end of the program, the graduate nurse will be able to:

  1. Integrate findings and theories from nursing science and related disciplines to lead the continued improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
  2. Provide flexible leadership and inter/intra professional collaboration in complex and ever changing healthcare and educational systems to safely achieve quality education outcomes.
  3. Ethically conduct and/or use research which contributes to the development of nursing science.
  4. Effectively use technology, tools, assessment instruments, and other resources to improve educational outcomes.
  5. Advocate for policies to promote health, shape healthcare delivery, defend social justice, and advance the profession of nursing.
  6. Synthesize population health concepts to affect appropriate health interventions, to prevent disease, reduce risks, and promote health and wellness in diverse populations.

Location

Coursework for the MSN program is offered online with practicum experiences.

Course Delivery Method

Nursing courses in the MSN program are delivered online with practicum experiences.

Practice Experience and Experiential Learning

Two courses in each major contain practicum experience hours. In the administration major or concentration, the courses are NURS 5328 Administrator Role I and NURS 5329 Administrator Role II. In the education major or concentration, the courses are NURS 5338 Clinical Focus Role and NURS 5339 Educator Role. Students work with their faculty and practicum experience preceptor to design practicum experiences to meet course objectives.

Accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing at Tarleton State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Advising

Nursing faculty advise students. 

Admission Requirements and Process 

The information on the admission requirements and process can be located at https://www.tarleton.edu/nursing/msn.html.

Note: The GRE is not required for admission into the MSN program.

Immunizations and Health Requirements (All students)

For the health and safety of Tarleton State University nursing students and their patients and compliance with healthcare facility mandatory requirements, immunizations and health requirements is required for all nursing students. Records will be kept through a clinical compliance software.  All documentation requirements must be met at all times during any course with a clinical requirement.  All documentation in the clinical compliance software must be updated and accurate at all times. 

Notice:

  1. In obtaining vaccines it is important to note that all live vaccines (MMR, Varicella, LAIV (Nasal flu) have to be given on the same day or separated by 28 days.
  2. If a student is getting a PPD (tuberculin skin test) and a live vaccine it has to be done on the same day or they have to be separated by 30 days. If done sooner, there is a potential for a false positive, resulting in increased cost, and/or treatment (chest-x-rays) when not needed.

If admitted to the nursing program, the mandatory requirements must be submitted by deadline. Students who do not upload all compliance documents in the clinical compliance software will not be allowed to begin classes until completed and compliant with all requirements.  

1. TB Skin Test

  • PPD (reported in mm) OR
  • Quantiferon (QFT) serum test OR
  • If New +TB Test results then Follow/Up by healthcare provider (chest X-ray, symptoms check and possible treatment,) may need to complete health questionnaire OR  
  • If History of +TB results then provide proof of chest X-ray and submit negative symptom check from health care provider in past 12 months OR
  • If no proof of +TB Test available, then chest X-ray OR
  • If History of BCG vaccination then 2-Step TB Test or QFT OR  
  • If history of +TB Test and +chest X-ray and symptoms: must see healthcare provider for treatment before school entry

 2.  Hepatitis B

  • 3 doses, initial dose followed by 2nd dose 4 weeks later followed by 3rd dose 6 months later OR 
  • A titer showing immunity OR
  • Signed waiver for students who decline vaccination

  3.  MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

  • Proof of vaccination (2 doses) OR
  • Proof of immunity by titer to all three (MMR)

  4.  Varicella (Chicken Pox)

  • One dose if received 1st dose before age 12. If not, 2 doses with 2nd dose at least 4 weeks after 1st dose OR
  • Proof of immunity by titer.

  5.  Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis

  • Tdap within last 10 years required one time at admission

  6.  CPR

  • Health provider level (adult, infant, child, AED) by the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR

  7.  Influenza

  • Proof of annual vaccination(s) 
  • Note: the flu vaccination may be delayed until after program admission if admission occurs before the vaccine is available

  8.  Completed Urine Drug Screen -Additional drug screens may be required by clinical agencies, randomly, and/or for cause.

