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Master of Science in Nursing


Master of Science in Nursing

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• Apply Now Online
• Download an Application (PDF)
• MSN Online Orientation (PDF)
• Orientation for BSN-MSN (PDF)
• MSN Fall 2012 Student Handbook (PDF)
• Program Informational Flyer (PDF)
• Nursing Viewbook (PDF)
• Nursing Departmental Website
• Health Care Background Checks

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program builds on the knowledge and competencies of baccalaureate education. Graduate courses focus on the development of scholarly, critical thinkers and leaders who develop the skills necessary to transform knowledge into advanced practice. Two specialty areas are offered: Nursing Administration or Nursing Education.

Nursing Administration
The 36-credit on-line graduate program in Nursing Administration prepares students for leadership positions in a variety of settings. The Nursing Administration specialization at La Roche College provides a unique opportunity for nurses to develop the specialized leadership skills required to be successful nurse leaders now and in the future. Today's health care environment requires strong leaders who can make a positive difference in organizational outcomes.

In the wake of a changing health care environment, the need for nursing leadership has continued to grow. Nursing roles are being redefined and expanded to include more managerial and administrative responsibilities. Leadership opportunities are extending beyond the traditional nursing setting. This specialty area prepares nurses to work effectively with other members of the health care team in the delivery of quality patient care. Students learn to analyze contemporary nursing leadership issues, to confidently participate in policy formation and decision making, and to gain valuable expertise in pertinent business disciplines. Courses required for the Nursing Administration Specialty are outlined below.

Nursing Education
The 34-credit on-line graduate program in Nursing Education prepares students for educational positions in healthcare, health-related, and academic settings. The Nursing Education specialization at La Roche College provides an opportunity for nurses to develop the knowledge and skills essential to the role of nurse educator.

Recent reports have indicated an increased demand throughout the country for masters prepared nurse educators in academic settings. Nurse educators are also utilized throughout healthcare and health related fields. Students learn the components of educational theory and practice, develop courses and curriculum for nursing students and staff, learn classroom and clinical strategies, and practice the nurse educator role. Courses required for Nursing Education are outlined below.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN
All qualified candidates are invited to apply for admission to the graduate program in nursing. Applicants must show evidence of meeting the following minimum criteria:

  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC- or AACN-accredited program, or proof of equivalent from an international institution.
  • A minimum undergraduate QPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or resume support.
  • Current licensure to practice nursing in a state or territory of the U.S.
  • 1 year of nursing practice experience is required.
  • Two letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s potential for graduate study. At least one of these references should be from an academic source.
  • A statement of personal goals demonstrating congruence with the purpose of the program and the specific area of study. The statement must demonstrate appropriate writing skills.
  • A faculty member responsible for the specialization of interest will interview the candidate.

    • ADMISSION OF INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES
    International students with English as a second language may apply for admission to the La Roche College MSN Program after completing one-two years of clinical work experience in a U.S. healthcare agency prior to or concurrent with the educational program.

    Prospective students must have one-two years experience in a U.S. healthcare agency.

    1. Complete the appropriate admissions application in English at least three months before the projected enrollment date.
    2. Be licensed to practice nursing in a state or country and provide copy of license
    3. Complete the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) process. [CGFNS, 3600 Market Street, Fourth Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651]
    4. Complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language Exam (TOEFL). A score of 600 must be achieved. This score should be submitted as part of the admission process. Student will be referred to English as a Second Language [ESL] as part of the procedure.
    5. Outline sources of funding to support completion of the academic program and its requirements.
    6. Submit a reference letter from a person who can address teh applicant's nursing ability, ability to achieve in an academic program, ability to communicate in English, and ability to adapt to life in a foreign country.
    7. Those applicants who are accepted for admission must complete all necessary forms through the La Roche College Department of International Students Services three months prior to arrival in the U.S.
    8. Applicant will be notified of acceptance into the program by the Office of Graduate adn Continuing Education Admission.

