2014-2015 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Entire Catalog Colleges Content & Navigation Course Filters Courses Degree Types Program Acronyms Program Descriptions Program Emphases Program Requirements Program Types Subjects Search Search Help
Search Descriptions

Master of Science in Nursing - Program Description

Website: www.gvsu.edu/kcon

The Kirkhof College of Nursing offers a program of graduate study leading to a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) degree. The M.S.N. prepares professional nurses as advanced generalists to serve as leaders within clinical microsystems (patient care units/settings) in a reformed health care system. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the clinical leadership skills essential for the integration of evidence-based practice at the patient-provider interface and coordination of care delivery processes that will improve client outcomes in a cost effective, fiscally responsible manner.

Graduates are prepared to

1. provide nursing care in a generalized area of practice by applying advanced knowledge synthesized from nursing and related disciplines;
2. improve health care by assuming leadership roles in collaboration with other professionals and consumers; and
3. contribute to the advancement of the profession.

Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Program

The M.S.N. admission process is designed for postbaccalaureate in nursing (B.S.N.) entry. Applicants must be graduates from a B.S.N. program that was accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN) or anticipate that they will have graduated from such a program before enrolling in 600-level nursing courses.

1. Complete the GVSU graduate application available at www.gvsu.edu/admissions/graduate-application-24.htm specifying the M.S.N. option.
2. Submit transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework.
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework.
4. Submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. In general, scores on the GRE for successful applicants are 153 and higher for the verbal sale, 144 and higher for the quantitative scale, and a score of 4.0 for analytical writing. For students who completed the GRE before August 2011, preferred scores remain 500 and above for both verbal and quantitative scales, and 4.0 for analytical writing. Students who completed the GRE prior to the analytical writing assessment and whose scholarly writing assessment samples are deemed inadequate will be required to retake the GRE.
5. The GRE requirement will be waived for post B.S.N. applicants who have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher.
6. Prepare a written goal statement describing professional and educational goals.
7. Submit a current curriculum vitae/resume.
8. Participate in an interview process and scholarly writing exercise as requested.
9. International student applicants must meet TOEFL requirements for GVSU.

Full admission is contingent on successful completion of the following:

1. NUR 500 - Health Assessment Skills for Nurses
2. Current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Michigan
3. A required criminal background check and drug screen
4. Health record documentation and immunization requirements

An admission cohort will begin the M.S.N. curriculum each fall semester. For consideration for admission, the application and supplemental materials must be received by February 1 of the calendar year in which the student desires entry.

Students completing the advanced generalist M.S.N. degree will be eligible for and encouraged to sit for national certification as a clinical nurse leader (CNL). This advanced generalist curriculum includes courses that allow graduates to be eligible for national certification as a clinical nurse leader (CNL).