  9. Proof of Personal Health Insurance Coverage

Ongoing Requirements That Must Be Updated During the Nursing Program:

1. TB Skin Test

  • New one-step PPD (reported in MM) OR
  • New Quantiferon Serum Test OR
  • If New + TB Test results→ Follow/Up with healthcare provider, chest X-ray, & symptom check OR
  • Known +TB skin results and prior negative chest X-ray results: submit annual symptom check from healthcare provider

 2.  CPR 

  • Health provider level (adult, infant, child, AED)

  3. Influenza vaccination

  4. Proof of Personal Health Insurance Coverage

  5. All immunizations that expire during enrollment in the nursing program.

Overview of Curriculum

The MSN curriculum consists of courses in the core (identified in the table as field of study courses), each major (identified in the table as concentrations), and degree completion options. All students take the core courses. Concurrently, students complete the courses in their selected major. Following completion of 12 credit hours in the program, students select a degree completion option.  The capstone completion option is available in both majors. A thesis completion option is a research project in which the student works closely with a faculty advisor to plan, conduct, analyze, and report on a research question related to the major.  Both degree completion options are a synthesis of the concepts, theories, principles, roles, and skills learned in the MSN program and satisfy the College of Graduate Studies requirement for a comprehensive assessment.

The Master of Science in Nursing Administration

Required Courses
NURS 5300Nursing Theory3
NURS 5301Organizational Behavior and Human Resources3
NURS 5303Advanced Nursing Role Development3
NURS 5306Nursing Informatics3
NURS 5310Leadership Development3
NURS 5320Healthcare Finance3
NURS 5322Healthcare Change and Communication3
NURS 5324Outcomes & Eval Healthcare3
NURS 5328Administrator Role I3
NURS 5329Administrator Role II3
NURS 5398Nursing Research3
Total Hours33
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Capstone
NURS 5373Nursing Administration Capstone3
Total Hours3
Thesis
NURS 5388Thesis3
NURS 5388Thesis3
Total Hours6

The Master of Science in Nursing Education

Required Courses
NURS 5300Nursing Theory3
NURS 5303Advanced Nursing Role Development3
NURS 5306Nursing Informatics3
NURS 5312Advanced Health Assessment3
NURS 5314Advanced Pharmacology and Pathophysiology3
NURS 5330Instructional Methods and Strategies for Adult Learners3
NURS 5332Curriculum Development3
NURS 5334Outcomes and Evaluation Education3
NURS 5338Clinical Focus Role3
NURS 5339Educator Role3
NURS 5398Nursing Research3
Total Hours33
Additional Required Courses for Concentrations
Capstone
NURS 5383Nursing Education Capstone3
Total Hours3
Thesis
NURS 5388Thesis3
NURS 5388Thesis3
Total Hours6

Courses

NURS 5086. Problems in Nursing. 6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0-6 Hours, Lab: 0-6 Hours).

Independent study focused on an area in nursing. Together with the faculty, the student formulates learning objectives and a plan for the course. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSN program and approval of the Department Head.

