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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (M.S.N.)

The mission of the nursing program is to prepare professional nurses to function as effective members of interdisciplinary teams to meet the healthcare needs of Georgia’s multicultural families. The master’s program in nursing builds on a liberal arts core and a generalist foundation in nursing. In concern with the Georgia College liberal arts mission, the School of Nursing is committed to the formation of nurse leaders to engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and civic participation in health information intensive environment through the development and mastery of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills, and values.

GC offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus in the family nurse practitioner role.

The Post-MSN certificate option is available for those who hold an MSN and are seeking specialization as a family nurse practitioner. Admission requirements include completing an application for enrichment and sending all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (no testing is required). An individualized program of study will be developed on the basis of previous coursework completed. For information, contact the School of Nursing at 478-445-5122.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MSN DEGREE

Admission is limited to the most qualified applicants.

Applicants shall:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program.
2. Provide evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Georgia. If the student expects to complete any clinical learning in the state, a Georgia RN license is required. At least one year of clinical practice is required for consideration, additional clinical experience is preferred.
3. Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate hours required in the nursing major.
4. Have successfully completed an undergraduate level statistics course and have successfully completed a physical assessment course.
5. Participate in an interview if requested.

REGULAR ADMISSION

Beginning in the Fall, 2012 semester, students will be admitted once a year to the MSN program. To be considered for admission, all required documentation must be submitted by March 1, 2012 for the 2012 admission cycle, and annually on March 1st for each Fall admission.

Depending on the admission test one selects, the following formula is used to determine eligibility for consideration for regular admission to the MSN program:

GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required coursework) X 100] = 474 or more (GRE taken on or after August 1, 2011)

GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required coursework) X 100] = 1200 or more (GRE taken before August 1, 2011)

MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division nursing-required hours) X 100] = 700 or more

ENRICHMENT STATUS

An applicant not meeting the requirements for regular admission to the MSN program, but wishing to enroll in one or more non-clinical core courses can apply for Enrichment Status. Georgia College offers enrichment for a "person who holds a baccalaureate degree and wishes to enroll in graduate courses for purposes of self-improvement or enjoyment " In the School of Nursing, a maximum of nine (9) credit hours is permitted in this status. Enrichment students may apply for any semester.

Successful completion of courses taken as an Enrichment Status student does not lead to admission to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students desiring regular admission and having a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate hours required in the nursing major, are encouraged to consider retaking the GRE or MAT exam and reapplying for the next academic year.

Acceptance into a course is dependent upon availability of space and facilities after full-time and part-time students have been registered.

OTHER NURSING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Have computer access, preferably at home. All MSN majors are expected to be able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) when submitting assignments. Graduate students should have proficiency with Microsoft Office, Internet, and e-mail. In addition, graduate students are expected to have updated and enabled virus protection software on their computers. Students may be required to purchase additional software as listed in individual course syllabi.
2. Complete and return all forms specified in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook found at http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/health_sciences/gradforms.htm to the Director of the School of Nursing.
3. Complete all required courses for the MSN degree within a period of 7 years from the date the student begins graduate courses at Georgia College. Any course work completed more than 7 years prior to completion of requirements for the MSN degree will be considered outdated and will not be applied toward the MSN degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.

CLINICAL COURSES

Prior to participation in any clinical learning rotation, students must submit evidence of health status, immunizations, TB screening, professional liability insurance, RN license, current CPR certification, criminal background checks, urine drug screens and other laboratory tests as specified by clinical agencies, ability to meet technical standards or ask for accommodations, and complete required documents as described in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook, which is found at http://intranet.gcsu.edu/college-health-sciences/nursing/gradforms.htm.

All documents must be updated annually. Students are required to earn a grade of B or higher in clinical courses in order to progress to the next semester.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Only 9 semester hours of graduate course work in nursing may be accepted from other institutions. All requests for transfer credit must be approved by the Director of the School of Nursing.

SYNTHESIS REQUIREMENT

All students who expect to complete requirements for the MSN degree degree must demonstrate synthesis of knowledge/skill for their respective areas of specialization prior to graduation. Synthesis may be demonstrated by successful completion of either a master's thesis or a master's research project. Students will select the thesis or master's project option by the end of the semester in which they complete nine (9) credit hours. Details are available in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.

In addition, students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner tract will take and pass a written comprehensive practice exam in their last semester of coursework. Details are available in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook.

FACILITIES

The large number of health care agencies in the region makes it possible for the College of Health Sciences to offer a variety of clinical learning opportunities; however, students can anticipate driving up to 100 miles for clinical learning on occasion. Students considering application to the MSN program should be aware that criminal background checks, drug screens, and other laboratory tests can be required by clinical sites.

CAREER INFORMATION

Students completing the MSN degree have opportunities encompassing management, administration, teaching, and advanced clinical positions throughout Georgia and the nation. Career information is available from faculty in the College of Health Sciences.

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

The professional nursing programs at Georgia College are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326. For more information, please contact Dr. Sharon Tanner at 404-975-5000.

STEPS IN COMPLETING THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM

1. Submit a complete application for graduate study, test scores, and official transcripts from every college or university attended to the Graduate Admissions Office.
2. Complete all admission documents and return them to the School of Nursing.
3. Consult faculty academic advisor for development of a Program of Study.
4. Complete course requirements, maintaining 3.0 GPA.
5. While enrolled in clinical courses, assure that current clinical documents have been submitted for the student file in the Office of the Director of the School of Nursing.
6. Complete synthesis requirement.
7. Complete a written application for graduation by the date specified in the official University calendar.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSN WITH A MAJOR IN FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

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