Master of Science with Major in Nursing

Purpose

The purpose of the graduate program in Nursing at Wilkes University is to prepare advanced practice nurses as Clinical Nurse Specialists in either gerontological nursing or psychiatric mental health nursing, in nursing management, or in nursing education. An advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse who is prepared at the master's or doctoral level for nursing practice. This multidisciplinary program provides a foundation for doctoral study in nursing and continued professional development.

Graduates of the program are eligible to write the certification examination for Clinical Nurse Specialist by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) upon completion of the requirements.

This program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Each student's program of study is planned to meet each individual's personal goals and professional requirements.

Program Outcomes

1. Synthesize advanced knowledge of nursing and related disciplines in the development of advanced practice nursing for the roles of the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Manager, or Nurse Educator.
2. Develop expertise as an advanced practice nurse in the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Manager, or Nurse Educator.
3. Develop skills and abilities to assume the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse.
4. Evaluate nursing research for its applicability to advanced practice nursing.
5. Evaluate applicable knowledge and concepts in nursing to deal with the complexities of a dynamic society.
6. Participate in life long learning as a part of advanced practice nursing.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements of the Graduate Division, admission to the Master's Program in nursing requires:

1. Graduation from an approved baccalaureate program in nursing.
2. Licensure as a Registered Nurse.
3. One year of clinical experience prior to clinical practicum.
4. A GPA from the original program of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
5. An undergraduate statistics course.
6. An undergraduate research course.
7. Evidence of health assessment skills.
8. A statement of professional goals. These goals should relate to the goals of the graduate program in nursing at Wilkes.
9. Two letters of recommendation.
10. Personal interview

A student whose background is judged to be deficient in any area will be evaluated individually and a program plan that will remedy the deficiency will be developed. Courses to remedy such deficiency do not carry graduate credits.

The Curriculum (36/37 Credits)

The Core (18 Credits)

Gerontological Advanced Practice Core (18 Credits)

Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Core (19 Credits)

Nurse Management Core (21 Credits)

Elective Courses (Select 3 Credits)

Nursing Education Core (21 Credits)