NURS 5300. Nursing Theory. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explores the relationships among theory, knowledge, science, and evidence-based nursing practice. The student will develop an appreciation of the process of theory development in nursing, compare and contrast various theoretical perspectives, and apply nursing theory. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5301. Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course explores organizational behavior by investigating characteristics of employees, leaders, groups (including teams), and culture. Practical strategies to manage human resources are identified, investigated, and discussed. Opportunities for self-exploration are present. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5303. Advanced Nursing Role Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Course introduces development in the areas of healthcare policy, politics, and issues; leadership; team building; and written and oral communication. Self-awareness and communication techniques will be emphasized. Students are expected to incorporate the values of lifelong learning and professional development. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5306. Nursing Informatics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Explores nursing informatics, its value, impact, and application to nursing practice, research, and education. Advances in information technology, healthcare information systems, and tele-health are expanded. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5310. Leadership Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course will examine the dimensions of the leadership role; identification of attributes, knowledge and skill required to fulfill the role; and the distinctions between management and leadership. Opportunities for self-awareness are provided in the course. Leadership is explored through the process of developing oneself as a leader. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5312. Advanced Health Assessment. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on enhancing previously learned nursing skills and techniques used in comprehensive health assessment. Facilitates the development of critical thinking and advanced communication skills using various modalities. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5314. Advanced Pharmacology and Pathophysiology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Dual focus on the role of the nurse in management of pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan and the analysis and evaluation of physiologic and pathologic changes. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5320. Healthcare Finance. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Offers an introduction to decision making in healthcare settings using accounting and finance theories, principles, concepts and techniques most important to managers. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5322. Healthcare Change and Communication. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Examines change theory, team building, negotiation, and managing conflict in the healthcare habitat. Also addresses foundational principles of strategic planning. Evidence-based communication processes and orchestrating change in complex healthcare systems will be discussed. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5324. Outcomes & Eval Healthcare. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on healthcare outcomes management and planning using the biopsychosocial spiritual approach of healthcare delivery. The course will also examine a number of different measuring methodologies and their strengths and weaknesses as they apply to healthcare outcomes management and planning. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5328. Administrator Role I. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Course is an applied synthesis of concepts, theories, processes, and roles learned in previous and concurrent core and administration courses. Students are actively engaged with faculty and practicum preceptor to plan experiences to meet course objectives. Students will gain firsthand experience with the operational, administrative, and strategic issues of concern to middle management. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5329. Administrator Role II. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Continuation course of applied synthesis of concepts, theories, processes, and roles learned in previous and concurrent core and administration courses. Students are actively engaged with faculty and practicum preceptor to plan experiences to meet course objectives. Students will gain firsthand experience with the operational, administrative, and strategic issues of concern to executive management. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5330. Instructional Methods and Strategies for Adult Learners. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focus is on teaching and learning theories, characteristics of the learner and instructor, and diverse learning designs and environments. Legal and ethical aspects will be covered. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5332. Curriculum Development. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Focuses on curriculum development in nursing education and practice settings. Includes curriculum leader, faculty, and staff development, assessment of contextual factors, and curriculum design and process. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5334. Outcomes and Evaluation Education. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Course describes assessment, outcomes, and evaluation in nursing education; the process for collecting data and making decisions; and how to construct meaningful evaluation instruments. Social, ethical, and legal responsibilities and implications of decisions are presented. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.

NURS 5338. Clinical Focus Role. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Course begins with a discussion between the student and faculty and then student and preceptor to design an individualized experience to meet the course objectives. During this supervised practicum experience, the student will integrate advanced nursing knowledge to implement nursing interventions that influence healthcare outcomes for individuals, populations or systems. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5339. Educator Role. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 4 Hours).

Course is an applied synthesis of concepts, theories, processes, and roles learned in prior and concurrent education and core courses. Students are actively engaged with faculty and practicum preceptor to plan experiences to meet course objectives. 60 hour practicum experience with preceptor. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN Program.

NURS 5373. Nursing Administration Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students are expected to synthesize the concepts, theories principles, roles, and skills earned in this graduate program. Focus is on development of a scholarly product for dissemination. Course must be completed in one semester. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program, full time students must complete all courses except NURS 5329 may be concurrent. Part time students must complete all courses.

NURS 5383. Nursing Education Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Students are expected to synthesize the concepts, theories principles, roles, and skills earned in this graduate program. Focus is on development of a scholarly product for dissemination. Course must be completed in one semester. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program, full time students must complete all courses except NURS 5339 may be concurrent. Part time students must complete all courses.

NURS 5388. Thesis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Scheduled when the student is ready to begin thesis. No credit until thesis is complete. Thesis will be completed following the guidelines from the College of Graduate Studies. Prerequisites: Admission to the MSN program, approval of Thesis Chair or Department Head, and all courses must be completed except practicum courses may be concurrent.

NURS 5398. Nursing Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Prepares students to explore, appraise, synthesize, and utilize appropriate research findings to address nursing problems and improve outcomes. Introduces research and knowledge generation in nursing. Prerequisite: Admission to the MSN program.