The MSN curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for advanced generalist or specialty practice, advanced nursing roles, and 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, nursing informatics, and nursing and health systems management. We also offer a post-baccalaureate certificate to prepare teachers in nursing.
Program Outcomes
The MSN program of study is designed to prepare nurses who:
- Synthesize research, theoretical formulations, and principles of scientific inquiry to provide evidence-based practice.
- Assume leadership in managing and evaluating continuous quality improvement processes.
- Use information systems/technology to evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care and care systems.
- Advocate and implement health care policies that improve access, equity, efficiency, and social justice in the delivery of health care.
- Design innovative educational programs for patients, nursing staff, and nursing students using teaching and learning principles.
- Provide ethical, culturally sensitive care in an advanced nursing role independently and collaboratively with professionals from multiple disciplines.
- Monitor the quality of one's own nursing practice based on professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
- Apply theories and principles of marketing, economics, consultation, management, and leadership to comprehensively perform an advanced nursing role.
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 specialties and advanced roles including Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, Nursing Informatics, and Nurse Administrator.
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 specialties 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 meet the full-time relevant clinical practice experience requirement of the specialty and have a current RN license in the state in which they will do their clinical practice prior to enrolling in the advanced practicum courses.
Post MSN Nurse Practitioner Specialties
MSN graduates who wish to take a designated program of study in preparation for sitting for one of the nurse practitioner certification examinations may apply for non-degree graduate status. This category is called the Advanced Study Option for MSN Graduates. Admission for this category is competitive.
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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