2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Nursing - Program Description
Associate Dean: Scott. Professors: Bostrom, Coviak, Gendler, Grinstead, Kline, McCurren, Scott; Associate Professors: Bambini, Barry, Beel-Bates, Brintnall, Davis, Droste-Bielak, Jensen, Leder, Martin, Mupepi, Schafer, Schoofs, Van Doren; Assistant Professors: Britton, Leiras-Laubach, Mlynarczyk, Reick, Ryan, Schumacher, Vander Werf, Washburn; Affiliate Faculty: Baar, Bollman, Brown Bayus, Butcher, Carlson, Cooper, Cunningham, Damstra, Hooper, Jarchow, Leigh, Mielke, Sanchez, Shaw, Stockdale; Visiting Assistant Professor: Weisbeck.
The Kirkhof College of Nursing offers a program of graduate study leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree. The MSN prepares professional nurses as advanced generalists to serve as leaders within clinical microsystems (patient care units/settings) in a reformed healthcare 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 will be prepared to:
- Provide nursing care in a generalized area of practice by applying advanced knowledge synthesized from nursing and related disciplines.
- Improve health care by assuming leadership roles in collaboration with other professionals and consumers.
- Contribute to the advancement of the profession.
Admission Process and Procedures
The M.S.N. admission process is designed for postbaccalaureate in nursing (B.S.N.) entry. Applicants must have graduated from a B.S.N. program that was accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing (NLN).
Applicants will be required to:
- Complete the GVSU graduate application available at www.gvsu.edu/grad/msn specifying the M.S.N. option.
- Submit transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework (if applicable).
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate coursework.
- Submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. In general, scores on the GRE for successful applicants are 500 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.
- Prepare a written goal statement describing professional and educational goals.
- Submit a current curriculum vitae/resume.
- Participate in an interview process as requested.
- During a designated time, prepare a written essay on a specified topic and submit electronically as directed.
- International student applicants must meet TOEFL requirements for GVSU.
Full admission is contingent on successful completion of the following:
- NUR 400 - Health Assessment Skills for Nurses
- Current licensure to practice nursing in Michigan.
- A required criminal background check and drug screen.
- 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.