The master of science in nursing (MSN) curriculum is prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice in a variety of roles in the health care system requiring advanced knowledge of patient care delivery and a high level of critical thinking. In addition, MSN graduates have a foundation for future doctoral study in nursing. The School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, offers five focal areas for master' studies in nursing: nurse practitioner in either acute care or primary care, clinical nurse specialist, nursing education, and nursing and health systems management. We also offer a post-baccalaureate certificate to prepare teachers in nursing.
Goals of the Program
The MSN curriculum is designed to prepare advanced-practice nurses to practice in a variety of settings and to establish a foundation for future doctoral study in nursing. The MSN program of study is designed to prepare nurses who:
- Provides ethical, culturally competent care in an advanced nursing role independently and collaboratively with professionals from multiple disciplines.
- Differentiates among the advanced nursing role functions to comprehensively perform in an advanced nursing role and communicate ideas in a scholarly manner.
- Applies teaching and learning principles to design a program of education and associated culturally sensitive materials for patients nursing staff, and/ or nursing students.
- Assumes leadership in managing and providing quality and innovative services at a reasonable cost, in influencing health policy to improve health care, and in influencing the future directions of professional nursing.
- Applies theories and principles of marketing, economics, consultation, management, and leadership when appropriate.
- Applies research, theoretical formulations, and principles of scientific inquiry to provide evidence-based practice.
- Monitors quality on one's own advanced nursing practice and participates in continuous quality improvement based on professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
Options Available for Study in the Master's Program
Preparation for advanced study in Nursing at the MSN level is available in a variety of specialist and roles including Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Nursing Informaticist.
Flexible Scheduling and Online Education Options
Students are admitted to master's study each term. Students may elect a five terms or longer program of study depending on their individual needs. The program of study is designed to meet the needs of the student with regard to full-time or part-time study. All nursing core courses and the majority of the master's options are offered in the distance accessible (online) format.
Clinical Schedule
Clinical experiences for the MSN student are designed on an individual basis. The student contracts to work with a clinical preceptor who is a certified registered nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, or a physician. The total number of clinical hours required varies depending on the option that is selected. Students must have the equivalent of 1 year of full-time relevant clinical practice experience and a current RN license in Alabama and the state where they do their clinical practice prior to enrolling in the advanced practice courses. (Two years for the neonatal nurse practitioner option).
Post MSN Nurse Practitioner Option
MSN graduates who wish to take a designated program of study in preparation for sitting for one of the nurse practitioner certification examinations also may apply for non-degree graduate status. This category is called the Advanced Study Option for MSN Graduates. Admission for this category may be competitive and is granted for the entire series of courses included in the program of study.
Non-Degree Opportunities
There are three categories available for admission as a non-degree student in the School of Nursing.
Admission Requirements
Admission is offered each semester with the nursing specialty (clinical) sequence offered once per year. Full and part-time programs of study are available for students.
Admission Deadlines
Tuition and Fees
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