2015-2016 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Master of Science in Nursing - Program Description

Website: www.gvsu.edu/kcon

The Kirkhof College of Nursing offers 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. 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.

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;
3. contribute to the advancement of the profession; and
4. take the National CNL Certification Exam.

Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Program

The M.S.N. admission process is designed for post baccalaureate 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.

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. Submit a written goal statement describing professional and educational goals
7. Submit a current curriculum vitae/resume
8. Participate in an interview with KCON faculty
9. Submit a scholarly writing exercise, using the guidelines in the online application
10. 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

A new class will begin the M.S.N. program each fall semester. The application and supplemental materials must be received by February 1 of the calendar year in which the student desires entry.