      9. La Roche College Department of Nursing
      Graduate Nursing Program

      Philosophy
      The philosophy of the Department of Nursing is derived from and is consistent with the mission, objectives, and values of the College. The Department philosophy focuses on faculty beliefs about the person, environment, health, nursing, and education. The faculty supports the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition of nursing. "Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations."

      Each person is a unique integration of physiological, psychological, social-cultural, developmental, and spiritual dimensions in continuous interaction with the environment. Each person has the right to respect, dignity, and self-determination. The person, as an individual, and as a member of a family, group, local or global community, is the central focus of nursing.

      The environment includes socio-cultural, political, technological, and economical factors that are constantly changing forming a complex context for the nursing practice. Nursing has the responsibility to assist individuals to adapt to the changing environment just as nursing as a profession must adapt and grow within the complex context for nursing practice. Nursing includes promoting health, preventing illness, restoring health, and caring for the dying. Nurses provide ethical care utilizing critical thinking through application of hte nursing process to provide comprehensive, individualized care. Nurses enact multiple roles of caregiver, teacher, advocate, leader, researcher, and manager. Nurses integrate evidence and research findings into practice appropriate to the level of education and position.

      Education is an active process in which students are encouraged in developing patterns of critical thinking and the ability to make discriminatory judgments. This intellectual framework fosters a teaching-learning process where knowledge, skills, and attitudes are shared in an environment of inquiry and positive growth. This framework posits teacher as leader in the educational enterprise by planning opportunities for learning in light of identified goals. Students, in concert with teachers, bear responsibility for their own learning.

      Associate Degree Program

      Education at the Associate Degree level focuses on the development of science-based nursing knowledge and professional skills required to make safe evidenced based judgments for care, advocate for patients and families, develop the professional image and self, question underlying assumptions in care and offer new insights into improvement of care across the lifespan and in various health care settings. Upon graduation from the program, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX examination. The Associate degree education is an entry level into the profession of nursing. ASN graduates are generalists in nursing.

      RN-BSN Degree Program

      Education at the Baccalaureate Degree level focuses on the incorporation of science-based nursing knowledge and professional skill required to assist patients, families, and communities to progress toward fulfillment of human potential. Baccalaureate prepared nurses utilize evidenced based practice to provide quality care, promotion of health, demonstrate professional identity and leadership, and act as an evolving scholar. Baccalaureate education is based in liberal education and integrates nursing with the humanities as well as the behavioral and the social sciences.

      The purpose of the RN-BSN program is to expand the knowledge base and scope of practice of the ASN/Diploma prepared RN. The RN-BSN completion program expands the practice and knowledge base rooted in nursing science and the liberal arts. The program is committed to and places emphasis on scholarship, evidence-based practice and leadership in a rapidly changing, complex environment. The RN-BSN completion program prepares graduates to practice professional nursing in partnership with individuals, families, communities and populations to promote and restore health and prevent illness, locally and globally. Graduates of the program are generalists with the foundation for graduate education and continuing professional development.

      Master's Degree Program

      Education in the Master's Degree level fosters critical thinking and promotes understanding of the broad scope of health within sociopolitical contexts and ethical-legal implications of health care delivery. Graduate education is rooted in a strong tradition of research and scholarly endeavor which includes systematic inquiry, leadership and creative conceptualization. Graduate prepared nurses are leaders and change agents in their area of practice. Masters degree prepared nurses identify gaps in knowledge, formulate research questions, promote the advancement of professional nursing in self and others, and systematically evaluate the quality of evidenced-based practice.

      The faculty upholds the belief that continuing education is an ethical, moral, and legal responsibility of all nurses at every level of education. Education is a life-long process with the emphasis on maintaining, improving, and promoting competency in the nursing practice.

      SCOPE AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

      The DON follows the ANA (2010) Scope and Standards of Practice, the ANA (2001) Code of Ethics for Nurses.

      MSN Program Outcomes
      Graduates of the nursing master’s degree program will be able to: