Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

MSN Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSN degree the graduate will be able to achieve the following end-of-program student learning outcomes:

1. Incorporate advanced knowledge in nursing and related disciplines as the basis for decisions and innovation in advanced nursing practice.
2. Integrate and apply leadership, management and education principles into advanced nursing care that utilizes ethical and critical decision making forming the basis for an innovative nursing practice framework.
3. Integrate established and emerging principles of quality and safety for advanced nursing within diverse settings and populations.
4. Appraise research outcomes and current evidence for integration into practice to improve professional nursing practice and healthcare.
5. Manage informatics, communication, and healthcare technologies to enhance, integrate, and coordinate patient care to improve delivery of nursing care and outcomes in accordance with the best practice and standards.
6. Develop inter-disciplinary advocacy strategies to impact healthcare policy within complex systems of healthcare.
7. Communicate, collaborate, and consult as a leader and member of intraprofessional and interprofessional teams for improvement of healthcare outcomes while recognizing and supporting individual perspectives, characteristics, norms, and values.
8. Translate clinical judgment interventions for the provision of person-centered care and population-centered care that is culturally responsive to promote positive health outcomes.
9. Demonstrate role competencies in a specialized area of advanced nursing practice at the master’s level.

Accreditation

The master’s/post-master’s certificate nursing program at Troy University at the Dothan, Montgomery, Phenix City, and Troy Campuses located in Dothan, Montgomery, Phenix City, and Troy, AL, is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA, 30326. (404) 975-5000.

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the master’s/post-master’s certificate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.

Prerequisite Requirements

Candidates for admission must hold the baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Admission Requirements

Note: Meeting minimal admission requirements does not assure admission.

Application Deadlines:

July 1 for Fall Semester
November 1 for Spring Semester
May 1 for Summer Semester

Unconditional Admission

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE, CNEA). Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission;
2. Overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing major;
3. Current unencumbered RN licensure;
4. Undergraduate health assessment course or the equivalent.
5. Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse is required for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.

Conditional Admission

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited nursing program (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE, CNEA). Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.
2. Overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the nursing major.
3. Current unencumbered RN licensure.
4. Undergraduate health assessment course or the equivalent.
5. Minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse is required for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.

A student admitted conditionally to the graduate nursing program must clear conditional admission after nine semester hours. The student must attain an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students not satisfying conditional admission requirements will be dropped from the program for one calendar year, after which time the student may petition for readmission. Note: To facilitate success in the program, a student admitted under conditional status should pursue a part-time course of study.

Temporary Admission

Temporary admission is not applicable for Nursing Licensure Programs; this includes the MSN and DNP degrees.

Transfer Credit

In accordance with the University’s transfer policy a maximum of twelve semester hours taken at another regionally accredited institution of higher education with a “B” grade or better may be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable to Troy University courses and must be reviewed by the graduate nursing faculty who will make a recommendation to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services and the Graduate Dean. For students completing the Master of Science in Nursing, all transfer credits used to satisfy degree requirements may not exceed five years at the time of the degree completion.

Degree Requirements

A student completing the coursework with a 3.0 or better GPA, fulfilling candidacy requirements, and successfully completing the required comprehensive examination requirement will be awarded the degree.

NOTE: 1. Requirements for the MSN degree must be satisfied within five years of the initial enrollment for that degree.

NOTE 2. Grades below “C” are not acceptable for meeting requirements for a subsequent course.

NOTE 3. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in NSG 6691 - Research and Evidence for Advanced Nursing Practice .

NOTE 4. Successful completion of NSG 6697 - Scholarly Inquiry Practicum II  meets the comprehensive examination requirement.

Requirements for Students in Clinical Courses

All students must maintain RN licensure, current CPR certification, professional liability insurance, proof of annual physical examination, negative drug screen and a clear background check when enrolled in clinical nursing courses. Professional liability insurance is available through the School of Nursing. Students are responsible for their own medical care if needed in the clinical setting. Students are also responsible for personal transportation costs incurred during the program.

Students must meet Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.

Curriculum

Degree Plans

• MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Plan/Progress Record 
• MSN: Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership Degree Plan/Progress Record